How Ten-Pin Bowling Balls Are Made

A look at how the balls used in ten-pin bowling are made and what characteristics they have.

[@21hydejm]

I loved that Storm Hot Rod Hybrid they featured in that. I rolled my second 300 with that ball.

[@mariorocks9924]

This is interesting!! I'm a Special Olympics bowler for 10 years! I love to learn something new every day!

[@user-se8jg5ul7e]

This used to my fav video... nostalgia.

[@therealqore2024]

Justin Y. Yo me too

[@trashydude5469]

Same when I was younger I loved this

[@dxrk200]

same, when i was like 6, i watched this ALL THE TIME

[@leviopolus]

so glad im not the only one

[@mzalt]

5:24 really professional

[@caftood]

5:24

[@braeyonbeard267]

Yeah

[@braeyonbeard267]

5:24

[@fryode]

I work at Storm. The process has changed some since the video was made.

[@Luigi90900]

"This Machine shapes the ball with out removing a lot of resin." and it takes a good half inch (1cm) of.

[@braeyonbeard267]

Thanks

[@papjpap3249]

2021

[@jacobsak5384]

This used to be my favourite video bc I loved bowling lol

[@GavinMFR]

Same

[@chickenman779]

You can tell this guy's voice is awesome when transcribe audio gets most of it right.

[@SanitiveRevolution]

This is the most correct, concise and thorough explanation of bowling ball construction to include specifications and industry standards. And if you correct me, you pass the idiot test.

[@miningsimulator7372]

Nice usage of complicated, uncommon words.

[@MegaMCEpicness]

That strike they showed was really heavy in the pocket, pretty lucky

[@khoaido8187]

MegaMCEpicness cccgfgggghgfhhghfggfggfgggfggvr

[@logang5966]

Yea that's why I was looking in the comments to see if anybody else saw that

[@stephencaparelli7733]

actually the hit was slightly light. if the 3 pin is standing alone on the lane and you throw a PERFECT strike ball it will miss the 3 pin.

[@williamnowacki]

Pretty cool. I actually do remember that most bowling balls do indeed have an individual smell. 2:12

[@jamieelliott2093]

actually only storm bowling balls do

[@gvet47]

@@jamieelliott2093 All bowling balls smell if you are sensitive to the different resins they are made of. I bet the factory is terrible from all the resin smells!

[@matthewromine1723]

Umm, that whole thing about the core is completely wrong. That slab at the top is *NOT* what causes the ball to hook... If you look at other professional bowling balls, they don't even have that slab, that's pretty much unique to Storm. Its the shape of the core that causes the motion of the ball in combination with the ball's surface.

[@tiatrips]

Matthew Romine I've heard that's why Storm clears the head oil so easily.

[@matthewromine1723]

Yeah idk much about storm, I'm more of a Radical Dv8 guy, but I could totally see that. I have a hy road solid and it's great going up the oil

[@isoracarrillo5753]

n

[@itsaturtle1689]

Matthew Romine great knowlege, and by the way, do you work at a bowling ball factory?

[@jamesbomar3903]

MisstheBanks no need to name call, nor to smear individuals with disabilities.

[@Rumpetroll95]

Woooooow. So original. I can't believe you came up with that all by yourself.

[@thelittlebird218]

Found this video again after 7 years.

[@HulllllllllIIIlllllllllll]

Same

[@makethedamnlamington]

i just love these videos

[@marwankthd1629]

Niko! let's go bowling!

[@davidplank1222]

I'm so glad that they stated balls sometimes have smells with them. I got my Black Widow ball and swore it smelled like Caramel when they drilled it.

[@ashhhyep]

David Plank lol

[@Brickbuilder128]

I never understood why they are scented... I have had tropical storm my whole life (not for the smell) and still never understood the point of the smell... It's just gets all oily. Recently i got a new track ultra heat so i don't have the smell in that ball anymore.

[@ChevyRedneckGFX]

@@Brickbuilder128 gimmick by storm

[@misty94591]

Great display of talent .

[@BlueSkeletonGaming]

very old

[@GamerComradeD]

​@@BlueSkeletonGaming But gold

[@khangaroo]

Omg this video was made when I was born even tho I watch this when I was 4-5

[@xYesVirginiax]

This was really informative, actually.

