Finding Bowling Equipment Deals

You enjoy your new bowling hobby, but you’re beginning to realize that bowling can cost quite a chunk of change. Unless you’re a lottery winner, you’ll have to figure out how to get the bowling equipment you need without breaking the bank. This article will show you where to look to start saving money on your bowling needs. 

Used vs. New 

The idea of used bowling shoes might be too repulsive to even consider. But a used bowling ball?  Or gear bag?  You can save a lot of money if you are willing to consider buying your equipment second hand.  

Keep your eye out for “new to you” bowling gear.  Perhaps there’s a store like Play It Again Sports, which buys almost-new sports equipment and then re-sells it, in your local area. Rummage sales, garage sales and advertisements in the paper are other ways to get bowling equipment at a discount.  

However, there might be some equipment you want to purchase new (like new shoes), and there are plenty of ways to find great deals.   

Online Shopping

Online shopping doesn’t just mean Ebay anymore. A convenient local alternative to Ebay is Craigslist.org. This website is basically a free, gigantic rummage sale.  Click on your city or town, and browse the advertisements. You can post a wanted ad free for bowling equipment or you can search for the specific equipment you need.  

Otherwise, if you want to buy new equipment at a steal, try Overstock.com, which has an excellent selection of new bowling shoes.  Or glance through Amazon.com – particularly Amazon’s used listings – or the gold standard for deals online, Ebay.  Ebay.com not only has auctions and Buy It Now listings, but they’ve recently introduced Want It Now, a feature where you can post about the equipment you would like to buy.  

Of course, you can still shop at your favorite sports stores online, but be prepared to pay full price unless they’re running a sale. Waiting for the sales can often be very rewarding, and you may find yourself paying a lot less in bowling’s off season if you just are willing to wait for it.

Caring for your Equipment

Did you know that proper care of your bowling equipment can result in better scores? It’s true! The more you care for your equipment, the better game you will have and the longer your equipment will last. 

Caring for Your Bowling Ball

One of the simplest and best things you can do for your bowling ball is to keep it in a room temperature environment. Temperatures that are too hot (over 80’F) can warp your ball so badly it no longer is useable. Even leaving it out in the sun for too long can cause warping. Likewise, temperatures that are too cold can freeze your ball and cause its core to crack.  Keep in mind that lightweight balls freeze easier than heavier weight bowling balls. 

Another easy way to care for your ball is to rub it with a soft hand towel to polish and smooth it.  Or, you can utilize a few drops of rubbing alcohol, which will take off dirt, alley wax and other undesirable specimens on the surface of your bowling ball. 

Your local ball shop will have the ability to resurface your ball in the event that your ball’s surface is pitted or otherwise damaged.  Keep in mind that even a small seemingly insignificant scratch can affect your ball’s performance in the lanes. 

Other Bowling Equipment Care 

Your bowling shoes can benefit from treating the leather with shoe cleaner, leather softener or typical shoe polish. You may also occasionally have to re-sole them to counteract the wear and tear on your bowling shoe. Your pro shop or any shoe repair store will be able to help you. 

As for your bowling shirt and slacks, make sure that you wash them in the correct cycle, with the appropriate set of clothes (for instance, wash whites separately from colored items), and with the right detergent.  If your team’s uniform is black, for example, use a detergent specifically designed to keep colors from fading. 

Bowling accessories, such as bags (which can keep your towels, polish, shoes, gloves, and towels all in a safe, organized package), can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. 

With care, your bowling equipment and accessories can last a very long time and perform as well as they did the first time you took them to the lanes.

Dressing for Bowling

Whether you are a recreational player or part of a competitive team, bowling instills its own dress code.  Though most recreational or occasional players tend to break the dressing rules when go to their local bowling alley, it is important to understand what is deemed appropriate.  Not only will you show your respect to the game, but you may increase your score too! 

The Basics to Bowling Attire

In general, bowlers should dress nicely – which usually entails a shirt with a collar, a nice pair of pants, or for female bowlers, a knee-length or longer skirt.  

Some bowling alleys have specific dress codes which you will need to follow. These can include restrictions that are as specific as ‘no motorcycle club colors’ to something as simple as ‘no torn, stained, or dirty clothes.’  

In addition, every bowler will be required to wear bowling shoes – which is also critical to your game performance.  If the thought of renting bowling shoes that have been used multiple times makes you feel uneasy, bowling shoes can be found at reasonable prices.  In fact, buying your own set of bowling shoes can certainly enhance your game, as you can choose the pair that has the best grip for your bowling style.    

