Sofia Martinez
Plastic bowling balls are one of many types of bowling balls, including urethane, reactive resin, and particle. Polyester plastic bowling balls are inert to lane oil, which is why most 'spare' balls are made of it. Plastic bowling balls can be thrown straight and can be used as a strike ball. They are straighter than urethane balls, which are made of polyurethane with additional plasticizers and foaming agents that create porosity. Reactive resin balls are known for their ability to absorb oil and are more difficult to control due to their sensitivity to lanes and operator error.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester plastic |
| Price | $50 or less |
| Weight | Around 10% of the bowler's body weight |
| Cover stock | Plastic, Urethane, Reactive resin, Particle |
| Lane oil absorption | Inert to lane oil |
| Friction | Low |
| Hook potential | Low |
| Durability | Medium |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bowling balls are straight and can be used as strike balls
Plastic bowling balls are a type of bowling ball with a distinctive set of characteristics. They are constructed from polyester plastic, which is inert to lane oil, and this is why most 'spare' bowling balls are made from this material. This lane oil inertness is a unique feature of plastic bowling balls, as other types of bowling balls, such as urethane or reactive resin balls, are either lane oil repellent or absorbent.
Plastic bowling balls are also known for their straight trajectory when rolled. This makes them useful for achieving strikes, as the ball can be thrown straight at the pins. This feature is especially advantageous for players in events with ball limits, as they can gain an edge over their competitors by utilising a plastic ball for strikes.
The straight nature of plastic bowling balls is in contrast to other ball types, such as urethane and reactive resin balls, which have higher hook potentials. These other ball types create more friction and are more sensitive to lane conditions, making them more challenging to control and, therefore, less ideal for beginners.
While plastic bowling balls excel in their ability to be thrown straight, they may not be as versatile as other ball types. Urethane and reactive resin balls, for example, can also be thrown straight but offer more hook potential, providing bowlers with additional options for strike strategies.
In conclusion, plastic bowling balls are a unique type of bowling ball that can be effectively used as strike balls due to their straight trajectory. Their inertness to lane oil and predictable movement make them a valuable tool for bowlers, especially in competitions with ball limits. However, bowlers should also consider other ball types to expand their strategic options and adapt to different lane conditions.
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Polyester plastic balls are inert to lane oil
Plastic bowling balls are generally made of polyester and were introduced as an alternative to rubber balls. Polyester plastic balls are inert to lane oil, meaning that oil does not get absorbed and simply sits on the surface. This is in contrast to reactive resin balls, which are made of polyurethane and are known to absorb oil.
Polyester bowling balls are commonly used as 'spare' balls due to their inert properties. Urethane balls, on the other hand, are lane oil repellent, creating friction between the lane and the ball by pushing oil away. However, most urethane balls are not made of pure polyurethane plastic and have different strengths depending on their composition.
The inertness of polyester bowling balls to lane oil is a significant factor in their usage. While they may have different hardness levels, affecting their reaction, they typically have a basic weight block, resulting in near-zero flare. This characteristic allows them to travel straight, making them suitable for spares.
The ability of polyester plastic balls to resist absorbing lane oil is a crucial advantage for bowlers. It ensures that the ball's surface remains relatively unaffected by the oil, allowing for consistent performance and reducing the need for frequent maintenance or cleaning. This feature is especially beneficial for bowlers who prefer a straighter ball path, as the inertness to lane oil helps maintain the desired trajectory.
In conclusion, polyester plastic bowling balls possess unique characteristics, including their inertness to lane oil. This property sets them apart from other types of bowling balls and makes them a preferred choice for bowlers seeking consistent performance, particularly in spare situations where a straight ball path is advantageous. Understanding the behaviour of polyester plastic balls in relation to lane oil is essential for bowlers to make informed decisions and optimise their gameplay strategies.
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Urethane balls are lane oil repellent
Plastic bowling balls are typically made of polyester plastic, which is inert to lane oil. Urethane bowling balls, on the other hand, are made of polyurethane and are lane oil repellent. They create friction between the lane and the ball by pushing the oil away, rather than absorbing it. This oil pushdown can significantly alter how the lane transitions over the course of a game.
Urethane bowling balls tend to push the oil down the lane, creating much drier front lane conditions compared to when a non-urethane bowling ball is used. This is because urethane does not absorb oil; instead, it carries the oil down the lane, resulting in more oil on the surface of the ball. This can be mitigated by using a specialised urethane formula cleaner, which emulsifies the oil and leaves the bowler with a fresh ball surface after each use.
