If you are looking for great deals on sale and closeout balls, BowlerX.com has one of the most extensive selections of bowling balls on the Internet. We carry products from 900 Global, AMF, Brunswick, Columbia 300, DV8, Ebonite, Hammer, Motiv, Radical, Storm, Track and others, and will help you find affordable products that fit your needs and skill level.
BowlerX.com, the online bowling superstore based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is rated #1 for customer service, product knowledge and pricing. We are an authorized dealer for all of the brands we offer and will stand behind every sale. When you are shopping for bowling products, you can be sure that you will receive first quality products at the lowest prices.
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Bowling Ball
With so many choices available, buying your first bowling ball can be overwhelming. Since this will be your first ball, you should focus on ball type, weight and grip.
Ball Type
There are two types of bowlers, those who throw the ball straight and those who throw a hook. All professional bowlers throw the ball with some sort of hook because it provides the best chance of carry (knocking down all of the pins).
When you take the sport seriously, you will undoubtedly learn to throw a hook. If you plan to compete at a high level, we recommend starting out with an entry level reactive ball. Its coverstock (the ball’s outer surface) is designed to grip the lane and will help you learn to throw a hook.
If you like to throw the ball straight, we recommend a polyester ball, also called a plastic ball. The cover material offers the least hook potential. These balls are also ideal if you just plan to bowl with friends and want your own ball.
Weight
Once you’ve chosen the perfect ball, you will need to find the right weight. Bowling balls weigh from 6 to 16 pounds. The lighter balls are generally designed for children, and the heaviest are the maximum weight allowed in professional bowling.
If you bowl often, test a few different house balls at your local bowling alley to see what weight feels most comfortable. However, since bowling balls that are drilled specifically for your hand and fingers will feel about two pounds lighter than a house ball, add one or two pounds to the house ball’s weight and buy that weight.
In general, take the bowler’s age into consideration when choosing the weight of a bowling ball.
- Child: 6 to 10 pounds
- Teenager: 11 to 14 pounds
- Adult Female: 12 to 14 pounds
- Senior: 12 to 14 pounds
- Adult Male: 15 to 16 pounds
Grip
Next, you will have to decide whether you want a conventional grip or a fingertip grip.
Conventional grip is where your thumb is inserted all the way into the ball and your middle and ring finger to about the second knuckle. Most house balls have a conventional drip. A fingertip grip means the thumb goes all the way into the ball and your middle and ring finger go in to about the first knuckle (in other words, just the tips).
Conventional grip is good for kids, for bowlers who have a weak grip, and for people who throw a straight ball. If you are learning to hook, you may want to consider a fingertip grip.
Whether you are looking for great deals on sale and closeout balls, or have more questions about buying your first bowling ball, BowlerX.com can help. We encourage you to call us at 844.269.5379 or contact us online.