So you’ve made the decision to start bowling more often, but you’re worried about how safe the sport is because you’re not wearing any protective gear. We’re here to tell you that not only is bowling protective gear not required by most bowling alleys, but you should wear some anyway. Here’s why.
When you think of bowling, you probably picture yourself wearing a jersey and bowling shoes and throwing a few frames with your friends. But what you may have forgotten is that bowling actually counts as a strenuous workout. A standard game consists of 10 frames and involves rolling a heavy ball up to 15 pounds down a lane and trying to knock down as many pins as possible. When it comes to bowling, you’re using not just your arms, but also your shoulders, back, legs, and core to make the ball go where you want it to go.
Because bowling can put so much strain on your arms, shoulders, back, and legs, it’s smart to wear protective gear. Not only will these items help protect you against injury, but they also often have additional features like padding, ventilation, and moisture-wicking properties that can make the sport more comfortable.
Read on for the best bowling protective gear.
Our Editor’s Best Bowling Protective Gear Reviews
- Unique fabric construction improves comfort by allowing perspiration to easily evaporate
- Proven classic styling provides exceptional support and outstanding results, keeping your wrist in the proper position throughout your release
- Removable metal supports in both the front and back are designed to provide comfort and support while placing the wrist and hand in the proper position for an effective release
- Three velcro straps provide a secure and comfortable fit
- When using a wrist device like the Kool Kontrol it is completely normal for it to feel very 'wrong" when you first put it on and use it. If it feels "wrong" then you are moving in the "right" direction - as the device is now keeping your wrist in the proper position.
- Enjoy a happy bowling without trouble:This thumb tape can let you and your family and friends play bowling all day. It can prevent your thumb and other fingers from fatigue and pain. It's a great help to improve your bowling skills because you can practice longer
- Safe and comfortable :This bowling tape strip is made of professional sport tape, which is flexible, elastic, very breathable, comfortable and non irritating to the skin. While protecting fingers and joints, it will not limit their activities. It is a professional bowling accessory and equipment for outdoor sports
- Protective tape for fingers and skin: This bowler thumb tape is a nice way to protect your fingers from scratches during exercise, and avoid calluses or blisters on fingers caused by prolonged rubbing; This bowling tape is also useful for women who have manicures, protecting your nails, and giving you peace of mind during exercise, without worrying about how your nails will affect your performance
- Easy to use and carry:The size of this thumb protector is perfect for people, whether men, women. You can stick them anywhere you need protection. Its package is very small and easy to put into your pocket and bag. You can take our bowlers tape it with you whether you go to bowling alley or outdoor sports
- Equal to 2.5cm x 9.14 meters: 120 pieces of 1x3inch Bowling Tape, connected equal to 2.5cmx9.14 meters
- Absorbs moisture from hand
- Improves gripping power
- Assorted colors
- Round design fits the contour of your hand
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL - Made primarily of quality microfiber, the bowling powder bag is filled with diatomaceous earth. It is soft, durable, and has excellent sweat absorption properties, ensuring an even distribution of powder to keep your hands dry and clean.
- THICKENED DESIGN - The bowling grip bag features a thickened design, ensuring the powder stays contained, providing a hassle-free experience and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
- EASY TO GRIP - Each bowling grip ball measures approximately 8 x 9 x 6 cm (3.15 x 3.54 x 2.36 inches), making it suitable for both small and large hands, and ideal for both men and women. PLEASE NOTE: The size is measured by hand, it may have a 1cm error.
- VERSATILE USE - This bowling dry grip bag is perfect not only for bowling but also for baseball, tennis, hockey, and other sports, enhancing your enjoyment with family and friends.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS - The set includes 3 bowling powder bags designed to keep your hands dry for a better performance. These bags are ample for personal use and sharing with friends.
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL - Made primarily of quality microfiber, the bowling powder bag is filled with diatomaceous earth. It is soft, durable, and has excellent sweat absorption properties, ensuring an even distribution of powder to keep your hands dry and clean.
- THICKENED DESIGN - The bowling grip bag features a thickened design, ensuring the powder stays contained, providing a hassle-free experience and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
- EASY TO GRIP - Each bowling grip ball measures approximately 8 x 9 x 6 cm (3.15 x 3.54 x 2.36 inches), making it suitable for both small and large hands, and ideal for both men and women. PLEASE NOTE: The size is measured by hand, it may have a 1cm error.
- VERSATILE USE - This bowling dry grip bag is perfect not only for bowling but also for baseball, tennis, hockey, and other sports, enhancing your enjoyment with family and friends.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS - The set includes 1 bowling powder bags designed to keep your hands dry for a better performance. These bags are ample for personal use and sharing with friends.
