Bowling Blog

Bowling Shoes can be Cute? Since When?

July 3, 2009 – 9:02 am

Let’s face it, ladies: rental bowling shoes are just plain ugly, not to mention uncomfortable and, more often than not, downright smelly. So if you bowl more than once or twice a year, put an end to rental shoe misery and invest in your own pair already!

The good news is, there more options than ever before for girls who want to bowl in style and comfort. At long last, bowling shoe makers have ditched the dated unisex model, and have started making shoes specifically adapted to a lady’s smaller, narrower foot. Search the web, your local sporting goods store or your local pro bowling shop to check out the latest trends in womens bowling shoes. These shoes are padded for extra comfort and come in a variety of styles and colors, from girlish pink to eye-catching metallic gold!

Top brands for womens bowling shoes include Dexter, Brunswick, Etonic and Elite, just to name a few. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper shoe, check out what Brunswick has to offer; Dexter, on the other hand, tends to be a tad on the pricier end of the scale. If this is your first time buying a pair of bowling shoes, you should really visit a shoe store in person to try on a variety of different models so you can see which one fits your foot best. Don’t be shy about hitting up pin-savvy girlfriends or the ladies in your local league for advice about the most comfortable and durable type of shoe.

One important thing to keep in mind when you’re trying on bowling shoes is that some shoes are a little more slippery, letting you smoothly glide down the lane for maximum speed. Other models have a thicker heel and stickier sole to keep you from losing control and keep you more firmly planted in your stance. You’ll have to experiment a little to see which type of shoe is best suited to your own personal bowling style. Once you have a good idea about the type of shoe you like, feel free to check out the great deals available on the web to score a great pair of womens bowling shoes for cheap.

Finally found your perfect pair of shoes? Before you know it, you’ll be sashaying down the lanes with a newfound confidence that can only help your game!

Plastic or Urethane? Buying Great Bowling Balls for Less

June 30, 2009 – 8:56 am

Are you ready to kick your game up a notch by buying a bowling ball of your very own? Congratulations! Be warned, however: with all the different types of bowling balls out there, shopping for the perfect match can be pretty overwhelming for a first-time buyer. To help make the task a little easier, start by eliminating some of the options. To begin with, you probably don’t want to opt for a high-performance, expensive pro ball for your first purchase. Naturally, you’re going to want to invest in a quality ball, but fortunately there are plenty of cheap bowling balls out there that will suit your needs just as well as an expensive Hammer or Ebonite.

The cheapest bowling ball out there is made of polyester (yes, just like bad pant suits from the seventies!). The house balls that you’re used to bowling with at your local alley are probably made out of this material. This ball is a real “straight shooter”; it’s not great for any fancy hooking or curving moves, but it’s pretty darn useful for picking up that spare. If you’re a novice bowler, you may want to opt for one of these guys for your first purchase; they’re cheap, easy to use and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Even as you progress to a more advanced ball, you can still keep your trusty old plastic ball and bring it out when you need to score an easy spare.

The next level up is the urethane bowling ball. These are also cheap bowling balls, but are a little softer than the balls described above, and are perfect if you’re ready to start experimenting with a hook. These balls require a little more maintenance than the plastic ball, and will probably need to be polished fairly regularly.

There are many more types of bowling balls out there that you’ll surely discover if you keep progressing in the sport, but these cheap bowling balls are a great bet for beginners. Good luck in your search!

By admin | Posted in Bowling Balls | Tagged Bowling Balls, Bowling Gifts, cheap bowling balls | Comments (0)

Proper Care for BowlingBalls

June 27, 2009 – 8:54 am

If you’ve decided to take your game to the next level and purchase your very own BowlingBall, congratulations! No more being stuck with a ball that’s too heavy or too light when you hit the lanes, no more pinched fingers from having to use a ball with holes that are too small…but what you may not realize is that owning your own ball is also going to entail more than the initial dollar investment.

BowlingBalls actually require a surprising amount of maintenance to keep performing at an optimal level. Bowling lanes are regularly oiled to protect the wood and keep the surface slick and smooth, meaning that your ball is going to pick up a little bit of that oil each time that it rolls down the lane. After a couple of games, that oil build-up can really affect your ball’s performance, making it slower and really putting a damper on its hook.