[@JasonDoust]

@vitruvian8807 The'yve missed quite a bit of detail in this. Take a closer look and you'll see a yellow dot about 3/8" across on the surface of these balls. That's the riser pin which locates the centre of the ball core. That pin can be located in relation to a player' axis of rotation to create a larger or smaller "wheel" within the ball. Larger distances rev up slower, smaller ones faster. It's a lot more complex than that, but I'm sure you get the idea.

[@EvilHorrorFan]

Always very informative :)

[@Serostern]

I like that they have let some machine sounds come along in this one!

[@thomasnutt2488]

It appears that Storm bowling balls are made in America I like that

[@stephencaparelli7733]

the core determines the weight not the outer shell. shell thickness can vary but it's density from ball to ball is the same.

[@MSN50]

my storm has a fish smell on the finger hole go figure!! - -)

[@habinadadsadelsilvadiaz8700]

hola

[@5ksubswithnovideos236]

love how this is the top comment

[@novaknovakovic1585]

Many thanks, I have been researching "what are the different types of bowling balls?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Piylivern Remarkable Predominance - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a smashing exclusive guide for discovering how to up your bowling game quickly minus the headache. Ive heard some decent things about it and my cousin got cool results with it.

[@kennethwood88]

In order for a ball to hook. A ball has to be custom drilled for the person who is using it. Not just anyone can make the same ball hook.

[@TheDudeThatGames]

Lol, there are no pre-drilled balls.

[@chow3000]

There are when the customer requests them to be pre-drilled. Some companys won't drill upon request but most will provided you give them specific drilling (measurements). And of course in that case the customer needs to make sure they give the exact measurement and they (customer) assume responsibility if they give the wrong info.

[@michaelson244]

TraviiC what about house balls.......

[@chickenkonmai5999]

Mike Lecce house balls are already pre-drilled and cheaper than plastic balls

[@kyletheune6280]

You are fucking dumb XD you can order a ball online and have it pre drilled

[@monkeycircus509]

@@kyletheune6280 You're an idiot. Those don't come from the manufacturer. Higher-end balls like those in the video are shipped to pro shops undrilled. You buy them from an online pro shop like BowlerX, and you can tell them what you want done. If you know your span, pitch, and whatever else you like the people at the pro shop drill them.

[@omg_squid6949]

So satisfying

[@iluzonist]

House balls do have a smaller version of a weight block or (mechanism) as you described it.

[@pmgodfrey]

Don't bowl much, but I sure love to know how things are made.

[@Warxoth]

its depends from wich side the ball has a "charge", the depth of the finger holes may also be considered in a shot, but usually in any bowling place the balls doenst have any specific charge at any side and they have a coventional grip. Excuse my definitions I dont know the specific word from spanish to english for grips and ball charge.

[@BowlerX0001]

@JasonDoust Also, they don't drill the holes at the factory.. that is the job of your local pro shop operator. And i highly doubt that they actually used metal for the weight blocks...

[@GiddyGraham]

They really need to clean those balls more thoroughly before using them so the bowling pins wouldn't be so dirty afterwards

[@LifeHackz]

I didn't it's a meme, I'm expressing how I am relived that I finally know how they are made, it always interested me how they were made.

[@Powerhead201]

yeah at least someone has watched this in their childhood

[@noxthefurryfox3730]

And that's me

[@ismeammax3225]

Same lol

[@Inimoulleb]

That would be the point of a curve ball isnt it? My dad would specifically request what area of where to put the extra weight in order to match to his certain throwing style. Curved balls typically have two holes instead of three.

[@bouvero6881]

This was awsome

[@sushifox3931]

4:22: The balls are so hype about the music. 😆

[@MrJPWR]

i would love a polisher like the one in 4:35

[@nicholas1931]

thank u for not telling me how the core gets in

[@Brickbuilder128]

xXPowerxGuitarXx I know it's been 9 years, but i have the same question.

[@joshuapoon88]

this is actually so awesome! as a bowler i love this.

[@aiacorinnaaiacorinna6890]

Joshua Poo

[@alconceptmobile7980]

Joshua Poon

[@gamemeister27]

@luigi90900 That is probably the least amount needed to be taken off judging by the extreme ridges and valleys present on the surface of the rough ball.

[@NukTap]

HEY! NIKO!!

[@waylandquiaoit3871]

I wonder if the hot rod hybrid ball still selling for 2023?

