If you enjoy bowling and find yourself at the bowling alley more than once a month in the last six months, then you might be asking yourself whether it is worth buying a bowling ball. I have found myself in that position. This question deserves a closer look.
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. You will be more confident in your bowling. You will be more motivated to bowl. You will be proud of your bowling ball. It’s not that expensive. It will last for years. If you’re really not going to keep bowling and you impulsively pick out a ball, then no, take time to reflect.
A bowling ball can be an investment and a ticket to a fun chapter in your life. Let’s consider this option together.
What Is the Worth of Buying a Bowling Ball?
You are on the bowling lanes again. You may be there alone, with friends, or even in a league. You know which house balls work for you and you grab a couple. You already have your own bowling shoes because they are more comfortable and you didn’t want to keep paying for rentals shared by dozens of other bowlers.
Now you start bowling. You bowl a couple of good games, get a few mediocre scores, and one game really stinks. Your arm is a little fatigued and your hand needs a break from all that gripping.
Social Sally says,
I’m having fun, and I’m going to keep coming here to enjoy myself with my friends. Most everyone has got her own ball, some have two. I deserve one and I don’t need to be the poor one of the group. Besides, I’m sure my arm will be less tired at the end of the evening and I could match my shoes as well.
The worth is satisfaction and belonging.
Competitive Carl is thinking,
Why isn’t my game improving? I’m struggling to maintain my average when I should be improving. I don’t need to be so cheap and keep using these house balls. If I’m committed to getting better, and getting that 300 then I need to bite the bullet and get my own ball. These guys have given me a lot of tips. Now it’s time to step up to a hooking ball. I’m sure I can master a simple reactive resin ball and maybe use the house ball for simple spares.
The worth is control, accomplishment, and improvement.
Loner Lars is ruminating,
Okay, I’ve seen enough videos of the professionals and seen the huge chasm between their scores and mine to be motivated to close the gap. Maybe I don’t want to go pro but I do want to see some consistency and take some pride in my bowling. I know my game will look better and my body will take less of a beating if I have a custom-fit ball. I’m coming here enough times a month that having the right equipment will only enrich the experience.
The worth is pride, discipline, and life enrichment.
8 Good Reasons to Buy a Bowling Ball
There are several factors in deciding to buy a bowling ball. They divide into practicality, performance, and feeling.
PRACTICALITY
Practically, if you can’t afford $40 US plus $30+ to drill it properly, then don’t buy a new bowling ball. Look for a bargain, save up, or pass. Otherwise,
1+ It is an inexpensive hobby and investment.
PERFORMANCE
2+ You significantly want to improve your game. This may be deciding to break 200 after falling far short forever. Having a custom-fit bowling ball designed for your needs will definitely improve your game. The finger holes will be drilled to allow you to better release the ball and manipulate it as the situation dictates. Choosing a ball designed specifically for straight shooting or specifically for hooking on oiler services will make a big difference.
3+ You are developing bad habits with the house balls. If you are going to continue bowling, it may be unhealthy to keep gripping the ball or wearing out your thumb. To improve your form and score, you will have to get a properly fitted bowling ball and unlearn your bad habits and maybe save your back.
4+ You’ve decided to join a bowling league. You will be bowling every week. If you have the money, do it right and get a properly drilled well-chosen bowling ball. Your team mates will thank you and everyone will be happier and have more fun.
5+ You’ve decided to go for a 300 game and you’ll do whatever it takes. You are really competitive. You’ve seen it on TV, on YouTube. Maybe you’ve seen it live. You know you can do it yourself. Okay, maybe it’s the forgiving house pattern on the lanes, but the challenge is there. Having your own well-chosen, perfectly fitted bowling balls is a necessity. Now buy it, train, and let me know when you’ve done it.
FEELING
6+ You are bowling regularly. This may be bowling every two weeks with your family. This may be a common choice when going out with friends. This may be bowling alone to relax. Once you recognize that you are committed then part of that commitment can be bowling with your own ball. It’s part of the package. It comes with the territory. It’s who you are, and you’ll feel wonderful.
7+ You do everything with style. It’s in your character. If you are going to do it, do it right, do it well, do your best, be all in, or go home.
8+ You’re best friend is whipping your ass on the lanes. Now we’ve found the real reason. You are lame on the lanes. Your ball is stalled. Your score is poor. You’re unlikely to strike. Your spares are still there. In the battle of wits you come up with the splits! Stop using the house balls. Get fit, get fitted, and finish first.
6 Bad Reasons to Buy a Bowling Ball
1- Someone told me to do it.
2- I never bowl but bowling is in style now.
3- I keep getting an ad to buy this wonderful bowling ball, along with a set of Ginsu steak knives. But wait, there’s much, much more.
4- If I buy that special bowling ball then I will impress that special someone.
5- I already own 10 bowling balls, a new one came on the market that looks cool, and the number 11 is special.
6- Spiderman is on the cover stock.
Take 1
Life after Not Buying a Bowling Ball
I’m at the lanes again. I pick out my house balls. I can’t find one so I make due with a similar one. My bowling is pleasant. My game is typical. I put some hand lotion on my hands at home after the games. That was nice. I’m looking forward to the next bowling night.
Take 2
Life after Not Buying a Bowling Ball
I’m at the lanes again. I hope my thumb doesn’t blister again. Maybe I’ll try a heavier ball. I really have to grip this ball. Sometimes it gives me more action. I am wondering, why is this fun? I don’t seem to improve and it’s been months. Maybe I’ll try being more consistent next time.
Take 3
Life after Buying a Custom Bowling Ball
I’m at the lanes again. I’m opening my bowling bag, my bowling bag, and I’m smiling. I really like this bowling ball. It looks great. It feels great. I can’t wait to roll it down the lane. Practicing my approach has paid off. My average has been going up and I’m getting more of those single pin spares. After I get my basic game in solid shape I may get more adventurous and get a ball with more hook, more shape. This is fun!
Related Questions
How Much Should I Spend on a Bowling Ball?
Keep within your budget, food and rent first. For your first bowling ball, try keeping it under $100 US. You also need to spend $30+ getting it properly drilled. Save your decision-making for your next ball when you have more experience.
How Do I Choose a Bowling Ball to Buy?
You need to decide on weight and coverstock: plastic, urethane, or reactive resin. Test usable house balls for weight and add a maximum of 2 pounds. For a first ball pick coverstock plastic for strictly straight, urethane for versatility with some hook, and reactive resin for advanced hook. All the brands have good choices. Talk to the pro.
What Is the Best Entry-Level Bowling Ball?
Entry-level bowlers have individual needs. The best category for strictly straight bowling is plastic. The most versatile category to learn both straight and entry level hooking is urethane. All the brands have choices to review in detail. There is no single best entry level ball.