There’s only one way to fight oil build-up: give your ball a good, old-fashioned scrub. Keep in mind that how often you wash your ball will depend on the material that it’s made out of. That cheap plastic ball you reserve for an easy spare, for example, absorbs very little oil, so you can get away with cleaning it just every once in a while. Higher-end BowlingBalls made of materials like reactive resin or pearl coverstock, on the other hand, will absorb much more oil. A general rule of thumb is that these balls should be cleaned after every six games.

Every bowler has his or her own favorite method of cleaning their BowlingBalls. You may already have heard of bowlers who bake their balls in the oven at low temperatures to help dry out the oil, or others who let the ball sit in kitty litter (yes, you read that right: kitty litter), which also helps leach out some of the oil. You really don’t need to resort to these rather eccentric measures, however. Just purchase a cleaner formulated for BowlingBalls from your local pro bowling shop, and rub it into the ball with a towel or terrycloth. While you’re at the bowling shop, you may want to ask for some cleaning tips specific to the type of ball you use; certain balls may need to be polished after cleaning, for example.

With routine maintenance, your ball should be whizzing down the lanes for years to come!

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Fashion Meets Fun with Designer Bowling Ball Bags

June 24, 2009 – 8:51 am

Let’s face it: bowling just isn’t the most stylish of games. Those plain shoes and standard black balls don’t exactly scream glamour. Luckily, there has never been a better time to introduce some fashionable pizzazz into your game, whether you’re a bowling fashionista yourself, or you’re a guy trying to entice your lady friend to the lanes. A wealth of accessories can let girls and guys create their own personal style on bowling night, one of the most popular being bowling ball bags.

Bowling ball bags come in all styles, shapes and sizes, from modern wheeled bags for the pro bowler who needs to cart his 7-ball arsenal to the lanes, to a retro-style bag for that one lucky ball that you just can’t bowl without. Recently, fashion designers have begun to recognize the potential of the bowling ball bag as a cool, must-have accessory, and now you can snag a bag from super-hot designers like Juicy Couture, Dior, and, yes, even Prada. These bags come in gorgeous patterns and colors, and can be worn on or off the lanes. Attention grabbing? Most definitely…but be prepared to pay shell out major bucks for one of these beauties, which are reported to have 4-digit numbers on the price tag!

Not interested in paying a small fortune for your bag? You can still hit the lanes in style with cute, vintage-style bags from less prestigious labels that won’t break the bank. Lots of retailers are marketing these bags in solid colors and retro patterns. You may not be able to find these bags at your local sporting goods store or pro bowler shop, but surf the web and you’ll be amazed at the options out there! You can find everything from a classic, understated look to over-the-top Hello Kitty adorableness. With all of these choices, you no longer have any excuse not to be a trendsetter at your local alley.

By admin | Posted in Bowling Ball Bags | Tagged Bowling Ball Bags, Bowling Gifts, womens bowling shoes | Comments (0)

What’s the Perfect Weight for Bowlingballs?

June 21, 2009 – 8:41 am

For those of us without our own bowlingballs, one of the biggest dilemmas on bowling night is choosing the best house ball. Some choices are easy to make; you might always opt for the classic black ball, for example, while others prefer a brightly colored or boldly patterned ball. Once you’ve chosen a ball that looks right, however, things can get a little more complicated. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to find a ball with holes that fit your fingers-they’re either so small you can’t even stick your thumb in there, or so big it’s all you can do to keep your grip! Once that problem has been sorted out, of course, then comes the most difficult problem of all for the novice bowler: deciding what weight to use.

When I was a kid, I could care less about the “right” weight for bowlingballs and would choose the prettiest one, instead-which led to a sprained shoulder when I tried to thrown a 16 pound ball down the lane! After that nasty experience, I learned my lesson a little too well, and would always choose the lightest ball I could possibly find. This strategy also backfired when the ball would go flying out of control, or when I wouldn’t be able to generate enough power to bowl a strike. What’s a novice bowler to do?

