How Much is a bowling ball (All You Need to Know)
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After all, those house balls at your local club have never given you the right fit no matter what. In your head, your game could have been much better if you had your ball.
Well, you are right; it’s time to level up.
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There are a variety of choices that come with different brands and price tags. But how much does a bowling ball cost? Is it too expensive that you should save up for it? there is a great explanation on this below. Keep reading!
As the case with other sports gear, the price of a bowling ball will depend on several factors, quality and performance being the primary considerations. Bowling balls may have the same dimensions, but they differ in the type of material used.
Generally, an average polyester bowling ball has a reasonable price, if not affordable to a recreational bowler. Some bowling balls may have their unique design and customized to the user even which would make one feel like a pro.
A bowling ball can surely command a higher price given its high end coverstock and core technology. Moreover, if you are an expert, you may prefer a high-end reactive resin for your bowling ball.
For beginners, you might not need the best hooking ball there is. You can choose an entry level bowling ball that wouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
It won’t be too intense and overwhelming that you can use to practice your hooking and curving skills with it.
So, How much does a bowling ball cost?
How much is a bowling ball? This is the question I often hear whenever I meet a wannabe bowler in the bowling alley. Just for your information, house balls are great as long as you are a recreational bowler. However, if you want to become a more serious bowler, a customized bowling ball in your disposal will be necessary. Today, We will be discussing the price point and which ball you need based on 2 things.
- Bowling Skill Level
- Types of Bowling Balls
I have gathered necessary information and put them together which suitably seats in any of the classifications mentioned above.
Let’s dive into it.
Bowler Performance Level
Just like any other entry-level bowler, if you are going to bowl straight, the best ball for you is a plastic ball which is the cheapest in price. They range from $40-$60 and sometimes up to $100.
On the other hand, even if you throw a ball straight, a low-end reactive ball is better because it gives you a better pin action and grips the lane well. It will also be the ball you can learn to hook at some point if you decide to. So, two birds with one stone for you.
Professional or Beginner, you want to throw a ball as heavy as you can handle. Because the heavier-weight balls do knock pins down better. And heavier balls are easier to throw because many people try and actually physically throw the ball. In contrast, we are supposed just to let the ball come off our hand rolling. A heavier ball does that by choice.
There are different types of entry-level bowling balls made out of plastic, Urethane and reactive resin available in the market. Based on the type you choose, an entry-level bowling ball can cost you around $40-$150. So, for your convenience:
> Plastic Bowling Balls => $40-$60
> Urethane Bowling Ball => $75-$150
> Reactive Resin (Entry-Level) => $75-$150
If you are a beginner, there is no use for you to spend $250 or more for a ball when an entry-level ball will do you just as much good in the beginning. If you get to the point where you learn to hook the ball and are happy with it and want more, you can go up to something a little bit more expensive. Maybe a high-end reactive resin that has more hook potential in it.
Coverstock is the thing that makes a bowling ball hook. Bowling balls with solid coverstock will hook more and sooner and pearl coverstock will go longer and hook a little more on the back end.
But again, that’s something you can get into later if you decide to get a great upgrade and want to get a stronger bowling ball.
A High-end bowling ball may cost you more than an entry-level bowling ball that varies from $150 to $250 and more.
How Much Are Different Types of Bowling Balls
Bowling ball costs may vary from ball to ball as there are different types of bowling balls available in the market.
The average price of a bowling ball can range between $40 to $250 and more.
Now, let’s talk about bowling ball cost based on the types available.
1. Plastic Polyester bowling balls
Plastic or Polyester bowling balls have very low hook potential and are inexpensive in the price comparison. The most inexpensive you’ll find on the pro shop or online and these balls are mainly used just for spares for league and tournament bowlers.
Plastic balls were really popular in the 1970s. Nowadays, it’s too straight and almost obsolete for hook and strikes. Most of the pro bowlers don’t use plastic balls in any competition because plastic balls don’t hook, maybe a little bit but considerably less.
Plastic bowling ball would go from $40 to $60 dollars each.
2. Urethane Bowling Balls
Secondly, we have Urethane bowling balls which remain in the mid-range price point. They have moderate to low hook potential and are more like a tournament bowling ball because they hook really early but don’t hook that much.
Urethane is made popular in the 80s. The characteristics of Urethane are a really early hook which gets the ball to start rolling a lot sooner. You might see a lot of players on the PBA tour using a urethane bowling ball to control their angle.
One thing about Urethane you see on tv is the ball collects oil and you have to wipe it off every time if you expect the ball to curve the same way as before on the next shot.
