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
- Use to Make the thumb come out more smoothly from the thumb hole of your bowling ball
- 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.
- Designed for right or left handed bowlers
- Versatile Neoprene construction helps to relieve tendonitis pain
- Holds warmth to keep muscles loose
- One size fits most
- Protects the soles of bowling shoes from moisture, gum, food, etc.
- Easy to slip on over shoes and stores easily inside a bowling bag
- Contains Two (2) Shoe Protectors
- One size larger recommended for High Performance shoes. ex: THE9
- 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
- Prevents blisters, Cuts & Sores
- Use it on abrasion prone areas of the skin
- Made of a thin, dual stretch material
- Sweat resistant
- Provides additional comfort and protection for your thumb. Helps prevent and protect from blisters and calluses
- Unique material reduces friction allowing for a smoother release while reducing swelling of the thumb during bowling
- Textured tip to provide extra gripping power
- One size fits most
- Includes 1 4oz Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner to remove lane debris and belt marks
- Includes 1 Monster Pad Bowling Applicator for application and removal of cleaner and polish
- Includes 1 Ultra-Dry Grip Ball (color is randomly chosen) for keeping hands dry and conditioned for each shot
- Convenient size fits into any bowling bag
- Package Content: the package comes with 2 pairs of black bowling shoe covers ( 4 pieces) , providing sufficient quantity for you to replace your old or missing one, also allowing you to share with others; Notice: large size is suitable for male size 9 to11 and female size 10 or more
- Reliable to use: the non-slip bowling shoe cover is made of quality polyester, hard to wear or tear, serviceable and reliable, won't fade easily, with exquisite workmanship to withstand the test of time and accompany you for a long time
- Anti-slip design: the bottom of the shoe protector cover adopts non-slip material, keeps you from slipping and falling while playing bowling, allows you to enjoy the fun of the sport to the full, safe and reliable, providing you with a comfortable using experience
- Effective protection: these bowling shoe protector covers are helpful to keep your shoes from stains, gum, dirt, mud, gravel and other things, keep your bowling shoes clean and extend the service life of shoes, so that you don't have to wash your shoes often, which saves your time and unnecessary expenses
- Thoughtful Gift: these bowling shoe covers are nice protectors for your shoes, an ideal gift choice for your sisters or brothers, close friends, neighbors, colleagues, teammates and more to express your sincere care and love
- Apply to bowling shoe soles to increase slide on approach
- Apply to bowling ball thumb hole to assist with quicker release
- Resealable pouch for mess-free storage
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.