Best Duckpin Bowling Equipment for Modern Bowling Alleys in 2025
Discover the exciting world of duckpin bowling equipment and why it’s becoming the next big trend in global entertainment. This in-depth guide explores everything from the history and design of duckpin bowling to the advanced string pinsetter systems that make modern installations more efficient and affordable.
Introduction to Duckpin Bowling
Bowling is a classic form of entertainment that keeps getting better with new technology and changes in people's lives. Duckpin bowling has recently caught the attention of players and entrepreneurs. Its compact size, low-maintenance design, and accessibility make it a great addition to entertainment centers, resorts, and family-friendly venues.
Flying Bowling is a professional manufacturer and global supplier of duckpin bowling equipment, and they're leading the way. Since 2005, the company has been developing innovative bowling systems like string pinsetters and ball return machines, helping businesses create unique and profitable bowling spaces.
What Is Duckpin Bowling?
Duckpin bowling is a type of tenpin bowling, but with shorter and wider pins and smaller balls that don't have finger holes. The game lets you throw three times per frame, offering a nice balance of skill, fun, and accessibility for players of all ages.
Since the equipment is smaller and lighter, duckpin bowling alleys require less space, making them ideal for entertainment venues, shopping malls, and even home installations.
The History and Global Popularity of Duckpin Bowling
Originating in the early 1900s in the United States, duckpin bowling was once a regional pastime in the eastern part of the country. However, with modern technology and compact string pinsetters, it’s now seeing a global resurgence — particularly in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
This revival is largely driven by innovative manufacturers like Flying Bowling, who offer turnkey solutions that make setting up a duckpin bowling venue easier and more cost-effective than ever.
Why Duckpin Bowling Is Gaining Popularity Worldwide
Family-Friendly Entertainment Trend
Duckpin bowling’s approachable gameplay attracts families, kids, and beginners. It’s less intimidating than standard bowling yet still offers excitement and competition.
Compact Design and Easy Installation
A complete duckpin bowling setup requires significantly less space — sometimes as little as 60% of a traditional bowling alley. That makes it an excellent choice for hotels, arcades, bars, and entertainment centers with limited room.
Essential Components of Duckpin Bowling Equipment
Creating a successful duckpin bowling lane involves several critical components, all of which must work harmoniously for smooth gameplay.
Duckpin Bowling Pins and Balls
Duckpin pins are about 9.4 inches tall, smaller and lighter than standard pins. The balls weigh around 3.5 pounds, allowing for easy play without finger holes.
Duckpin Bowling Lanes
Lanes are shorter (around 60 feet) and can be made from synthetic materials for durability and smoother ball movement. Flying Bowling offers customizable lane surfaces with various colors and finishes.
String Pinsetter Technology
At the heart of modern duckpin bowling lies the string pinsetter — a reliable and efficient system that uses cords to reset pins after each frame. This system is low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and ideal for continuous operation.
Ball Return System and Scoring Units
Flying Bowling integrates advanced ball return machines and digital automatic scoring systems, ensuring seamless gameplay and an engaging user experience.
Advanced String Pinsetter Systems: The Core of Duckpin Bowling
How String Pinsetters Work
String pinsetters use durable cords attached to each pin, allowing the machine to lift, reset, and arrange pins quickly and accurately after each roll.
About Us How String Pinsetters Work Please visit our article:
Benefits Over Traditional Free-Fall Pinsetters
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Lower energy consumption
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Easier maintenance and reduced downtime
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Compact and quiet operation
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Longer lifespan and higher reliability
Flying Bowling’s FSDB series string pinsetter is designed specifically for duckpin setups, ensuring world-class performance.
Flying Bowling: A Leading Manufacturer of Duckpin Bowling Equipment
For over 20 years, Flying Bowling has specialized in manufacturing string pinsetters, ball return systems, and custom bowling solutions.
Overview of the FSMB, FCSB, and FSDB Series
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FSMB: Medium bowling systems for compact entertainment venues
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FCSB: Standard-size bowling systems with professional-grade quality
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FSDB: Duckpin bowling systems designed for flexible installation
Manufacturing Excellence
Operating in a 10,000+ m² workshop, Flying Bowling ensures strict quality control and advanced production standards comparable to top European and American brands.
