How Much is a Bowling Ball? Complete Pricing & Buying Guide (2025)
Use Flying's 2025 complete pricing and buying guide to discover how much a bowling ball costs. Explore budget-friendly and high-quality options, features, and tips for choosing the perfect bowling ball for your style and budget. Get expert insights on current bowling ball prices.
- Beginning
- Understanding Bowling Ball Types
- Factors That Affect Bowling Ball Prices
- Average Price Range: How Much is a Bowling Ball?
- How Much Is a Custom Bowling Ball?
- Specialized Bowling Balls for Different Formats
- Where to Buy Bowling Balls
- Tips for Choosing the Right Bowling Ball
- Why Flying Bowling is the Trusted Bowling Equipment Manufacturer
- Conclusion: Choose the Best Bowling Ball for Your Needs
- FAQs
Beginning
Are you looking to buy a bowling ball but aren't sure where to start or how much to spend? Whether you’re new to bowling or an experienced player, it's important to understand the cost, quality, and types of bowling balls before making a purchase. This guide answers the question, "How much does a bowling ball cost?" and provides expert insights from Flying Bowling, a leading global bowling equipment manufacturer.
Understanding Bowling Ball Types
House Balls vs. Custom Bowling Balls
Most beginners start with house balls—the basic, shared bowling balls available at commercial bowling centers. They're free, but they're not the best for performance or comfort. Custom bowling balls, on the other hand, are made to fit your hand size, grip, weight, and even style. Invest in some custom balls, and you'll see a major improvement in your game.
Recreational vs. Professional Bowling Balls
Recreational balls are great for casual players, and you can find them at different price points and quality levels. Pro-grade balls have high-performance cores, reactive coverstocks, and precision drilling. They're designed for consistency, spin, and better lane control.
Duckpin, Mini, and String Pin Bowling Balls
Different formats require different balls:
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Duckpin balls are smaller and lighter, with no finger holes.
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Mini bowling balls are even smaller and ideal for entertainment or family fun centers.
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String pin bowling balls, as used in Flying Bowling’s FSMB or FSDB systems, are designed for durability and smooth lane interaction.
Factors That Affect Bowling Ball Prices
Material and Coverstock Type
Coverstock — the outer layer — impacts grip and lane reaction:
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Plastic/Polyester: Affordable, good for beginners.
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Urethane: Offers better control and durability.
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Reactive Resin: High friction, favored by pros for hook potential.
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Particle/Proactive: Advanced traction for oily lanes.
Weight and Core Technology
Bowling balls range from 6 to 16 pounds. Heavier balls tend to cost more, especially if equipped with advanced asymmetrical cores or dynamic balance systems designed for high-performance play.
Brand and Manufacturer Differences
Recreational balls are perfect for casual players, and you can find them at different price points and quality levels. Pro-grade balls have high-performance cores, reactive coverstocks, and precision drilling. They're designed for consistency, spin, and better lane control.
Average Price Range: How Much is a Bowling Ball?
| Category | Price Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $50–$100 | Beginners, Casual Bowlers |
| Mid-Range | $100–$200 | Regular Bowlers, League Players |
| High-End/Professional | $200–$300+ | Competitors, Pros |
Prices vary based on drilling, design, and custom options. Specialty balls, like those used in mini or duckpin formats, may have different pricing.
How Much Is a Custom Bowling Ball?
Personalized Weight, Grip, and Color Options
Custom balls offer unique aesthetics and performance. You can choose from personalized graphics, specific color schemes, and ergonomic finger-hole placement to match your hand and throwing style.
Drilling Services and Add-Ons
Drilling services often cost an additional $30–$50. Extras like inserts, thumb slugs, or wrist supports may increase the total cost slightly.
For a cost guide on custom bowling balls, please visit our articles: How Much Does a Custom Bowling Ball Cost?
Specialized Bowling Balls for Different Formats
String Bowling Balls
Used in string pinsetters, these balls must balance durability and smooth lane action. Flying Bowling produces specialized balls for its FSMB (Medium Bowling) and FSDB (Duckpin) lines, optimized for modern entertainment centers.
