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Consider the following
-
Size of
your hands and your strength
-
Whether or
not you throw a ball with a lot of curve or hook
-
Type of
lane conditions that you bowl on
-
The
reaction of your ball with the pins
Hand Size and Strength
Most
bowling balls come in two different sizes and weights:
4 3/4" and 4 7/8" and 3 lbs. 6 oz. and 3 lbs. 8
oz.
Depending on the type of bowling ball you choose, you
may be able to find a 5" bowling ball with a weight of 3
lbs. 10 oz.
The
rule for personal bowling balls for 5 pin is that the
ball cannot be smaller than 4 3/4" or larger than 5".
The weight must be 3 lbs. 7 oz. + or - 3 oz.
The
average bowling ball that a bowling centre uses as house
balls are 4 7/8" in diameter and weigh 3 lbs. 8 oz.
If
you have small hands and are not physically strong, then
you may consider a bowling ball that is 3 lbs. 6 oz. and
4 3/4" in diameter.
This would be preferable for younger children.
For
the average person, using a 4 7/8", 3 lbs. 8 oz. ball
would suffice.
What Type of bowling Ball?
Once
you have found the right weight and size, you will need
to consider the composition of the bowling ball.
Most
bowling centres use the harder, rubber ball as house
balls because they are very durable.
The
softer the composition, the more movement you will have
on the ball when you throw it.
Avoid a softer ball if you typically throw a bowling
ball that has a lot of hook or curve on it.
I
would consider anything more than 2 feet of movement as
a lot.
Examples of these types of balls are Soft Rolls, and
balls made out of acrylic, such as Starline brand.
The
harder the composition, the less the bowling ball will
move or "break", because it is not gripping to the
lanes.
If
you throw a bowling ball that breaks a lot, you should
consider a ball with a harder composition.
This will help you control the amount of break on
the ball.
Examples of these are the Scorpion Pro Rubber and the
Paramount ball.
Lane Conditions
Different bowling balls react differently to different
lane conditions.
A
difference in lane conditions occur when a bowling
centre oils or conditions their lanes.
If your bowling ball comes back with a ring of
oil on it, then the lanes have probably been recently
conditioned.
Typically bowling centres oil their lanes once a week.
The
oilier the lanes are, you will see less movement or
break on the ball.
The drier the lanes are, the more movement you
will see.
You
may notice, if you bowl more than once a week, that your
bowling ball reacts differently from one league to
another.
This is due to the changing conditions of the lanes
throughout the week.
This
may be something that you need to consider when
purchasing your bowling balls. For the more serious
player or for someone who wishes to participate in
tournaments, you may need to purchase a second set of
balls that would react differently than the other set.
Speed of Your Delivery
The
fourth thing to consider when picking a bowling ball is
the speed at which you throw the ball.
If
you throw a fast ball, you may find a lighter ball will
give you more deflection.
The reverse of that holds true as well.
If you throw the ball slower, you may need a ball
with heavier weight.
Examples of this are:
If
the ball is deflecting off the 3 pin, in front of the 2
pin, you may need a ball with a little more weight.
If
the ball is going through the 3 pin and missing the 2
pin, then a lighter weight would give you better
results.
Please contact your local proprietor if you wish anymore
information regarding the purchase of bowling balls.
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