Posts Tagged ‘Bowling Gifts’

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Fashionista in the Alley

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

You are a fashionista in every other aspect of your life and  let’s face it, ladies: rental bowling shoes are just plain ugly.  You would never put them on your feet regularly, if not forced to do so.  Not to mention they are uncomfortable and really smelly. If you are a half size, I feel for you. There is no chance your bowling experience will be comfortable on your feet.  So if you bowl more than once or twice a year, put an end to rental shoe misery and invest in your own pair already!

The good news is, there more options than ever before for girls who want to bowl in style and comfort. At long last, bowling shoe makers have ditched the dated unisex model, and have started making shoes specifically adapted to a lady’s smaller, narrower foot.  These shoes are padded for extra comfort and come in a variety of styles and colors, from girlish pink to eye-catching metallic gold!

Top brands include Dexter, Brunswick, Etonic and Elite, just to name a few. If this is your first time buying a pair of bowling shoes, you should really visit a shoe store in person to try on a variety of different models so you can see which one fits your foot best. Ask the ladies at your alley what they perfer. Don’t be afraid to say “Cute shoes, where’d you get them?”

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Clear Bowling Balls Dare to Be Different

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

What do you want from your bowling ball? Do you want maximum performance, or do you just want to look good?

There’s no shame in looking great on the bowling alley, breaking out that colossal ball when you have the spare that puts you over the top. There are customized clear bowling balls that will definitely turn some heads, whether they are decorated with funny pigs, an elegant rose, or a metallic skull that shows them what you’re made of.

Keep in mind, however, that a bowling ball that looks good might not always have the best performance. Clear balls don’t have a core because you can see right through them. That means they aren’t the most accurate balls on the lane. They may look one-of-a-kind and turn heads at the alley, but they might not be the best balls if you’re looking for that perfect strike.

The core is the heart and soul of any bowling ball. The placement and design of the core truly determines a ball’s performance. The core is what makes each ball do something different, the very element that gives a ball its personality and performance. Cores are dynamically imbalanced so that a ball will try to stabilize as it rolls down the lane. This causes the ball to flare as it rolls, causing multiple oil rings and a dynamic imbalance that gives the ball its performance personality.

Clear balls, however, have no core as they are hollow and encased with a design or object to give them a more unique look. This can dynamically affect the ball’s performance, making it less accurate and unpredictable.

No professional bowler would use a clear bowling ball for an entire game. Since the performance is dampened, clear bowling balls are best used for those sure shots, ideally for spares when you are already over the top. When you take the spare, however, that’s when you want to turn heads, so it’s the perfect time to use a clear bowling ball.

For typical bowling, however, it’s best to find a ball that has a core that’s agreeable to your style. When you own your own ball, you form a unique bond with the ball, uniting its dynamics with your own particular style for spectacular performance, again and again. It’s really best to own a variety of balls, depending on the specifics of the game and performance dimensions. Find a ball that works for you, one to turn heads, another to get the strike in the first place.

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Cheap Bowling Balls Best Found Online

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Looking for cheap bowling balls? They’re out there. Especially in this economy, bowling shops are willing to cut a deal. Finding the real discounts take some searching, however. You have to know where to look.

Try asking your friends on the lane. Everybody loves a deal, and when they’ve found one, they’re likely to share. You might be surprised by what they tell you. The truth is that most avid bowlers find their cheap bowling balls online. Sporting good stores have become more like museums. Those who know best visit them to try out the merchandise, and then go buy the very same balls online for a fraction of the price.

It makes sense when you think about it. The Internet is like a global sporting goods store, all the deals in the world laid out on the table for you to choose from. Google cheap bowling ball and start comparing prices. The web is a buyer’s market. To find the greatest deals, you just have to know where to look.

The truth is you can get any bowling accessory you’re looking for, whether it be shoes, bags, gloves or even fun merchandise, for a fraction of what you’d pay in a sporting goods shop. Those stores need to pay for space rental, employee salaries, and other fixed expenses. An online store, however, can sell you the exact same merchandise for the price the pro shop paid for it. When you shop online, you skip the middle retailer, going right to the source for the best deal possible.

