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How To Match The Right Bowling Ball To The Lane Conditions

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Thursday, August 15, 2024

bowlingball.com Originally Posted: 08/12/2007; Updated On: 08/14/2024 

If you wish to determine how to match the right bowling ball to the lane conditions, give thought to three important factors:

  1. Current & Desired Ball Reactions
  2. Volume of Oil on Lanes
  3. Coverstock and Core Design Selections
In recent years the leading manufacturers such as Storm, Hammer, PyramidEbonite, Roto Grip, and Brunswick to name a few have placed great emphasis on developing well balanced lines of top performance bowling balls including versatility in design and ball reaction capabilities. You can learn how to match the right bowling ball to the lane conditions and not sacrifice quality or performance simply by considering certain keys in your important selection process.
It is important to identify your existing ball reaction when bowling on your most commonly encountered lane conditions and then what you would like to see differently regarding ball motion in your new ball. Matching a new ball to the lane conditions is a matter of finding a coverstock for dry, medium-dry, or oily lane conditions. If you most frequently encounter dry lanes, then choose a pearl or stiff coverstock so the ball will slide easily in the front end of the lane.
If the lane has medium to medium-heavy oil, choose a ball with a solid cover and medium flare potential.

For heavy oil on the front end, choose a solid coverstock with a low RG and high Differential ratings to increase gripping action. Hook potential is categorized by the flare potential rating and RG rating (radius of gyration) the manufacturers provide for any top performance bowling ball. If you wish to see the strongest possible back end reaction, find a ball with a 6 inch flare potential rating or higher. If you need a more moderate back end reaction, then find a ball with a 4” – 5” medium flare potential rating. If you require a ball with a modest back end reaction, then a low flare potential rating will best serve your needs.
Of course, the RG rating is a factor developed in the core design phase of the engineering process and determines how quickly a ball will pick up its strongest rolling pattern. Low RG rated balls will roll sooner and strongest on the front end of the lane matching well with heavy oil, medium RG in the mid-lane for medium oil conditions, and high RG will roll effectively on the back end of the lane for the dry lanes.
Our “Perfect Scale®” rating feature is also useful and provides comparisons of the latest bowling balls in today’s market against our sophisticated rating scale system. The “Perfect Scale®” can be easily accessed from our home page by clicking on the button and then browsing the information provided at the “Perfect Scale®.” bowlingball.com has created our own hook rating system using a method for indicating a ball’s hook potential and a way for consumers to compare bowling balls made by the leading manufacturers. Our goal is to simply make it easier for you to compare products and feel confident in your purchase selection process.
bowlingball.com has become the No. 1 “e-tailer” of choice for bowling equipment by the consumers of America. Ordering is an easy process by following simple online instructions or merely by calling (888) 265-2695 and one of our sales associates will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, every day of the year! Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com!

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