[@Kingbisket08]

I have a Storm Fast, Cherry smell...love it!!!!!

[@nosfirm6971]

1:29 When mum say "Diner"

[@gaigeist]

Nosfirm Gaming mom

[@kyletheune6280]

They should just go over the proccess of making the ball, but cut out all the technical stuff because they are dead wrong

[@bowlerkyqe3008]

Ikr

[@fanofCOH]

personally im a hammer guy but these storm factorys give bowling a bad name hammer psycho for me

[@Shicomm]

Thanks for this nice share :)

[@ItsMoxBTW]

Shicomm damn you’re 10 years older than you were when you wrote this

[@neooooo6127]

how was 10 years ago

[@vitruvian8807]

But how do they know where that puck like thing that helps bowlers curve their shot ends up if it gets all covered up? Or does its position not matter?

[@janchapman1969a]

actually up until recently a bowling ball was allowed to have twelve holes. it has been reduced to eleven. you are allowed one for each finger (thats 5), then you are allowed a small "vent" hole for each finger to allow air in and out so you don't have a vacuum effect when releasing the ball, then a "weight" hole to make it legal, and before resin balls the PBS used a durometer hole above the fingers 1/16" deep to be sure the surface wasn't tampered with thats 5+5+1+1=12

[@ChevyRedneckGFX]

Here in the us, you're only allowed holes that a finger will be inside. No balance holes. Also you wouldn't want a "vent hole"

[@BabyPholol]

It's only if you get that specific ball. House balls usually don't have this mechanism.

[@cpdf1764]

Should have included that the hole werent being drilled at the factory. A normal house ball would be, but a special bowling ball like the ones featured in this wouldnt. You would get your finger/thumb width and hand span measured at a pro shop and then they would custom drill the ball for your fingers only

[@suburbanhomejustin]

Now adays, for the last step you have to go to a pro shop and get the holes drilled. Storm or any other companies like Ebonite dont do predrilled anymore.

[@BAMCIS13450703]

Justin Fisher good predrilled is stupid

[@Recon-cv1fe]

They still do; but it's too risky to have it done that way. Better to go to a pro shop

[@Bradley75062]

Different companies have different ways of creating balls.. Some (the yellow pin you see in the ball) hanging outside the ball through the mold.. It is later cut off and then the ball is cut on a lathe and pretty much the same process you saw in this clip.. So, the ROSE (it's own weightblock) is hung while the ball hardens..

[@RandomPRSNN]

omfg where i live i remmember making fun of the Storm ball and now i know how they are made.. :P

[@eatpanda118]

I LOVE Bowling

[@speedyduck38]

i like how it says here in the USA with a GB flag in the top left ;)

[@MarkNorville]

The TV program was made for the UK market. Which is why it has a UK flag in the corner. You are not very intelligent are you.

[@-__-_-_--__--_-__-_____--_-___]

lmao I love the looks of all the workers. I thought I saw neuman for a sec there

[@marianmangum8562]

Power rangers.moms

[@nareentan9200]

awesome!!

[@michaelp0506]

@BowlerX0001 you can have the ball drilled at the factory but i wouldnt trust them that much

[@itsjust.business.6156]

you watched this as a kid..

[@RubberBeak]

YES !! 😂Bro this is nostalgic

[@austinfanning2272]

​@@RubberBeak fr

[@AcT323-1]

i can still hear my walls crumbling behind thid video

[@VirtuaLcUb3]

i like lighter balls but the holes are too small for my thumb my mom says i cant have a customised ball what to do?

[@DasJoki87]

The american way of production xD But the Balls are great.... Storm, Hammer and Co I love Bowling =)

[@narkydart]

Those are storm hot rods

[@Jambax]

500 Million Bowling Balls a year. Am I missing something here... how many fucking bowling balls does Planet Earth need?1

[@jix3324]

TheJamsh Half a million, or 500,000

[@caftood]

Jix 33 *half a billion

[@김초민]

very nice

[@harryelliston3814]

Does anyone know where that bowling alley is

[@iluzonist]

Because the light weight one's don't get made with a weighted core like this, the rest of the ball is also made from other materials

[@thebritishbuilder6251]

They should’ve filmed the bowling at a tenpin bowling arcade place 😂

[@Zigazgman1]

The drilling of the holes is NOT an automated process. It's very custom. I would know, it's my career.

