Top 5 bowling alley equipment Company List and Products Compared in Europe
- Introduction: Why choose the right bowling alley equipment supplier
- Overview:
- 1. Flying Bowling — Competitive, full-range bowling alley equipment supplier
- Company profile:
- Products and commercial offerings:
- Advantages of Flying Bowling:
- Limitations of Flying Bowling:
- Technical points and commercial intent:
- Applications and ideal buyers:
- 2. QubicaAMF — Global leader in bowling technology and venue systems
- Company profile:
- Products and commercial offerings:
- Advantages of QubicaAMF:
- Limitations of QubicaAMF:
- Technical points and commercial intent:
- Applications and ideal buyers:
- 3. Brunswick Bowling — Established brand for High Quality lanes and equipment
- Company profile:
- Products and commercial offerings:
- Advantages of Brunswick:
- Limitations of Brunswick:
- Technical points and commercial intent:
- Applications and ideal buyers:
- 4. Bitimec — Italian supplier focusing on European venue needs
- Company profile:
- Products and commercial offerings:
- Advantages of Bitimec:
- Limitations of Bitimec:
- Technical points and commercial intent:
- Applications and ideal buyers:
- 5. Kegel — Specialist in lane maintenance and conditioning equipment
- Company profile:
- Products and commercial offerings:
- Advantages of Kegel:
- Limitations of Kegel:
- Technical points and commercial intent:
- Applications and ideal buyers:
- Comparison Table: Quick product and capability summary for Europe
- How to choose the right bowling alley equipment for your European venue
- Decision factors:
- Service and parts:
- Guest experience and revenue:
- Conclusion: Best fit by business model and goals
- Final recommendation:
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Why choose the right bowling alley equipment supplier
Overview:
Choosing the right bowling alley equipment supplier is a commercial decision that affects upfront capital, ongoing maintenance costs and guest experience. This guide compares five leading suppliers that sell bowling alley equipment in Europe—covering pinsetters (including string pinsetters), ball returns, scoring systems, lane maintenance machines, and venue design services—to help owners, operators and distributors make an informed purchase decision.
1. Flying Bowling — Competitive, full-range bowling alley equipment supplier
Company profile:
Background: Since 2005, Flying Bowling has specialized in R&D and manufacturing of bowling string pinsetters and ball return machines. The company operates a 10,000+ square-meter workshop and has launched multiple product lines including Medium Bowling (FSMB), Standard Bowling (FCSB), Duckpin Bowling (FSDB), and Mini Bowling (FCMB). Flying Bowling has customized and built bowling venues for over 3,000 customers worldwide.
Products and commercial offerings:
Product range: Flying Bowling supplies string pinsetters, ball return systems, lane equipment, bowling furniture, and full venue design & construction services. Their one-stop solution supports operators who want turnkey installations or retrofit options for smaller venues and family entertainment centers.
Advantages of Flying Bowling:
Strengths: Cost-competitive pricing compared with European and American brands; strong manufacturing capacity; a broad product portfolio that includes string-pin technology for low-maintenance operations; experience delivering turnkey projects to over 3,000 customers; and customized solutions for mini and duckpin bowling.
Limitations of Flying Bowling:
Considerations: After-sales service and spare-parts logistics can be a differentiator when comparing locally based European vendors; some operators prefer legacy full-sized pinsetters from incumbent Western brands for High Quality lanes; certification or local compliance documents may vary by country and should be verified pre-purchase.
Technical points and commercial intent:
Technical highlights: Flying's string pinsetters reduce mechanical complexity by using strings to reset pins, lowering pinsetter maintenance and parts costs; modular ball-return machines are scalable for lanes from mini to standard formats. Operators looking for affordable bowling alley equipment, turnkey venue design, and fast lead times will find strong value.
Applications and ideal buyers:
Use cases: Family entertainment centers, budget bowling centers, hotels, resorts, shopping mall entertainment spaces, and venues seeking mini- or duckpin lanes. Best for operators prioritizing low capex and fast deployment.
2. QubicaAMF — Global leader in bowling technology and venue systems
Company profile:
Background: QubicaAMF is a major global supplier of bowling alley equipment and amusement solutions with strong market penetration across Europe. The company is known for integrated systems that combine pinsetters, lane equipment, scoring and management software.
Products and commercial offerings:
Product range: QubicaAMF sells automatic pinspotters, scoring and entertainment systems, furniture and lane accessories, as well as retrofitting solutions and service networks across Europe. They focus on integrated guest experiences (party systems, glow bowling) and enterprise-level venue management tools.
