BOWLING TIPS - Bowling Ball Review

Aside from saving money by bringing your bowling ball, shoes and gear with you, why do you need to have your own ball? Because having your own ball is like choosing your own bat in a baseball game, or choosing your own racket in a tennis game. Sure, these things won’t contribute to your skill whatsoever, but knowing how your equipment would react could raise your bowling average even if by a fraction. Okay, let’s do a little bowling ball review and see the specific makes of each ball.

There are four makes of a bowling ball, and each one of them has distinct characteristics which every bowler should understand to be competent in the sport.

                                                            POLYESTER BALL

Plastic/Polyester Balls 

Perhaps the first bowling ball that evolved from stone or wood was the plastic or polyester balls. These balls have no fancy tricks with them, meaning if you throw them in a straight line, they will travel in a straight line. Similarly if you throw them for a hook, they will still tend to travel in a straight line. Novice will find that this ball is a great complement for learning the sport since they are quite manageable, without tricks, and cheap. Likewise, those who have problems with their hook can benefit from the use of a plastic bowling ball.

                                                           URETHANE BALL

Urethane Balls 

The use of urethane bowling balls first appeared with the AMF Angle in the early ‘80s. These balls have the ability to hook more than the plastic ones giving it a more manageable reaction. These balls are the best next step for the beginners seeking to try a more advanced ball.

                                                             REACTIVE BALL

Reactive Balls 

Reactive balls came into play in 1990. These balls have even more traction than urethane. The ball has a stronger hook, creating a noticeable hook after the skid effect. The ball can be easily identified with its slick smooth cover texture.

                                                                PARTICLE BALL

Particle Balls

The newest bowling ball technology is the particle type. The texture of this one has changed; it is a bit lumpy allowing the bowling ball to clutch the oily surface of the lane. This ball has the biggest sensitivity to lane conditions, and it tends to minimize the effects of different conditions, e.g., severe dry or high oil conditions.

I hope this bowling ball review has given you some insight about the different makes of a ball. Choose out the best suited to your playing style or choose one of each to suit every situation. You will find that a specific ball is real handy when used for in a specific situation.