Buy shoes first: they are the cheapest upgrade and make your slide consistent. Next, buy one ball drilled to your hand by a pro shop, usually an entry reactive ball or a plastic ball. Add a single or double tote bag, a microfiber towel and a ball cleaner. A dedicated plastic spare ball comes after that. Performance shoes, extra reactive balls and wrist supports can wait until you know your style.
New bowlers often buy the most expensive ball first. A better order gets you more improvement for less money.
The order
| Step | Buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bowling shoes | Same slide every week |
| 2 | One ball, drilled to fit | No squeezing, better release |
| 3 | Tote bag, towel, cleaner | Protects and maintains the ball |
| 4 | Plastic spare ball | Straighter, easier spares |
| 5 | Second strike ball, accessories | Covers more lane conditions |
Step 1: shoes
Casual shoes with a slide sole on both feet are fine to start. See slide and braking soles.
Step 2: your first ball
Pick the weight first using the weight guide, then the coverstock using reactive vs urethane vs plastic. Have it drilled for your span and finger sizes. Most pro shops include basic drilling with a ball bought from them.
Step 3: bag and care
A single-ball tote is enough for one ball. If you plan a spare ball soon, buy a double tote. Add a microfiber towel and a ball cleaner; see how to clean a bowling ball.
Step 4: spare ball
A plastic ball goes straight, which is what you want for single-pin spares. It is the most useful second ball for nearly every bowler.
What can wait
Performance shoes with interchangeable soles, wrist supports, a third ball and roller bags are useful later. Buy them once your league average and style settle.
If your local center runs a small-ball game instead, see duckpin, candlepin and five-pin.
Browse beginners and league.
Common questions
Should my first bowling ball be reactive or plastic?
If you want to learn to hook the ball, an entry reactive ball. If you throw it straight, a plastic ball, which later becomes your spare ball.
Do I need my own bowling shoes?
If you bowl more than a few times a year, yes. Rental shoes vary in slide, and your own pair gives you the same feel every time.
Should I buy a bowling ball online?
You can, but have it drilled by a pro shop. Many bowlers buy through their local pro shop so the purchase, fitting and drilling happen in one place.
What can wait?
Performance shoes, a second reactive ball, wrist supports and roller bags can wait until your average and style settle.