How Much Does a Bowling Ball Cost?
The USBC, the regulating body, maintains requirements for a bowling ball such as the size, hardness, number of holes and how the balls are maintained.
How much does a bowling ball cost?
The cost of a bowling ball will come down to the brand, the material it’s made from and the retailer you purchase it from. Depending on these factors, the average bowling ball can cost anywhere from $40 to more than $250.
On Amazon.com, most of its best sellers, at the time of this writing, ranged anywhere from $45 to more than $175.
BowlingBall.com breaks down its pricing on its website, showing you what you can get for your specific price range.
| Type of Bowling Ball | Description | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | These balls are usually made from a plastic or a polyester. | $40 to $65 |
| Entry Level | Offers a custom core for better performance | $75 to $175 |
| Vanity | Just like the plastic bowling balls, the only difference is here is that there will be a logo or some sort of image embedded on the ball | $75 to $150 |
| High Level Performance | The king of all bowling balls, designed with an advanced core and a premium outer surface. | $150 to $300+ |
Storm bowling balls, a popular brand often sought after, for instance, can retail for $119 to $170 at most retailers. Another brand, Ebonite, retails for $70 to $175. Refer to our table below to see what some popular brands can cost.
| Brands | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $80 to $150 |
| Crux | $150 to $250 |
| Duckpin | $85 to $150 |
| Ebonite | $80 to $170 |
| Roto Grip | $80 to $135 |
| Storm | $120 to $170 |
| Storm Crux Pearl | $125 to $250 |
| Viz-A-Ball | $75 to $110 |
Bowling ball materials
Plastic
The bowling balls you often used supplied by the bowling alley will be made of a plastic, which is the cheapest material you can buy and will be designed for those who are just looking to roll the ball straight and that’s it. Other materials, aside from the plastic, can include urethane, reactive and particle.
Urethane
Urethane balls will have a softer outer shell and can create more friction on the lane when being thrown, making it great for hooking. It will also roll more evenly and create a greater point of impact.
Reactive resin
Reactive resin balls are relatively new to the market and will feature resin particles on the coverstock, which can help increase the friction being produced. This type of ball can create a strong hook and can also be used in oily conditions.
Particle
Lastly, a particle ball is just reactive resin balls with tiny pieces of glass or ceramics included in the cover stock, designed to increase the friction even more.
Tips to know
Adult sized bowling balls are available in weights ranging from 10 to 16 pounds (2.7 kg to 7.2 kg). The specific weight you need depends on your upper body and arm strength. Thus, you should choose the one that is appropriate for you. A common trick is to choose a ball that is just under 10 percent of your body weight.
What are the extra costs?
Some bowlers have their bowling ball holes custom drilled in order to create the perfect fit for their fingers. Customized bowling ball drilling can cost about $50 to $75 on average.
To easily carry your bowling ball and other equipment into a tournament or a bowling night out, a bowling ball tote/bag is highly recommended. Amazon has a large selection that ranges from $7 to $25 or more. You may also need to budget for bowling shoes and bowling gloves.
If you buy a bowling ball online, you may have to pay an additional fee for shipping due to the weight.
A custom design on your ball, if you were to want one, could cost extra. A customized bowling ball can add another $100 to $150 to the price.
If you bowl a lot, resurfacing should be factored for the future. Pro shops, on average, shouldn’t charge more than $30.
How can I save money?
Some retailers may include the drilling for free if you purchase the ball directly from them. Dick’s Sporting Goods, for example, will drill holes in your ball after purchasing.
Consider checking out eBay, your local bowling alley or even Craigslist for a slightly used bowling ball. Even though it won’t be fully customized, it could save you more than 50 percent.
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