What Is The Fastest Bowling Ball Speed In Ten-pin Bowling: A Simple Guide In 2024
What is the fastest bowling ball speed in ten-pin bowling? Are you a speed-dominant bowler? Or you’re more on the slower side? Speed is one of the most important factors that many bowlers tend to overlook. Without adequate speed, you cannot get your bowling ball to knock down too many pins, let alone a strike.
I have seen bowlers who could only secure a strike by rolling the ball with speed even though the angle was off a little. More speed means more momentum, and that’s exactly what you need for some top-notch games. So what is the fastest bowling ball speed in ten-pin bowling? How much speed do you need for a decent score? Let me tell you all about that.
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What’s the fastest bowling ball speed recorded in ten-pin bowling?
The fastest bowling ball speed ever recorded in ten-pin bowling is 34 miles per hour (55 km/h). This was done by American professional bowler Robert Smith (born January 16, 1974). His bowling speed is something PBA has never seen before. Hence, he soon got enough attention he deserved.
Because of having the highest speed in his bowling ball, naturally, he also had the highest rev rate that no other pro bowlers have. This rev rate is way more than most bowlers can produce no matter how hard they try. On average, Robert’s rev rate was between 550-600 RPM. But sometimes it could go up to 720 RPM as well. What a tremendous bowler! No wonder why people called him “Maximum Bob” on tours.
How fast do professional bowlers bowl on average?
How much an object has momentum depends on two things— how much it is moving and how fast it is moving. According to the law of physics, “the momentum of an object is equal to the mass of the object times the velocity of the object”. So if a bowling ball is thrown on the lane with enough momentum, it will produce more speed and will most likely hit the pins harder.
However, some other factors impact a bowling ball’s speed— the lane oil condition, the surface texture of a bowling ball coverstock, and how much a bowling ball hooks when it travels down the lane. Generally, a bowling ball takes about 2.5 seconds (± 0.15 second) of elapsed time till it hits the pins at a 16.5 mph instantaneous velocity.
So before you know your bowling ball speed is on point, you should know how high or low professional bowlers’ speeds are. Typically, pro bowlers generate about 20-22 mph bowling ball speed when delivering the ball. On average, most advanced bowlers deliver the ball at 17-19 mph. Anything less than 16 mph speed won’t be effective enough for consistent ball motion and pin carry.
If we would like to use the Pro Bowlers’ bowling ball speed as examples to justify your speed, that’s a smart move, I have to say. Because most Pro Bowlers will release their bowling balls between 20-22 mph, the balls end up hitting the pins at 17 or 18 mph. You can start by throwing the ball at 20 mph speed so that your ball can have 17-18 mph before contacting the pins.
When you deliver the bowling ball faster than the abovementioned speed range, you risk the ball’s optimum pin carry. However, bowlers like Robert Smith had no such problems because they could adjust accordingly. But if you would like to be in the safe zone, follow what most bowlers do on average. Nothing too aggressive, nothing too low. Therefore, it is a wise move to practice till you match a relative ball speed that professionals use to produce successful results.
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Conclusion
So, yes, pro bowlers are pretty fast, I have to admit. With practice, you can gradually develop your bowling ball speed as well as your rev rate. Indeed, it will take some hard work to get there. Now that you know what you should aim for starting your practice. With time, you will be able to achieve so much more. I hope this article was informative enough for those who intend to boost their bowling speed. Do you have any more questions that I can answer? Your comments are always welcome. Good luck and keep on rolling, my friends!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
