Discover the Difference Between Spare and Regular Bowling Balls
Bowling is a popular sport that requires the right equipment to be successful. One important piece of bowling equipment is the ball. There are two types of balls used in bowling, the spare ball and the regular ball. Knowing the difference between these two types of bowling balls is essential for any bowler who wants to improve their game. In this article, we will discuss what the differences are between a spare ball and a regular ball in bowling, looking at both design and use characteristics.
What is a regular bowling ball?
A regular bowling ball is a spherical object that measures approximately 8.5 inches in diameter and weighs around 14 pounds. It usually consists of three parts: the core, the coverstock, and the finger holes. The core is the innermost part of the ball, which gives it its weight and determines its stability as it rolls down the lane.
The coverstock is the outer layer of the ball, which is made of different materials such as urethane, reactive resin or plastic, that affects its friction with the lane surface. Lastly, the finger holes are small drilled openings on the surface of the ball, which allow the bowler to grip and release the ball effectively. Regular bowling balls are designed and crafted to provide optimal performance while bowling, and they come in various colors and patterns to suit individual. preferences.
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Most people use reactive resin for strikes and use practice bowling balls for their spares. Reactive resin is common for bowlers but now most bowlers tend to use urethane bowling balls. An active resin bowling ball are made to hook, they are fingertip with hook potential Please note that at the bowling alley, their bowling balls are not active resin, their house bowling balls are plastic bowling ball. Active resin bowling comes in high end, medium and low end with high end active resin have more hook potential and more backend motion down lane. Medium active resin has less high hook potential and low end hooks some.
The lower end active resin is used for dry lanes, spare shooting, picking up tricky spares. Most people who are new to bowling go with the lower end active bowling ball and is cheaper as well. If you are looking and a high, medium and low end bowling ball. Click here and links below and check out the ones I think works best.
What is a spare bowling ball?
A spare bowling ball is an extra ball that a bowler may carry with them during a game. It is mostly made of plastic or polyester and is typically used for making spare shots. Spare balls are designed with a straighter trajectory, with minimal hook. This makes them perfect for rolling straight and accurate, allowing the bowler to knock down all the pins without relying on a hook ball or strike ball.
Spare balls are not ideal for striking as they lack the “hook” that a hook ball has. These balls are a great addition to any bowler’s arsenal as they can greatly improve the chances of making spares and increase overall score. Many bowlers prefer to have a spare ball on hand, as it ensures they never get caught without a ball for a spare shot.
A plastic ball can help with pick up spares since the since the has a polyester coverstock and it’s not made to hook so bowling straight. I and other bowlers use a reactive ball for strikes and plastic for spares and the best spare to use a plastic bowling ball is the 10 pin.
Plastic balls don’t absorb oil from the lane, you can use a conventional grip inside the ball, improve your game and spare pick ups, best for straight shots, and it’s good on any lane conditions. Choosing the best spare bowling ball is not hard in fact you can click here for the best one.
What is the difference between a spare ball and a regular bowling ball in bowling?
There is a distinct difference between a spare ball and a regular ball in bowling. While a regular ball is typically used for every shot, a spare ball is only utilized when trying to pick up specific pins left over after a first shot. Spare balls are usually made of a harder plastic material, allowing for better precision and control when trying to hit a specific pin.
On the other hand, regular balls are generally made of a softer material, allowing for more hook potential and greater overall striking power. In essence, using your spare ball is an essential skill in mastering the sport of bowling, as it can make the difference between winning or losing a game. Moreover, having one spare ball in your arsenal can significantly improve your gameplay and chances of obtaining higher scores.
You will only need to buy a spare bowling ball one time since it is not made for getting strikes and you throw it the same way on any lane condition verses a performance ball or a ball with high hook potential needs a certain lane condition to work best. A ball with a high hook is not the best to use on light to dry lanes and a ball that is made for dry lanes, is not the best for fresh lanes with a lot of oil.
