What Is a Bowling Ball Made Of?

To be able to say what most bowling balls are made of, you would first have to determine what year you were talking about.

Over the past twenty years, bowling balls have been made from a variety of materials.  In the 1960's a hard plastic was used.  By the 1970's polyester balls had become popular and are still widely used today.  Many times when you get a ball from the alley, it is a polyester ball.  Urethane was used to build bowling balls by the 1980's but it was quite costly.

The first resin particles were added to urethane coverstocks in the 1990s.  The resin particle additive increased the friction between the balls and the lane, and increased the hook potential of the ball.  Resin balls are stronger than bowling balls made of other materials.  The balls are known for their sharper hooks and greater power, which gives them greater strike potential. 

The resin balls evolved into particle balls when manufactures added ceramics and glass.  The added textures increased friction and gave the ball more grip in oil.

Bowling balls may seem simple to the common eye, but they are much more than solid spheres with finger holes in them. 

The circumference of the average bowling ball is usually between 26.704 and 27.002 inches.  The balls have varying weights to accommodate the varying strengths of many consumers.  A bowling ball can weigh from 6 pounds to 16 pounds. 

Three holes encompass the common bowling ball; two are for the fingers, and one is for the thumb.  There may also be a fourth, non-gripping hole (balance hole) in the bowling ball, which is used to fine-tune the ball's reaction.

According to ABC/WIBC rules, a maximum of twelve holes are allowed in the ball; five holes (one for each finger and thumb) for gripping purposes, five small vent holes (one for each gripping hole) to prevent popping at the release point, one hole for balance purposes, and a small "mill" hole to check the hardness of the coverstock just below the surface of the ball. 

Make sure you are following the rules (e.g. appropriate hole size, distance between the holes) if you want to drill additional holes in your ball.

The outer shell of the bowling ball is known as the coverstock.  The material of the coverstock greatly determines how a ball will roll.  In general, the harder the coverstock, the straighter the ball will roll down the lane. 

Different types of bowling balls are made by different types of coverstock.

The Plastic (Polyester) Ball

The plastic ball is great for beginners and children that are learning to bowl.  The plastic balls do not allow for much of a hook, but they do a good job at staying straight.  These balls are very durable, which can be attributed to the composition of the plastic and the hard, low friction nature of the polyester surface.

As the player improves and wants to move on to shooting hooks and other tricks, they may wish to move to a different ball or more of a performance ball.  This is not always the case, there are many professionals that benefit from plastic bowling balls and continue to use them.

Depending on the weight of the ball and the design, a plastic bowling ball can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.  If you are just beginning, you might want to consider purchasing a used bowling ball until you have some experience.

The Urethane Ball

The urethane material that is used is softer than plastic and gives good traction on the lane.  The urethane ball is usually a graduated step from the plastic ball, as it allows for more of a hook and maneuvering by the player.

Urethane balls are very sturdy and generally allow for a great amount of control by the player.  Urethane bowling balls are more expensive and may be more difficult to find.  There are many dealers on the Internet and you can also check with your local sporting good store or alley for a dealer in your area.  Still, depending on the weight and design, the urethane ball usually starts at about $100.

The Particle Coverstock Ball

The texture of particle balls gives them incredible grip, sharper hooks, and greater power.  This type of ball has good traction on the lane, allowing for hooks and different pickups.

The Particle Coverstock is made by several different manufacturers and is not difficult to find.  The ball is easy to control and has been given great reviews by many bowling enthusiasts.

The Particle Coverstock gives the player the ability to predict what their ball will do on the lane.  This is a good ball for no surprises and is excellent for your score.  The Particle Coverstock ball will set you back anywhere from $100 to $200.

Custom Ball Drilling

After buying your new bowling ball, you will need to drill holes in it in order to grip it.  There are many pro shops and companies on the Internet that will drill a particular grip pattern for you. 

With the vast difference in everyone's hand and spread, it may be necessary for you to customize your bowling ball for maximum comfort and the success of your game.

Make sure that you only allow a professional to drill your bowling ball.  This process can prove costly and can ruin the ball if it is drilled inappropriately.

The best way to find someone that you can trust is to talk to other bowlers or ask a professional at the bowling alley.  Word of mouth and a recommendation can ensure that your bowling ball will come back a perfect fit.