If you’re afraid of shipping costs because of the weight of the ball, don’t worry. Most stores offer free shipping, delivered right to your door.

Because of the global nature of the Internet, it’s easier to find the truly unique balls online. It’s especially handy when you want a ball unlike anyone else’s, whether it be a clear ball for when you pick up a spare or a brightly colored ball so people will know who you are.

Try out the discounts. They make a world of difference. Save your dollars for a few beers with the guys. Buy your bowling balls at a discount, often for half as much as what you’d pay at the shop.

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What to get the Bowler that has Everything

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Is another holiday or birthday coming up for that special bowler in your life? If your spouse, parent, sibling or friend is totally obsessed with bowling, bowling gifts probably seem like the perfect idea. But chances are, if your special someone is that into bowling already, he or she probably has just about everything they need. So what can you get someone who already has the ball, the bowling bag and even the shoes?

Luckily, when it comes to bowling gifts the options are practically limitless. One fail-safe choice is a gift certificate to the lucky bowler’s favorite alley so that they can play a couple games (and maybe even score some drinks and snacks) for free. If a gift certificate seems too cold or impersonal, try jazzing your gift up by pairing it with a unique novelty item. If the gift recipient is a girl, you might want to consider a snappy bowling-themed accessory, like a cute pin or piece of jewelry; a retro bowling shirt; or a sporty skirt. The man in your life might appreciate a funny T-shirt, tie or maybe even a book or DVD that talks about some of the best moments in the sport’s history.

Are you shopping for some little ones? Have no fear, there are plenty of options for the kiddies as well. Try a bowling video game (which has the added bonus of keeping them occupied on long car trips!) or a plastic bowling set that you can set up in your own basement or backyard.

Finally, one of the best bowling gifts is, quite simply, the gift of your own time and attention. If you’re not quite as passionate about bowling as your loved one, make a special effort to hit the lanes with them or even watch the next bowling tournament together on television. If you’re really not that into the sport, it may seem a lot easier to just buy something, but your special someone will surely appreciate the time and effort you make to enjoy their passion with them. Chances are you’ll also discover that bowling can be a lot more fun than you ever thought!

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Plastic or Urethane? Buying Great Bowling Balls for Less

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Are you ready to kick your game up a notch by buying a bowling ball of your very own? Congratulations! Be warned, however: with all the different types of bowling balls out there, shopping for the perfect match can be pretty overwhelming for a first-time buyer. To help make the task a little easier, start by eliminating some of the options. To begin with, you probably don’t want to opt for a high-performance, expensive pro ball for your first purchase. Naturally, you’re going to want to invest in a quality ball, but fortunately there are plenty of cheap bowling balls out there that will suit your needs just as well as an expensive Hammer or Ebonite.

The cheapest bowling ball out there is made of polyester (yes, just like bad pant suits from the seventies!). The house balls that you’re used to bowling with at your local alley are probably made out of this material. This ball is a real “straight shooter”; it’s not great for any fancy hooking or curving moves, but it’s pretty darn useful for picking up that spare. If you’re a novice bowler, you may want to opt for one of these guys for your first purchase; they’re cheap, easy to use and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Even as you progress to a more advanced ball, you can still keep your trusty old plastic ball and bring it out when you need to score an easy spare.

The next level up is the urethane bowling ball. These are also cheap bowling balls, but are a little softer than the balls described above, and are perfect if you’re ready to start experimenting with a hook. These balls require a little more maintenance than the plastic ball, and will probably need to be polished fairly regularly.

There are many more types of bowling balls out there that you’ll surely discover if you keep progressing in the sport, but these cheap bowling balls are a great bet for beginners. Good luck in your search!

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Fashion Meets Fun with Designer Bowling Ball Bags

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Let’s face it: bowling just isn’t the most stylish of games. Those plain shoes and standard black balls don’t exactly scream glamour. Luckily, there has never been a better time to introduce some fashionable pizzazz into your game, whether you’re a bowling fashionista yourself, or you’re a guy trying to entice your lady friend to the lanes. A wealth of accessories can let girls and guys create their own personal style on bowling night, one of the most popular being bowling ball bags.

