How Much Does It Cost To Drill A Bowling Ball?

Last Updated on July 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Having your own custom-drilled bowling ball is key to maximizing your bowling skills and enjoyment of the sport. However, before rushing out to buy a sparkling new ball, it helps to understand the ins and outs of bowling ball drilling, including what kind of costs you can expect.

This article will break down the various expenses associated with drilling holes in a bowling ball and provide guidance on finding affordable, high-quality drilling services.

Getting your ball professionally fitted and drilled to your exact hand size, shape, and grip style has a huge impact on your performance, comfort, and overall experience. With proper drilling, you can have better control, more power and spin, and avoid injury and discomfort from an ill-fitting ball.

While you can opt to drill your own ball, most bowlers are better off utilizing an experienced professional drilling technician.

How Much Does It Cost To Drill A Bowling Ball?

The cost for basic bowling ball drilling typically ranges from $50-$80 at most pro shops, while investing in advanced customized drilling generally costs $100-$150+ and is the best option for passionate bowlers.

Here is an overview of the typical cost ranges:

Professional Bowling Ball Drilling Services

Most bowlers utilize their local pro shop’s drilling services. Average drilling prices at dedicated pro shops are:

• Basic Drilling – $40-$75. For generic, non-customized holes.
• Entry-Level Custom – $60-$90. Accounts for some hand measurements.
• Advanced Custom Drilling – $90-$150+. Fully optimized based on detailed hand analysis.

Additional options like inserts and balance holes add $10-$30+ each to the total drilling charge.

In-House Bowling Center Drilling

Some bowling centers and entertainment venues offer drilling for convenience. However, their in-house services tend to cost slightly more than third-party pro shops:

• Basic Drilling – $50-$80
• Custom Drilling – $80-$140
• Add-Ons – $15-$35 for inserts, slugs, balance holes.

DIY Drilling Costs

Trying to drill your own equipment can cost money upfront and lead to disappointing results. Proper DIY drilling requires:

• Equipment – $250+ for drill press, bits, measuring tools
• Learning – Hours of trial and error to develop proper technique
• Risk of Mistakes – Likelihood of plugging and redrilling. Or ruining ball.

Bowlingball.com, a leading online retailer, offers basic drilling services for $30 to $50 which includes a standard conventional layout using average span and hole sizes. They also offer custom drilling services for advanced bowlers ranging from $50 to $70. These services include the installation of finger inserts, thumb slugs, switch grips, and thumb molds.

Bowlero League Rewards, a bowling rewards program, states that their standard drilling service costs $30. This includes drilling all three holes (both fingers and thumb) but does not allow for finger inserts. Discount Bowling Supply, an online bowling retailer, charges $19.95 per ball for conventional drilling.

The Bowling Chat forum reveals that prices can vary greatly by location. One Reddit user in Chicago was quoted $70 for a two-handed drill, while another user in Alabama reported costs of just $10 for a drill and $5 for inserts. Most users agreed that $70 for a two-handed drill seems quite steep, even for an outside ball.

Factors That Determine Drilling Costs

The total cost to have your new bowling ball drilled can vary based on several factors:

Type of Bowling Ball Material

Not all bowling balls are created equal when it comes to ease of drilling. The core material inside the ball affects how smooth and simple the drilling process will be.

• Plastic Balls – The least expensive to drill at $15-$40. Plastic is very easy for drill bits to penetrate. Best for beginners.
• Polyester and Urethane Balls – Slightly denser at $25-$50 to drill. Materials require sharper bits. Minimal hook potential.
• Reactive Resin Balls – $40-$70+. The layered materials and chemical coatings make drilling moderately difficult and time consuming. Added value offsets higher cost.
• Particle Bowling Balls – $50-$80+ to drill through tough materials. Carbide bits and special techniques needed. Provide most hook and power.

Level of Customization

The more customized and tailored the drilling is to your exact hand specifications, the more expertise and time required, increasing prices.

• Basic Generic Drilling – $30-$60. Very simple ball drilling with traditional hole positions, no customization.
• Semi-Custom Drilling – $50-$80. Accounts for some hand measurements like span and finger sizes.
• Advanced Custom Drilling – $80-$150. Fully customized based on detailed hand analysis and playing style. Highest quality drilling.

Additional Drilling Options

Extra features like balance holes and interchangeable thumb inserts add steps to the drilling process and cost:

• Balance Holes – $10-$20 per hole. Help ball reaction.
• Finger Inserts – $15-$25 per insert. Adjustable grip.
• Thumb Slugs – $20-$35 per slug. Interchange thumb size as needed.

Pro Shop vs DIY Drilling

You might also like our articles about the cost to go bowling in general, to bowl at Dave and Buster’s, or to play at Main Event Bowling.