Customization Options for Duckpin Bowling Equipment
Every entertainment venue is unique, and Flying Bowling understands that a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t always work. That’s why the company offers extensive customization for duckpin bowling equipment — ensuring your bowling alley reflects your brand identity, theme, and spatial needs.
Custom Design, Branding, and Lane Finishes
Flying Bowling provides personalized lane finishes, scoring screens, and decorative lighting that align with your venue’s aesthetics. You can choose from multiple lane colors, pin deck styles, and even have your company logo printed on the lanes or walls.
Custom branding helps enhance customer experience and reinforce your brand’s presence — whether you’re designing a family entertainment center, a boutique bowling lounge, or a sports bar.
Size and Space Adaptability
Duckpin bowling systems are flexible and adaptable to different room sizes. Flying Bowling’s engineers design custom lanes that can fit small urban venues, hotel game rooms, or large-scale leisure complexes.
The company’s modular lane design and string pinsetter system ensure efficient space utilization without compromising performance or player comfort.
Installation and Maintenance of Duckpin Bowling Equipment
Setting up a duckpin bowling alley can be simple and seamless when working with an experienced manufacturer like Flying Bowling.
Easy Assembly and Technical Support
Flying Bowling provides complete installation manuals, video guides, and on-site technical assistance. Each component, from the ball return machine to the pinsetter, is pre-tested for plug-and-play functionality.
The company’s engineers and after-sales teams are available to guide international clients through the installation process — either remotely or through scheduled site visits.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
Duckpin bowling systems are designed for low maintenance, but regular care ensures years of optimal performance. Here are a few key tips:
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Keep the lane surface clean and waxed regularly.
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Check and replace strings periodically for consistent pin action.
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Inspect the ball return motor for smooth operation.
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Update scoring software for enhanced player experience.
By following these steps, business owners can ensure reliable, efficient, and safe gameplay for their customers.
Comparing Duckpin Bowling with Other Bowling Types
Duckpin vs. Mini Bowling
While both are compact and space-saving, duckpin bowling is slightly larger and offers a more traditional bowling experience. The pins and balls are smaller than tenpin bowling but larger than mini bowling, creating a perfect middle ground for casual and competitive players alike.
Duckpin vs. Standard Bowling
Duckpin lanes are shorter, the balls are smaller, and the pin action is different — resulting in a more strategic and challenging game. Additionally, duckpin setups are more affordable and easier to maintain than full-size bowling alleys, making them ideal for new business owners entering the bowling industry.
Cost and ROI of Investing in Duckpin Bowling Equipment
Equipment Price Range and Budget Planning
The total cost of a duckpin bowling setup depends on several factors — the number of lanes, customization level, and optional features like lighting or digital scoring systems.
Flying Bowling offers factory-direct prices, meaning there’s no middleman markup. Their duckpin bowling equipment typically costs 40–60% less than equivalent Western brands, while maintaining the same high-quality performance standards.
Return on Investment for Business Owners
A duckpin bowling installation can generate an impressive return on investment (ROI) due to its low maintenance costs, compact footprint, and family appeal.
Many entertainment venues recover their initial investment within 12–24 months, depending on location, pricing model, and foot traffic.
Adding duckpin lanes can also increase customer dwell time, boost food and beverage sales, and create repeat business opportunities.
Flying Bowling’s Global Projects and Success Stories
Over the past two decades, Flying Bowling has built more than 3,000 bowling alleys worldwide, covering markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
3,000+ Satisfied Customers Worldwide
From large commercial centers to boutique entertainment lounges, clients trust Flying Bowling for reliable equipment, competitive pricing, and responsive service.
Case Studies: Successful Duckpin Bowling Installations
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Hotel Entertainment Project (Europe): Installed four FSDB duckpin lanes in a hotel recreation area — boosting guest engagement by 35%.
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Family Arcade (Southeast Asia): Created a fully customized duckpin bowling zone with themed lighting and branded scoring screens.
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Shopping Mall Venue (Middle East): Installed compact duckpin systems using Flying Bowling’s modular design for space efficiency.
Each project reflects the company’s dedication to customization, quality control, and customer satisfaction.
