How much does a bowling ball cost? A lot of people might ask this question because the price tags attached to them can vary depending on the type, material, and brand of a bowling ball.
The average cost of a bowling ball differs based on the type of the ball and the quality. There are also several brands, weights, and sizes available.
However, the best part is that you can get a bowling ball suitable for your skill level for a reasonable price.
If you’ve ever considered buying a brand-new bowling ball, this guide can help you determine the price range and help you pick a ball that fits within your budget.
Different types of Bowling Balls and their price ranges
Plastic Bowling Balls
For a long time, plastic and polyester bowling balls have been the standard for amateur, casual, and young bowlers out there.
As a beginner, you may not want to spend your entire capital on one expensive ball. A plastic or polyester bowling ball is the best option for your first ball.
These balls are made using a plastic or polyester material which allows you to work with the lane when needed while providing adequate durability.
Their high level of predictability and lower hook potential makes them easier to control. However, they lack the firepower and smoothness that other high-performance balls have.
Plastic balls have also become a popular option due to their versatile nature and inexpensive price tag.
You can find the average price of a plastic or polyester bowling ball anywhere from $40 to $60.
Some higher-end plastic bowling balls can even approach and exceed the $100 price tag.
Urethane Bowling Balls
When you feel that you are ready to take your game to the next level, acquiring a Urethane bowling ball is a good way to step up your game.
Urethane bowling balls are ideal for bowlers at the intermediate skill level. So, if you are looking to upgrade from a plastic ball, purchasing a urethane ball is your best bet.
The urethane ball’s unique cover stock allows for a better hook than its plastic counterpart. This allows the intermediate bowler to control the direction and speed of the ball with greater ease.
Furthermore, urethane ball surfaces tend to be more durable than plastic and offer more friction between the ball and the lane surface.
This higher friction allows the ball to have a higher hook potential than plastic. The increased friction also means that urethane tends to deflect less since there is more contact with the lane surface which results in better pin action.
They are also popular because they are good enough for tournaments without being too expensive.
Usually, the price of a urethane ball can range from $75 to $160. The cost is dependent on the quality of the ball, the company that produces it, and the brand that carries it.
Also, these bowling balls last a long time and are very durable, so they equate to great value for your money.
Reactive Bowling Balls
As you approach a more advanced level in the sport, getting yourself a good reactive resin bowling ball is a must in every practice and tournament.
This type of bowling ball is suitable for any intermediate or advanced bowler who desires lots of hooks and different potential lane reactions.
Reactive resin balls, although less durable than plastic or urethane, offer much more friction, hook potential, and pin action.
They rotate quickly, allowing for large skid lengths, and deliver good pin action due to the “reactive” core action that maximizes hook potential on entry and friction on the backend.
They create much higher friction resulting in more sensitivity to lane conditions and more prone to user error. This makes it a little more difficult to control so only a bowler with an appropriate level of skill can draw this ball’s full potential.
Generally, these balls are priced higher than the budget choices, but their quality and performance make them a serious investment.
Purchasing a premium reactive resin bowling ball for proficient bowlers will set you back anywhere from $150 to $250.
While this is at the higher end of the price range, don’t let the price tag scare you off, it’s worth every cent especially if you’re a serious bowler.
Particle Bowling Balls
Particle bowling balls are an advanced bowler’s best friend. If you are a professional bowler, you know that a particle bowling ball is a must-have on the bowling lane.
A particle bowling ball used at a professional level will be able to take down the competition, but it’s not an easy task. Only the most skilled players with mad skills will be able to effectively utilize this ball to its fullest potential.
This type of ball has a textured and bumpy surface known for generating the most friction between the ball and the lane when bowled.
As a result, it reduces margin error while also increasing hook potential. Although it massively impacts the energy generated in a positive way creating more power, this also makes it hard for bowlers to control.
Particle bowling balls feature high-quality cores and advanced technology used in a variety of ways, including performance and durability so they will naturally cost the highest.
A bowling ball of this caliber will have you spend more than a couple of hundred bucks for it. Particle bowling balls can meet and exceed the $250 mark so might as well choose the best ones available in the market.
Common Questions and Answers About Bowling Ball Prices and Features
What is the average cost of a bowling ball?
The average cost of a bowling ball depends on the type of the ball and its quality, with options ranging from $40 to $250.
What is the best type of ball for a beginner bowler?
A plastic or polyester bowling ball is the best option for beginner bowlers as they are more affordable and easier to control due to its low hook potential.
What type of ball is suitable for intermediate bowlers?
Urethane bowling balls are ideal for intermediate bowlers as they offer a better hook than plastic balls and allow for more control of direction and speed.
What type of ball is best for advanced bowlers?
Reactive resin bowling balls are the best option for advanced bowlers as they offer more friction, hook potential, and pin action.
What type of ball is used by professional bowlers?
Professional bowlers typically use particle bowling balls that are textured and bumpy and generate the most friction between the ball and the lane, leading to reduced margin error and increased hook potential.
Final Words
A bowling ball is an essential part of your game. It has an important role to play in your success, so you need to have a good grasp of how ball action works.
Your skill level is the first thing you should consider when purchasing a bowling ball. The next most important factor is your budget.
If you’re a beginner or a casual player, then you shouldn’t spend too much money to get started.
But if you’re a professional bowler, you already know that winning tournaments comes with a big price tag and it’s inevitable to splurge on bowling balls that are more on the expensive side.
Now that we’ve determined the average costs of bowling ball prices, it is now up to you to decide which one is right for you.