Paying a professional’s $40-$150 drilling fees gets you proper hole sizing, optimal layout, and expertise. Attempting to drill your own ball to save money risks damaging equipment and your hand.

What To Look For In a Drilling Professional

Choosing qualified professionals for drilling is just as crucial as cost. Here are tips for selecting the best pro shop:

Do Your Homework on Pro Shops

Look for specialized pro shops with:

• Certified IBPSIA Technicians – Ensures legit training and expertise.
• Modern Equipment – Precision magnetic jigs, calibrated drill presses.
• Strong Industry Reputation – Shops rated highly for quality, service, and professionalism.
• Fair, Competitive Pricing – Avoid extremes of unusually high or low-cost drilling.

Schedule a Pre-Drilling Consultation

A thorough professional will:

• Thoroughly Examine Grip and Hand – Consider finger lengths, spans, thumb shape and pitches.
• Discuss Ball Materials and Cores – Recommend optimal reactive covers and weight blocks.
• Explain Drilling Approaches – Generic, semi-custom, fully custom holes.

Understand Custom Ball Fitting

Opting for fully customized drilling tailored to your exact hand results in unparalleled performance. A knowledgeable pro will assess:

• Precise Hand Size and Shape
• Individual Finger Lengths and Spans
• Unique Grip Style and Pitch
• Release Technique and Rotation

They use this data to engineer the ideal drilling blueprint specifically matched to you.

Weighing DIY Drilling – Pros and Cons

Trying to drill your own ball seems tempting to save money, but lacks the skills, tools, and experience of a professional. Potential risks include:

• Improperly Sized or Placed Holes – Causing discomfort and grip issues.
• Cracked or Damaged Ball – From excessive heat or uneven technique requiring replacement.
• Inability to Fix Mistakes – Plugging and redrilling risks further damage.
• No Customization – Lose benefits of customized hole patterns based on hand.
• Wasted Money – Forcing you to re-buy equipment and pay for drilling anyway after DIY fails.

On the plus side:

• Sense of Satisfaction – Accomplishment of doing it yourself if successful.
• Potential Cost Savings – If you already have equipment and learn quickly. Big “if”.

Maintaining Your Ball After Drilling

To retain optimal performance, occasional maintenance is recommended:

• Annual Inspections – Check for shifting fit as hands change. $15-$30
• Plugging/Resizing Worn Holes – Enlarging or repairing loose holes from wear. $30-$60
• Surface Sanding and Polish – Restoring ball reaction. $20-$40
• De-Oiling Treatments – Remove absorbed lane oil. $20-$35
• Grip Tape and Rosin – Improve grip and reduce slip. $10-$20

Choosing the Best Drilling Option For You

• Casual Bowlers – Basic drilling offers an affordable option for recreational fun.
• Frequent Bowlers – Custom drilling elevates the experience with better fit and scoring.
• Serious Bowlers – Advanced custom drilling optimizes high level performance.
• Youth Bowlers – Kids may need redrilling somewhat frequently as hands grow.
• Trying Out the Sport – Consider affordable used equipment until committed.

No matter your skill level, properly drilled equipment makes all the difference.

Final Words

Having a bowling ball custom-fitted to your hand specifications makes a tremendous difference in your performance and comfort.

Keep in mind any add-ons like finger inserts and balance holes cost extra. Taking the time to thoroughly research and select certified, reputable drilling professionals is the key to getting a comfortable, high-performance custom fit the first time around.

With the right drilling matched exactly to your hands, release, and grip style along with periodic maintenance, your ball will elevate your game and provide you with an ideal experience every time you bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bowling pro shops drill holes?

Yes, drilling precision holes for thumb and fingers is one of the primary services bowling pro shops offer. The technicians use specialized equipment and expertise to drill excellent holes for proper fit and grip. Pro shop drilling maximizes ball control, release, and overall effectiveness for bowlers at any skill level.

How does drilling a bowling ball work?

The bowling ball drilling process begins with measuring the bowler’s hand size, span, and grip style. The pro shop technician uses these measurements to determine hole size, locations, angles, and depths, customizing the ball specifically for the bowler.

The ball is mounted on a drilling jig, holes are drilled based on marks made using the measurements, then holes are smoothed and polished. Advanced techniques may incorporate balance holes, interchangeable thumb inserts, and more.

Can you get a bowling ball redrilled?

Yes, it is certainly possible to get an existing bowling ball redrilled if the original drilling no longer fits the bowler’s hand optimally. Reasons to get a ball redrilled include the bowler’s fingers growing, grip style changing over time, or simply wanting to upgrade from a generic drilling job to a more customized fit.

The pro shop will plug the old holes, fill them, and redrill the ball to the bowler’s new exact specifications. Redrilling costs are similar to initial custom drilling services.