Bowling Blog - Part 2

Get Serious. Get Your Own Bowling Ball for Your Unique Bowling Style

July 18, 2009 – 11:34 am

Are you a real bowler, or are you just a tourist?

If you don’t own your own bowlingball, you’re only a visitor of the sport. Alley balls may be as free as the drinking fountain next to the pop machine, but if you really want to quench your bowling thirst, you need to own your own ball. Nobody bowls like you do. Why should you use somebody else’s ball?

Every bowlingball has it’s own personality ocated within the core of the ball. The core of the ball determines how a ball performs. The core of the ball is dynamically imbalanced to cause the ball to flare or roll in a certain way. As the ball rolls on an imbalance, it tries to stabilize, affecting the speed, endurance and direction of the ball as it careens down the lane.

Finding a ball that suits your bowling style and personality is the first step to improving your bowling performance. Since nobody bowls exactly like you, you need a ball that’s uniquely suited to your style, strength and personality. Every bowler is different. Their ball should be just as unique to them as well.

Each bowling ball has its own unique density as well, which also greatly determines how it performs. Some are heavy in the center, causing the ball to spin more easily, while other balls have the weight distributed closer to the cover of the ball for a more steadier shot. Choosing the right weight depends on your bowling style, whether you’re looking for more spin or a steadier shot for a more direct hit.

The arrangement of finger holes are also key to a ball’s performance, determining how a ball hooks as it’s going down the lane. You can choose from conventional, semi-finger and finger tip. With a conventional grip, a bowler’s ring and middle fingers are inserted up to the second joint, while a semi-finger grip allows the fingers to go in as far as the first joint. Beginner bowlers are best to start with a conventional grip, as the other grips require more experience for optimal performance.

Having a bowling ball that’s uniquely fitted to your fingers and style will greatly improve your enjoyment of the sport. Get serious about bowling and find the ball that’s right for you. Life’s too short to use someone else’s ball.

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From Rock to Wood to Plastic, the Bowlingball has Come a Long Way

July 15, 2009 – 11:32 am

The history of the bowlingball goes back a long way. In 5200 B.C., the Egyptians used stones for bowling balls, playing a game that was perhaps very similar to the one we enjoy today. When bowling became widely appreciated in America at the turn of the 20th century, bowling balls were most likely made out of wood or hard leather. Rubber bowling balls were introduced in 1906, and were the standard until the 1960s and 1970s when the emergence of plastic allowed for the production of plastic bowling balls.

In the 1970s, people began experimenting with the hardness of the bowlingball. Improvements in plastics allowed for the production of balls of different densities, which gave the bowler more choice in performance style and substance. PBA member Pat McCune advanced the sport considerably when began using a variety of chemicals to soften balls in his garage.

Eventually, this lead to a production of bowling balls that attracted the scrutiny of the USBC because of their increasingly high scores. The watchdog group established a ball hardness rule of 72, which was based on durometer readings. Softer balls have since been banned.

The USBC later introduced ball balance regulations as well because too many people were taking advantage.

The first polyurethane ball was produced by Ebonite in 1981. The company later sold the rights to AMF. The company didn’t believe people would pay the $80 the technology demanded. The high performance proved it’s worth, however, and has become quite standard today.

While for a while the standard color of the bowling ball was decidedly black, individual customization has become the norm of the bowling industry. It’s possible to get a ball in any color imaginable. Indeed, some are quite colorful, brightly rolling down the lane in a way that can be mesmerizing. In fact, it’s even possible to get a clear ball that shines like a crystal ball. Some even contain objects like roses, skulls or lucky dice for an added touch of personality.

The bowling ball has come a long way, adding personality and dimension to the sport. Since the days of rocks through the age of wooden balls and on into today’s modern plastics, the bowling ball has reached a new age of science and technology. Find your own unique ball, one that’s yours alone, optimally primed for superior performance and individuality that stands out above the rest.

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Bowling Remains A Workingman’s Sport That’s Fun for the Whole Family

July 12, 2009 – 11:28 am

Believe it or not, bowling began as a rich man’s sport.

The average bowling lane at the turn of the 20th century was steeped in luxury and elegance. Bowling was a sport enjoyed by only the wealthiest Americans, those who could afford to frequent attractions like the White Elephant, one of America’s first bowling establishments that opened in 1895. Despite it being considered a sport only for the rich, bowling’s popularity grew throughout the beginning of the 20th century. In 1920, there were 450 officially sanctioned bowling alleys in America. In 1929, there were over 2,000.