The key difference between urethane and other bowling balls lies in how they interact with lane oil. Urethane balls are sanded to a very rough surface to maximise their hooking potential. While reactive resin bowling balls are normally sanded to a 2000 or 3000 grit, urethane bowling balls are often sanded to 360 or even 180 grit. This rougher surface contributes to the ball's ability to repel lane oil.
The unique characteristics of urethane bowling balls can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, when the lanes are particularly dry and the ball is hooking a lot, urethane's oil-smoothing effect can stretch the pattern in a way that reduces the need for frequent adjustments. This allows bowlers to stay in the same part of the lane and simply switch to a stronger ball, potentially leading to better scores without constant repositioning.
However, the oil-repellent nature of urethane bowling balls can also make the back-end reaction of the ball less predictable. As the oil pattern stretches out, it can cause the lane to play longer than its actual length. Bowlers need to understand how urethane balls interact with the oil pattern and be prepared to adjust their strategy accordingly.
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Reactive resin balls absorb oil and skid
Plastic bowling balls are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, polyurethane, and rubber. Polyester plastic balls, for example, are inert to lane oil and are commonly used as "spare" balls. Urethane balls, on the other hand, are lane oil repellent and create friction between the lane and the ball by pushing oil away.
Now, let's focus on reactive resin balls and their unique characteristics:
Reactive resin bowling balls are a specific type of bowling ball that are known for their ability to absorb oil and skid. They are made from polyurethane mixed with plasticizers and foaming agents, which create a porous surface. This porosity allows the ball to absorb oil as it rolls down the lane. Due to their composition, reactive resin balls have a higher hook potential compared to other types of bowling balls. When these balls encounter friction on the lane, they react by creating more hook, making it easier for bowlers to hit the pocket. This increased hook potential is advantageous, especially when dealing with heavier volumes of oil, as the added traction and hook potential help bowlers find the pocket.
The ability of reactive resin balls to absorb oil is a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other types of bowling balls. While some bowling balls, like those made of pure polyurethane, do not absorb oil, reactive resin balls are specifically designed to absorb it. This absorption allows the ball to skid far in the oil and then react to the dry surface at the end of the lane. This characteristic is crucial for bowlers who want more control and predictability in their shots.
It's important to note that the level of reactivity in these bowling balls can vary. Different blends of reactive resin can result in mild or extremely strong hook potentials. Additionally, factors such as weight block can influence the ball's performance, causing it to skid and flip or create a long, big arc down the lane. Bowlers can choose the right ball for their specific needs by understanding these variations and consulting with bowling experts or Pro Shop Operators (PSOs).
Finally, it is worth mentioning that reactive resin balls require careful storage to prevent cracking. Keeping them in a climate-controlled room with stable temperatures and low humidity is essential. Owners should avoid placing these balls on absorbent materials, such as soft, shag carpets, as this can lead to cracking over time. Regularly rotating the balls and storing them in a bowling bag, on a metal/plastic shelf, or in a ball cup can also help prolong their lifespan.
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Professional bowlers may use heavier balls
Bowling balls are available in different materials, including plastic, urethane, reactive resin, and particle. Plastic bowling balls are made of polyester plastic, which is inert to lane oil. Most 'spare' balls are made of polyester plastic.
The weight of the bowling ball is just one factor that bowlers consider when choosing a ball. The cover stock, or type of bowling ball, is another important consideration. Plastic balls are just one option, and other types include urethane, reactive resin, and particle.
Urethane bowling balls, for example, are made of polyurethane plastic and are lane oil repellent. They create friction between the lane and the ball by pushing oil away. Reactive resin balls are also made of polyurethane but with added plasticizers and foaming agents that create porosity. They can absorb oil and then react to the dry.
Particle balls, meanwhile, are used for heavy oil as the embedded particles help generate friction through the oil. These balls got a bad reputation for burning up, but most reactive balls produced today contain particles even if it's not advertised.
In addition to the weight and type of bowling ball, bowlers may also want to consider the cost. Good bowling balls can be found for $50 or less, and prices increase depending on customizations, drilling, and other factors.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bowling balls are made of polyester plastic.
Plastic bowling balls can be purchased for $159.95.
Polyester plastic is inert to lane oil, which is why most 'spare' balls are made of it.
Plastic bowling balls are straighter than urethane balls.
