This guide explains everything you need to know about string pinsetter costs, including average prices per lane, factors that influence pricing, and long-term savings. It also compares string pinsetters with free-fall machines and highlights why they are a smart investment for bowling centers. Plus, we cover trusted string pinsetter manufacturers like Flying Bowling to help you make the right choice.
Introduction to String Pinsetters
The bowling industry has evolved significantly over the last few decades, with innovations that make the game more efficient, cost-effective, and fun. One of the most popular advancements is the string pinsetter, a modern replacement for traditional free-fall pinsetter machines.
If you’re planning to open a bowling alley or upgrade your existing lanes, you’re probably wondering: how much does a string pinsetter cost? In this guide, we’ll explore average prices, factors that affect costs, and whether investing in string pinsetters is the right choice for your business.
What is a String Pinsetter?
A bowling string pinsetter is a type of bowling pin-resetting machine where each pin is attached to a durable string. After each throw, the machine lifts and resets the pins using the strings instead of mechanical arms and sweeps.
This system reduces complexity, lowers maintenance, and provides a smooth experience for bowlers.
How String Pinsetters Work
Each pin has a thin but strong string attached to its top.
After a ball hits the pins, the machine lifts them via the strings.
The system automatically detects which pins should remain standing and resets the others.
Because of fewer moving parts, breakdowns are rare compared to traditional pinsetters.
If you want to know more about how the Bowling String Pinsetter works, check out our article: How does a String Pinsetter work?
Advantages of String Pinsetters Over Free-Fall Pinsetters
Lower Maintenance and Operating Costs
String pinsetters have fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear. Operators save money on labor, repairs, and replacement parts.
Enhanced Safety Features
With simpler mechanics and reduced moving parts, string pinsetters are safer for technicians and operators.
Space and Energy Efficiency
String pinsetters use less space behind the lanes and consume less electricity, making them perfect for smaller entertainment centers and modern eco-friendly venues.
How Much Does a String Pinsetter Cost?
Average Cost of a String Pinsetter
A string pinsetter typically costs between $8,000 and $12,000 per lane. This includes the pinsetter unit itself but excludes installation and shipping.
Price Range for Commercial Bowling Centers
For a full bowling alley with multiple lanes, costs can range from $80,000 to $120,000 for 10 lanes, depending on the manufacturer and customizations.
Cost of Residential and Home Bowling Alleys
Home and private installations may be slightly cheaper per lane but still average around $7,000 to $10,000 per lane, depending on the size and finish.
Factors That Influence String Pinsetter Pricing
Brand and Manufacturer
Well-known European and American brands often charge a premium. However, Chinese manufacturers like Flying Bowling offer comparable quality at far more competitive prices.
Customization Options
Customized designs, lane finishes, or branded setups increase the total cost.
Installation and Shipping Costs
Depending on your location, shipping and installation can add $1,000 to $3,000 per lane.
Spare Parts and Maintenance Plans
Some manufacturers offer service contracts that include spare parts, which may slightly increase upfront costs but save money long-term.
Long-Term Cost Savings of String Pinsetters
Reduced Labor and Technician Needs
Unlike traditional free-fall systems that require constant technician oversight, string pinsetters need minimal staffing for operation and repair.
Lower Energy Consumption
These machines consume up to 30–40% less electricity than older models, reducing utility bills.
Longer Equipment Lifespan
With fewer mechanical parts, string pinsetters last longer, offering a better return on investment.
Leading String Pinsetter Manufacturers
Flying Bowling: Reliable Manufacturer from China
Flying Bowling is a trusted string pinsetter manufacturer, known for producing affordable yet durable bowling equipment. Since 2005, they’ve supplied over 3,000 customized bowling alleys worldwide, offering full solutions including pinsetters, lanes, ball return systems, and more.
How to Choose the Right String Pinsetter Supplier
When selecting a supplier, check for:
Proven industry experience
Customer reviews and successful installations
After-sales service and spare part availability
Competitive pricing compared to Western brands
Are String Pinsetters a Good Investment?
Return on Investment for Bowling Centers
Because of their lower maintenance and energy costs, string pinsetters often pay for themselves in just a few years.
Growing Global Adoption of String Pinsetters
Many modern bowling alleys, family entertainment centers, and even competitive venues are switching to string pinsetters. Their global adoption continues to rise, making them the future of bowling alley equipment.
FAQs About String Pinsetter Cost
Q1. How much does a string pinsetter cost per lane?
Between $8,000 and $12,000 per lane, depending on brand and features.
Q2. Are string pinsetters cheaper than free-fall pinsetters?
Yes. They cost less to purchase, maintain, and operate over time.
Q3. How long does a string pinsetter last?
With proper maintenance, a string pinsetter can last 15–20 years or more.
Q4. Can I use string pinsetters in professional tournaments?
While some leagues still prefer free-fall systems, many associations are approving string pinsetters for official play due to their accuracy and reliability.
Q5. Do string pinsetters require special balls or pins?
No, they use standard bowling balls and pins, making them compatible with existing equipment.
Q6. Where can I buy affordable string pinsetters?
Manufacturers like Flying Bowling offer high-quality pinsetters at competitive prices, with global shipping and installation support.
Conclusion
So, how much does a string pinsetter cost? On average, expect to pay $8,000–$12,000 per lane, with additional expenses for installation and shipping. While the upfront investment may seem high, the long-term savings in maintenance, energy, and labor make string pinsetters a smart choice for both small and large bowling centers.
For reliable equipment, consider Flying Bowling, a leading string pinsetter manufacturer offering one-stop solutions for bowling alleys worldwide.
Recommended
Discover Flying Bowling’s latest duckpin bowling equipment at the 2025 IAAPA Expo Orlando. Visit Booth 3015 to reserve your demo and experience innovative bowling equipment designed to elevate your game. Don’t miss this opportunity to see cutting-edge technology in action.
Price
Cost to setup a 8 lane bowling business？
This includes bowling lanes, bowling balls, pins, scoring systems, ball return systems, shoes, and other necessary equipment. Purchasing or leasing high-quality equipment is essential for a successful operation.
The total cost can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, size, quality, and additional amenities (such as a restaurant or arcade). On average, setting up an 8-lane bowling business can cost anywhere from several hundred thousand to over a million dollars. It's essential to conduct thorough research and create a detailed business plan to accurately estimate the specific costs of your venture.
Consulting with Flying Bowling experts can provide valuable insights into potential expenses.
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.
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.
Bowling Equipment
What are the equipment and parts used in bowling?
It is mainly divided into equipment and fairway board parts. The equipment part mainly includes a ball-return machine, ball-up machine, lane computer, string pinsetter machine, etc. The fairway board part includes the gutter, fairway board, etc. The most important sections are the lane management system and the lane scoring system. Please feel free to contact us for a detailed equipment configuration list.
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.
How long is a mini bowling lane?
The length of the Mini Bowling Lane is about 13 meters. The fairway board area is about 7.6 meters. And the approach area is about 2.44 meters. The equipment maintenance area behind the lane requires a minimum of 1 meter.
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
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Technical Expert
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