There are several variations of bowling played through out the world. But for the most part these variations are 
forms of either five-pin bowling or ten-pin bowling. When most folks think of bowling they think of what is called ten-pin bowling. Ten-pin bowling is the most popular and the most widely played form of bowling.
Bowling balls used when playing ten-pin bowling have numerous set physical characteristics. First, ten-pin bowling balls are 8.5 inches in diameter. Though, merely stating the diameter of a bowling ball is a bit deceptive. It makes bowling balls seem lesser than they really are. The real circumference of a ten-pin bowling ball is about 26 inches.
The weight of a bowling ball is between 6 pounds and 16 pounds. There is a wide variation between ball weights to accommodate distinctive physical strengths of bowlers. And to some extent, like in baseball with a baseball bat, 
the weight of a ball used can depend upon the skill level of the bowler.
Bowling balls are available with a wide range of options. Such options as coverstock, weight block, leading weight, and pin location to name a few. With so countless variables, how do you choose the right one for you? Loads of factors, should be considered when making a choice on your next bowling ball buy - whether you are looking at used bowling balls or purchasing brand new.
The size or circumference of a bowling ball is relatively standardized in spite of differences in weight. A bowling ball is made up of three distinct parts; the core, the coverstock and the filler. The coverstock is the outside of the bowling ball. It is what makes contact with the lane. The core of the bowling ball is a complicated mixture of dense materials that controls it spin and hook.
As a ball becomes smaller in weight the core becomes lesser. The filler is tangible that fills the void between the coverstock and the core. The density of the filler concrete used to make a bowling ball will change based on the desired weight of the ball. In essence, because all bowling balls are nearly consistent in size the filler is what 
enables the uniformity in bowling ball circumference where enabling diverse bowling ball weight classes. This is accomplished by changing the density of the filler material dependent upon the weight desired.
Although the filler makes up for the weight between distinctive balls the two most essential parts of a bowling ball are actually the core and the coverstock. The form of a bowling balls core can influence whether it hooks and by how much. Public employ bowling balls at bowling alleys will have cores that are of uniform form. This uniformity in form mode the ball will roll relatively straight. Cores, of house balls, are kept uniform, symmetrical, because they are designed to be used by any player of any skill level. Because house balls have very small hook loads of bowlers like to utilize them as spare balls.
Just as the core of a bowling ball can affect the activity of a bowling ball as it rolls down the lanes, so can the coverstock. Coverstocks can be made of resin, high friction resin, urethane, polyester, plastic or a combination of materials. The material that makes up the coverstock can establish how the ball reacts to lane conditions. A softer (duller ball color) is better for more oily lane conditions and a harder (shinier ball color) reacts better to drier lane conditions. But, whether you use a ball with a harder or softer coverstock for a specific lane condition 
depends heavily on your skill level, your authority to read lane conditions and what you are trying to accomplish with the shot.
Things such as ball speed, track flare, axis tilt, etc all play an important role in bowling. Every person has their own special way of bowling. Knowing your game and fashion will make it easier for you to make the appropriate selection when purchasing a new bowling ball.
Depending on your design and lane conditions, making the right decision can be tricky at times. The simplest and leading way to choose which bowling ball is right for you is to go to your local bowling pro shop. Countless pro shop owners have been around the game of bowling for quite some time. With their understanding and expertise, as well as watching you bowl, they can give you strong recommendations on which bowling ball will suit your game.
Now you know that not all bowling balls are created alike. House balls are harder to hook because they are not intended for it. So the next time you watch someone with their own bowling ball making it beautifully hook to the target, remember that it may be more the bowling ball than the skill of the bowler.
Some of the brands to check out in your search include: the Ebonite Bowling Ball, Brunswick Bowling Ball and Storm Bowling Ball. There are some very cool designs out there - Star Wars themes, Clear Bowling Balls, popular Skull Bowling Balls and Kids Bowling Ball themes. Also, don't forget to include in your budget one of the good bowling ball bags to protect your investment.
Not every bowling center has an on-site pro shop. Fortunately the web provides a plethora of information 
regarding bowling balls. Countless of the manufacturer sites provide in depth analysis of reactions and characteristics and even a few videos with the bowling balls in activity. Customer reviews found on a variety of bowling ball message forums can also afford real life insight as to what a particular bowling ball can do on confident lane conditions. There are even a few retail sites that offer bowling ball reviews, which are customer reviews for various products.
As you can see the internet can be an tremendous resource in helping you determine which bowling balls will take your game to the next level.