After scrolling through the internet and asking some of my more lane-savvy friends for tips, I think I finally discovered a happy medium. All bowling balls range in weight from eight to 16 pounds, and usually I go by this rule of thumb: balls that weigh eight to ten pounds should be left to the kiddies, while balls that weigh from ten to 14 pounds are usually well suited to ladies such as myself. Guys with a medium to heavy build can use the heaviest balls, though gals with a high-fitness level and a lot of arm power can also try out those heavier balls, if they’re so inclined. In the end, the weight of your bowlingball is going to be a matter of personal preference, so you’ll probably have to try out a couple before you find your ideal weight. Happy lanes to you as you seek your perfect match!

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Clear Bowling Balls: Here to Stay, or a Passing Trend?

June 18, 2009 – 2:54 pm

Ever wonder where Bill Murray’s character got his killer bowling ball in the 1999 comedy “Kingpin”? If you secretly envied Murray’s clear ball with its striking red rose in the center, then you’re not alone; clear bowling balls have come back in style with a vengeance, making the lanes shimmer with their luminous style at PBA tours and family bowling alleys alike. These striking balls may seem like the key to psyching out your competitors and capturing attention, but you may want to think twice before shelling out big bucks for one of these trendy items.

If you’re an avid bowler, you may already know that a good bowling ball is constructed with a special core in the center. Different types of balls can have cores of different weights, thicknesses and shapes, and each of these factors affects how the ball will spin and fast it’ll go down the lane. Clear bowling balls with big images in the center (skulls, slot machines and roses being favorites) usually don’t have a core at all, in order to accommodate the picture. These types of balls are thus of lesser quality, and are best used during a casual game with family or friends, or when you have a super easy spare to make. You can order clear bowling balls with cores, but this will affect the ball’s overall appearance, and what’s more, you’ll have to drop some extra coin for a better performing ball.

Finally, remember that this ball is sure to catch attention-which may not be a good thing if you don’t always score a perfect 300! If you’re in doubt, you may want to leave the flashy balls to the high-scoring hot shots, or to kids who care less about their score than looking cool. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to a more decorous, solid-colored ball, after all. If you think you’ve got the guts and really want to make a big splash at the lanes, on the other hand, then go for it! Just remember to reserve the clear ball for the easier shots.

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Hammer Bowling: Products for the Pros

June 15, 2009 – 1:40 pm

Want to bowl like a pro? Then you need professional-level equipment. Don’t worry, though; springing for a high-performance bowling ball doesn’t have to break the bank! For the perfect blend of pro precision, eye-catching flair and realistic prices, check out Hammer bowling balls. The evocative names of Hammer’s balls (like “Black Widow,” “Raw Hammer,” or “Razyr”) are practically enough to guarantee an extra jolt in your game by themselves.

The Hammer name may not be familiar to the occasional bowler, but avid enthusiasts are sure to recognize the brand, since Hammer has sponsored some of the Professional Bowler Association’s top bowlers. If you want to infuse your own game with some of that professional verve, do a little research to see which ball is best for you. Each type of ball that Hammer makes is carefully composed for optimum performance, and weighted for a different kind of roll. Look for specifics like the ball’s oil patterns and back-end movement to see if it’s suited to your bowling needs. If you’re a true bowling fanatic or a member of a league, you may even want to invest in a couple different balls so that you’ll be ready for any situation. Not sure which ball is best for you? Check out some online forums dedicated to bowling to see what other Hammer consumers have to say, or go to your local sporting goods store to ask for advice. If there are some bowlers at your alley that you really admire, scope out what kind of balls they’re using.

If you already have a bowling ball you love, or just don’t feel ready to invest in a pro ball, you can still feel the love by snagging some Hammer accessories. Check out Hammer-brand jackets, towels, bowling bags and more, so that you can feel like a pro when you step out on the lanes, even if you’re not bowling a 300 quite yet!

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Bowling shoes can be cute? Since When?”

June 12, 2009 – 1:32 pm

Poorly fitting (and even worse-smelling) shoes can really ruin your bowling experience. Whether you only bowl a few times a year, hit the lanes every Friday night with your friends or compete in an amateur league, buying your own pair of bowling shoes can go a long way in making your game more enjoyable. Who knows; if you’re having more fun, your score just might improve too!

Intimidated by the prospect of buying your own pair of bowling shoes? Then check out Dexter bowling shoes. This is a good bet for first-time buyers; the brand is popular, readily available and also reasonably priced. Not only can you pick out exactly the right size for you (no more pinched toes!), but these shoes are also equipped with padding for comfort, just like a regular sports shoe. Bowlers also tend to like the Dexter brand for its long-lasting durability, meaning you’ll get at least a couple of years’ worth of wear out of a single pair.