Why do bowlers use a plastic or polyester bowling ball for spares?
When bowlers encounter a spare, they often use a plastic or polyester bowling ball to hit it. This type of bowling ball is specifically designed for spares as it has a straighter trajectory and delivers less hook compared to a performance ball. Bowlers use a plastic or polyester spare ball to prevent the ball from hooking excessively and also to avoid losing count.
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Unlike performance balls, spare balls are perfectly weighted, ensuring accuracy even at short distances, and are comparatively cheaper. Bowling professionals often carry a spare ball in their bag for emergencies, and novice bowlers can benefit immensely from learning to use spare balls. Therefore, a plastic or polyester bowling ball for spares makes the perfect companion for any professional or amateur bowler looking to perform their best.
In your bowling equipment bag, you should have a spare ball handed. Having two or more bowling balls is good for different lane conditions but a spare ball can help with the 10 pin and getting those tricky spares and splits. With using any bowling ball, make sure that you have to proper weight that is comfortable for you and you bowling style.
Why Do Some Bowlers Use a Strike Ball and a Spare Ball?
Some bowlers use a strike ball and a spare ball because they are designed to perform different functions on the lane. A strike ball is typically a high-performance ball with a high hook potential and more backend reaction. The hook potential allows the bowler to achieve a sweeping arc when it hits the dry part of the lane, resulting in a strike.
On the other hand, a spare ball is a ball with a low hook potential that is used to throw straight shots and pick up spares. This is because hooking balls have a higher chance of hitting the headpin on the wrong side and missing the spare. By using a spare ball, bowlers can be more precise and increase their chances of picking up spare shots.
Overall, using separate balls for different shots can significantly improve a bowler’s performance on the lane. You need to figure out your ball motion, ball choice, your main ball, ball weight that works for you, the type ball you want to use, what ball you use to get a strike, and what ball to use on your second throw. Click here for the right spare bowling ball to pick up the spares and and a great ball for beginners. All this questions can be answered ay a bowling pro shop near you.
What Is the Best Bowling Ball for Spares?
When it comes to picking the best bowling ball for spares, many bowlers opt for a plastic ball. A plastic bowling ball is perfect for picking up spares because it doesn’t hook much, making it easier to roll straight down the lane. In contrast, a reactive ball with a high hook potential is better suited for strikes than spares. While some bowlers prefer to use the same ball for both strikes and spares, many opt to use a different ball for spares.
This is where a spare ball comes in handy. A spare ball is often a plastic ball specifically designed for picking up spares. It’s lightweight and doesn’t have a high hook potential, making it easier for bowlers to aim precisely and hit their mark consistently. In summary, a plastic ball or a ball with a low hook potential is the best choice for bowlers looking to pick up spares.
Should Your Spare Ball Be a Different Weight from Your Strike Ball?
Choosing the right ball can make a huge difference in your bowling game. When it comes to choosing a spare ball, it’s a common belief that it should be a different weight from your strike ball. The reason being that a spare ball is usually used for straight shots, and a lighter weight ball helps in focusing on accuracy rather than power. This is important because aiming for the spare pins means that you must hit it straight on.
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A heavier ball could cause the ball to hook or curve, hindering your accuracy. On the other hand, a strike ball is usually used for powerful throws and hook shots. The extra weight helps in generating more power causing the ball to hook and target the pins with more force. Overall, having a different weight spare ball is advisable, as it helps in targeting the spare pins much more accurately. You can have a spare ball lighter than your strike ball if you want. Everyone is different but I tend to use the same weight for my hook ball and spare ball. The lighter ball may feel different and the ball speed may go up.
Final Thoughts and Hacks:
To get the 10 pin, throw the ball straight to it
High end bowling balls have more hook potential and more backend action
There are different weight block in active resin bowling ball
You can use your hook ball also for pin spares
Click here for the top 10 spare bowling balls
You goal in bowling is to knock all the pins down
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