Among the many accessories you might want to get if you’re a fan of bowling, your own bowling gloves are perhaps among the most useful.
Granted, you might not need a bowling glove if you only play the game maybe two or three times each year. It’s okay to not have a glove for a casual game at the nearby AMF on the weekend. But in the long run, you’ll appreciate wearing a bowling glove every time you play.
First off, it offers a better grip on the ball. That’s often thanks to the textured palm surface on the glove. A glove also gives you better control, so the ball goes in the direction you want it to go. The glove supports your wrist so it maintains proper form.
Finally, it offers protection. It can help minimize blisters and calluses, and can prevent sore joints, torn ligaments, and other bowling injuries.
Types of Bowling Gloves
The right type for you depends greatly on your current bowling skills, budget, and interest in the game. It doesn’t really make sense to buy an expensive, advanced glove when you’re just a casual bowler.
Here are some types of gloves to consider:
- Basic. These are for newbies, though intermediate players can make do with these gloves. They’re very affordable, and feature a simple design. Still, you’ll get a better grip while you reduce the chances of blisters.
- Finger. Finger bowling gloves are a level above the basic bowling gloves. They’re known for covering the pointer and pinky fingers, leaving free the middle and ring fingers. They can reduce the sweatiness of the palm and also offer extra wrist support.
- Metal bar. This is a type of hybrid or modified bowling glove. It’s basically a finger bowling glove, but there’s a metal bar that locks your wrist in place. This really gives you a lot more control over the ball.
- Metal brace. This is often favored by more advanced bowlers, though it’s even more expensive than the metal bar bowling gloves. This time, you have sturdy metal supports that position your wrist correctly, so that you can get a good pendulum swing. The structured wrist support leads to total control over the bowling ball.
Of course, bowling gloves may also be categorized according to the materials they’re made from. The best gloves use materials that are durable, comfortable, and breathable. Materials available include spandex, vinyl, Lycra, and even leather.
You also need to make sure you get your glove in the right size. If it’s too tight, then it might limit your hand motions. But if it’s too loose, it won’t hold the wrist in the proper position.
Also, make sure you’re getting a bowling glove designed for your dominant hand. Bowling gloves can be right-handed or left-handed.
Other Features to Consider
Some bowling gloves offer special features that you might not find in other gloves. Here are some features that might interest you:
- Gripping compound for better control
- Interchangeable palm wrist pads
- Multiple wrist cup positions for better control
- Adjustability to change the spin and forward roll
- Ease of putting on and taking off
- Secure strap or closure for support and secure fit
- Easy washing
With or without these features, it just makes sense to use even basic bowling gloves!