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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
You need to own your own pair of bowling shoes if you bowl more than twice a year. You will save yourself the money that you spend on shoe rental and the hassle of having to wear the used shoes. The shoe rentals that the bowling alley provides you with are hardly worth the rental fee. They are usually tattered and old with knotted up laces. There is nothing worse than starting off your trip to the bowling alley with the family than having to sit there and get the knots out of everyone’s shoes for half an hour before you can even start bowling.
A lot of people believe the common misconception that bowling shoes are very expensive. This is far from the truth. There are cheap bowling shoes that are available to buy online. In all actuality, these bowling shoes can be had for much less than the average price of gym shoes. You can find online retailers that carry a variety of cheap bowling shoes in numerous sizes and styles.
Online retailers carry a large selection of men and women’s bowling shoes in a wide range of prices. Yes, they carry the more expensive brand name shoes, but they also carry more affordable options. You can find an affordable pair of shoes that will serve its purpose quite well. If you only bowl a few times a year, get yourself one of the cheapest pairs that you can find. Anything will be better than having to wear rental shoes that have been worn a by a thousand different people.
It also makes sense to buy your children a pair of cheap bowling shoes, especially if they bowl in leagues. With their feet continually growing, buy them a pair of cheap shoes that will last a year or so. You will actually be saving yourself money from the high rental fees and you won’t have to worry about your children having to put their feet into unsanitary shoes.
You can find cheap bowling shoes online. Many retailers carry bowling shoes for your entire family. Buying your own bowling shoes is more cost effective, sanitary, and it is just easier than having to go through the hassles of renting them. The next time that your family heads out to the bowling alley for a day of family fun, you won’t have to deal with the stress of renting shoes, untying knots, and remembering to return them after you finish bowling.
Bowling gifts make great presents for anyone that likes to hit the lanes on a regular basis. If you know someone that enjoys bowling either as a recreational or hobby or as the member of a league they are going to appreciate any type of bowling related gift that you purchase. There are a number of great bowling gift ideas and places that you can find affordable prices on bowling gifts.
Perhaps you know a bowler that could use a new ball. Buying someone their own custom ball with their name monogrammed on it would be the ideal gift! But you would have to do a little research and find out the correct weight. But if your husband has been going on and on about the new Hammer bowling ball that he saw you already know exactly what ball will make his special day even more special. If you take the time to do a little bit of bargain shopping you may even be able to find some great deals.
Maybe the bowler in your life already has their own ball; there are tons of other bowling accessories that you can buy! Consider getting them a new bowling ball bag or a pair of new bowling shoes. Or, perhaps they have all of these bowling necessities already and they could use something that they use frequently such as cleaner or ball polish. You can also find a bunch of other bowling related items available including towels, t-shirts and bowler’s tool sets. Regardless of the recipient’s individual taste, you are certain to find a gift that they will absolutely love.
Bowling gifts are great ideas for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day. They can also make great gifts for children and teens. Bowling related equipment and accessories make great graduation presents. If you know someone that loves the sport, anytime is a good time to gift them with something special that they will remember forever.
And finally, if you are uncertain about what brand of an item to buy or you just don’t know what to pick out for your beloved bowler, many of these retailers offer you the option of buying a gift card. That way you are still being thoughtful in your gift selection by recognizing the recipient’s affinity for bowling, but you are leaving them with the choice of what type of equipment or accessory that they would like to buy.
Finding womens bowling shoes in the right size at your local bowling alley on a women’s league night might be an impossible task. Most bowling alleys run out of the common women’s shoe sizes so if you don’t get there early enough you will most likely be stuck wearing a pair that is way too big for you. This will definitely mess up your entire bowling game. Why continue to take the chance when it is a lot easier to buy yourself a pair of bowling shoes? Below are some common misconceptions about womens bowling shoes and our response to these mistaken impressions.
“But I only bowl once in awhile.” Yes, maybe you do only bowl once in awhile, but with the increasing costs of bowling shoe rentals it is a much smarter choice to buy your own pair of shoes than to rent them. It is also much more sanitary. Plus the condition of rental shoes is usually very poor, you will be much more comfortable in your own pair of shoes.
