Home / Market Trends

Why is my bowling ball chipping?

James Sullivan

Bowling balls can become chipped over many years of use or when passing through the mechanics of the ball return. The chip may not impact the spin of the ball unless it is in the direct spin path of the ball. This can be determined by a lightly oily strip where the ball hits the lane.

Table of Contents

What causes chips in bowling balls?

How bowling balls can chip or crack. The most common causes of bowling ball damage are mishandling and extreme temperature or humidity differences. Bowling balls are sturdy, but they still need to be stored properly (in a protective bag, away from heavy objects that can fall on them, in a cool, dry environment).

How do you store your bowling balls so they don't crack?

The key to storing your ball safely is to rotate it a quarter turn every week or so. This helps relieve the pressure on the coverstock layer, and will prevent the ball from developing any cracks when it's not in use. You should always store your ball in a zippered bag to keep dust and open air off the surface.

How often should you resurface a bowling ball?

As a general rule, you should resurface your bowling ball every 60 games. When it has been sanded so frequently that you can't see the logo any more, it's time to buy another ball.

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

What causes a bowling ball to split in half?

Cores and coverstocks are made to expand and contract as temperatures change. Extreme cold and extreme heat can make a bowling ball crack. Phasing is a chemical reaction that makes the bowling ball change colors as it adjusts from being cold to room temperature.

40 related questions found

Is it normal for bowling balls to crack?

There are a lot of forces at work in a high-performance ball, the main components being reactive resin coverstock and the weight block. These two properties and one additional force are why bowling balls can crack from storage. The major culprit causing bowling ball coverstocks to fail is gravity.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

What are bowling balls made of?

Overall, bowling balls can be made of three different types of coverstock materials – polyester, urethane, and resin (reactive urethane). The least expensive material, polyester, doesn't give as much hook since it's unaffected by the oils on the lane.

How much does it cost to have a bowling ball resurface?

Re: Cost of resurfacing at your local proshop? for surface adjustments, its about $10. Unless you bought the ball there and you are a good customer, then its usually free. If your talking about the Haus reserfacing its about $30 or so.

Does polishing a bowling ball make it hook more?

When a bowling ball comes from the factory with a polished finish, that factory polish can wear off in as little as 6 to 12 games. This can change the reaction of your bowling ball making it hook earlier and less in the backend of the lane.

How long do bowling balls last?

It depends on so many factors, from the number and frequency of uses, to its maintenance schedule, and even the climate where you live and the temperatures it's exposed to. With proper maintenance, you should get at least 5-10 years out of a quality bowling ball.

Is it bad to leave bowling balls in the cold?

A cold bowling ball may not even fit you properly and, in addition, will make your hand, fingers, and thumb cold which will cause them to shrink and again make the ball ill-fitting for a short period of time.

What temperature should I store my bowling ball?

What is the best way to storm NIB bowling balls for an extended period of time (3+ years) or so? I figure it would be a good idea to keep them at 70 degrees or so, out of direct sunlight. Try to keep them away from temp.

Can I use magic eraser on bowling ball?

The one thing that I have used for belt marks that seems to take them off fairly quickly is the Magic Eraser pads. They don't harm your bowling ball as the pad itself has no chemicals, but it is considered to be abrasive. Which means that you can't use it during actual play if you are in any league or tournament.

What does sandpaper do to a bowling ball?

If you have ever watched the PBA Tour you've likely seen bowlers and their coaches sanding a bowling ball. By doing so, they alter the bowling ball's surface to change its reaction or ball motion on the lane.

What does 4000 grit Abralon mean?

We have one ball at 1,000-grit Abralon and one ball at 4,000-grit Abralon. The higher the number, the finer the grit used on the surface of the ball, creating a smoother texture. The lower the number, the more coarse. We'll start with the 4,000-grit surface, which gives the bowler a moderately strong ball reaction.

Should I polish or sand my bowling ball?

You need to polish your ball if it starts to roll up early on the lane and you lose the ball reaction at the back end. Or in other words if the ball does not skid down the lane as far as you need and the ball's hook at the back end is not as aggressive as you need.

Can you restore a bowling ball?

Resurfacing restores the sharp edges on the pores of the ball and deep cleans the pores which enables the ball to grip the lane with more friction resulting in more hook-ability. We recommend that you have your reactive ball professionally resurfaced at least once per season or every 60 games.

What does polishing a bowling ball do?

Polishing. Polishing a bowling ball reduces skid and friction as the ball goes down the lane, allowing it to conserve energy. Balls that are too dull will hook early, using up energy that would otherwise be stored for the back-end reaction.

What is the heaviest ball you can bowl with?

The maximum legal weight of a bowling ball is 16 pounds (or 7.27 kilograms). For that reason, a lot of bowlers use 16-pound bowling balls, whether they should or not. If a 17-pound ball was allowed, plenty of those who currently use 16-pounders would move up to 17. Some of that comes from a bowler's ego.

What is bowling ball called?

Nine-pin balls

American nine-pin bowling uses the same ball (and pins) as in ten-pin bowling. European nine-pin bowling balls (such as those used in German kegel) are smaller, sized between ten-pin and duckpin balls, and have no holes. The ball is 16 cm (6.3 in) in diameter and weighs approximately 2.85 kg (6.3 lb).

What kind of bowling ball is best?

The Best Bowling Balls (Even Big Ern Would be Jealous Of)

  • Brunswick Tzone – Best Overall.
  • Pyramid Path Rising – Runner Up.
  • Storm Phaze III – Honorable Mention.
  • Hammer Black Widow 2.0 – Also Consider.
  • KR Clear Red Rose.
  • Storm IQ Tour Emerald.
  • Motiv Venom Shock.

Do bowling balls have warranties?

Balls that are used as house balls, other than 6 lb. and 8 lb. plastic balls or any Viz-A-Ball, will be warranted as provided herein, but for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase rather than one year. In order to obtain warranty repair or replacement, the ball must be returned to the place of purchase.