Bowling balls are heavy! They are smooth, hard and can weigh six to sixteen pounds. You want a ball that you can comfortably lift with one hand. But if it takes no effort, the ball may be too light.
Three holes are drilled into one side, for your thumb and two middle fingers, to grasp the ball. The span of these holes varies on every ball unless you have them custom drilled. The fit is good when the palm of your hand lays flat against the ball and your fingers are not cramped or stretched.
House balls are used and abused bowling balls that the alley furnishes free when you rent a lane for games. If you plan to bowl consistently, you might want to buy one that fits your ability, your hand and your personality. They come in a variety of designs and name brands and cost as little as ten dollars for a used one, as much as two-hundred dollars for professional quality and upwards of five hundred dollars for a custom made.
Accessories
Specially made shoes are a necessity for this sport because of the surface of your approach. Most bowling alleys rent them. They have smooth rubber soles that allow for a controlled length of sliding. Without these shoes, you might stick in your approach and jar your back or shoulder. Did I tell you that bowling balls are heavy?
You might want a bag to carry that heavy bowling ball. Bags are made of vinyl, leather or canvas and have a handle for easy carrying; some even have wheels. The basic bag has one compartment for the bowling ball only or maybe some space for a pair of shoes. The more elaborate bags have pockets for hand towels, shoes, gloves, and some have compartments for as many as six balls.
Bowling shirts are designed for a maximum range of motion. They are not necessary but are required as uniforms for many leagues and all professionals. Some leagues and most tournaments require that men wear pants and women wear skirts. But for purely recreational play, pants, skirts, shorts and I have even seen pajamas, can be worn; loose fitting is best.
Bowling shirts and shoes have even become fashionable outside of the bowling alleys. Designers as well as celebrities and cartoons have lent their colors, fabrics, names and caricatures to the basic patterns.