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
- Bowling thumb sleeve--easy to clean and maintain, it's always ready for use, lightweight and compact design for a comfortable fit in the hand,competition bowling gloves
- Adaptable bowling gloves--small and lightweight design makes it easy to carry wherever you go, allowing protection at all times when needed,sports bowling gloves
- Fixed bowling gloves--easy-to-wash and store, making it an essential addition to your bowling bag,compact bowling gloves
- White bowling gloves--made from soft and breathable materials, it offers comfort for long hours of play,elastic bowling gloves
- Black bowling gloves--its soft and breathable materials offer added comfort and maximum ventilation,home-use bowling gloves
- MICROFIBER BOWLING SEE-SAW TOWEL: Comes in black color. With a spherical shape and 2 long handles. Made of soft and high-quality microfiber fabric designed to work on most bowling bowl sizes and weights.
- USE SEE-SAW MOTION TO POLISH YOUR BOWLING BOWL: Place the bowling ball inside the bowling seesaw. Move the seesaw handle up and down alternately. In just a matter of seconds, you’ll polish your bowling balls to a shine!
- HIGH-QUALITY MICROFIBER SHAMMY: Durable and ultra-absorbent. The microfiber fabric is highly efficient and effective in removing dirt, oil, and lane conditioner. It also has moisture-wicking technology that absorbs and locks liquids up to 7 times more than regular shammies.
- PROTECTS BOWLING BALLS FROM SCRATCHES: This specially-designed bowling ball is not only for cleaning and polishing. It’s a perfect cover for your bowling balls from scratching or other surface damage while inside your bowling bag.
- MACHINE WASHABLE BOWLING BALL TOWEL: Don’t worry about this bowling ball shammy unraveling in the wash. This towel has reinforced stitching for increased durability, ensuring that the bowling ball shammy can survive numerous washes.
- Multiple Pockets for Sufficient Space: The Bosynoy bowling ball backpack has enough space to store all your bowling accessories & equipment. 1 front compartment to hold 1 bowling ball and 1 shoe compartment for a pair of bowling shoes. 1 more on the back can easily store towels or clothes. 2 side zipper pockets and 2 vent pockets on each side are perfect to store wallets, keys, water bottle and other small items
- Protect Your Bowling Ball Well: The biggest compartment which is for holding bowling ball is equipped with a removeable foam padded to cushion and protect your expensive bowling ball from damage. Besides, there are a buckle in bowling bag to provide stability and reduce tear and wear during the way to the bowling alley or going back home
- Backpack With Shoe Compartment: The top compartment of the bowling package can hold a pair of shoes up to US mens 16 and separate your shoes from other items and keep the stink out. Keeps your things well organized also more convenient for you to put it in or take it out without messing up the other equipment you have already packed. The two sides mesh pockets can carry water bottles, umbrella, Etc
- Carry Your Gear Comfortably: Padded shoulder strap can reduce the stress of your shoulder and allows you to carry the bowling bag with ease. The waist buckle design keep your bowling ball bag steady. Also the breathable mesh back which improve the air circulation on the back can provide comfortable carrying experience
- High-Quality Materials & Multipurpose: Made of sturdy materials to ensure that it can withstand heavy weight. A smooth zipper helps you take out your items easily. Not only can be used to hold bowling balls, but also can used as a backpack for other outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping. Also for men, womens, college as a gym backpack. Dimension of bowling backpack: 12”x11”x19.5”
- Bowler's Helper: These bowling thumb tapes are suitable for bowling enthusiasts, help to keep your fingers from friction while bowling, and can also be applied to scratchy areas to keep them clean
- Comfortable Feeling: Our bowling thumb tape is made of soft material that feels like a second skin to the touch, easily stretches and fits your fingers for a comfortable use experience
- Much Quantity: Value pack, each pack contains 100 pieces of bowling tape, size 2.95x0.98inch/7.5x2.5cm. meet the needs of you, your family and friends for multiple games, let you enjoy the thrill of bowling to the fullest
- Strong Adhesion: Our bowling finger tape are made with sports adhesive for extra strength. Even if your hands are sweaty, it won't fall apart, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable bond throughout the game
- Widely Applicable: Bowling finger tape is a practical accessory for both outdoor and indoor sports, preventing scratches and cuts to the fingers during sports and exercises
- Multiple Pockets for Sufficient Space - The CIIHARS bowling ball backpack has enough space to store all your bowling accessories & equipment. 1 front compartment to hold 1 bowling ball and 1 shoe compartment for a pair of bowling shoes.1 more on the back can easily store towels or clothes. 1 side vent pockets perfect to storewater bottle,1 side zipp pocket perfect to store wallets, keys and other small items
- Protect Your Bowling Ball Well - The biggest compartment which is for holding bowling ball is equipped with a removeable foam padded to cushion and protect your expensive bowling ball from damage. Besides, there are a buckle in bowling bag to provide stability and reduce tear and wear during the way to the bowling alley or going back home
- CONVENIENT USB&HEADSET PORT DESIGN - Bowling Backpack Offers a USB Charging Port Outside.Great For Charging Your Phone Or Other Electronic Devices While Walking.(Please Note That The Power Bank Is Not Included In This USB Bowling Backpack). And The Headphone Interface Frees Your Hands When Enjoying Audios, Music, Etc.
- Backpack With Shoe Compartment - The top compartment of the bowling package can hold a pair of shoes up to US mens 16 and separate your shoes from other items and keep the stink out. Keeps your things well organized also more convenient for you to put it in or take it out without messing up the other equipment you have already packed.
