Don't get bowled over
By Ronda Addy

At a bowling alley, free balls or house balls are provided to everyone for use. That's fine if you are someone who bowls occasionally, but if you are someone who bowls on a regular basis, it is probably a good idea to buy your own bowling ball. A customized bowling ball is normally one to two pounds heavier than a house ball and will often improve your game. A customized ball will also reduce arm and hand fatigue and blisters and reduce your chances of getting tendonitis.

Bowling balls today are made from four types of materials, each of which require a different type of production technology. The four types are:

• Particle. This resin enhanced polyurethane ball has been given texture through the addition of textured particles like glass or ceramics, which gives it more grip and better hook potential. Manufacturers are working to make particle balls more versatile, but until that happens, their high-hook potential makes them best suited for oily lane conditions only.

• Plastic or polyester. This type of ball has been around since the 1960s, and its durability and low cost make it ideal for use as a house ball. The polyester cover of the ball results in lower friction, which causes it to skid more and keep a straighter trajectory. This type of ball works well for beginners, but pros may use it to pick up spares and when lane conditions are dry.

• Reactive resin. This type of ball was created in the 1990s when manufacturers began adding resin particles to urethane coverstocks. The addition of the particles increased the ball's hook potential and ability to hydroplane on oil, giving it more striking power and making it a good choice for experienced bowlers to use on almost any lane condition.

• Urethane. Created in the late 1970s, urethane balls are softer than polyester and offer more hook potential. To control the hook potential, bowlers can sand or polish the ball. The ball is a good choice for beginners who want to hook their balls and for experienced bowlers on dry lanes.

When choosing a customized bowling ball, make sure you get one that suits your physical condition. The ball's weight should be approximately 10% of your body weight. Women generally require a ball in the 10- to 14- pound range and men a ball in the 14- to 16-pound range. You don't want to get a ball that's too light because it will have too much lift.

The holes in the ball should fit your hand comfortably. The heavier the ball, the larger the holes will be. Standard bowling balls have three holes drilled in them, one for the ring finger, one for the middle finger and one for the thumb. Bowling rules allow for balls to have up to five finger holes. Smaller five-pin balls are available that have no holes and can be held in the palm of the hand. If you are a lefthanded bowler, you will want to get a ball customized for a left-hander.

Because a customized bowling ball is drilled to fit your hand, it's a good idea to exercise your hand before you get fitted for a ball in order to get a more accurate span measurement. It's also a good idea to tell the person drilling your ball if you have arthritis so it can be altered according to your needs.

In addition to a bowling ball, bag and shoes, there some accessories you might want to get. These include:

• Shoe brush. The only two things you can legally use on the bottom of your shoes are a clean, dry towel and a shoe brush. Steel brushes work better on bowling shoes than nylon. Brushing your shoes side to side will result in less slide; brushing from heel to toe will result in more slide.

• Rosin bag. This tacky, powdered substance in a small, porous bag gives bowlers a more secure grip. Using a rosin bag is a personal choice, but as a courtesy to others, you should keep it somewhere out of the way of other bowlers. In fact, the PWBA requires that rosin bags be kept on a towel, and according to ABC/WIBC rules, you must wipe off any foreign substances from the ball before putting it into play.

• Wrist braces. These are not for everyone. They can be used as a training tool to keep your wrist in the proper position or as support for a weak or injured wrist. Wrist braces with a strap across the palm will change your span.

The right bowling ball and accessories make bowling an enjoyable experience, and isn't that the point of any sport? You want to have fun, so make sure you have all of the right equipment.