“I can’t seem to find affordable womens bowling shoes anywhere.” Well then you are looking in all of the wrong places. Yes, many of the local retailers in your area may carry a very limited stock of women’s bowling shoes. You won’t be able to find a large selection of styles or sizes. But there are a number of other bowling equipment retailers out there; you just have to find them. The best deals on bowling balls and accessories are to be had online. Take the time to do a little web surfing and you will be very surprised with the deals that you can find. Many of these internet retailers offer a selection of clearance merchandise just like any other store. Browse through the clearance selection for even more savings.
“I need shoes that are extra wide and I’ll never find those in a bowling shoe so I just rent a size or two bigger.” Your special circumstance should be even more incentive for you to buy your own individual pair. There are women’s bowling shoes available in wide-widths; you just have to look a bit harder.
Regardless of what preconceived notions you may have had before about buying your own bowling shoes, it is in your best interest to do so. You can find affordable priced shoes in a variety of sizes and styles if you take the time to look for them.
Looking for cheap bowling balls might take you a lot of time if you don’t know where to start your search. A lot of bowlers start their search at their local pro shop and then they become immediately discouraged. The balls at these locations are highly over priced and the selection is extremely limited. Fortunately, there are a lot of other options that are available when you are looking to buy cheap bowling balls.
First of all, ask some of your friends on your league where they bought their ball. You might be surprised to learn that many of them regularly buy bowling balls and other bowling accessories online. This is especially true when you see some of the more unique balls. Online retailers often carry much more stock and can price it much more competitively. You will be surprised by how affordable it is to own your own custom bowling ball.
Most of these online retailers offer much more than cheap bowling balls. You can find online retailers that carry everything that you need to bowl at a very affordable price. There are great deals on bowling ball bags, wrist guards, towels, bowling shoes, and just about any other accessory that you made need as a bowler. Do you have a specific brand name ball that you are trying to find? You can probably find it online for a fraction of the cost at the pro shop. If you know where to look you can save yourself a lot of money on bowling equipment and still be able to impress your fellow teammates.
If you are worried about the cost of shipping on an item that is as heavy as a bowling ball, don’t be. If you take the time to look through the different bowling ball and accessory online retailers that are available you will see that you can find one that offers standard free shipping. There are also reputable online retailers that offer warranties on all of their products. Take the time to comparison shop between these retailers before making a purchase to guarantee that you are getting the best overall deal and that you are doing business with a reputable online retailer.
The internet is obviously the best place to find cheap bowling balls. Not only will the prices be much more affordable but you will have a much greater selection of balls to choose from.
Most serious bowlers own their own custom bowling ball. There are numerous advantages to owning your own ball. All bowlingballs are not the same. Each ball varies in weight and in the way the finger holes are drilled out. They can also vary significantly in style. Owning your own custom ball can give you a competitive edge in the game. It can also be a great way for you to exert your own individual style. If you bowl more than a handful of times a year you should definitely purchase your own custom bowling ball.
The first major benefit is that you won’t have to search through dozens of bowlingballs at the alley to find one that you can use. Let’s face it; the balls at the bowling alley were mostly given away for a reason. They are old and outdated. You don’t want to be bowling with a ball that has some random person’s name on it. You should have a ball that was made for you, that belongs to you. Some bowling alleys carry a limited amount of balls and it can be difficult to find one that is appropriate for you. By purchasing your own bowling ball you will eliminate the hassle associated with trying to find one before your league starts at the alley.
Another major advantage of purchasing your own bowling ball is that you can have it customized. There are a number of great options that are available when you are purchasing your own ball. First you select the style and brand of the ball. There are thousands of options that are available. You can select a ball that has graphic designs on it, balls that are a single color, multi-colored or even clear. The options are literally endless. You can even have your name monogrammed onto your ball in a variety of different fonts. After you pick out a style that reflects your own personal tastes you can have the finger holes drilled out to suit your specific bowling style. This is a great option that will significantly improve your game. Once you get in some practice with your new ball you will see the difference between throwing an alley ball and throwing your own custom ball.
Having your own custom bowling ball will improve your overall game and your confidence as a bowler. Bowlingballs should be as individual as the bowlers that are using them.