How To Pick A Bowling Ball

How to pick a bowling ball or selecting the right bowling ball is a critical part of improving your game, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out. The ball you choose affects everything from your accuracy and power to your overall comfort and control on the lanes. By taking the time to find the perfect match, you can maximize your potential and take your bowling to the next level.

For beginners, the advice is to start simple. Focus first on developing your fundamentals and getting comfortable with the basic mechanics of the sport. Don’t worry about having the latest high-tech equipment right away – instead,  choose a ball that fits your current skill level and physical abilities.

This article will provide you with the most important factors and guide on choosing the right bowling ball for your game then you can select from a variety of bowling balls that we recommend in this blog, especially the best bowling ball for a beginner.

Choose The Right Ball Weight

How Much Does A Bowling Ball Weigh?

One of the most important factors in ball selection is the weight. Balls typically range from 6 to 16 pounds, with heavier weights providing more hitting power but requiring more strength to control. As a general guideline, beginner bowlers should start on the lighter end, around 8 to 12 pounds. This makes the ball easier to swing and release properly as you work on your form.

Once you’ve developed more strength and experience, you can experiment with gradually increasing the weight to maximize your ball speed and rev rate. Just be sure not to go too heavy too fast – this can lead to control issues and potential injury. Get advice from the pro shop staff on finding your optimal ball weight.

Fit and Grip

Along with weight, the fit and grip of the ball are crucial. The thumb and finger holes must be sized correctly for your hand in order to maintain control and consistency. Getting professionally fitted is highly recommended, even for beginners. The pro shop staff can measure your hand and guide you to the right hole sizes.

Be patient as you break in a new ball and get used to the fit. It may take some adjustments before you find the perfect grip. But once you do, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your accuracy and release.

Ball Dynamics

The internal core design and outer coverstock of a bowling ball affect its overall motion and reaction on the lanes.

Core Design

The internal core structure of a bowling ball is a major determinant of its hooking and rolling characteristics. There are two main core types

Symmetric Cores

• Provide a more predictable, controlled hook motion
• Roll with a smoother, more even reaction
• Better suited for beginners and medium-rev rate players
• Offer more forgiveness on off-center hits

Asymmetric Cores

• Generate a more angular, dynamic ball motion
• Produce a sharper, more aggressive hook
• Work best for higher rev rate, power players
• Require more precision to control the hook

The core design affects factors like the ball’s track flare potential, backend reaction, and overall responsiveness to friction on the lane. Symmetric cores tend to be more stable and manageable, while asymmetric cores unlock higher performance but demand more skill to harness effectively.

Surface Texture

The surface preparation and texture of a bowling ball’s coverstock also play a major role in its performance. There are a few key factors to consider

Polished/Smooth Surface:

• Reduces overall traction and friction
• Promotes a smoother, longer, more continuous roll
• Results in less hook and a more controllable trajectory

Rougher/More Abrasive Surface

• Increases traction and responsiveness to lane conditions
• Generates more hook, angular motion, and backend reaction
• Can be advantageous on drier, longer oil patterns

Most bowlers will use a combination of surface adjustments to fine-tune their ball’s reaction. For example, starting with a rougher, more aggressive surface and then polishing it to dial in the perfect amount of hook and control.

The surface texture interacts with the lane conditions, oil patterns, and your personal release to determine how the ball will react on the pins. Experimentation and adjustments are key to optimizing your ball’s performance.

For beginners, it’s best to start with a basic symmetric ball with a plastic or urethane coverstock. This provides a smoother, more manageable roll that’s easier to be consistent with as you focus on your fundamentals. As you improve, you can explore more advanced equipment with stronger cores and coverstocks.

In summary, the core design provides the foundation for a bowling ball’s overall motion, while the surface texture fine-tunes its hooking ability and responsiveness to the lane. Understanding these factors is crucial to selecting the right equipment and optimizing your game.

Test and Evaluate

Once you’ve got a ball that fits your hand, weight, and skill level, it’s time to test it out on the lanes. Try out a few different options and pay close attention to the ball’s overall reaction – how it hooks, how many pins it carries, and how consistent your shots are.

Don’t be afraid to make adjustments, whether that’s trying a different weight, getting the fit tweaked, or having the surface adjusted. Finding the right bowling ball is an ongoing process of trial and error. With patience and expert guidance, you’ll eventually discover the perfect match for your game.

Conclusion

Selecting the right bowling ball is a crucial part of improving your skills and maximizing your potential. For beginners, the key is to start simple – focus on finding a ball that fits your strength, hand size, and current abilities. As you develop, you can explore more advanced equipment. But no matter your skill level, taking the time to find the perfect ball will pay dividends on the lanes. So do your research, get professional advice, and enjoy the process of finding your ideal match.