Day #121: May 1st, 2026
Used bowling balls are usually worth far less than new ones, so the smart move is to treat them as a bargain buy, not a “cheap new ball.” A used ball price is often around 25% to 40% of the original retail price for a genuinely usable piece, while very worn or heavily drilled balls can drop into the low tens of dollars, depending on condition and demand.
Value of Used Balls
The biggest drivers of value are the number of games, whether the ball has been plugged, how many times it has been drilled, and overall coverstock condition. A ball with little use and clean surfaces can still have real value, but once it has been heavily used or saturated with oil, its reaction can fade, and its price usually falls fast. Shipping also hurts resale value because bowling balls are heavy, so local deals often make more sense than online auctions.
What To Check Before Buying
Ask how many games are on the ball, whether it has ever been plugged, and how many drillings it has had. Look for deep scratches, flat spots, worn finger holes, and visible serial markings, since poor condition or heavy resurfacing can mean more wear than the seller admits. If the ball is being sold as “barely used,” assume it has seen more lane time than advertised and price it accordingly.
Smart Buying Approach
The best deal is usually a ball that is cheap enough to justify possible resurfacing or plug-and-redrill work. Buying from a local pro shop or trusted local bowler can be safer than buying sight-unseen because you can inspect the ball and avoid high shipping costs. A good rule is to compare the used price against the cost of a new ball plus drilling; if the savings are small, new is often the better buy.
Good Deal checklist
Buy used when the price is low enough to leave room for cleaning, resurfacing, or plugging.
- Prefer balls with limited games, minimal drilling history, and visible serial numbers.
- Avoid overpaying for popular models just because they are known names; condition matters more than branding.
- Use local marketplaces or pro shops first to reduce shipping risk and cost.