How to Choose the Perfect Bowling Ball for Your Game: Pro Tips Inside
Choosing the perfect bowling ball can transform your performance on the lanes. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up or a seasoned bowler aiming for precision and consistency, selecting the right ball is crucial. At Bowling Pro Supplies, we specialize in helping bowlers find the ideal equipment to match their style, skill level, and goals. Here’s your complete guide — packed with pro tips — on how to choose the perfect bowling ball for your game.
1. Know Your Skill Level (How to Choose the Perfect Bowling Ball for Your Game: Pro Tips Inside)
Before picking a ball, assess your experience:
- Beginner: Look for a lighter, straight-rolling ball with a plastic or polyester coverstock for easier control.
- Intermediate: Consider urethane balls for better hook potential and more pin action.
- Advanced: Reactive resin balls offer the most hook and are ideal for bowlers who have refined their release technique.
Understanding your level ensures you don’t over- or under-invest in the wrong type of ball.
2. Get the Right Weight
The ball’s weight plays a huge role in your comfort and effectiveness.
- A good rule of thumb is to choose a ball that’s about 10% of your body weight.
- For adults, most use balls between 12–16 lbs. Don’t sacrifice control for weight — comfort and smooth delivery are more important than raw power.
Try different weights at your local pro shop to see what feels right.
3. Choose the Right Coverstock
The outer shell of your bowling ball, or coverstock, greatly affects its traction and hook potential.
- Plastic/Polyester: Great for beginners; low friction and minimal hook.
- Urethane: Offers more control and a modest hook.
- Reactive Resin: Designed for hook-heavy shots with enhanced pin carry and power.
- Particle/Proactive: Preferred by professionals for high-performance oil lane conditions.
At Bowling Pro Supplies, we’ll help you match the right coverstock with your playing style and lane conditions.
4. Understand Your Bowling Style
Do you bowl straight? Do you hook the ball? Are you a power player or finesse bowler?
- Straight bowlers should lean toward plastic or low-friction urethane balls.
- Hook bowlers benefit from reactive resin balls that dig into the lane and offer powerful angles into the pocket.
- If you’re a two-handed or high-rev player, consider asymmetric cores for better dynamic motion.
Your style helps determine the core shape and ball dynamics best suited for you.
5. Consider the Lane Conditions
Lane oil patterns affect ball motion. For example:
- Dry lanes: Use balls with less traction (e.g., urethane or plastic).
- Medium to heavy oil: Go with a reactive resin ball that offers grip and control.
Our team at Bowling Pro Supplies can help you analyze local lane conditions and choose a ball that performs consistently.
6. Don’t Overlook the Core
Inside the bowling ball lies the core, which impacts the ball’s rotation and hook potential.
- Symmetrical cores offer a smooth, predictable motion — ideal for control.
- Asymmetrical cores provide sharper backend reactions and aggressive hooks — perfect for experienced bowlers seeking more power.
A pro shop fitting can determine which core style best suits your hand and release.
7. Always Get a Custom Fit
A properly drilled ball is essential for performance and injury prevention.
- Avoid using house balls for serious play — they don’t fit your hand correctly.
- Get your hand measured by a professional to ensure the thumb and finger holes are placed for your grip and comfort.
At Bowling Pro Supplies, we offer precision custom drilling to match your hand and release perfectly.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Still unsure? Our experienced staff at Bowling Pro Supplies is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll analyze your current game, recommend the best ball, and ensure it’s drilled to fit your hand and style perfectly.
Ready to Level Up Your Game?
Choosing the right bowling ball is an investment in your performance, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re looking for your first ball or upgrading to a high-performance model, Bowling Pro Supplies has the knowledge, inventory, and service you need.
Contact Us Today!
đź“ž Phone: +1 (720) 336-8253
📧 Email: sales@bowlingprosupplies.com
🏢 Address: 2200 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80014, United States
Let Bowling Pro Supplies help you find your perfect match on the lanes!