Then the market crash of 1929 struck America, ushering in the age of the Great Depression. Bowling’s popularity, however, never died. In fact, it spread to the masses. Those who were struggling or out of work could find affordable relief on the bowling alley, releasing their stress and frustration through a bowlingball.

The days we’re currently living in are often compared to the Great Depression. It’s no surprise that entertainment costs are among the first items cut in a family budget when things start looking grim, when simply putting supper on the table becomes a struggle.

A ticket to the movies these days can cost as much as $8, costing a family of 5 more than $40 just to see a movie, and that doesn’t even count the popcorn. Family vacations are quickly becoming a thing of the past when it costs at least that much just to fill a gas tank. Even taking the kids to see Wrestle Mania eats up half a paycheck. What can a family do to have fun anymore?

Bowling, however, remains an affordable sport, one that the whole family can participate. A game at a bowling alley is reasonably priced, and the entire family can enjoy. The sport becomes even cheaper when you own your own shoes and bowlingball.

Just as it did in the Great Depression, bowling serves as affordable family fun, the perfect way to bond and laugh at Dad. Bring them all together with an evening at the bowling alley. Even when you throw in the hotdogs and fries, bowling remains an affordable, family friendly sport. Take the whole family to a game. Real elegance is having fun with the whole family.

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Bowlingballs and Food Have Been Linked Since the Beginning

July 9, 2009 – 11:28 am

From the very beginning, bowling and food have been enduring links. There’s something about eating a juicy, American hotdog in the clatter and rumble of the lanes as the pins come tumbling down. Bowling isn’t the same without your essential French fries, dog, and beer.

It should come as no surprise that modern bowling was born in a restaurant. 10-pin bowling is in fact the brainchild of Joe Thum, a restaurateur who many consider to be the father of bowling. Thum created America’s first bowling association, The American Bowling Congress, on Sept. 9, 1895, in order to share his love of this now incredibly popular family sport.

Thum opened the White Elephant at the end of the 19th century. It was one of the first bowling establishments in the country. Aside from also being a restaurant, the White Elephant was steeped in elegance and class. In fact, it mostly served the wealthy and the upper class. Some of the richest men in America sent a bowlingball or two careening down the lines. The wealthy were some of the first few Americans to ever experience what many consider to be one of America’s favorite sports.

Although bowling started with the upper class, it’s irresistible fun, competitive spirit, and family-friendly entertainment soon spread to the working classes in the heart of the Great Depression. Men in the factories discovered the exhilaration of bowling, that incredible feel you get when the bowlingball hits the heart of the pins and sends them all crashing down.

As bowling spread to the masses, bowling’s connection to food continued. As anyone who has spent an evening at the bowling alley knows, food can really be the heart of the game. There’s nothing more satisfying than a family munching down a pepperoni pizza at the bowling alley, bonding in a sport where everyone has a chance to compete.

Bowling was born in a restaurant, so sharing the experience with the family while going out to eat is only natural. Great food is what makes the sport so much fun. No matter your bowling style, whether or not you own your own ball, family fun really comes down to pepperoni with extra cheese.

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What to get the Bowler that has Everything

July 6, 2009 – 9:06 am

Is another holiday or birthday coming up for that special bowler in your life? If your spouse, parent, sibling or friend is totally obsessed with bowling, bowling gifts probably seem like the perfect idea. But chances are, if your special someone is that into bowling already, he or she probably has just about everything they need. So what can you get someone who already has the ball, the bowling bag and even the shoes?

Luckily, when it comes to bowling gifts the options are practically limitless. One fail-safe choice is a gift certificate to the lucky bowler’s favorite alley so that they can play a couple games (and maybe even score some drinks and snacks) for free. If a gift certificate seems too cold or impersonal, try jazzing your gift up by pairing it with a unique novelty item. If the gift recipient is a girl, you might want to consider a snappy bowling-themed accessory, like a cute pin or piece of jewelry; a retro bowling shirt; or a sporty skirt. The man in your life might appreciate a funny T-shirt, tie or maybe even a book or DVD that talks about some of the best moments in the sport’s history.

Are you shopping for some little ones? Have no fear, there are plenty of options for the kiddies as well. Try a bowling video game (which has the added bonus of keeping them occupied on long car trips!) or a plastic bowling set that you can set up in your own basement or backyard.

Finally, one of the best bowling gifts is, quite simply, the gift of your own time and attention. If you’re not quite as passionate about bowling as your loved one, make a special effort to hit the lanes with them or even watch the next bowling tournament together on television. If you’re really not that into the sport, it may seem a lot easier to just buy something, but your special someone will surely appreciate the time and effort you make to enjoy their passion with them. Chances are you’ll also discover that bowling can be a lot more fun than you ever thought!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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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