Bowling Balls — Buying, Specs & Care FAQ

Quick Summary

Everything shoppers ask most about bowling balls at BowlersMart: undrilled vs drilled, weight, coverstock basics, returns, and where to go next for specs or maintenance.

Table of Contents

• Undrilled vs Drilled
• Choosing Weight
• Reading Specs (RG, Diff, Coverstock)
• Urethane & Rule Changes
• Returns & Defects
• Next Reads

🆕 Undrilled vs Drilled

Drilling details: Drilling & DPP · Pro Shop Services

⚖️ Choosing Weight

• A common starting point is roughly 10% of body weight, adjusted for comfort and injury history — not a hard rule
• You should be able to swing smoothly without muscling the ball
• Youth and rehab situations often need lighter weights — when unsure, ask a coach or pro shop

New to the sport? Tips for Purchasing Your First Bowling Ball · Ball Finder Quiz

📐 Reading Specs

• Coverstock: plastic/polyester (control), urethane, reactive resin (more hook potential)
• RG / Differential / Intermediate Diff: describe core shape and flair potential — useful once you match balls to conditions
• Surface grit: factory finish affects length and backend; you can re-surface later

Deep dive: Understanding Bowling Ball Specifications

🟣 Urethane & Rule Changes

Urethane equipment remains popular; tournament rules can limit certain urethane use. See our current note: USBC Urethane Ball Rules 2026.

↩️ Returns & Defects

• Undrilled unused balls: eligible under the 60-day return window
• Drilled balls: not returnable; manufacturing defects still go through defect claims
• Air bubbles, pinholes, and cosmetic pour marks are often normal manufacturing characteristics — see defect guide

Return Policy · Defect Claims · Maintenance Guide

🔗 Next Reads

• Ball Specifications
• Ball Maintenance
• Drilling & Protection Plan
• Shop bowling balls

❓ Need Help?

• Phone: 1-256-579-1039
• Form: bowlersmart.com/contact-us
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM EST
• Contact BowlersMart Support