This is entirely dependent on the individual bowling alley, as there is no hard rule that they have to sell bowling balls. The vast majority of them will indeed sell bowling balls. So, not only is this an easy and convenient place to look for a bowling ball to purchase but you will be in the presence of many experts.
The chances are that even if the staff are unable to answer any of your questions about the ball there will be a group of avid bowling players, or at least one individual, hitting up the lanes.
So, as long as you are polite enough and they are willing ask them for their advice about the bowling ball that you want to purchase.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Bowling Ball?
Typically the best place to buy a bowling ball is from a brick and mortar shop. Although online offers and sites may be tempting, as you can browse them in your free time from the comfort of your own home, it is best to go to a physical shop.
This way you can actually get a feel for the bowling ball in your hand. You can see how heavy it is, if you like the material and if the price is worth it to you. Additionally, you can also ask the salesperson any questions that you might have and then they can help you choose the right bowling ball to fit your needs and price range.
How Much Does the Average Bowling Ball Cost?
The average cost for a good bowling ball is about 150$.
The cost of a bowling ball depends on what material, weight and design you want. If you are only going to the bowling alley for the very first time then it is highly recommended that you simply use the house balls. “House balls” are the bowling balls that are free for every patron to use.
Once you get a feel for the game, and if you decide to take up the sport, then you should look into investing in your very own bowling ball.
House balls are typically made of plastic so that they are suitable for everyone and durable. We will explore the different materials and prices below.
Quality of Bowling Balls Matter
When it comes to bowling you may have already noticed the difference that the bowling ball can have on your score. This is because the ball that you use has a lot to do with the speed of your bowl, the power behind it and also how it hits the pins.
Not only does the weight affect how the ball will roll (and possibly spin) but the material that you use will also have an effect on your score. This is because with each different type of player there are different requirements for the perfect ball.
For Beginners
The requirements that a beginner bowler will need for a suitable bowling ball are obviously going to be much less than that of a seasoned professional. So, therefore, the average cost will be cheaper. Typically, beginner bowling balls are made out of plastic.
Not only does the material make the beginner bowling balls cheaper but it also makes them more durable. That is why a lot of more seasoned bowlers often have a plastic bowling ball as a second. These typically cost anywhere from $40-$60, but some can also be found at the higher end toward $100.
For Intermediates
The next step up from a plastic bowling ball is usually one made from urethane. This material is just as durable as plastic but differs in that it creates more friction when rolling down the lane. If you are beginning to learn how to hook then a urethane ball would be a good choice due to the control that it offers that cannot be found with a plastic bowling ball.
For a urethane bowling ball you should expect to pay anything in the region of $75-$150.
We recommend this bowling ball for strikes by Brunswick. It uses reactive resin which allows for easy hooks, and works great on both dry and oily lanes.
For Experts
If you are classified as an expert in the world of bowling, or you simply want a top-of-the-range bowling ball then you should opt for one made from reactive resin. This material offers you maximum hook potential and good friction.
However, you should note that they are very easily controlled by the conditions of the lane that you are playing on. So, for this reason, you should be able to judge the lane accordingly before throwing a resin bowling ball.
These are some of the priciest bowling balls around and can cost anywhere from $150-$250.
The average for a bowling ball, across all three of these categories is $90-$140. How much you should spend on your bowling ball will depend on your level of skill, how often you ball and exactly what it is that you want to get out of the ball.
We recommend a using a spare bowling ball that has a low chance to hook. This spare bowling ball by Brunswick is rated at a hook level of 25 from a scale of 10-175 (low to high).
Final Thoughts
It is not difficult to find a bowling ball for sale, simply have a look online or pop down to your local bowling alley. However, knowing which bowling ball to buy and how much you should pay for it can become confusing very quickly. If you visit a physical bowling ball shop, or even the bowling alley itself, then feel free to ask the professional and experts for advice.
The more questions that you ask the more likely it is that your bowling ball will suit all your needs. Get a feel for the weight of the ball, the finger holes and see if it causes any strain on your wrist.
Once you get a feel for the ball you will have a better idea of what is ideal for you and how much you are willing to pay for it. The main thing to consider is the material that suits you best.