How to Become a Flying Bowling Distributor
Flying Bowling welcomes global distributors and partners who share its passion for promoting modern bowling experiences.
Partnership Opportunities and Global Market Expansion
As an authorized distributor, you’ll gain access to:
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Exclusive regional rights
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Competitive wholesale pricing
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Marketing and branding support
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Technical training and after-sales assistance
By joining the Flying Bowling network, partners can expand into the rapidly growing market for duckpin bowling equipment, supported by a trusted manufacturer with two decades of industry experience.
To learn more about partnership opportunities, visit the official website at www.flyingbowling.com.
FAQs About Duckpin Bowling Equipment
Q1: What makes duckpin bowling equipment different from standard bowling?
Duckpin equipment uses smaller pins and balls, making the game more compact and accessible. It’s ideal for smaller venues while offering a fun challenge to players.
Q2: How much space do I need for a duckpin bowling lane?
Each lane typically requires around 60–65 feet of space, including approach and ball return areas — much less than standard lanes.
Q3: Does Flying Bowling provide international installation support?
Yes! Flying Bowling offers remote and on-site installation services with English-language guides, video support, and expert engineers.
Q4: How long does duckpin equipment last?
With proper care, Flying Bowling’s systems can last 10–15 years or more, thanks to durable components and precision engineering.
Q5: Can I customize the scoring system and display screens?
Absolutely. The scoring system can be customized with branding, colors, and interactive animations to enhance player engagement.
Q6: Is duckpin bowling profitable for small businesses?
Yes. Its low setup and maintenance costs make it one of the most profitable and scalable entertainment options for startups and hospitality businesses.
Conclusion: The Future of Duckpin Bowling Equipment
The future of the bowling industry lies in innovation, adaptability, and user experience — and duckpin bowling equipment embodies all three.
With its space-efficient design, affordability, and global appeal, duckpin bowling continues to attract new audiences and business owners worldwide. And at the heart of this revolution stands Flying Bowling, a trusted name that combines advanced engineering, unmatched value, and proven results.
Whether you’re planning a new entertainment venue, upgrading an existing facility, or exploring global distribution opportunities, Flying Bowling is your ideal partner for success in the bowling industry.
👉 Visit www.flyingbowling.com to learn more or request a free quote today.
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Bowling Equipment
Where to buy bowling equipment near me?
If you want to buy bowling equipment, please contact Guangzhou Flying. We will definitely provide you with the best service.
How to build a bowling alley?
If you choose Flying, we will provide you with a one-stop solution, from planning construction to finishing the establishment. You don't need to worry about anything. As long as you can give us the venue size diagram, we can start cooperating.
How many feet is a bowling lane?
We have a total of four different sizes of bowling lanes. The length of a standard bowling lane is 84 feet. The length of Duckpin Bowling Lane is 39.4 feet. The Mini Bowling Lane size is 39.7 feet. The size of the children's bowling lanes is 14.1 feet. In addition, the length of our standard bowling lanes and duckpin bowling lanes can be customized.
Who buys used bowling equipment?
Usually, many of our Indian customers buy second-hand equipment because the price is relatively low. But in the end, they learned that Flying's prices were extremely competitive and the equipment was brand new and of very high quality. So finally, they chose to cooperate with Flying to purchase bowling equipment.
Price
How much does a bowling lane cost ?
The cost of a single bowling lane falls between $75,000 and $80,000 for a standard lane. Here's a breakdown considering different factors:
New vs. Used:
New lanes naturally cost more than used ones.
Features:
Automatic scoring systems or other customizations can increase the price.
Home vs. Commercial:
Lane installations for homes may cost slightly more to account for special adjustments.
It's important to note that this is just the lane itself. The total cost of building an entire bowling alley will include additional costs for installation, surrounding infrastructure, and any amenities you include.
How much does it cost to put a bowling alley？
The cost of building a bowling alley can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:
- Number of lanes: This is obviously a big one. A single lane will cost much less than a whole alley with multiple lanes.
- Location: Building costs are higher in some areas than others. Building in a more populated area will likely be more expensive than a rural area.
- New construction vs. renovation: If you are adding a bowling alley to an existing building, you'll likely save money compared to building a whole new facility.
