Gone are the days of the dated wooden bowling balls found in alleys from decades ago; today’s bowling balls come with unique features and materials that offer bowlers a new level of performance.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler, knowing what goes into making these game pieces can help you make more intelligent decisions about which ball to purchase for your next tournament.
In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what are bowling balls made of and explain how each component affects the overall quality of your experience on the lanes.
Are you a beginner bowler or someone who is just starting to get into the sport?
If so, then knowing what are bowling balls made of and how different materials affect the ball’s performance is essential for improving your game.
Bowling balls are not only composed of several layers, each with its own purpose, but also contain various components that help create different rolling patterns and decisions based on which material they’re made from.
Read on to find out more about what bowling balls are primarily constructed from and how it could benefit your skills.
History of Bowling:
The history of the bowling ball is a long and interesting one. The first known use of a round ball for bowling dates back to ancient Egypt.
It is believed that bowling was a sport used for religious ceremonies and for entertainment purposes. The sport continued to evolve through the Middle Ages, with the first set of bowling pins being used in Germany in 300 AD.
By the 1500s, bowling had become a popular sport in Europe, and the French and British monarchs were often known to compete in the sport.
Bowling Balls have been around for a long time. The most ancient bowling ball dates back as far as 3200 BC and was made of stone, wood, or other materials found in nature.
In the late 1800s, rubber-based composite and plastic materials were introduced to make bowling balls lighter and more durable. By 1960, the technology Bowling Balls have been around for a long time.
The most ancient bowling ball dates back as far as 3200 BC and was made of stone, wood, or other materials found in nature.
In the late 1800s, rubber-based composite and plastic materials were introduced to make bowling balls lighter and more durable.
By 1960, the technology used to make modern bowling balls had become more advanced, allowing for greater control and accuracy in the game.
Types of Bowling Balls:
Cover stock types:
The coverstock of a bowling ball is the outermost layer and is made from either reactive resin or plastic. Reactive resin covers have much more friction than plastic and will “hook” or curve more when thrown on the lane.
For this reason, reactive balls are typically used by experienced bowlers who can control their shots.
Plastic a.k.a polyester:
On the other hand, create less friction on the lanes and provide a straighter shot. These types of balls are great for beginners as they are easier to control and can help them practice their aim.
The core of a bowling ball is the innermost layer, which is responsible for creating different rolling patterns. This component is typically made from solid rubber or urethane, depending on the type of ball you buy. The heavier the core, the more control you’ll have with your ball.
Urethane:
Urethane bowling balls have a core made from urethane and feature an outer coverstock that is reactive resin. Urethane cores create a more controlled ball reaction and are great for experienced bowlers who are looking to improve their accuracy on the lanes.
Reactive resin:
Reactive resin bowling balls feature a core made from rubber and an outer coverstock that is reactive resin.
This type of ball enables bowlers to achieve more hook and roll action on the lane, which makes them perfect for experienced bowlers who are looking to improve their accuracy.
Particle a.k.a proactive:
Particle or proactive bowling balls feature a core made from rubber, but their coverstock is composed of tiny particles that help create more friction on the lane.
This type of ball is great for experienced bowlers who are looking to increase their hooking or curving potential.
Weight Block Types
Symmetrical:
Symmetrical weight blocks are the most popular type of bowling ball core. They feature an evenly distributed weight throughout the ball, which helps create a smoother and more consistent roll on the lane.
Asymmetrical:
Asymmetrical weight blocks are slightly unbalanced, with one side heavier than the other. This type of core creates fast, strong, and powerful ball reactions on the lane.
It is perfect for experienced bowlers who are looking to create more hook potential with their shots.
No matter which type of bowling ball you choose, it’s important to remember that you can always adjust the weight, core type, and coverstock to suit your needs.
With the right ball in hand, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert bowler.
The modern bowling balls are made of different components such as a coverstock, core, and weight block made from materials like rubber, urethane, reactive resin, plastic or particle.
The coverstock is the outermost layer of a bowling ball and provides friction for greater control and accuracy in the game.
Depending on your skill level and playing style, you can choose between different types of coverstocks such as reactive resin, plastic or urethane.
The core is the innermost layer of a bowling ball and determines the rolling pattern for more control and accuracy. Lastly, the weight block is placed at the center of the core to affect how it reacts when thrown on the lane.
Bowling Ball and Pin:
The pin is usually made of a hard plastic material and has a number on it for scoring purposes.
The pins are set in a triangle formation at the end of the lane and each player attempts to knock down all ten pins with their bowling ball.
The modern bowling ball is designed to take advantage of its different components, from coverstock to core and weight block, to help the bowler achieve the most accurate and controlled rolls on the lane.
Bowling Ball Weight:
The weight of a bowling ball is another important factor to consider when choosing the right one for you. Most bowling balls weigh between 10 and 16 pounds, but you can also find some that weigh up to 18 pounds.
If you are a beginner, it’s best to start with a lighter ball so that you can get a feel for how to throw it and control the direction of your shots.
As you become more experienced, you can move up to heavier weights for increased power and accuracy. Ultimately, choosing the right bowling ball comes down to your individual playing style and skill level.
Consider all the factors mentioned above when selecting a ball that matches your needs.
Bonus Tips for How to Choose a Bowling Ball:
- Consider your playing style and skill level when selecting a bowling ball.
- Aim for balance between power, control, accuracy and consistency when choosing a ball.
- Make sure to test the weight of several different balls before making your final decision.
- Pay attention to core type, coverstock, and weight block when selecting
- the ball.
- Try out different types of bowling balls, such as reactive resin and particle options, to find the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion:
Bowling balls are composed of different materials, including a core, coverstock, and weight block.
The core determines the rolling pattern for greater control and accuracy while the coverstock provides friction on the lane.
Additionally, the weight block affects how the ball reacts when thrown on the lane. Depending on your skill level and playing style, you can choose between different types of bowling balls such as reactive resin, urethane, or plastic.
Consider all the factors mentioned above when selecting a ball that matches your needs. With the right ball in hand, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert bowler.