Bowling Equipment Cost in 2025: Complete Price Breakdown + Expert Buying Guide
Explore the comprehensive costs of bowling equipment, including lanes, pinsetters, and maintenance. Flying provides top-quality, budget-friendly solutions for bowling alleys, backed by 15+ years of expertise.
- Introduction to Bowling Equipment Costs
- Average Bowling Equipment Cost by Category
- Bowling Lanes Cost Overview
- Synthetic vs Wooden Lanes
- Installation and Resurfacing
- Bowling Pinsetter Machine Pricing
- String vs Free-Fall Pinsetters
- Bowling Ball Return System Costs
- Bowling Scoring System Costs
- Cost of Bowling Balls, Pins & Accessories
- Mini Bowling Equipment Cost
- Duckpin Bowling Equipment Cost
- Optional Add-ons and Technology Upgrades
- One-Stop Packages vs Buying Equipment Separately
- Benefits of Package Deals
- Cost-Saving Tips When Buying Bowling Equipment
- Real-World Example: Flying Bowling’s Equipment Pricing
- Package Cost Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction to Bowling Equipment Costs
If you're thinking about opening a bowling alley or upgrading your current place, it's essential to know how much bowling equipment costs so you can budget and make informed decisions. If you're opening a commercial bowling center, a mini bowling zone, or a boutique duckpin alley, know that equipment prices can differ a lot depending on the system, brand, and setup style.
From pinsetters to scoring systems, the right investments can reduce long-term maintenance, improve player experience, and significantly boost ROI. This guide shows you the cost of all the essential bowling stuff for 2025, and how to save with all-in-one solutions from companies like Flying Bowling.
Average Bowling Equipment Cost by Category
Bowling equipment pricing generally breaks down into five major components:
| Component | Price Range (Per Lane) |
|---|---|
| Bowling Lanes | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Pinsetter Machines | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Ball Return Systems | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Scoring Systems | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Balls, Pins, Shoes, etc. | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Depending on the type of bowling (standard, mini, or duckpin), costs may vary. Let’s explore each in detail.
For a detailed evaluation of bowling equipment prices, you need to know the complete bowling equipment guide
Bowling Lanes Cost Overview
Synthetic vs Wooden Lanes
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Synthetic Lanes: Durable, maintenance-friendly, and widely used. Average cost: $10,000 – $15,000 per lane.
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Wooden Lanes: Classic feel, but require regular resurfacing. Average cost: $15,000 – $18,000 per lane.
Installation and Resurfacing
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Installation typically adds $1,500 – $2,500 per lane.
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Resurfacing wooden lanes every 5 years can cost $4,000 – $6,000.
Bowling Pinsetter Machine Pricing
String vs Free-Fall Pinsetters
| Type | Cost (per lane) | Maintenance | Noise | Energy Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String Pinsetter | $8,000 – $12,000 | Low | Quiet | Low |
| Free-Fall | $15,000 – $20,000 | High | Noisy | High |
String pinsetters, like those offered by Flying Bowling, are now industry-preferred due to their reliability, ease of operation, and lower operating cost.
Bowling Ball Return System Costs
A complete ball return includes:
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Ball Track & Lift
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Cushioned Hood
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Front Return Racks
Typical price: $3,000 – $6,000 per lane, depending on design and automation level. Flying Bowling's ball return systems are known for smooth operation and sleek design.
Bowling Scoring System Costs
Modern scoring systems go beyond simple frame counting—they offer touchscreen interfaces, player photos, statistics, and even game variations.
| System Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Display System | $4,000 – $5,000 per lane |
| Touchscreen & Smart | $6,000 – $8,000 per lane |
Systems can be upgraded with networking features, interactive games, and event management tools.
Cost of Bowling Balls, Pins & Accessories
Outfitting a lane with accessories includes:
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Bowling Pins: $100 – $250 per set
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House Balls: $50 – $100 each
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Rental Shoes: $25 – $60 per pair
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Ball Racks & Seating: $500 – $2,000 per setup
Flying Bowling supplies complete accessory sets bundled into their packages for additional savings.
Mini Bowling Equipment Cost
Mini bowling lanes are ideal for arcades, malls, or children’s entertainment centers.
| Component | Cost (Per Lane) |
|---|---|
| Mini Lanes | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| String Pinsetters | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Compact Ball Return | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Touchscreen Scoring | $3,000 – $4,000 |
Flying Bowling’s FCMB (Mini Bowling) systems offer plug-and-play solutions that save space and costs while retaining all the fun.
Duckpin Bowling Equipment Cost
Duckpin is gaining popularity for its compact footprint and retro appeal.
Flying Bowling’s FSDB (Duckpin Bowling) setup includes:
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Shortened lanes
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Lightweight balls
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Smaller pins and string pinsetters
Average cost: $20,000 – $25,000 per lane, including complete automation.
Optional Add-ons and Technology Upgrades
Enhance your venue with modern tech:
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LED Lane Lighting: $500 – $1,500 per lane
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Automatic Bumpers: $2,000 – $3,500 per lane
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Video Walls or Projectors: $5,000 – $10,000
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POS System Integration: $2,000+
These upgrades improve player experience and make your bowling center more appealing to younger audiences.