Of course, some of us are looking for a little more than just plain old comfort and durability. Who hasn’t been embarrassed by being stuck with a funky-colored pair of rental bowling shoes? The great thing about Dexter bowling shoes is that there’s a surprising range of colors and styles for both men and women to choose from. Conservative dressers can opt for a demure solid black or plain white, or go for a lady-like white shoe with pink accents. The more fashion-forward, on the other hand, might be enticed by some of the bright colors and bold, unique patterns that the Dexter line offers. And for those who just can’t be bothered to tie and untie their shoes each time they bowl, some models are even available with Velcro tabs instead of shoelaces!

Check your local sporting goods store to see if Dexter bowling shoes are in stock, or just do a quick web search to see what the brand has to offer. Next thing you know, you’ll be wowing the alley with your style, if not with your game.

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New Ideas for old Bowling Balls

June 9, 2009 – 1:32 pm

Just can’t bear to part with your beloved old Bowling Ball, even though you bought it twenty years ago, it’s got a crack in it and somehow it always ends up in the gutter, no matter how perfect your throw? Even the best bowling balls bite the dust eventually, but don’t worry; you aren’t obliged to toss your beloved ball into the dumpster. For the crafty bowlers amongst us, there are tons of cute and clever ideas for “recycling” old balls into garden decorations, sculptures and even furniture!

One of the easiest ways to rehab your old Bowling Ball is to simply give it a nice coat of some bright, water-repellent paint. It doesn’t take any extra artistic skill to paint on some oversized eyes and facial features, and voila, you have your very own Bowling Ball garden gnome! Just stick it in your yard or in a flower planter and be prepared for the amused chuckles of your admiring neighbors.

If you want to tackle a more involved project, try mounting your old ball on a stand and sticking some fake flowers in the finger holes; voila, you have a one-of-a-kind flower pot! Another clever idea is to take four to six used bowling balls and use them as the base of a coffee table; just affix the balls to the underside of a clear glass plate or piece of wood using a strong craft glue.

Want more crafty tips for rehabbing old bowling balls? The internet is, of course, one of the best resources for craft ideas, but there are also entire books devoted to the subject! Check out your local bookstore or library to see if they hold any in stock. Once you start turning your old balls into lovely works of art, they’ll add a unique and amusing touch to your own home, and make fantastic gifts for the bowling enthusiasts in your life, as well.

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What to Consider Before Buying a Ball

May 20, 2009 – 1:23 pm

Before purchasing a new bowling ball, there are several things that you should take into consideration before buying. Don’t just run out and buy the first flashy ball that catches your eye. If you take your time in selecting the perfect ball you will be able to use it for years to come. Be patient and you are guaranteed to find the perfect bowling ball.

First of all, try out different bowling balls of various weights. Make sure that the weight that you select is the most comfortable one. You will want to find a weight that does not fatigue your arm out after a few throws. Don’t just get a sixteen pound ball because you think it is impressive. Your fellow bowlers will definitely not be impressed if you are struggling to throw the ball by the start of the third game. It is ok to go with a lighter ball if it means that you will be able to use it longer.

Next, take a look at a few different brands. If it is possible, ask different people on your league if you can look at their bowling balls and perhaps give them a try. Ask around to find out what brands certain people prefer and get a general idea about a brand of ball that you would like to purchase. Once you settle upon a brand look at the different styles that they have available. Bowling balls come in all different colors and designs and should pick out a style that is an aesthetic extension of your individual personality. This is your chance to show off to your fellow bowlers and pick out something that will ignite interest.

Finally, have the holes drilled out so that you can bowl comfortably with ease. You will want to make sure that the holes suit your style of bowling. Then you can decide to have your name or initials monogrammed into the ball.

You also need to make sure that you are getting the best price on the ball that you pick out. There is nothing worse than seeing the very same ball advertised somewhere else after you have already shelled out top dollar for it. Bowling balls are not priced equally; different types of retailers may offer you much better prices on the exact same ball. Make sure that you do some comparison shopping beforehand so that you don’t have to suffer through a nasty case of buyer’s remorse.

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