If you enjoy bowling regularly, it just makes sense to own your own bowling ball. After all, having your own ball can substantially improve your game, and you won’t have to waste time searching for the perfect ball. You’ll have the weight, materials, and holes drilled just how you want them, allowing you to focus on your technique rather than responding to differences in balls.
But why stop at just one? Many regular bowlers actually own two or more bowling balls, so read on to learn why you should get a spare bowling ball and what to look for when shopping for a spare.
Spare Balls vs Strike Balls
Most bowlers have one or two “strike balls” and a “spare ball.” You’ll start out with a strike ball in the hopes of—you guessed it—throwing a strike. If you don’t get a strike, you’ll want to switch to your spare ball to pick up the spare pins on your second turn.
Reasons to Own a Spare Bowling Ball
Consistent reaction
Reactive resin is one of the most popular coverstock materials for a strike ball, as it provides an aggressive hook that can lead to maximum energy at the pins and a greater likelihood of throwing a strike. However, this type of bowling ball is much more susceptible to lane conditions and is more challenging to control, which is not ideal for picking up spares.
Instead, you’ll want to opt for a urethane bowling ball. These balls hook throughout the lane, not just at the end, and are ideal for picking up spares on a drier lane.
Improve your game
If you want to be good at bowling, it’s crucial to be able to pick up spares consistently. To do so, you’ll need a ball that you can count on to react the way you want it to, regardless of lane conditions. By perfecting your spare game, you can keep your scores relatively high even if you don’t make every strike.
Express yourself
While it may not be as important as the coverstock material and hole drilling, it’s also fun to express yourself through your spare ball choice. Spare balls come in many colors, so you can find one to match your strike balls or go rogue and choose another color and pattern.
Buying a spare bowling ball
When buying a spare or strike bowling ball, you should definitely take some advice from the pros. Bowling balls may look simple from the outside, but inside they are surprisingly complex!
Visit Country Pro Shop located right inside Rab’s to discuss what you need in a ball with one of our experienced pros, and find the perfect balls to up your game. Remember, you’ll want to choose the same weight as your strike ball so you don’t have to adjust your speed.