What is an illegal bowling ball?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 21, 2026
If a bowler uses a ball with a thumb hole that is not not used when making a delivery, the ball is illegal and games are subject to forfeiture. All holes drilled must be used for gripping purposes on every delivery.
What makes a bowling ball legal?
“By allowing bowling balls (for balls weighing more than 10 pounds) to have up to three ounces of static side, thumb and finger weight – which is up from one ounce – and up to three ounces of top weight, there no longer will be the need for a balance hole to correct static imbalance in the typical ball layout,” USBC ...
Is the Phaze 4 bowling ball Illegal?
Effective March 30, 2022, the Phaze 4 is prohibited from use in USBC national tournaments.
Is a Four finger bowling ball legal?
USBC's specification states: Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand.
Why is the Spectre bowling ball Illegal?
The statistical analysis of the Storm Spectre indicated a defect rate of 98.6%, meaning that 98.6% of Spectre balls are projected to be outside USBC's hardness specification limit. USBC tested balls from multiple batches, and the non-conformance was not limited to a specific batch.
39 related questions foundIs purple hammer banned?
Earlier this month, the United States Bowling Congress didn't go as far as the PBA's rule but instituted a new tournament rule that reads: Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 and 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a '6' or '7') are prohibited for use, at all USBC national ...
What is wrong with the storm Spectre?
On March 14th, 2022, USBC revoked the approval of the Storm Spectre Bowling Ball. The approval was revoked because the hardness on their test balls fell below 73D on the Shore D Hardness Scale which is the spec for hardness put in place by the USBC.
Is 2 finger bowling legal?
No. If a bowler doesn't use their thumb during a delivery, they can either have a thumb hole or a balance hole but not both. If the ball has a thumb hole but the bowler doesn't use it, then as long as it meets static balance requirements, the ball is allowed.
Can 2 handed bowlers have a thumb hole?
A two-handed bowler is required to use the same dominant hand during their delivery on both their first and second shots (this refers to the hand in which the bowling ball rests). They also have the option of utilizing a thumb hole or not—both are acceptable. However, only one set of gripping holes is allowed.
What is the penalty for using an illegal bowling ball?
League or tournament officers who witness non-compliance are responsible to notify the bowler that the ball usage is illegal. The penalty could be forfeiture of league games or disqualification from a tournament, if so deemed by the league or tournament decision on the protest.
Is the purple Hammer bowling ball Illegal?
No. You will no longer be able to use the 2016 or 2017 Purple Hammer balls in USBC sanctioned league or competition play. I purchased my ball outside of the United States.
What is a symmetric core bowling ball?
Symmetrical 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 is Bowlerx located?
You may also email us at [email protected] and we will respond to you in a timely manner. Our Pro Shop location located at Town & Country Lanes in Bethlehem PA is open from 5pm to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday and Noon to 3pm on Saturdays.
Is it legal to use a bowling ball without holes?
The rule states all holes in a bowling ball must be used on every delivery; any hole not used is considered a balance hole, making the ball illegal. Bowlers who do not use their thumb no longer can have a thumb hole, as it now is considered a balance hole.
Are bowling balls balanced?
Bowlers still can have a bowling ball with a balance hole until Aug. 1, 2020, but any balls with a balance hole must stay within the current static weight specification of one ounce for finger, thumb or side weight, and three ounces for top or bottom weight.
Is sandbagging illegal in bowling?
Re: USBC rule on sandbagging? An individual can be charged with attempting to gain an unfair advantage in league or tournament play for the following reasons: 1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC specifications.
How many miles an hour should a person perform when power walking?
Power Walking Details
Power walking is a movement that is slower than a run but faster than a standard walking pace. The average person walks at about four miles per hour, or a 15 minute mile. A power walk should increase that rate by at least 50 percent or to about six miles per hour.
How many times can a bowling ball be drilled?
In essence, you can plug a ball quite a few times. I max out at 3 because as you are drilling, you are disturbing the core material. As Dustin mentioned above, if you're doing span adjustment then theres no issue because you'll be close to being in the same area.
What is the best speed for a bowling ball?
The average speed of a bowling ball for the average player is approximately 16 to 17 miles per hour. For the average person playing competitively, the ideal bowling ball speed should be about 20 to 21 miles per hour when the ball is released onto the land and 16 to 17 miles per hour when the ball hits the pins.
What weight do pro bowlers use?
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. A heavier ball drilled specifically to your hand will seem to weigh about the same as a house ball two pounds lighter.
What bowling balls are banned by USBC?
Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017 were banned from USBC certified competition, and are not allowed in any level of PBA competition. Previously, for PBA National Tour competition only, the PBA placed a 2-year shelf-life rule on all “traditional urethane” bowling balls.
Is the Motiv Jackal illegal?
The following ruling and article from USBC states Motiv's Jackal and Jackal Carnage are no longer allowed for use during USBC approved events.
Why did Purple Hammer get banned?
USBC investigated allegations that a portion of the Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured at the Ebonite International plant in 2016 and 2017 were produced below USBC's minimum hardness specification at that time of 72D.
Who owns BowlerX?
BowlerX.com Owner, Lee Sandt, Discusses Background & Internet Bowling Business on Phantom Radio. Check out the interview with BowlerX founder, Lee Sandt, on the Kegel Phantom Radio Show!