- Package length: 3.81 cm
- Package width: 9.144 cm
- Package height: 9.906 cm
- Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
- RESTORE YOUR COVERSTOCKS: The Hammer Shammy
- ABSORBS OIL: The Hammer Shammy has oil absorbing dual sided leather pads.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL: The Hammer Shammy successfully restores ball motion on all coverstocks by clearing oil from the surface.
- COLOR STYLES TO MATCH YOU: The Hammer Shammy comes in 3 different styles. Purple Hammer, Black/Orange and the Black Widow colors.
- Special combination of conditioners and rosin is unlike any other grip bag in bowling
- Absorbs moisture
- Reusable storage bag
- Fragrances: Black - Vanilla, Red - Cherry, and Blue - Grape
- Bowling Accessories for Use and Replace: the package comes with 2 pieces of bowling rosin bags in black, flat and smooth, enough to satisfy your demands when you play bowling ball, keeping your hands dry, improving your performance; Note: the grip bowling rosin bag is unscented
- Thoughtful Design for Confident Using: the bowling powder bag for hands is designed with 2 layers of fabrics, neatly and tightly sewed, hardly spilling out optionally, offering you a pleasant using experience
- Comfortable to Use: the bowling grip sack is made of lint cloth and rosin, and the outer layer is pliable and serviceable, having nice sweat absorbing performance, thick enough to stand repeated use, able to spread the powder on your palms evenly
- Appropriate Size for Nice Portability: designed with a diameter of approx. 4 inches, the bowling grip bag is easy for you to grip, store and carry around, not occupying too much space or energy
- Practicality for Many Sports: the bowling ball accessories can be widely applied to sport activities, such as bowling, baseball, horizontal bar, weightlifting, softball, tennis, hockey and more, helping you spend a happy and relaxing exercise time
- The officially licensed Emoji Grip Sacks from KR Strikeforce. Absorbs moisture Keeps hands dry Individually packaged
- This grip sac absorbs moisture and keeps hands dry
- Indivudually packaged
- Country of Origin:China
Best Bowling Protective Gear Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bowling protective gear you should consider following options:
1. Bowling shoes: The first thing you should buy as a bowler is a good pair of shoes. They must fit well and be comfortable.
If you have narrow feet, look for shoes that have a narrow last. If you have wide feet, look for shoes with a wide last.
You should also look for a pair that meets your specific needs. For instance, if you bowl on a synthetic lane, you will want to purchase bowling shoes with a special sole to help you keep your grip on the lane.
If you bowl on wood, you will need shoes with a special rubber sole that won’t slip on the wood.
2. Bowling shirts: You should be sure to wear a comfortable shirt that wicks away moisture. Cotton is not the best choice here.
Instead, look for shirts made of synthetic materials. Look for a shirt that has a tail, so it doesn’t ride up during your delivery.
You also want a shirt that has a loose, relaxed fit. A tight shirt can throw off your delivery.
3. Bowling gloves: Gloves are essential to keep your hands protected from the friction of the bowling ball. They also help you keep your grip on the ball.
You should look for a glove that is snug, but not too tight. You want to be able to feel the ball in your hand so you can get a good feel for the delivery.
You also want a glove that is durable and made from quality materials. You will be throwing many balls in a night, so you need a glove that is up to the challenge.
4. Protective gear: You will want to wear protective gear if you bowl in leagues with bumpers or if you like to throw heavy balls.
This is essential to avoid damage to your body. You can purchase chest protectors, arm guards, and leg guards.
You should also wear a helmet when you bowl. The ball can get very heavy when it hits the pin deck, so you want to protect your head.
You can purchase a helmet with a built-in facemask or buy a regular helmet and attach a facemask.
5. Other essential gear: Other essential items you will want to have with you include a towel to dry your hands after throwing the ball, a change of clothes in case you get wet, and a change of shoes to wear after your game.
What else you should know about bowling protective gear
1. What kind of protective gear do I need when bowling?
A bowling ball, bowling shoes, and a bowling alley.
2. How do I know if the protective gear I’m using is effective?
If you are unsure if the protective gear you are using is effective, you can always ask a supervisor or safety officer. They will be able to tell you if the gear is effective for the task you are performing.
3. How often should I replace my bowling protective gear?
Most bowling alleys will have staff that can help you with this question, as they will be familiar with the amount of wear and tear that your gear goes through. Generally, it is recommended that you replace your bowling shoes every few years, and your bowling ball every few months. Your other gear, such as your glove, bag, and wrist guard, can last much longer, but should be replaced if they start to show signs of wear and tear.
4. What are the consequences of not wearing protective gear while bowling?
The consequences of not wearing protective gear while bowling are that you could get injured if you are hit by a bowling ball. You could also damage the equipment if you are not wearing protective gear.
5. How can I properly care for my bowling protective gear?
To properly care for your bowling protective gear, make sure to clean it after each use. You can use a mild soap and water solution to clean your gear, and then let it air dry.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bowling protective gear. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bowling protective gear will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.