Erik Vermilyea

Bowling Ball Weight Hole Rule Changes

Erik Vermilyea
Sign in
Duration:   4  mins

Like other sports, technology has impacted the way we play the game today. Over the years, bowling has seen its fair share of changes.

From the lane surface and the oil placed on the lane to bowling balls and bowling equipment, bowlers are always playing catch up with all of these advancements.

The USBC Equipment and Specifications Committee conducted research over a three-year time span to determine if there is an integrity risk for the sport of bowling currently, and in the future.

Current regulations limit differential rg. to 0.060 in a bowling ball. The higher the differential rg, the higher the hook potential.

The committee proved that size and location of bowling ball weight holes well exceeds rg. and differential rg. regulations.

New rule changes concerning bowling ball weight holes are to be implemented by August 1, 2020.

Coaches Erik Vermilyea with Track, and Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, illustrate how these rule changes will impact your current equipment and what you can expect when getting a new ball drilled in the pro shop moving forward.

Bowling ball weight holes will no longer be permitted in league and tournament play as of August 1, 2020. All equipment with a weight hole will need to be plugged prior to this date.

The committee did find that with the removal of weight holes, they could increase the static weight imbalance while drilling from 1oz to 3oz.

Adding three ounces of static weight in all directions did not allow balls to hook more than bowling balls in the market today that use a weight hole and meet existing static weight specifications.

This gives pro shop operators the ability to play with new pin positions when working together on fit of a bowling ball.

You still have time, do your research and try new layouts to determine what works best for you.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

3 Responses to “Bowling Ball Weight Hole Rule Changes”

  1. William Sosnowski

    I'll put a Balance Hole in any Ball I want and use it in League and Tournaments, and You can't stop me. If anyone confronts me about it, they can get the Heater.

  2. RCRandall84

    <strong> I was told that because I am a bowler that doesn't use his thumb hole, I will be required to plug my thumb hole? That can't be right can it?

  3. JimmyDea

    I have 2 balls w weight holes. B4 8/1/2029 I have to plug those holes and possibly plug my finger n thumb holes and have the balls predrilled. With the bowling fraternity dwindling, is this a rule we as bowlers need? I'm not interested in paying MORE money on balls that work well. I am seriously considering quitting on July 31,2020

Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!