PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) pros primarily use bowling balls that are PBA Certified. This means the balls have met rigorous standards set by the association for performance and specifications, ensuring fair play and consistent quality across professional competition.
To be eligible for use in PBA events, bowling balls must undergo a thorough approval process. This certification ensures that the balls adhere to specific regulations regarding their size, weight, hardness, surface texture, and core design, among other characteristics. Manufacturers submit their bowling balls for testing and approval, and once certified, they are added to the official list of approved equipment.
Examples of PBA Certified Bowling Balls
While PBA pros have a wide range of certified balls to choose from, here are some examples of balls that have received PBA certification, demonstrating the diversity of equipment available to professional bowlers:
| Brand | Name | Date Approved |
|---|---|---|
| Bowlero | Bowlero Red/Black Pearl (Reactive) | April 12, 2022 |
| Bowlers Edge | Radical Thing IIIX | October 1, 1997 |
| Bowlers Edge | Wild Thing Pro | August 1, 1998 |
| Bowlersparadise.com | Draco | August 1, 2012 |
Professional bowlers often select their balls based on various factors, including:
- Lane conditions: Different oil patterns and lane surfaces require specific ball reactions.
- Player style: Bowlers with different release styles (e.g., cranker, stroker, spinner) will favor balls that complement their technique.
- Ball reaction desired: Whether a bowler needs a strong hook, a smooth arc, or a straighter path, there's a certified ball designed for that purpose.
- Coverstock material: Reactive resin, urethane, and plastic coverstocks offer distinct friction properties on the lane.
- Core design: The internal weight block influences the ball's motion down the lane.
The PBA maintains a comprehensive list of all certified bowling balls, which is continuously updated as new equipment is approved. This ensures that pros always have access to a regulated and diverse selection of high-performance equipment. For a more extensive list of certified bowling balls, you can refer to the official PBA Certified Bowling Balls page.
