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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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 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.
Is it profitable to open a bowling alley?
Opening a bowling alley can be profitable, but there's no guarantee of success. It depends on several factors:
Market Demand: Is there a local interest in bowling? Consider the demographics of your area. Does it have a large enough population to support your business? Bowling alleys tend to do well in areas with disposable income for entertainment.
Competition: How many other bowling alleys are there nearby? What kind of experience do they offer? You'll need to find a way to stand out from the competition.
Concept: What kind of bowling experience are you creating? A traditional bowling alley with many lanes focuses on lane rentals. A boutique alley might have fewer lanes but offer high-end food and drinks. A family entertainment center might have mini bowling alongside other attractions.
Location: This is crucial. High-traffic areas with good visibility are ideal. Consider the cost of rent or property purchase in your chosen location.
Management: Running a successful bowling alley requires good business acumen. You'll need to manage staff, inventory, marketing, and maintenance costs effectively.
Here are some things that can improve profitability:
Diversified Revenue Streams: Don't rely solely on lane rentals. Offer food and drinks, host parties and events, or consider adding other entertainment options like arcade games.
Modern Amenities: Invest in comfortable seating, high-quality equipment, and a clean environment. Consider technological upgrades to scoring systems or interactive features.
Customer Service: Friendly and efficient staff can keep customers coming back. Offer specials and promotions to attract new customers and reward loyalty.
Overall, opening a bowling alley requires careful planning, research, and a solid business plan. While there can be good profits to be made, it's not a low-risk venture.
Bowling Equipment
How much does bowling alley equipment cost?
Building a bowling alley may seem very expensive to many people. But you don’t need to spend too much money on Flying bowling. Our prices are very affordable. You can get high-quality bowling equipment at an extremely competitive price from us.
How wide is the bowling lane?
We have four types of bowling lanes. The width of the 4 standard bowling lanes is 6.9 meters. The width of the 2 duckpin bowling lanes is 3.48 meters. The width of the four mini bowling lanes is 5.66 meters. The width of a single children's bowling lane is 0.9 meters.
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
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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