One-Stop Packages vs Buying Equipment Separately
Benefits of Package Deals
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Lower overall pricing
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Consistent hardware/software integration
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Centralized maintenance and support
Flying Bowling offers complete bowling alley solutions tailored to different customer needs:
| Product | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| FSMB | Medium-size bowling centers |
| FCSB | Full-scale commercial lanes |
| FCMB | Compact/minimalist setups |
| FSDB | Duckpin and boutique lanes |
Cost-Saving Tips When Buying Bowling Equipment
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Buy Direct from Manufacturers: Skip the middleman. Flying Bowling offers factory-direct prices.
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Opt for String Pinsetters: Lower power and service costs.
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Consider Refurbished Equipment: For startups with tight budgets.
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Bundle Equipment + Installation: Saves time and minimizes errors.
Real-World Example: Flying Bowling’s Equipment Pricing
Flying Bowling has served over 3,000 clients worldwide, delivering custom bowling alley solutions at unbeatable prices.
Package Cost Examples
| System | Starting Price (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| FSMB | $80,000 for 2 lanes | Lanes, pinsetters, scoring, return |
| FCMB | $40,000 for 2 mini lanes | Full turnkey setup |
| FSDB | $50,000 for 2 duckpin | Includes compact scoring + tech |
Learn more: https://www.flyingbowling.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a full bowling lane setup cost?
The complete setup, including lane, pinsetter, scoring, and return system, costs between $30,000 and $50,000 per lane in 2025.
2. Are string pinsetters reliable for commercial use?
Yes, they require less maintenance, are quieter, and meet modern bowling standards around the world.
3. How much more expensive are mini lanes compared to full-size lanes?
Mini lanes cost 30–50% less than full-size lanes and require much less space.
4. Can I install just one lane in a home or small venue?
Absolutely. Flying Bowling offers custom 1-lane solutions for home or boutique spaces.
5. Do the equipment packages include installation?
Most manufacturers, like Flying Bowling, offer affordable installation services.
6. Is there financing available for bowling equipment?
Yes. You can often find financing and leasing options through the manufacturer or a third party.
Conclusion
If you understand the costs of bowling equipment, you can plan more accurately, avoid hidden fees, and ensure you get quality gear that will last. If you're just starting out or upgrading an old center, investing in reliable equipment is key to a successful bowling business.
Flying Bowling's got it all—one-stop packages, top-notch string pinsetters, and a solid rep worldwide. They're a no-brainer for anyone looking to build or grow a bowling spot in 2025.
Recommended products
Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling
Flying Ultra Standard Bowling String Pinsetter
Complete Set Of String Pinsetter Bowling Lane Equipment
Brand New String Pinsetter Mini Bowling Equipment Small Ball And Pin
Indoor Medium Duckpin Bowling Lane Equipment For Bowling Alley
Bowling Equipment
What basic equipment is needed for bowling?
Bowling needs lots of equipment, but the most important parts are the fairway boards and the string pinsetter equipment.
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.
Price
How much does it cost to build a 2 lane home bowling alley?
Building a 2-lane bowling alley in your home can be a fun and luxurious addition, but it comes with a significant cost. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Price range: Expect a ballpark figure of $120,000 to $195,000 [US dollars] for two lanes of traditional ten-pin bowling. This includes lane equipment, installation, and basic functionality for a home setting.
Variations: This cost can be highly influenced by your desired features and customizations. Here are some factors that can push the price higher:
Upgraded equipment: Automatic scoring systems, lane lighting systems, or high-performance lane surfaces will all add to the cost.
Construction considerations: The cost of preparing the space in your home might vary depending on the existing structures, plumbing, and electrical work needed.
Product
How many lanes does it take to open a bowling alley?
There's no strict rule on the number of lanes required to open a bowling alley. It depends on your business goals and target market.
Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
- Small niche alleys: Some bowling alleys might focus on a specific audience, like a boutique bowling alley with just a few lanes catering to a high-end clientele. They might have other revenue streams besides just bowling, like a fancy restaurant or bar.
- Traditional bowling alleys: These typically have many lanes, often around 8 to 24 lanes , to accommodate a larger number of bowlers and maximize revenue through lane rentals.
- Mini bowling: Certain alleys might offer mini bowling, which uses lighter balls and shorter lanes. This could be a good option for a family entertainment center and wouldn't require a large number of standard lanes.
Ultimately, the number of lanes is a business decision based on your target market, budget, and the overall experience you want to create.
Flying Ultra Standard Bowling String Pinsetter
Flying Ultra Standard Bowling(FUSB) Upgraded Version: The string pinsetter is based on the latest technology. A more pleasant bowling experience benefits from innovative designs that incorporate today's latest technology.
Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling
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.
Brand New String Pinsetter Mini Bowling Equipment Small Ball And Pin
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.
Indoor Medium Duckpin Bowling Lane Equipment For Bowling Alley
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
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