How to Buy a New Bowling Ball

Bowling Ball Materials

Weight of the Bowling Ball

• The right bowling ball for you will depend on your weight. According to Let's Go Bowling, take 10 percent off your weight. If you weigh 100 pounds, you would probably need a 10 pound ball, give or take a pound or two. Or, hold the ball with your arm bent like an "L." If your arm tires after holding it in that position after a few seconds, or if you can't lift your arm into that position at all, then the ball is too heavy. If you don't have a problem in holding your arm in that position for several minutes or longer, the ball is too light.

Thumb and Finger Holes

• Stick your thumb into the thumb hole. If you don't feel the sides of the bowling ball against your thumb, the hole is too big. The hole should have contact with your thumb, but not so much that your thumb will become stuck when placed inside the hole.

  Put your thumb into the thumb hole and stretch your fingers out over the ball. Your middle finger and ring finger should cover the two holes. Your knuckles on those fingers should be directly over the holes.

  Put your middle finger and ring finger into the holes. The fit should be snug and should fit like your thumb hole.