- Features: Do you want a high-end bowling alley with all the latest technology and amenities? Or are you looking for a more basic setup? The more features you want, the more expensive it will be.
Here's a rough ballpark of what you might expect to pay:
- Home bowling alley: A single lane for your house could cost anywhere from $75,000 to $175,000.
- Small commercial alley: A few lanes in a commercial setting could run from $150,000 to $600,000.
- Large commercial alley: A full-sized bowling alley with many lanes could cost millions of dollars.
If you're serious about opening a bowling alley, it's important to consult with a professional contractor or bowling alley equipment supplier to get a more accurate estimate for your specific project. They can take into account all of the factors mentioned above and give you a more realistic idea of the costs involved.
Product
How a bowling ball return machine works？
A bowling ball return system uses a combination of gravity, belts, and sometimes lifts to bring your ball back to you after your roll. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:
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Ball Exit: After rolling down the lane, the ball exits into a channel at the end. This channel might have a slight incline to help guide the ball towards the return mechanism.
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Transfer Tray: The ball rolls into a shallow tray or trough. This tray might have a diverter at the end to ensure balls from adjacent lanes don't collide.
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Elevator or Incline (optional): In some setups, the ball might be lifted to a higher level before entering the return system. This creates a steeper decline for the ball to travel down, helping it gain momentum.
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Belt Conveyor: The ball reaches a conveyor belt with a textured surface to prevent slipping. This belt carries the ball up an incline.
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Gravity Channel: Once at the top of the incline, the ball is released onto a long, U-shaped channel. Gravity takes over, pulling the ball down through the channel.
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Ball Deflector: At the end of the channel, there might be a deflector that diverts the ball slightly towards your lane. This ensures the ball ends up in the correct return slot.
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Ball Return Tray: The ball finally reaches a tray or cradle positioned in front of your lane, ready for your next roll.
Here are some additional points to note:
- Modern systems might have sensors to detect the presence of a ball and activate the return mechanism accordingly.
- Some higher-end systems use quieter materials and designs to minimize noise during ball return.
Let’s Build a center Together
Partner With a Trusted Bowling Alley Design, One-Stop Solution Manufacturer.
Flying has successfully built ideal bowling alleys for more than 3,000 customers.
Technical Expert
You may also like our products
Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling (FSDB) innovative design, standard 9.2-meter short lane, can be shortened in length, compact layout suitable for small spaces. The game rules are simple but challenging, attracting players of different ages to actively participate.
Suitable for social entertainment venues such as bars, billiard halls, and game centers, it not only enhances interactivity but also increases the popularity and consumption frequency of the venue. The fun and competitive nature of FSDB will make it a new focus of social activities.
Flying Classic Standard Bowling (FCSB) is designed according to international competition standards and equipped with an accurate automatic scoring system, providing bowling enthusiasts with a pure professional experience. Whether it is for competitions or leisure entertainment, FCSB can meet high-level needs.
Suitable for family entertainment centers, luxury resorts, private villas, or clubs, it is an ideal choice for customers who pursue high-end quality and professional experience. Its classic design and excellent performance will add lasting appeal to the venue.
Flying Cute Mini Bowling (FCMB) is a mini bowling experience designed for children and families. The lane length is fixed at 12 meters, equipped with lightweight balls without finger holes (only 1.25kg) and small pins, specially designed for children and family fun.
It can not only help children feel the fun of bowling, but also stimulate their interest and competitive consciousness. Suitable for children's playgrounds, theme parks and parent-child centers, it is the best choice for places focusing on the children's market.
Flying Social Medium Bowling (FSMB) is tailored for small venues, with flexible lane lengths (customizable from 9.6 meters to 18 meters), a small ball design suitable for players of all ages, and light pins that are easier to knock down, increasing participation and fun.
Whether it is a gathering of friends or a casual social, FSMB can easily create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Its efficient space-utilization design is particularly suitable for cafes, bars and community entertainment venues, allowing people to fall in love with bowling in a relaxed interaction.
Contact Flying
Start Your Custom Bowling Alley Project
If you contact us now for more details, we can provide you with a custom bowling alley service. Our service team will get back to you within 24 hours normally!
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