Duckpin and Mini Bowling Balls
Smaller formats require specialized balls. Flying Bowling’s FCMB and FSDB series include perfectly matched equipment for duckpin and mini bowling, providing a fun, family-friendly experience with professional-grade materials.
Flying Bowling’s Equipment Line
With over 10,000 square meters of production space, Flying Bowling manufactures all types of balls for:
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Medium Bowling (FSMB)
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Standard Bowling (FCSB)
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Duckpin Bowling (FSDB)
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Mini Bowling (FCMB)
Their equipment is CE and RoHS certified, ensuring safety and quality.
Where to Buy Bowling Balls
Online Retailers vs. Local Pro Shops
Online stores offer convenience, but local pro shops allow hands-on testing and expert advice. Prices may vary depending on shipping, customization, and brand.
Manufacturer Direct – Why Choose Flying Bowling
Buying directly from Flying Bowling means:
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Factory prices with global-grade quality
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Access to a full product line, including balls, machines, and more
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Fast delivery and one-stop setup assistance
Their bowling balls are popular among both commercial venues and personal bowlers looking for performance at value.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bowling Ball
Know Your Skill Level and Frequency
If you bowl casually once a month, an entry-level ball will do. Frequent players should consider a reactive resin ball for better control and spin.
Fit, Weight, and Grip Comfort
Weight should match your strength. Finger holes should be drilled for a snug yet comfortable grip. A poorly fitted ball can lead to injury or inconsistent play.
Why Flying Bowling is the Trusted Bowling Equipment Manufacturer
Global Reputation with Over 3,000 Installations
With installations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, Flying Bowling is a leader in the global bowling market. Their equipment is installed in over 3,000 bowling alleys, from mini setups to full-size entertainment venues.
One-Stop Equipment and Construction Services
From ball production to design, construction, and modernization, Flying Bowling offers full-service solutions for all bowling formats — including duckpin and string bowling systems.
Affordable Prices with International Quality
Flying Bowling’s bowling balls offer comparable performance to top American and European brands — but at a fraction of the cost. That’s why they continue to grow their global dealer network and customer base.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Bowling Ball for Your Needs
The answer to "How much is a bowling ball?" depends on your needs, goals, and budget. Whether you're just starting out or upgrading to a professional-level ball, it's important to choose a reputable manufacturer. Flying Bowling is your go-to provider for quality bowling balls and complete bowling solutions, offering a wide range of formats and affordable prices.
Explore more options at flyingbowling.com.
FAQs
1. How much does a bowling ball cost on average?
A basic bowling ball costs around $50–$100, while high-end balls can exceed $300.
2. What’s the difference between custom and house bowling balls?
Custom balls are tailored to your hand and throwing style, while house balls are generic and often less effective for consistent performance.
3. Can I use the same ball for string and standard bowling?
Not always. String pin bowling may require balls specifically designed for smoother motion and impact durability.
4. Are mini and duckpin balls cheaper?
Yes, due to their smaller size and simpler design, but quality still matters—especially in commercial use.
5. Is Flying Bowling a reliable brand?
Absolutely. With CE and RoHS certification, a massive workshop, and over 3,000 bowling installations, Flying Bowling is a trusted manufacturer worldwide.
6. Where can I buy bowling balls made by Flying Bowling?
You can visit flyingbowling.com to explore their full catalog or contact them for direct purchases and dealership opportunities.
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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.
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.
Where to buy bowling equipment?
If you need bowling equipment, you are welcome to join Flying. We can meet all your needs for bowling equipment. Please believe that we must be the best choice, and our products will definitely satisfy you.
How much to put a bowling lane in your house?
Building a bowling alley in your house may seem very expensive. But at Flying, you can get top-quality bowling equipment from us at very affordable prices. You can have the fun of bowling at home without requiring a lot of money or effort.
You may also like
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 bowling alley project
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