When Is It Time to Replace a Bowling Ball?

Whether you bowl competitively or just enjoy bowling socially, having your own bowling ball is a great idea. By having your own ball that fits your hand perfectly, you can improve your game and decrease the likelihood of injury when throwing the ball. But like anything that undergoes wear and tear, eventually you’ll need to replace your bowling ball. Read on to learn about the life expectancy of bowling balls and how to know when to replace your bowling ball from the pros at Richmond 40 Bowl. 

How long should a bowling ball last? 

Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule for knowing the life expectancy of a bowling ball. 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. 

Signs of wear and tear on your bowling ball

Many of the signs of wear and tear on a bowling ball can be fixed with proper maintenance, from re-polishing to resurfacing, replacing finger inserts to removing visible tracks. A cracked coverstock may be fixable, but depending on the depth and length of the crack, you might be better off just buying a new ball. 

Another affliction of old age in bowling balls is loss of reaction and hook. If you’re noticing that you just can’t hook the ball like you used to, it may be time for a replacement. The same goes for core separation – if you’re hearing a hollow sound when you hit the pins, or a rattling when the ball hits the floor, you’re likely dealing with a separated core. 

If you have questions about your bowling ball, come visit our pro shop in Richmond, IN!