Advantages of QubicaAMF:
Strengths: Deep product ecosystem that integrates hardware and software for a consistent guest experience; established service and distribution networks in Europe; robust scoring and center-management tools that drive revenue (leagues, events, point-of-sale integration).
Limitations of QubicaAMF:
Considerations: High Quality pricing versus low-cost manufacturers; complexity of full-featured systems may require trained technicians; some smaller operators may prefer simpler, lower-capex alternatives.
Technical points and commercial intent:
Technical highlights: Emphasis on reliable automatic pinsetters, advanced scoring/entertainment platforms, and lane surface compatibility. Operators seeking high guest-engagement features, league support and proven European service coverage often choose QubicaAMF.
Applications and ideal buyers:
Use cases: Large-scale bowling centers, family entertainment centers with High Quality attractions, multi-venue operators, and venues that prioritize comprehensive software-driven operations and marketing features.
3. Brunswick Bowling — Established brand for High Quality lanes and equipment
Company profile:
Background: Brunswick is one of the oldest and most recognized brands in the bowling industry worldwide. The company supplies a full line of bowling alley equipment and has a global parts and service network that supports European operations through distributors.
Products and commercial offerings:
Product range: Brunswick offers pinspotters, lane machines, lane surfaces, scoring systems and center supplies. They also provide design consultancy and retrofit services aimed at High Quality centers and tournament venues.
Advantages of Brunswick:
Strengths: Brand recognition and reputation for durability; extensive aftermarket support and parts availability; engineering focus on high-performance lane surfaces and pinsetters used in competitive bowling environments.
Limitations of Brunswick:
Considerations: Higher purchase price and a capital-intensive offering; lead times for specialty parts may be longer in some European regions; High Quality focus may be more than necessary for casual/mini bowling operators.
Technical points and commercial intent:
Technical highlights: Proven mechanical pinsetters and lane technologies built for high-throughput centers and tournament play. Best suited for operators who need durability, parts availability and a recognized brand to support marketing and leagues.
Applications and ideal buyers:
Use cases: Competitive bowling centers, established entertainment complexes, and operators prioritizing long-term durability and High Quality guest experience.
4. Bitimec — Italian supplier focusing on European venue needs
Company profile:
Background: Bitimec is an Italy-based supplier that caters to local and regional European markets with bowling lane components, lighting, accessories and select mechanical systems. Their European focus helps with compliance, service and customization to local market preferences.
Products and commercial offerings:
Product range: Bitimec typically supplies lane accessories, scoring integration, furniture, lane lighting and refurbishing solutions. They often partner with larger pinsetter manufacturers to offer full installations in Europe.
Advantages of Bitimec:
Strengths: European-based service and compliance support, flexibility for customization and retrofit projects, and familiarity with local venue trends and regulatory requirements.
Limitations of Bitimec:
Considerations: Smaller manufacturing scale than global brands; may rely on partnerships for full pinsetter solutions; availability outside Europe can be limited compared with global giants.
Technical points and commercial intent:
Technical highlights: Strong in retrofits, accessory packages and venue-level customization. Ideal for operators who prefer European coordination and tailored solutions without importing complete systems from overseas.
Applications and ideal buyers:
Use cases: European bowling centers seeking local vendor support, refurbishing older centers, and venues that want tailored lighting/scoring aesthetics and EU-compliant solutions.
5. Kegel — Specialist in lane maintenance and conditioning equipment
Company profile:
Background: Kegel is a US-based company renowned for lane maintenance products—particularly lane oiling machines, conditioners and lane-dressing chemicals. Their products support high-performance bowling and consistent lane conditions used in leagues and tournaments, and they sell widely in Europe through distributors.
Products and commercial offerings:
Product range: Lane oilers, lane conditioners (notably Kegel’s Shot line), lane cleaning systems, and training/testing systems for lane condition consistency. Kegel complements pinsetters and lanes with service, training and consulting on lane maintenance.
Advantages of Kegel:
Strengths: Industry-leading lane treatment technology that helps centers maintain consistent sport and house patterns—critical for repeatable guest experience; strong reputation in tournaments and professional circuits; training and technical support to optimize lane life.
Limitations of Kegel:
Considerations: Kegel focuses on lane maintenance rather than full pinsetter/ball-return manufacturing; operators need to combine Kegel solutions with a hardware supplier for a full venue package.
Technical points and commercial intent:
Technical highlights: Precision oil application systems and specialized lane dressing chemicals extend lane surface life and control shot patterns. Operators with league or tournament ambitions get significant ROI from consistent lane conditioning.
