How Much Does a String Pinsetter Cost? Complete Price Guide
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
- What is a String Pinsetter?
- How String Pinsetters Work
- Advantages of String Pinsetters Over Free-Fall Pinsetters
- Lower Maintenance and Operating Costs
- Enhanced Safety Features
- Space and Energy Efficiency
- How Much Does a String Pinsetter Cost?
- Average Cost of a String Pinsetter
- Price Range for Commercial Bowling Centers
- Cost of Residential and Home Bowling Alleys
- Factors That Influence String Pinsetter Pricing
- Brand and Manufacturer
- Customization Options
- Installation and Shipping Costs
- Spare Parts and Maintenance Plans
- Long-Term Cost Savings of String Pinsetters
- Reduced Labor and Technician Needs
- Lower Energy Consumption
- Longer Equipment Lifespan
- Leading String Pinsetter Manufacturers
- Flying Bowling: Reliable Manufacturer from China
- How to Choose the Right String Pinsetter Supplier
- Are String Pinsetters a Good Investment?
- Return on Investment for Bowling Centers
- Growing Global Adoption of String Pinsetters
- FAQs About String Pinsetter Cost
- Conclusion
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.
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Bowling Equipment
Who makes new bowling equipment?
Flying specializes in manufacturing brand new bowling equipment. All the equipment, fairway boards, balls, and pins we provide are brand new. Including the scoring and management systems of our bowling lanes, they are all unique and developed by ourselves.
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.
What is duckpin bowling equipment?
Duckpin bowling equipment is a more adaptable bowling lane. Duckpin bowling has a smaller lane size, and the smaller ball has only two finger holes, whose pins are shorter and lighter than traditional bowling pins. Standard 9.2-meter short lane, which is more suitable for a variety of miniaturized sites. In addition, it can improve the hit rate of players in bowling, so that players can have more fun and fulfillment.
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.
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