Bowling ball bags come in all styles, shapes and sizes, from modern wheeled bags for the pro bowler who needs to cart his 7-ball arsenal to the lanes, to a retro-style bag for that one lucky ball that you just can’t bowl without. Recently, fashion designers have begun to recognize the potential of the bowling ball bag as a cool, must-have accessory, and now you can snag a bag from super-hot designers like Juicy Couture, Dior, and, yes, even Prada. These bags come in gorgeous patterns and colors, and can be worn on or off the lanes. Attention grabbing? Most definitely…but be prepared to pay shell out major bucks for one of these beauties, which are reported to have 4-digit numbers on the price tag!

Not interested in paying a small fortune for your bag? You can still hit the lanes in style with cute, vintage-style bags from less prestigious labels that won’t break the bank. Lots of retailers are marketing these bags in solid colors and retro patterns. You may not be able to find these bags at your local sporting goods store or pro bowler shop, but surf the web and you’ll be amazed at the options out there! You can find everything from a classic, understated look to over-the-top Hello Kitty adorableness. With all of these choices, you no longer have any excuse not to be a trendsetter at your local alley.

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Bowling Gifts make the Perfect Present

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Bowling gifts make great presents for anyone that likes to hit the lanes on a regular basis. If you know someone that enjoys bowling either as a recreational or hobby or as the member of a league they are going to appreciate any type of bowling related gift that you purchase. There are a number of great bowling gift ideas and places that you can find affordable prices on bowling gifts.

Perhaps you know a bowler that could use a new ball. Buying someone their own custom ball with their name monogrammed on it would be the ideal gift! But you would have to do a little research and find out the correct weight. But if your husband has been going on and on about the new Hammer bowling ball that he saw you already know exactly what ball will make his special day even more special. If you take the time to do a little bit of bargain shopping you may even be able to find some great deals.

Maybe the bowler in your life already has their own ball; there are tons of other bowling accessories that you can buy! Consider getting them a new bowling ball bag or a pair of new bowling shoes. Or, perhaps they have all of these bowling necessities already and they could use something that they use frequently such as cleaner or ball polish.  You can also find a bunch of other bowling related items available including towels, t-shirts and bowler’s tool sets. Regardless of the recipient’s individual taste, you are certain to find a gift that they will absolutely love.

Bowling gifts are great ideas for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day. They can also make great gifts for children and teens. Bowling related equipment and accessories make great graduation presents. If you know someone that loves the sport, anytime is a good time to gift them with something special that they will remember forever.

And finally, if you are uncertain about what brand of an item to buy or you just don’t know what to pick out for your beloved bowler, many of these retailers offer you the option of buying a gift card. That way you are still being thoughtful in your gift selection by recognizing the recipient’s affinity for bowling, but you are leaving them with the choice of what type of equipment or accessory that they would like to buy.

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Common Misconceptions about Buying Women’s Bowling Shoes

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Finding womens bowling shoes in the right size at your local bowling alley on a women’s league night might be an impossible task. Most bowling alleys run out of the common women’s shoe sizes so if you don’t get there early enough you will most likely be stuck wearing a pair that is way too big for you. This will definitely mess up your entire bowling game. Why continue to take the chance when it is a lot easier to buy yourself a pair of bowling shoes? Below are some common misconceptions about womens bowling shoes and our response to these mistaken impressions.

“But I only bowl once in awhile.” Yes, maybe you do only bowl once in awhile, but with the increasing costs of bowling shoe rentals it is a much smarter choice to buy your own pair of shoes than to rent them. It is also much more sanitary. Plus the condition of rental shoes is usually very poor, you will be much more comfortable in your own pair of shoes.

“I can’t seem to find affordable womens bowling shoes anywhere.” Well then you are looking in all of the wrong places. Yes, many of the local retailers in your area may carry a very limited stock of women’s bowling shoes. You won’t be able to find a large selection of styles or sizes. But there are a number of other bowling equipment retailers out there; you just have to find them. The best deals on bowling balls and accessories are to be had online. Take the time to do a little web surfing and you will be very surprised with the deals that you can find. Many of these internet retailers offer a selection of clearance merchandise just like any other store. Browse through the clearance selection for even more savings.

