Bowling Equipment Key Terms

Get a grip on some of the key terms used in the bowling industry

By Thomas Langford

If you plan to do business with bowlers or a bowling alley, then you'll need to know how to speak the language of the lanes. Bowling is a sport with passionate and dedicated players. So you should know exactly what your customers are talking about when they ask for items such as inserts, grip sacks, shoe covers and see-saws. You'll also want to understand the difference between various types of bowling bags and wrist supports.

Bowling bags

Bowling bags are used to store and transport bowling balls. Various models are available and some can hold six balls or more. Also, many models have space for additional bowling accessories. Bowling bags come in two types, bags with handles that are carried and so-called "rollers," which have wheels.
Try: Cheapbowlingballs.com is a great resource for more information on bowling bags. Under "Shop By Bag Type" on the linked page, click the headings for pictures of each type of bag and more detailed information.

Finger and thumb inserts

Finger and thumb inserts are placed in the holes on bowling balls in order to improve the fit. They can make the grip more comfortable, help create more ball speed and give you a consistent feel when you use different balls.
Try: Check out Turbo 2-N-1 Grips for more information on the many different types of finger and thumb grips that are available.

Wrist supports

Wrist supports help prevent wrist fatigue during play and help keep the wrist and hand in proper alignment for optimal ball release. Dozens of types of wrist supports are available and many can be customized for the user's preference.
Try: To view examples of some of the many types of wrist supports, and learn more about their features, visit Bowling Index.

Grip sack

A grip sack, sometimes called a grip ball, grip bag or rosin bag, absorbs moisture in a bowler's hand picking up the ball. This helps provide a better grip on the ball and makes for a more consistent delivery of the ball down the lane.
Try: Check out Bowling.com to see examples of some of the many types of grip sacks that are on the market. Click each picture for more information.

See-saw

A see-saw is a sling made out of cloth that is used to clean a bowling ball. Various types of fibers are used to quickly and effectively remove dirt and oil from the ball. See-saws are also used to hold, carry and protect bowling balls.
Try: BowlingBallSales.com provides pictures of see-saws. Click the pictures for more information.

Shoe covers

Shoe covers are used to protect a bowler's bowling shoes when he or she leaves the lanes and walks to another part of the bowling alley. They keep the bowling shoes clean and free from moisture.
Try: To see what shoe covers look like, visit BowlersParadise.com. Click the pictures for more information about the benefits and sizing of shoe covers.