Is A Used Ball OK to Start With?

[IAMHector]

My wife and I have are beginners and have been using alley balls for about 5 months now.  But they don't do much and the finger holes never fit our fingers right.  So, we think about maybe buying one bowling ball each.  But a new ball cost too much.  We can't afford two balls.  But we see some used balls for sale more within our price range.  Why do used bowling balls cost much cheaper than new balls?  Is it OK to buy one?  Some look real shiny and new.  Why are they so cheaper?

[tommyboy74]

Used is a good way to go, especially when just starting out.  You don't need to spend up to over $200 on something yet. 

Normally when you buy used, the balls will be cleaned, resurfaced, and then you would just plug/redrill.  Check out the buyer/seller forum for good and bad experiences. 

Many of us on here also bought part of our arsenals as used balls.  In my case, the used balls I bought are the Hy-Road, Nomad Dagger (discontinued), Infinite Theory (discontinued), 505T (discontinued), Frantic, and the Outlaw (discontinued).  The stuff that was discontinued were balls that I knew I matched up well with or wanted to try out.  The others were when I didn't want to pay full price. 

Also, if you are looking for any potential recommendations on balls or pro shops near you, feel free to ask.

[IAMHector]

Thank you. We don't really know what we need since we don't curve the ball like other bowlers.  My wife, she like pretty ball.  Me, I like ball that gets strikes.  But I know enough to know that ball don't get strikes by themself. The bowler must hit the front pin to have chance.  If we get cheap ball, then we have money for some teaching.  Another question, please?  My finger knuckles hurt after I finish bowling and they swollen, sometimes skin gets cut a bit.  Same with wife's fingers.  I know sometime this come from alley ball because some balls broken around the finger holes but ball rolls good, so I don't change.  I know no good.  Any recommendation if we buy cheaper ball for our own?

[islenmetfan4life]

judging by your post and responses, your wife would definitely be more geared toward getting a plastic bowling ball...these won't hook much at all and come in all sorts of color schemes or designs. you're probably looking at an entry level reactive ball, such as a slingshot by brunswick or a tropical breeze by storm. these balls should be relatively cheap from a pro shop...plus, if you're paying for a used ball, then paying to get it plugged and redrilled, you're probably looking at spending the same amount as you would if you got a new plastic/entry level ball from the shop. the pro shop operator make recommendations and will measure you and drill it to fit your hand/span. house balls are generic and aren't really designed to fit someone's hand perfectly. you shouldn't purchased used balls without knowing what they're supposed to do.

[BrunsMike]

I agree with both above. Start out with plastic balls for the both of you. There relatively cheap brand new from your local pro shop. $60-$90 out the door each. You won't find used plastic balls for much cheaper and even then you still might end up paying close to new prices.

Once you have a season or so under your belt then start looking at entry level balls, every company has an entry level line. Also, don't be afraid to get coaching help every now and then. Sometimes the price of a couple coaching sessions is worth the price rather than getting new equipment. Just some food for thought.

[J_Mac]

While the Slingshot and Tropical Breeze are at the entry level price point I would suggest that they are not entry level pieces for the majority of new bowlers.

The weaker cover and minimal differential makes them great dry lane pieces or light oil pieces for bowlers that have above average hand and average ball speed.

For a little more versatility look towards the Cyclones, Freezes and Tropical Heats. There are enough coverstock differences in the Freezes and Tropical Heats to match up with the majority of bowlers out there without thinking outside of the box, so to speak.

[BallReviews-Removed0385]

Is A Used Ball OK to Start With?

YES!

[kidlost2000]

Yes used bowling balls are fine, especially with so many being available with very few games. Your proshop can easily adjust the ball to fit your hand.

Buying a bowling ball is like buying a new car. Once you put holes in the ball the value goes to half or less instantly. I have several used 15lb balls I need to list, many with less then 15 games.

[dmonroe814]

In my house, there are always people who whould give you one of their old balls.  You would just have to have them plugged an redrilled.  Old/Used balls are fine for beginners.  Just have them cleaned and resurfaced.  I wouldn't suggest plactic balls though.  If your wife throws it slower, then it may be ok, but not preferred.  She coud get a mid quality bal that can be polished to be pretty.  A plastic ball will not give you the striking power you are looking for. 

[IAMHector]

Thank you for your suggestions.  My friend sell me his used ball, I forgot name of ball and I my wife think Scout you recommend is very pretty.  How about finger holes?  Do I get drilled like alley ball?  I don't want finger holes to break like alley balls.  Holes are hard and broken finger holes hurts our fingers, specially around fingernails.  Also, finger holes from alley ball feel slippery inside and sometimes they dirty.  We have to always wash hands with cleaner when we bowl and use towel or shirt.  Will be good to have own bowling ball.

[hhhbs1]

Take it to a local pro shop. They will fit each of you and drill the ball for you specifically.

[lifted rillo]

Whatever you decide on, new or used, make sure you talk with a pro shop person so you can give them an idea of what you want. If you're interested in learning the game as a lifelong activity that you enjoy, you need to let them know. If you plan on bowling leagues and tournaments, they can help you there as well.

[IAMHector]

I talk with my friend who give me ball about finger holes breaking.  He said this usually not happen.  He also said that I can use special tape on fingers to keep from getting cut.  Also, I should get ball drilled with something called fingertip, this will make the ball curve.  But he said I need to use rubber tubes in the finger holes, that are white color.  These tubes will help me hold the ball better and not hurt my fingers.  Is this true?  I never see any alley balls with these tubes in finger holes.  I don't know if I want to use tubes or tape.  I want to curve ball though.  Is there any other thing I can use beside tubes, tape or fingertip drill to curve ball?  I speak with pro shop person this week.  Seems like bowling become more difficult beside just getting own ball for me and wife.  But if we want to get better, I guess it make sense, right?  If bowling was easy, we maybe bowl better than we do now.

[LuckyLefty]

Many great balls can be purchased new for under $100 shipped!

On many sites included ones associated with this website one can find balls like the Tropical Heats, Rotogrip Wreckers, Rotogrip Shatters, and many others from medium on down to mildly hooking (ie Columbia Scouts).  (Often great for beginnning hook bowlers).

Most of the equipment that I use are in the above categories except on the heaviest of oils!  This is true of many other bowlers also!

REgards,

Luckylefty

[ecc0_9879]

I would definatly suggest  getting finger grips if u are having comforf issues with your other equipment and as far as the chipping and cracking issues most of the time the higherend equipment wont be as known to chip or crack. the biggest things to remember with drilling is shorter span is a safer way to go and get the ball so it is comfortable so u are not holding the ball good fitment alone will improve you scores