“I need shoes that are extra wide and I’ll never find those in a bowling shoe so I just rent a size or two bigger.” Your special circumstance should be even more incentive for you to buy your own individual pair. There are women’s bowling shoes available in wide-widths; you just have to look a bit harder.

Regardless of what preconceived notions you may have had before about buying your own bowling shoes, it is in your best interest to do so. You can find affordable priced shoes in a variety of sizes and styles if you take the time to look for them.

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Where to Find Cheap Bowling Balls

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Looking for cheap bowling balls might take you a lot of time if you don’t know where to start your search. A lot of bowlers start their search at their local pro shop and then they become immediately discouraged. The balls at these locations are highly over priced and the selection is extremely limited. Fortunately, there are a lot of other options that are available when you are looking to buy cheap bowling balls.

First of all, ask some of your friends on your league where they bought their ball. You might be surprised to learn that many of them regularly buy bowling balls and other bowling accessories online. This is especially true when you see some of the more unique balls. Online retailers often carry much more stock and can price it much more competitively. You will be surprised by how affordable it is to own your own custom bowling ball.

Most of these online retailers offer much more than cheap bowling balls. You can find online retailers that carry everything that you need to bowl at a very affordable price. There are great deals on bowling ball bags, wrist guards, towels, bowling shoes, and just about any other accessory that you made need as a bowler. Do you have a specific brand name ball that you are trying to find? You can probably find it online for a fraction of the cost at the pro shop. If you know where to look you can save yourself a lot of money on bowling equipment and still be able to impress your fellow teammates.

If you are worried about the cost of shipping on an item that is as heavy as a bowling ball, don’t be. If you take the time to look through the different bowling ball and accessory online retailers that are available you will see that you can find one that offers standard free shipping. There are also reputable online retailers that offer warranties on all of their products. Take the time to comparison shop between these retailers before making a purchase to guarantee that you are getting the best overall deal and that you are doing business with a reputable online retailer.

The internet is obviously the best place to find cheap bowling balls. Not only will the prices be much more affordable but you will have a much greater selection of balls to choose from.

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Women Should Wear Women’s Bowling Shoes

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

The most common form of bowling is ten-pin bowling. Ten-pin bowling is usually played on 62 feet of maple and pine that are covered with a synthetic material making the bowling lanes and the area in front of the foul line slick. To protect the floor of a bowling alley and the persons playing, bowling shoes are a must have.

Bowling shoes come in all sizes for both men and women just like street shoes. However, if you are a woman who wears men’s shoes in your day-to-day life, you should not wear men’s bowling shoes you should be wearing women’s bowling shoes. Women’s feet are narrower than men and men’s bowling shoes are not going to fit you properly. Men and women may be the same in their skill but they should not be wearing the same shoes.

Women should wear women’s bowling shoes. If your shoes fit you better you play a better game. To be able to bowl correctly, and successfully, the bowlers’ final approach to the foul line requires a short slide along the floor. This slide is key in your performance and release of your bowling ball. The slide allows you to execute your throw accurately and smoothly. If you are wearing the proper women’s bowling shoe you will accomplish a successful throw.

Your game will shine through the right pair of bowling shoes.  Buying a good pair of women’s bowling shoes will enhance your accuracy and you will be able to focus on your game instead of your feet. If you play more often than not there is no reason to keep renting your shoes from bowling alleys.

For the occasional bowler, every bowling alley offers bowling shoes. These shoes are well known for their quirky mismatched colors and unique appearance.  However, the house’s bowling shoes are generic and an avid bowler will most likely purchase their own bowling shoes. Purchasing your own women’s bowling shoes will allow you to select the most comfortable shoe from multiple options.

There are two different types of women’s bowling shoes: athletic and performance. Athletic shoes are very parallel to sneakers in their design. Athletic women’s bowling shoes are made with the sliding sole on both shoes. Performance bowling shoes are designed to increase the bowler’s game. Women’s bowling shoes are made with only one sliding sole on the lead foot, which is the foot opposite the dominant delivery hand. The other sole is made to have more traction to use as a kind of anchor. Experienced bowlers usually wear performance shoes.

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