Bowling Balls Explained: Performance Levels, USBC Rules, and Marketing Myths
Bowling ball performance varies based on coverstock composition, core design, and surface finish, all within USBC regulations. This guide explains the six bowling ball performance levels—from plastic (0) to pro (10)—based on hook potential. Manufacturers fine-tune coverstocks like reactive resin, urethane, and hybrid blends to enhance lane interaction. The perfect scale by bowlingball.com allows bowlers to compare balls across brands using a standardized measurement, ensuring the best fit for their playing style. Whether you're a beginner or pro, understanding these factors helps in choosing the right ball for optimal performance on any lane condition.
Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
How To Hold Your Bowling Balance At The Foul Line
Learn how to maintain perfect balance at the foul line with essential bowling techniques. This guide covers key fundamentals like sliding leg positioning, head stability, and follow-through for improved accuracy and consistency. Discover the best drills to enhance your stability, refine your posture, and master your approach for better shot-making. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, proper balance is crucial for success. Watch expert video tutorials and upgrade your bowling gear for optimal performance. Get ready to take your game to the next level with these essential bowling balance tips!
Written By: Rich Carubba | Written On: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Updated On: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Bowling Ball Core Dynamics: Understanding Core Types, RG, and Hook Potential
Understanding bowling ball cores is essential for optimizing performance. The core type, including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and pancake, determines motion, hook potential, and overall control. The radius of gyration affects how quickly a ball revs up, influencing early or delayed reactions. Differential and track flare impact hook strength, while mass bias and intermediate differential influence breakpoint motion. Choosing the right core and drilling layout is crucial for adapting to lane conditions. By understanding these factors, bowlers can select the best equipment for their style, improving accuracy, control, and pin carry, leading to a more competitive and effective bowling experience.
Written By: Keith Spear | Written On: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Ideal Bowling Ball Speed
Understanding the ideal bowling ball speed is crucial for improving accuracy, pin carry, and overall performance. This guide explores professional and amateur speed ranges, how lane conditions affect speed, and how to measure your own ball speed using a simple formula. Learn how coverstock, grip pressure, footwork, and lane adjustments influence your speed, and discover tips tailored for women over 50. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bowler, this article provides practical insights to help you optimize your game. Get expert advice, coaching recommendations, and advanced techniques to refine your bowling speed and achieve consistent, high scores.
Written By: Rich Carubba and Keith Spear | Written On: Friday, September 9, 2016 | Updated On: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Symmetric vs Asymmetric Bowling Balls
Choosing the right bowling ball is essential for improving performance. This guide explains the differences between symmetric and asymmetric bowling balls, detailing their impact on ball motion, hook potential, and lane reaction. Learn how differential values influence performance and how to select the best ball based on your playing style and lane conditions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bowler, understanding core designs will help you make an informed decision and enhance your game.
Written By: Rich Carubba and Keith Spear | Written On: Friday, September 1, 2017 | Updated On: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Carrying the Weight of the Atmosphere: How Air Pressure Keeps Us Balanced and Alive
This article explores the science behind Earth's atmospheric pressure and how it affects the human body. Learn why the immense weight of the atmosphere, equivalent to a 14.7 pound bowling ball per square inch, doesn’t crush us due to the balance of internal and external pressures. Discover how changes in altitude impact our bodies, why ear popping occurs, and how our bodies are perfectly adapted to thrive under current atmospheric conditions.
Written By: Keith Spear | Written On: Thursday, December 12, 2024
What Exactly Is Rs and Ra In Bowling Balls and Does It Matter
When discussing the surface of a bowling ball, two important measurements often come up: Ra and Rs. Both of these terms are measurements of surface roughness, but they serve different purposes and impact how a bowling ball interacts with the lane in unique ways. Understanding Ra and Rs can help bowlers make more informed decisions about ball maintenance, adjustments for specific lane conditions, and choosing the right ball for their game style. Here’s a deep dive into what Ra and Rs mean in relation to bowling ball surfaces and how they influence ball performance.
Written By: Keith Spear | Written On: Sunday, November 10, 2024