[@sgxttt]

Nostalgia

[@TJSSHORTS2]

SHUT UP BITCH WHO ASKED

[@TJSSHORTS2]

NOBODY CARED ABOUT YOU GO HOME

[@fal00]

@@TJSSHORTS2 fat

[@TJSSHORTS2]

@@fal00 if you don't get yo raggity, jaggty, black chicken eating, watermelon eating, kool-aid drinking

[@RubberBeak]

​@@TJSSHORTS2 ?

[@hallmonitor98]

so how do they make the clear ones with the skull inside

[@jpmorgan187]

I was really hoping the last manufacturing step would be to take the ball and roll it down an alley, 5:22 yay!

[@modelrailroader247]

@ryoryox I take it you don't bowl competitively. A ball itself will last for a long period of time. If the bowl isn't resurfaced or cleaned it could soak up enough oil over time to die out.That only goes for. resin and urethane balls.The reason so many people buy so many bowling balls is for many different lane conditions. A vas arsenal will help on a sport shot.

[@ChevyRedneckGFX]

Urethane doesn't absorb oil though....

[@coolbrotherj]

most everyone who bowls is aware of the feature the reason most people dont have reactive balls as they are called is they arent very cheap ranging from $90-$200 dollars or more

[@vvv0rtex]

Used balls aren't that expensive and in my experience, you can get a houseball to hook still on a light pattern, but compared to a ball like a Sure Lock or Jackal Rising it's night and day.

[@hilol21212]

Oh so this is how the bowling ball have sex with bowling pins!

[@TheEdenEye]

Yes, but the real question is how did they make the bowling ball with the rose in it from Kingpin?

[@phuahyong8011]

Me: *puts fingers in the hole* DAD ITS TO HEAVY Dad: ai ya let me try it *finger nails break* Dad: Ok

[@steezyboiiii808]

Phuah Yong what?

[@kidman2505]

@speedyduck38 Narrator meant the location of where they were when the video was shot.

[@jeffthebracketman]

This video is absolutely WRONG!!! It is against the U.S.B.C. Equipment Specifications for a bowling ball to have ANY METAL in it's construction - also at around 2:30 he talks about different sizes - ALL bowling balls must be 27 inches in circumference

[@BAMCIS13450703]

Jeff Webber it’s Britain no usbc

[@jeffthebracketman]

BAMCIS13450703 but they have the WB (previously FIQ) which governs the equipment to the same specs

[@Recon-cv1fe]

When it comes to sizes; I think he was talking about the core; not the ball as a whole. The core and weight blocks can be different sizes depending on what weight is desired by the bowler

[@jlpotticary]

i wish there was a bowling ball that smelt like chocolate

[@korruptedkritz9665]

who else watched this when they were a kid

[@ismeammax3225]

Me lol

[@GStricke]

They don't put metal in the ball as mentioned at 0:54, that would be against USBC regulations.

[@josemoreno4636]

A ten pin king

[@bowlerkyqe3008]

Since when is there a metal piece in gold to curve? To hook is the core and the coverstock

[@runner4life1984]

Get it custom-made. It will be more expensive but pays off later on.

[@manmac82]

the finger holes are drilled at proshop.. not at factory...

[@xYesVirginiax]

"metal" aka proprietary information withheld.

[@judychen1038]

2:12 only in storm

[@JARAMOS1224]

Judy Chen Yee. When I got Jason Belmonte’s ProMotion it smelled amazing. I can’t describe it but it was something like a lavender.

[@joHNnySKillzD]

"some bowlers also want their balls to have individual smell"

[@DaKing08]

J Gr *orange smell on orange coloured ball*

[@808Hawaiiguy]

i love my storm bowling ball

[@cristianroque9770]

What bowling balls were made in that factory?

[@zuraidaahmad5894]

EBonite Bowling Balls

[@matthewromine1723]

Zuraida Ahmad Storm Bowling balls...

[@Zigazgman1]

To think now 70 million Americans bowl regularly. The youth movement is real!

[@chloeeohaare]

I'm going bowling for my 16th :)

[@jakesnussbuster3565]

How did it go

[@rivperk-runna524]

That’s a lot of balls

[@waksi101]

Darn! It was close!

[@jvdelacruz1951]

i like bowling

[@xYesVirginiax]

The skull is the denser core, while a clear polyurethane is used to make the body of the ball. Same concepts, different result.