Bowling Equipment: Types Of Bowling Balls

types of bowling balls, bowling equipmnt

The Different Types of Bowling Balls Used In Ten Pin Bowling

Bowling Equipment: Learn About Bowling Balls

Bowling balls can be found at the bowling center for free in most cases, and usually have what is know as a conventional grip. These are on a rack and range from 6lbs to 16lbs, most of the time do not fit very well but, will get the job done. Getting your own is recommended, if you are going to take up bowling as a hobby or pass time.

Bowling Ball Construction
A bowling balls basic construction is a outer shell called a cover-stock, a inner core and a outer core.

Types of Bowling Ball Cover-stocks
The basic bowling ball cover-stock is usually made out of polyester, urethane, or a reactive material called reactive resin.

Polyester Bowling Balls
Polyester is the least expensive but has no lane grabbing ability and good for a starter ball or for children.

Urethane bowling balls
Urethane bowling balls are a step up and a little more expensive but not used as much as they were in the 1980's. But, have been making a come back in 2015 or when this was written. Urethane bowling balls have some lane grabbing ability but not as much as a reactive resin bowling ball. Urethane bowling balls have a smoother type roll to them and a constant reaction on the bowling lane.

Reactive Resin Bowling Balls
Reactive resin is the most popular type bowling ball and most expensive at the time of this article. Reactive resin or sometimes called reactive balls have lane grabbing ability to them. The reactive material is really just urethane mixed with bits or particles of glass or rubber and other substances to add grabbing ability to the cover-stock of the bowling ball.

Types of Bowling Ball Cores
Lower priced bowling balls have what is know as a pancake weight block, the more expensive balls have a center heavy two piece design to them. The core can become very extravagant as they advance. They come designed to compliment the cover-stock and aid in the balls ability to change direction on the bowling lane when it is put into motion or rolled. There are 3 basic types of bowling ball cores used which are outlined in more detail below.

3-Piece Bowling Ball Cores
3-piece cores - Used mainly in plastic balls. It is made of 3 pieces containing an inner core, a pancake type weight block at the top, and the cover-stock.

2-Piece Symmetrical Bowling Ball Cores
2-piece symmetrical cores - Used mainly in higher performance bowling balls. They will tend to have a smoother and more stable roll. It is symmetrical so this means it is even on all sides. It contains an inner core and outer core covert-stock.

Asymmetrical Bowling Ball Cores
Asymmetrical cores - Used mainly in high performance bowling balls. It is not even on all sides because it is asymmetrical. This type of core is used to fine tune a bowling balls reaction to the bowler's style. This is an advanced technique in bowling where the pro-shop operator matches the bowling ball drilling to the bowler's style. Speed and revolution rate as an example.

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