How do I know what bowling ball to buy?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 21, 2026
A bowling ball should weigh 10 percent of your body weight (up to 16 pounds), which means you really shouldn't be grabbing, say, an 8-pound ball if you weigh 150 pounds. You want some weight to the ball, but it shouldn't be so heavy that it's uncomfortable.
How do I know which bowling ball is right for me?
Find Your Ideal Ball Weight
Some say your ball should be approximately 10 percent of your body weight, up to the maximum 16 pounds. Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use.
What size bowling ball should I use?
The heaviest bowling ball that one feels comfortable with is the best bowling ball weight for a bowler. As a general rule, one should be using the ball weighing 10% of their body weight; if you weigh 160 pounds or more, he should be using a 16-pound ball because he will be able to physically use the ball comfortably.
What kind of bowling ball should a beginner use?
Beginners need straight shot balls because, as a beginner it might be a struggle at first to control the ball, so if you have a ball that will go straight you are at an advantage. This beautiful bowling ball is designed with a pancake core and is layered with polyester coverstock.
How do you pick up a bowling ball?
To pick up a bowling ball safely, insert the thumb of your dominant hand into the bottom hole. Then, place your ring and middle fingers into the two holes at the top. When you pick up the bowling ball, cradle the bottom with your other hand in order to hold it steady.
34 related questions foundHow far should fingers go in bowling ball?
First, check the size of the holes. When you place your fingers in the ball, they should slide comfortably to the first crease down from the fingertips for a standard “fingertip” grip. If you're jamming the fingers in because they're too tight, change the inserts or have the holes opened slightly.
Is buying a bowling ball worth it?
Is it worth buying a bowling ball? Nine times out of ten, YES it is worth buying a bowling ball. You'll have more fun. You will bowl better.
What bowling ball is best for a straight Bowler?
6 Of The Best Bowling Balls For Straight Bowlers
- Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball. Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball (12lbs) ...
- Motiv Venom Cobra Bowling Ball. Motiv Venom Cobra Bowling Ball, Black Bronze Pearl with Gold Silver, 15 lb. ...
- Storm Ice Blue/White Bowling Ball. ...
- Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball.
What is a good bowling ball for an intermediate?
Brunswick Tzone – Best Overall
As a spare bowling ball option for intermediate and expert bowlers, Brunswick T Zone balls are a great straight-shot second ball to finish frames off. The ball's symmetrical core and low hook potential provide excellent lane length and ease in finding your spare shot mark consistently.
Is a 14 lb bowling ball too light?
The only point here is that the lighter the object at the end of that pendulum, the more potential you have to “muscle” it. In time, this will settle down. If it doesn't then the ball is likely too light for you, period. There is potential for 14 pound to hook more than 15 pounds.
What size bowling ball should a woman use?
Typically, adult male beginner players tend to choose balls from 14 to 16 pounds while adult female beginner players choose balls from 10 to 14 pounds. Young bowlers should choose balls in the 6 to 14 pound range.
How fast should you throw a bowling ball?
The Ideal Ball Speed For Professional Bowlers
Most Pro Bowlers will release the ball anywhere from 20-22 mph at the release point and will impact the pins at 17 or 18 mph. By delivering the ball faster than this speed range, the Pro Bowler is in danger of less than optimum pin carry.
Should I use a 15 or 16 pound bowling ball?
In general, the best ball weight for you is the heaviest ball you can comfortably throw for an extended period of time. A ball you can throw with ease for only one game doesn't do you much good if you have two more games to bowl. For most adults, this ranges from 14 to 16 pounds.
Is a 10 pound bowling ball too light?
Bowling balls range from 6 lbs to 16 lbs. In other words, you cannot have a bowling ball lighter than six pounds, and you cannot have one heavier than sixteen pounds. So the maximum bowling ball weight is 16 lbs or 7.27 kilograms. The minimum bowling ball weight is 6 lbs or 2.72 kilograms.
What is the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical bowling balls?
Symmetrical balls are smoother and more predictable when exiting the pattern and encountering friction compared to that of asymmetrical balls. You will notice there are only 2 variables in core specs when dealing with a symmetrical ball. They are the RG value and Differential.
Where do you aim when bowling a straight ball?
If you throw a relatively straight ball, you should aim for the center arrow, as this corresponds to the head pin.
Can you bowl a 300 throwing straight?
This is not required, however, as 300 games have been thrown by bowler who throw a straight ball.
Are plastic bowling balls good?
Plastic balls are good when a bowler needs the ball to go straight up-the boards of the lane, for spare shooting, or perhaps even for extremely dry lane conditions. Plastic balls favor slow ball speed players for both strike and spare ball deliveries.
Why do people buy their own bowling ball?
Your personal equipment is just for you.
Having your own ball also helps to ensure that other bowlers won't pick up your ball by mistake, and can even minimize your exposure to germs. The only things touching your ball are you, the lane, and the ball return!
Is a spare ball necessary?
Since picking up your spares is a surefire way to make a big improvement to your score, adding a dedicated spare ball is a good way to better convert your spares, especially those on the side of your bowling hand. But other bowlers would argue that a spare ball isn't completely necessary.
How much does it cost to buy a bowling ball?
An entry-level plastic bowling ball usually sells for $40 to $60, with some of the higher-end ones approaching and exceeding the $100 mark. If you're looking for a vanity bowling ball with a particular logo, it can hit $150 easy.
How do you practice throwing a bowling ball at home?
Grab a football and a family member and set up six to ten feet apart! Put your hand under a football, placing your fingers to the inside and then complete the throw with an underhand spiral. This emulates how it feels when a bowling ball is in your hand when you are out on the lanes.
Do you roll or throw a bowling ball?
The correct way to throw a bowling ball properly is by rolling it. This is the act of having your hand underneath and behind the ball.
What does tucking your pinky do in bowling?
By tucking your bowling pinky finger where the first knuckle joint on your smallest finger (pinky finger) and your fingernail lies on the surface of the bowling ball, your thumb will exit the ball quickly and your bowling fingers will become more active when turning and applying releasing action onto the bowling ball.