Price Range: $75-$150
3. Reactive Resin Entry-level performance bowling balls
The next big innovation in bowling came in the 90s with reactive resin. This was done by adding a chemical to the urethane bowling balls to make them much more responsive on the latter half of the bowling lane. So, the entry-level reactive ball I am introducing today is the Twist.
This is Brunswick’s newest and most affordable resin ball, and this is my recommendation for beginners to get their first ball.
Entry-level Reactive bowling balls come in a wide range of prices and a wide range of hook potentials. If you are an entry-level bowler, you should get something from the entry-level reactive bowling ball category, where the Brunswick Twist falls in.
However, this is one of many balls that fit in this category. The other balls worth mentioning are Storm Tropical Breeze, Motiv Thrill and the Columbia 300 Beast.
Price Range: $75-$150
4. Reactive Resin High-End performance bowling balls
On the flip side of entry-level reactive bowling balls, there are the high-end reactive bowling balls, which are very expensive and may cost about $220 and above and they are going to hook a lot.
These are the types of balls you will see on tv. However, you want to wait to get one of these as your first bowling ball because the amount of hook will be quite a bit. And it will be very hard for you to control that ball as your first bowling ball.
This is also reactive resin but with a much bigger, stronger core and just way newer, higher-end tech. You can call it the pinnacle of technology. This ball will cost you most twice as much as an entry-level reactive ball.
Price Range: $150-$250+
5. Vanity bowling ball
This ball is considered a notch higher than a plastic or polyester ball. What makes it different is its exterior design, which may consist of team logos and all sorts of embellishments that make it look more attractive.
Having a vanity bowling ball makes for easy recognition, especially if you choose a color and pattern that suits your personality.
Who knows, having a visually appealing ball might help you deliver it better on the lane. Alternatively, it can help you become more confident while you play.
As this is an improved version of a plastic bowling ball, you will find these balls priced from $75 to $150 a pop.
How Much Is A Custom Bowling Ball
There is a big difference between a house ball you can pick up off the rack at a bowling center and a custom-made bowling ball you can get in the pro shop.
The house ball you can find on the rack has little technology and, most importantly, will not fit your hand.
On the other hand, you get to drill your custom ball to fit your hand perfectly. The custom ball has a special core and coverstock of your choice, which the house ball probably won’t have.
These special cores and coverstock combinations will allow your custom ball to hook more and score higher.
Okay, so, how much is it to drill a bowling ball?
Now drilling a bowling ball to fit the dimension of your hand will cost you a small buck. It can range from $30 to $50 based on your requirement.
So, if you got a ball for, let’s say, $150, you will most likely have to pay $180 or so.
How Much Is A New Bowling Ball
As we have discussed different bowling balls above in the article, we have mentioned the price point for every type.
A new bowling ball can go as cheap as $40 and as expensive as $250 and more. It all depends on what kind of bowler you are.
Usually, an entry-level bowler would likely spend between $40 and $100 on a bowling ball. Compared to that, an Intermediate and Professional bowler would go about spending from $150 to $250, sometimes even $500, on a bowling ball.
How Much Is An Used Bowling Balls
Things to remember when buying your very own bowling ball
While we have discussed the different types of bowling balls in the market, you may have already identified which one you are likely to buy. However, before you go to the store and whip out your plastic, here are some questions to ask yourself.
What do you think of your bowling game? You have to be honest with yourself to know your level of skill. A bowling newbie will not become great just because he has the most extravagant bowling ball in his possession. It’s best to choose a ball that fits your bowling abilities for it to be more cost efficient.
So, ask yourself these questions:
a) How often do you bowl?
You may be an exceptional bowler if you want to, but you barely have the time to spend it hitting the lanes. In this case, it wouldn’t be optimal to grab a high-performance bowling ball in spite of your skills.
The same goes for casual beginners. It would be unwise to buy a polyester bowling ball when you only play the game once or twice a year.
B) How much can you shell out?
When the sky’s the limit as far as your budget is concerned, you can most likely skip the first two points. And while at it, it makes perfect sense to have other bowling gear such as shoes and bag.
Realistically speaking though, you can still buy an intermediate ball that complements your skill level just as long as you get one that you can afford.
How Much Does A Bowling Ball Cost Takeaways
Now that you have learned how much does a bowling ball cost, the choice is entirely yours when it comes to buying your own. When you know what you are capable of bowling-wise, you’ll find at least one that checks off your list.
So, How much is a bowling ball worth?
How much is a custom bowling ball?
I hope We were able to answer your questions.
So, just to recap:
- Plastic Bowling ball can cost between $40 and $60.
- Urethane Bowling Ball can cost between $75 and $150.
- Entry-Level Reactive Bowling Ball can cost between $75 and $150.
- High-End Reactive Bowling Ball can cost you from $150 to $250 and more.
