Short Pin vs Long Pin Bowling: Bowling Ball Pin Length & Top Weight

How much do you know about the “pin length” and “top weight” of bowling balls? Is it your first time knowing about this? Don’t worry, I am here to give you some information you need to know to better understand the functions of bowling balls. Here in this article, you are going to acknowledge some special features of bowling balls and their purposes. Bowling ball pin length and top weight, and short pin vs long pin in bowling are our topics for today. So does this sound like your cup of tea? Then stay tuned and let me get started!

What is bowling ball Top Weight?

Did you know that weight is not distributed equally in a bowling ball? As crazy as it sounds, that is the truth. It is the difference in weight between the top half and the bottom half of the bowling ball. According to USBC, an ideal bowling ball has a top weight of approximately three ounces. So why is it for? Well, you drill holes into the bowling ball, and they take away some of the weights. Thanks to the top weight, you can extract the weight, and reduce it to almost zero, from the top half of your bowling ball. This keeps your bowling ball weight balanced even after drilling.

In the past, the top part of the bowling balls was a bit heavier even after drilling. This added more length and an advanced backend motion. While the top weight was doing its job, the bottom half promoted earlier rolls. With modern bowling balls, the top weight is almost non-existent because most of that is taken away when drilling. So it hardly has any impact on the rolling characteristics of a bowling ball.

What is bowling ball Pin Length?

So what is the pin length of a bowling ball? No, we are not talking about the bowling pins you knock down at the pin deck. Have you ever noticed a marking on the surface of your bowling ball? This marking indicates the location of the core’s top. Most balls have this marking very close to the ball’s low RG axis. The pin marking also indicates the ball’s Center of Gravity and the point around which your bowling ball rotates.

What is your preferred bowling ball pin length: Short Pin or Long Pin?

Have you ever shopped for a bowling ball online? Did you even notice the term “pin length” in the description box of a bowling ball features? What did you think it is? Well, bowling balls that have cores inside have pins. The purpose of the pin is to properly center the core of the bowling ball. Don’t worry, the pin is removed once the coverstock mold hardens, but that leaves behind a small hole in the ball. Now, this hole, or marking, whatever you call it, has a length. It can be long or it can be short. Most bowling balls have their own pin length. Typically, the length of the pin is around 2” to 4”.

Installing the core inside a bowling ball and positioning it properly is no easy job. This is when pins come in handy. Of course, bowling ball manufacturers use a small pin. But the length of this can vary. Once the pins have finished their job supporting and suspending the core, and the cover solidifies, it is taken out and filled with a different color material in contrast to the ball’s coverstock color.

If you observe the marking of the pin carefully, you will notice how the bowling ball rotates around the point. This means the pin of the ball directly touches the surface of the lane once in every rotation. As I have said earlier that bowling ball pins are either long or short. Does this create any difference in bowling ball action?

Bowling balls with longer pins take longer to go through their hook, skid, and roll cycle. It also enables more versatile drilling options for ball drilling. On the other hand, bowling balls with shorter pins go thru their hook, skid, and roll cycle more quickly. It also doesn’t give you too many drilling options. Generally, bowling balls that have shorter pins are not the ones advanced or pro bowlers use. So only beginner-friendly balls tend to have short pins. Contractility, professional or serious bowlers use bowling balls that hook more and deliver a more advanced ball motion. This kind of ball tends to have longer pins.

So based on what kind of bowling ball you need the pin length should be chosen. If you want to hook with your bowling ball and also want a ball with short pins, that is not possible. Similarly, if you want your ball to roll straight and fast, a bowling ball with a longer pin will do you no good. So which one you should prefer, is up to you.

How does pin length affect a bowling ball?

I see many bowlers who believe that bowling balls with longer pin lengths (3”- 4”) provide better reactions and on the other hand, bowling balls with shorter pin lengths (0 – 1”) do not hook. But is that true? Well, not at all. Whether your bowling ball will hook or not depends on the positive axis point and its relationship with the pin length. Generally, when it comes to high-performance or advanced-level bowling balls, CG and pin lengths don’t really matter much. I have seen a few pro bowling balls with shorter pin lengths that work great.

Conclusion

Are you still confused about the pin length and top weight of your bowling ball? Do you think you would go with a short or a long-pin bowling ball? Well, whatever you choose make sure it is compatible with your bowling style and skill. I would suggest you go ask your pro shop operators (PSO) to clear out any confusion. Do know that today’s bowling balls are designed very carefully so that it meets USBC standard. Just make sure the top weight is between 2 to 3 ounces and the pin length is between 2” and 4”. If something is wrong with your bowling ball, your PSO will inform you and tell you what to do about that. Till then, stay worry-free and never stop having fun bowling! See ya later!