The right bowling ball makes all the difference. It’s easy to use, feels good in your hands, and can even improve performance confidence over one you do not care for. Perfect your game by knowing what to look for in the ideal bowling ball.

3 Tips for Selecting the Best Bowling Ball

1. Consider the Weight

The maximum ball weight is 16 pounds, with weight tips varying. Some experts say the ball should weigh up to 2 pounds more than what you’ve normally gone for in previous bowling adventures. Others claim the ball should equal about 10% of your body weight.

Heavier balls are generally best for beginners since lighter versions can get thrown too fast and end up in gutters. No matter what, select a ball you can use comfortably. Too much weight can cause muscle strain.

2. Note the Coverstock Material

The coverstock, or material coating the exterior of the ball, comes in reactive resin, urethane, and polyester (plastic) forms. Reactive resin coverstock does best on well-oiled lanes because it causes the ball to hook, or curve. The oil helps prevent the ball from hooking excessively and allows you to change its direction in light of pin location.

Urethane also causes the ball to hook, but it does not suit oiled lanes because it will make the ball curve too much and possibly end up in the gutter. Plastic coverstock causes the bowling ball to roll instead of rotate, and, therefore, move in a fast, straight line. It is poreless and, subsequently, does not absorb oil, unlike other coverstocks, but will not hook.

3. Learn About Cores

Ball cores offer different advantages, depending on where you are in bowling skill advancement. Asymmetrical cores feature uneven interior weight blocks that manipulate ball movements for pin striking purposes, as balls tend to slide before they hook.

Symmetrical cores feature even weight blocks that result in even rolls, and are, therefore, recommended for beginners who aren’t interested in hook tricks yet. Pancake cores offer the simplest symmetrical designs. These cores are flat, small, and allow for optimal control of the ball as you learn.  

Fine-tune your skills at Coulee Golf Bowl. The Onalaska, WI, recreation facility offers a fun bowling league, as well as a golf course, sports bar, and restaurant. Call (608) 781-1111 today with questions or visit the center online for more information. Get the latest updates and event news on Facebook.