Buying a custom bowling ball is an important step in taking your game to the next level. Although house balls have gotten you to where you are today, you will never look back once you own your own bowling ball. There are a few inevitable variables in bowling that are unavoidable, but adjusting to a new bowling ball every time you arrive shouldn’t be one of them. Buying your own custom bowling ball will allow you to focus on making adjustments based on lane conditions & personal bowling style.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Custom Bowling Ball
Before you buy a custom bowling ball, it is important to make sure you understand that custom balls vary greatly. Although we agree that a cool bowling ball design is important, it is much more important that the you and your bowling ball are compatible.
How Custom Bowling Balls Vary & Why It Matters
The weight and size of the ball are important factors to consider, as well as the type of coverstock and the core. A ball that is too light or too heavy will impact your bowling technique, so it is important to find the right balance. The size of the ball also matters – you want a ball that is comfortable to hold and easy to swing. The coverstock is what makes contact with the lane and determines how much friction is created. There are three main types of coverstocks – urethane, reactive resin, and particle – and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. The core is the part of the ball that creates the dynamic motion, so it is important to find a core that suits your bowling style. There are many different types of cores available, so take your time to find the right one for you.
4 Key Differences of a Bowling Ball
1. Bowling Ball Weight
The average weight of a PBA bowler’s bowling ball is 16 pounds. The ideal weight of a bowling ball depends on the bowler’s preference, but most bowlers prefer a ball between 14 and 16 pounds.
2. Bowling Ball Coverstock
There are three main types of coverstocks – urethane, reactive resin, and particle. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Urethane is the least aggressive type of coverstock and is best for bowlers who have a slow ball speed. Reactive resin is more aggressive than urethane and is best for bowlers with a medium ball speed. Particle is the most aggressive type of coverstock and is best for bowlers with a fast ball speed.
3. Bowling Ball Core
There are many different types of cores available, so take your time to find the right one for you. The type of core you choose will depend on your bowling style. If you are a power bowler, you will want a core that is more aggressive. If you are a control bowler, you will want a core that is less aggressive.
4. Bowling Ball Size
The size of the ball also matters – you want a ball that is comfortable to hold and easy to swing. Most bowlers prefer a ball that is between 12 and 14 inches in circumference.
How to Choose a Custom Bowling Ball
Once you have considered all of these factors, it is time to choose a custom bowling ball. There are many different brands available, so do your research to find the one that best suits your needs. Talk to other bowlers about their experiences with different brands, and read online reviews to get a better idea of which brand is right for you. Once you have chosen a brand, visit a pro shop to custom-fit a ball for you. This step is essential – a custom-fit bowling ball will perform much better than a generic ball.
Choosing the perfect custom bowling ball can be challenging, but it is worth it in order to improve your game. Take your time to consider all of the factors involved, and talk to other bowlers for advice. Once you have found the right ball for you, it will be easy to see improvements in your bowling scores.
Why Custom Bowling Balls Spin Differently
Many people upgrade to a custom bowling ball because they are tired of spinning house balls. It’s true, most custom bowling balls are designed to spin. But why? The type of core and coverstock you choose will determine how your ball spins.
How the Core of a Custom Bowling Ball Affects Spin
A bowling ball’s core is like an engine. The core is responsible for the ball’s movement. With many different types of cores available, bowling styles should be taken into account when choosing the right one. Power bowlers need an aggressive core while control bowlers may want a less intense option.
How the Coverstock of a Custom Bowling Ball Affects Spin
The coverstock on a bowling ball can also affect spin. The three main types of coverstocks are urethane, reactive resin, and particle. Each type has benefits and drawbacks depending on the lane conditions.
Urethane is the least aggressive type of coverstock and is best for bowlers who have a slow ball speed. Reactive resin is more aggressive than urethane and is best for bowlers with a medium ball speed. Particle is the most aggressive type of coverstock and is best for bowlers with a fast ball speed.
Pros & Cons: Buying Bowling Ball Online vs Buying From Local Pro Shop
There are two main options for buying a bowling ball – online or from a local pro shop. Buying online can be convenient, but it is important to do your research to make sure you are getting a good quality ball. Make sure to do your research, because whether you are buying online or your local bowling pro shop, there is a lot of research that can be done.
Buying from a local pro shop can be more expensive, but you will have access to expert advice and a wider selection of balls. Ultimately, the decision of where to buy your ball depends on your personal preferences.
If you are looking for convenience, buying a bowling ball online is the way to go. You can browse through a wide selection of balls from the comfort of your own home, and have the ball delivered right to your door. Once you have found the best online bowling store for you, you should already know your preferred bowling ball weight. Since you won’t get a chance to test it, you can research the bowling ball specs & watch bowling ball videos on YouTube that will help you narrow it down.
Regardless of where you buy your ball, your local Pro Shop is the best place to get your finger holes drilled.
Getting Your Finger Holes Drilled in a New Bowling Ball
Bowling balls usually do not come pre-drilled which poses a small dilemma for testing no matter where you choose to buy your bowling ball. Just like driving a car off the lot, drilling holes in a bowling ball is an extra cost that comes with owning your own ball.
The good news is, once you have purchased your bowling ball, most pro shops will drill the holes for you free of charge. All you need to do is provide them with your desired finger measurements and they will take care of the rest.
If you are not sure what size finger holes you need, don’t worry – the staff at your local pro shop are experts and can help you figure out the best size for your hand.
It is important to note that fingerholes should not be drilled too large. If the holes are too big, it will be difficult to control the ball and your scores will suffer as a result.
If you buy your bowling ball online, it might be a good idea to buy your bowling ball bag from your local pro shop so they have some added incentive to give you good advice.
Support Your Local Bowling Alleys
Bowling Emporium aims to support bowling alleys around the world & encourage you to support your local bowling alley with your business. If you can’t buy from the bowling alley pro shop, the bowling alley bar is a fun way to support. Thanks for reading!
Do you support your local bowling alley? Let us know in the comments below!