What Not To Wear

In general, the rules of the United States Bowling Congress state that most casual clothing, such as jeans, shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Additionally clothing that is dirty, torn, or that represents foul gestures or language is also against the rules. 

The USBC strongly disapproves of t-shirts and does not allow shirts without collars or actual sleeves. Proper bowling attire also does not include inappropriate pictures on the bowler’s clothing, such as the Budweiser Bikini Team.  If you are part of a team, don’t wear your individual clothing. Decide together on appropriate clothing that fits the rules. 

Bowling Dress at a Tournament 

Closely follow the dress rules at a tournament. If you’re not sure what they are, ask the manager of the alley where the tournament is to be played, or ask a USBC representative if your clothing will be allowed. 

If you’re playing with your team, wear your team’s clothing. If you’re on your own, a nice shirt with a collar, such as a polo shirt, and a pair of slacks will suffice. Make sure that none of the articles of clothing you wear have any photo or phrase that might be deemed ‘foul’, ‘rude’ or ‘inappropriate.’  Remember, you are representing the sport of bowling. Respect your sport, and dress appropriately.

Choosing the Best Bowling Ball

You’re in the market for a bowling ball – but not just any ball…your own personal ball.  This may be the ball that may even lead to a trophy or two.  However, you are just not sure what ball is the perfect investment.  Never fear – this article will help you become an informed bowling consumer in the hunt for a perfect ball.

Why Buy A Personal Ball?

The main reason for buying your own ball, of course, is the ability to completely customize and personalize it.  You can have the holes drilled for your fingers, you can choose the right weight for you, and you can even have a better grip, which will lead to better timing and delivery. 

A personal ball may also lessen the chances of calluses, blisters, and may even prevent injuries such as tendonitis and pulled muscles. 

The Four Schools of Bowling Balls

There are four main types of bowling balls.  You will have to consider your own style and level of play to determine which type of bowling ball is best for you. 

First, there is the plastic or polyester ball. If you’ve ever borrowed the balls in your local bowling alley, this is most likely what you’ve used.  The plastic bowling ball is great for straight bowlers, spare shots and dry alleys, and it is also very durable – which is exactly why bowling alleys keep these balls on hand. 

The second type of bowling ball is urethane, which has a higher friction surface, making it better for hooking. 

The third type is reactive resin, a fairly new option in the history of bowling.  Experienced bowlers prefer its stronger striking power and increased skid. 

The final type is a particle ball. This is a combination of urethane for its controllability and smoothness and resin for its power. A particle ball is essentially only used for oily lanes, but new combinations are being developed that will allow this ball to have more versatility. 

Which Type is Right for You?

If you are a beginner or just an occasional bowler, the plastic/polyester ball is probably the best one for you.  It’s easy to control and can be useful for learning accuracy.  Professional bowlers typically utilize this type of ball when they shoot spares.  However, the hooking capability is indeed limited with a plastic or polyester bowling ball.  

For moderately advanced bowlers, the urethane ball is a great option, both in terms of pricing and its hooking capability.  

If you are an experienced bowler, however, and are accustomed to hooking, a particle or resin ball is best because of its greater power.  Although these are the most expensive types of balls, you get the greatest hooking results.  

Other Factors to Consider

When you are choosing your bowling ball, your weight, along with the angle of the drilled finger holes, are also important.  As a general rule of thumb, the weight of your ball should be approximately 10% of your weight – but professional bowlers tend to choose the heaviest ball they can comfortably utilize.  

With some insight into your bowling style and goals, along with experimenting with the right weight for your bowling style, you are well underway for choosing the right bowling ball for your game.

The Ultimate Bowling E-Book

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bowling can be great fun and great exercise, but when you continuously throw the ball down the gutter, it can also be a source of great frustration. Luckily, you can improve your bowling score with the information in this groundbreaking eBook. So, if you want to bowl 300 in almost every game, or you want to improve your bowling techniques and bring your game to the next level, then The Ultimate Bowling Guide is for you!

Packed with information on how to improve your game, this eBook was written for everyday bowlers just like yourself who may have been bowling for years or even for only a short time and want to improve their score. Don’t you want to learn how easy it can be to throw strikes on every trip to the line?

The Ultimate Bowling Guide is packed with tips from everyday bowlers and some of the top bowling experts which outline every step of the bowling process. You’ll learn everything you need to know to start throwing strikes right in your next game.

You’ll get the latest on rules, strategies and accessories as well as:

Even if you’ve never bowled before, there’s never been a better time to start on this fun game that can add to your social and physical well being with out breaking your budget!

==> IF YOU ARE DEADLY SERIOUS ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR GAME SCORE, GET THIS EBOOK <==