- Carry Your Gear Comfortably - Adjustable shoulder with pad strap can reduce the stress of your shoulder and allows you to carry the bowling bag with ease. The waist buckle design keep your bowling ball bag steady. Also the breathable mesh back which improve the air circulation on the back can provide comfortable carrying experience
- Suitable Size: The bowling ball finger tape measures about 2.5x7cm/0.98x2.76inches, it is a suitable size, light weight, easy to carry and store, you can put the bowling ball in your backpack or pocket for a rainy day.
- Practical Functions: These bowling thumb tapes can protect your fingers well, avoid injury while exercising, and can prevent calluses or blisters on your fingers caused by prolonged friction; what's more, these bowling tapes are also suitable for protecting your nails , allowing you to exercise with confidence, without worrying that your nails will affect your performance, it is a good accessory for outdoor sports.
- What You Will Receive: There are a total of 120 bowling thumb straps in the package, enough for your daily use and replacement needs, you can also share these bowling accessory straps with your close friends, family, classmates, roommates.
- Reliable Material: The product is relatively light and thin, with laminating adhesive, which makes the product not easy to be opened and damaged; these bowling accessories are made of high-quality cloth, which has some elasticity, you can stretch them to a certain length and shape, To meet your actual needs, they have good breathability to provide you with a comfortable experience, and the exquisite workmanship makes them not easy to break.
- After-sales Service Guarantee: Bowling finger strap is a practical accessory for outdoor and indoor sports, preventing finger scratches and cuts during sports and exercise. Please contact us if any problem with our product, we will provide a satisfactory solution within 24h!
- 【Professional Bowling Accessories】: Bowling finger tape can well guard fingers and joints from scratches and long-term friction and calluses. The practical finger protection performance will not only not limit your activities but also allow you to pay attention more to your games and sports. Whether you want to buffer finger fatigue and pain or guard nails, bowling accessories for men and women can meet your needs.
- 【Sufficient Quantity】: Each package of bowlers thumb tape contains 80 pcs, there are 2 colors, black and blue, 40 pcs of each color, to meet your bowling finger tape replacement and sharing needs, and each bowling thumb tape size is 2.95 × 0.98 × 0.02 inches / 7.5 × 2.5 × 0.06 cm, ideal size, suitable for men and women, let you worry-free enjoy the happy bowling sports.
- 【Breathable and Comfortable Material】: This bowling thumb protector is made of professional sports tape cottons cloth material, which is flexible and elastic, safe and comfortable, and bowling ball The spinner has good breathability, is flexible and sturdy, and brings you a comfortable wearing experience, even for long games.
- 【Easy to Use】: Bowling tape for finger is a professional bowling accessory and equipment for outdoor sports, which is very simple to use. You can stick the bowling ball tape anywhere you need protection, easily put it in your pocket and bag to carry, and use it at any time to guard your fingers, so that you can exercise with peace of mind.
- 【Good Fit】: Bowling ball finger inserts are easy to stick, with higher bonding strength, not easy to peel off during exercise, providing long-lasting and reliable bonding, and bowling sanding pads are cleverly designed to make it easy and convenient for you to use, so that you and your family and friend can practice bowling for longer, bowling tape thumb is the first choice for bowlers who choose quality and convenience.
- Protect Finger in Bowling: Elastic bowling thumb tape and bowling finger tape for protecting your thumb and finger for bowler, exercise, sports, workout. Protect your fingers from scratches during exercise and avoid calluses or blisters on fingers.
- Provide a Buffer: apply the finger tape casually on your fingers. Protect and gives a little of cushioning to your joints, prevents excessive impact that can irritate your fingers. Also apply it to fingers and keep them clean.
- Reliable Material: made of quality cloth, with a certain elasticity, and you can stretch them to a certain length and shape.
- Size: Each roll in 2.5 cm width and 5 meters length for long time custom using.
- Each pack with 2 Rolls in Black color.
- BOWLING THUMB GRIP: special design grip sleeve to provide protection to the thumb for bowling sport & bowler.
- THUMB PROTECTION: reduce friction for smoother release and reduce swelling on the thumb for bowling sport. Help to prevent blister and calluses for playing bowling ball.
- THUMB OPEN-TIP : open-tip design with grip on the thumb tip. Comfort for adjusting and provide extra gripping power while playing bowling ball.
- ONE SIZE: wrist band design with hook and loop. Adjustable and one size fits most. Design for Right Hand using but also reversible for Left Hand if needed.
- COMFORTABLE MATERIAL: made for soft, elastic & lightweight fabric that fits most hand size. Comfortable & wear-resistant.
- Quantity and Size:You will receive 120 bowling thumb tapes, enough to meet your daily use and replacement needs, and you can also share them with others. The size of thumb tape is 7.5x2.5cm/2.95x0.98inch, which is just the right size to cover your fingers perfectly
- Durable and Flexible:This thumb tape designed for bowlers adopts high-quality sports belt, which is both flexible and elastic. It is breathable and comfortable, and will not irritate your skin. It is a necessary bowling accessory for men and women
- Protective Tape:Bowling finger protectors can protect your fingers from scratches during exercise and avoid calluses or blisters caused by long-term friction, it's especially useful for bowlers with manicures, safeguarding your nails during play
- Easy to Use and Carry:Bowling tape is suitable for men and women. You can stick them wherever you need to protect them. Its packaging is very small and easy to put in your pocket and bag. Whether you go to a bowling alley or play outdoor sports, you can take it with you
- Wide Application Range:Bowling tape for fingers is not only suitable for bowling, but also for some other outdoor sports, such as rock climbing, tennis, volleyball, etc. Sticking tape when using musical instruments is also a good choice
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.