Where to get bowling ball drilled for the perfect grip and performance? Discover the top places that offer expert fitting and personalized service.
I still remember the first time I bought a brand-new bowling ball. I was excited—like a kid on Christmas morning. But right after the guy at the store handed it to me, I froze. It was smooth. No holes. No grip. Just a shiny, heavy sphere that looked more like a futuristic weapon than something I’d bowl with.
That’s when I realized: I had no idea where to get my bowling ball drilled.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t stress. I’ve been there. Let me walk you through everything I learned—where to go, what to expect, how much it costs, and even a few mistakes I made along the way (so you don’t have to repeat them).
Article Summary
- Why You Need Your Bowling Ball Drilled
- Where to Get Bowling Ball Drilled Near You
- How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Bowling Ball?
- What to Expect During the Drilling Process
- How to Choose the Right Driller (From My Experience)
- Grip Styles and Options (And What I Picked)
- Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- How to Find a Bowling Ball Driller Near You
- FAQs – Where to Get Bowling Ball Drilled
- Final Thoughts – My Honest Take
Why You Need Your Bowling Ball Drilled
Before we jump into where, let’s talk about why bowling ball drilling matters.
A ball without holes is like shoes without laces. You need proper grip, comfort, and fit for control and performance. Drilling isn’t just about poking holes—it’s an art and science.
Here’s what a good drilling setup affects:
- Grip and comfort
- