Bowling

Top Bowling Gear and Where to Buy It in the US: A Shopper’s Guide to Balls, Shoes, and Accessories

Why investing in quality bowling gear matters

If you love bowling, you know that great scores aren’t just about practice—they’re about gear that fits your style and body. Picking the right bowling ball, shoes, and accessories can turn a frustrating night into a string of strikes. Think of your equipment like a musical instrument: a well-tuned violin sounds better in the hands of a player, and similarly, the right ball and fit make your delivery more consistent. In this guide I’ll walk you through trusted US retailers, pro shops, and online sellers where serious bowlers and beginners alike can find exactly what they need.

Top places to buy bowling balls in the US

When shopping for a bowling ball, you want retailers that offer variety, expertise, and reliable shipping. Popular options include national sporting goods chains, specialized bowling stores, and manufacturer shops. Many bowlers split purchases between in-person fitting at a pro shop and online shopping for price comparisons. If you’re hunting for the best deals, consider a mix of big-box stores and niche suppliers to balance price and selection.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a go-to for many bowlers because of its nationwide footprint and frequent sales. They stock name-brand balls and gear, and while not all locations offer ball drilling, many stores provide fitting assistance or can recommend nearby pro shops. If you like trying gear on before you buy, Dick’s can be a convenient first stop, and their seasonal promotions often make higher-end balls more affordable.

Bowling.com

Bowling.com is a specialist online retailer focused entirely on bowling equipment. They carry a massive inventory of balls, shoes, bags, and accessories from brands like Brunswick, Storm, and Motiv. The site is great for in-depth product comparisons, specs, and customer reviews. If you prefer to shop online and want a one-stop store for drilling options and accessories, Bowling.com is designed for bowlers who know what they want and want fast, reliable shipping.

BowlersMart and Pro-Shop Networks

BowlersMart and similar pro-shop networks provide both equipment and expert services such as drilling, fitting, and resurfacing. These shops are staffed by people who live and breathe bowling, so you’ll get tailored advice on ball weight, finger span, and surface finishes. If you’re serious about improving, find a local pro shop to test lanes and learn how specific balls react. Pro shops often stock manufacturer demo balls too, so you can try before you commit.

Where to find custom bowling ball drilling and fitting

Custom drilling is a game-changer. Even the best ball is only as good as the fit between its holes and your hand. Pro shops attached to centers or independent shops are where to get hole patterns fitted to your release. Expect measurements like finger span and thumb circumference in inches, and a discussion of your typical shot—do you hook hard, or play straighter? A correct fit reduces injury risk and increases control, so don’t skip this step.

Local pro shops vs chain stores

Local pro shops usually offer more personalized attention: technicians can watch your approach and adjust drilling to match your release. Chain stores might be more convenient for purchases but often refer you to independent shops for drilling. Combining both approaches—buying online for price and visiting a local pro shop for drilling—gives you the best of both worlds. It’s like ordering a tailor-made suit after finding the perfect fabric online.

Best retailers for bowling shoes and apparel

Shoe fit is as important as ball fit. Bowling shoes affect slide, traction, and comfort. Look for retailers that offer a range of sizes—including wide options—and brands known for durability. From budget-friendly models to premium leather options, stores differ in stock. If you bowl in leagues, consider semi-custom or custom-fit shoes to optimize comfort for long sessions.

Play It Again Sports

Play It Again Sports is a great option if you’re after value. Many locations sell gently used bowling shoes and occasionally lightly used balls, which can be a budget-friendly way to step up your game. Because shoes break in, buying used can be wise—just check the condition of the soles and the fit in inches. If you prefer new gear, they also stock affordable new shoes and apparel suitable for beginners and recreational bowlers.

Amazon and Walmart: convenience and selection

Amazon and Walmart offer unmatched convenience and size variety. You’ll find beginner shoes, entry-level balls, and budget accessory kits, often with user reviews that help with decisions. The trick is discerning quality: read reviews and check seller ratings. These outlets are perfect for quick replacements, spare parts, and accessories like tape, ball polish, and shoe covers when you need them fast.

Accessories and maintenance: where to shop

Accessories like bags, cleaners, tape, and bowling towels keep your gear performing. For maintenance supplies, manufacturer stores and specialist retailers typically carry the best items—ball cleaner, grit pads, and microfiber towels designed to preserve the coverstock. Investing in a quality bag with dedicated compartments for balls, shoes, and accessories protects your gear in transit and makes league nights less hectic.

Brunswick and Storm official stores

Manufacturer stores—Brunswick, Storm, Motiv, and others—sell accessories made for their specific balls. These stores offer cleaning products formulated for particular coverstocks and replacement parts that fit perfectly. If you’re using a performance ball from a major brand, buy the recommended maintenance items from that brand to preserve ball reaction and longevity. It’s like using the right oil in a car engine—small care steps lead to big performance benefits over time.

Shopping tips: how to choose the right bowling ball

Choosing a ball involves weight, coverstock, and core type. Weight is personal: a general rule is to use a ball that’s about 10% of your body weight, but that’s only a starting point. Try a few weights to find the balance between control and power. Coverstocks determine how the ball reacts to oil on the lane—plastic, urethane, reactive resin—and cores affect rotation and hook potential. Think of the ball as a paintbrush: different brushes create very different strokes.

Weight selection

Ball weight is measured in pounds, and most adult balls range from 10 lbs to 16 lbs. For many adults, 12–15 lbs is common, but comfort matters most. If your wrist or arm tightens during your swing, drop down a pound or two. If you’re dragging the ball or your shots lack power, try increasing the weight by 1 lb until you find a sweet spot in pounds that feels natural for repeated throws.

Core and coverstock basics

Cores can be symmetric or asymmetric, affecting how the ball revs and transitions through the lane. Coverstocks—plastic, urethane, reactive resin, and hybrid—change traction on oily or dry lanes. Beginners often start with plastic or urethane for predictability, while advanced bowlers choose reactive resin for strong hook potential. If you’re unsure, demo a ball with a variety of cores and coverstocks at a pro shop to see which suits your lane conditions and release.

Budget-friendly options: save without compromise

Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line performance ball right away. You can build a capable setup on a budget by combining entry-level new gear and pre-owned items. Look for clearance sales at nationwide retailers, manufacturer closeouts, and gently used balls at local shops. Prioritize a properly fitted ball and decent shoes; accessories can come later. With clever shopping, you can bowl consistently well without spending a small fortune.

Refurbished balls and used gear

Refurbished balls are resurfaced and reconditioned, often at a fraction of the new price. Many pro shops refurbish balls with new finger inserts and resurfacing, so they perform like new. Used shoes can also be a steal if the soles and heels are in good shape. Always inspect used gear in person when possible: check for cracks, core noise, or excessive wear. Buying used is like adopting a reliable used car—good value if inspected carefully.

Where to buy for leagues and tournaments

If you bowl on a team or compete, you may need matching team apparel, sponsor decals, or tournament-approved balls. Some retailers and pro shops offer team ordering services and volume discounts for leagues. Equipment that meets certain league or tournament rules is often available through manufacturer catalogs or specialist retailers. Planning ahead ensures your team looks cohesive and performs consistently on match day.

Team orders and volume discounts

Many suppliers offer discounts when you buy in bulk. For league managers, ordering multiple balls, bags, or shirts at once can save money and time. Some pro shops also handle embroidery or screen printing on shirts and provide package deals for new league members. Think ahead: ordering weeks in advance gives manufacturers time to customize and ship without rush fees.

Online vs in-store buying: pros and cons

Buying online offers convenience, wider selection, and often lower prices, but lacks hands-on testing. In-store purchases let you try shoes and get a fitting, especially for drilling. A hybrid approach usually works best: research and compare prices online, then visit a local pro shop for measurements and drilling. Many online retailers price-match and offer easy returns, making the combo approach both economical and safe.

How to care for your bowling gear

Proper care keeps your equipment performing longer. Wipe down your ball after each game with a microfiber towel to remove oil and dirt, and deep-clean or resurface every few dozen games depending on lane conditions. Keep shoes dry and store them in a ventilated bag to prevent odors. Treat your bag like a toolbox—clean and organized—with separate pockets for shoes, accessories, and spare parts to prolong everything’s life.

Final recommendations: best overall stores by need

Here’s a quick list to match retailers to needs: choose BowlersMart or a local pro shop for expert drilling and niche advice; Bowling.com or manufacturer stores for the widest selection of performance gear; Dick’s Sporting Goods for convenient access and seasonal sales; Amazon and Walmart for fast, budget buys; and Play It Again Sports for used gear and bargains. If you want the best of both worlds, use online stores for price checks and local pro shops for final fitting and support.

Wrapping up your shopping strategy

Buying bowling gear should be part detective work, part hands-on testing. Compare prices online, read product specs and reviews, then visit a pro shop for fitting and drilling. Keep an eye out for sales at big retailers and manufacturer closeouts, but never sacrifice fit for a bargain. With the right mix of research and in-person support, you’ll build a setup that improves your game and lasts for seasons to come. Ready to roll?

Conclusion: Whether you’re a weekend bowler or a league regular, the right gear makes a measurable difference. Shop smart—combine online resources for comparison with hands-on pro shop expertise for drilling and fit. Choose retailers that match your needs, protect your investment with proper maintenance, and don’t be afraid to try before you buy. With the right strategy, you’ll strike more often and enjoy the alley even more.