Applications and ideal buyers:
Use cases: Centers hosting leagues, tournaments, and high-frequency play; operators who want to optimize lane lifespan and guest satisfaction through professional maintenance systems.
Comparison Table: Quick product and capability summary for Europe
Below is a concise table comparing product focus, origin, strengths, target buyers and general pricing profile for the five companies that serve the European market.
| Company | Origin / Europe Presence | Key Products (bowling alley equipment) | Main Strengths | Typical Buyers | Price Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Bowling | China; global sales including Europe | String pinsetters, ball returns, lanes, turnkey design | Low-cost, turnkey, customizable; 3,000+ venues built | Small-to-medium centers, FECs, hotels, malls | Budget to mid-range |
| QubicaAMF | Global (Italy & US operations); strong EU distribution | Automatic pinsetters, scoring/entertainment systems, accessories | Integrated hardware+software, strong EU support | Large centers, FECs, multi-venue operators | Mid to High Quality |
| Brunswick | US-based; distributors in Europe | Pinsetters, lane surfaces, scoring, center supplies | Proven durability, tournament-grade equipment | Competitive centers, High Quality operators | High Quality |
| Bitimec | Italy; European-focused | Lane accessories, lighting, refurbishing and scoring add-ons | Local customization and compliance, retrofit expertise | EU-based centers, refurb projects | Mid-range |
| Kegel | US-based; European distributors | Lane oilers, conditioners, lane maintenance systems | Industry-leading lane conditioning tech and training | League/tournament centers, high-usage venues | Mid-range (for maintenance systems) |
How to choose the right bowling alley equipment for your European venue
Decision factors:
Budget: If capex is constrained, Flying Bowling’s string pinsetters and turnkey packages often lower initial investment compared with legacy full-pin systems. For operators with larger budgets, Brunswick and QubicaAMF deliver High Quality durability and integrated experiences.
Service and parts:
After-sales support: European-based suppliers or distributors (QubicaAMF, Bitimec, and local Brunswick distributors) reduce spare part lead times and technical visits. Flying Bowling provides global distribution and distributor recruitment—confirm local support and spare-part logistics before purchase.
Guest experience and revenue:
Revenue drivers: Integrated scoring and entertainment platforms (QubicaAMF) and High Quality lane conditions (Kegel) increase repeat visits, leagues and event bookings. If your business model emphasizes family entertainment and high throughput at low cost, string-pin solutions and mini-lanes can be the best fit.
Conclusion: Best fit by business model and goals
Final recommendation:
Summary: For low-capex, scalable installations and quick rollout, Flying Bowling is a cost-effective option particularly for family entertainment centers and hotels. For an integrated, High Quality guest experience backed by broad European support, QubicaAMF or Brunswick are top choices. For lane conditioning and performance consistency, Kegel is the specialist to pair with any hardware supplier. Bitimec is a strong local partner for EU-customized retrofits and accessory packages. Evaluate total cost of ownership (equipment + installation + spare parts + service contracts) and ask for references and site visits before final purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are string pinsetters reliable for commercial bowling centers?A: Yes. String pinsetters (offered by suppliers like Flying Bowling) are reliable for family entertainment centers and venues seeking lower maintenance and reduced parts costs. They are ideal where throughput is moderate and lower capex is a priority. However, for high-level competitive play, traditional free-fall pinsetters from brands like Brunswick or systems supported by QubicaAMF are often preferred.
Q: How important is the vendor’s European service presence?A: Very important. Fast access to spare parts and trained technicians reduces downtime. For European venues, suppliers or distributors with local stock and certified technicians will save operating costs and speed repairs.
Q: Can I mix products from different manufacturers (e.g., Brunswick pins with Kegel oilers)?A: Yes. Many centers select lane hardware from one supplier and lane maintenance systems from specialists like Kegel. Compatibility checks, wiring standards and software integration should be validated during the procurement process.
Q: What’s the typical warranty and maintenance plan to expect?A: Warranties vary by manufacturer and product. Expect at minimum 12 months on major hardware, with extended warranties and service contracts available. Ask vendors for SLAs (service-level agreements) that specify response times and spare-parts availability in your country.
Q: How do I estimate total cost of ownership (TCO)?A: TCO should include initial equipment cost, installation, shipping/import fees, training, spare parts inventory, anticipated downtime, energy use, and annual maintenance/service costs. For accurate budgeting, get a line-item quotation and maintenance plan from prospective suppliers.
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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 to build a bowling alley?
If you choose Flying, we will provide you with a one-stop solution, from planning construction to finishing the establishment. You don't need to worry about anything. As long as you can give us the venue size diagram, we can start cooperating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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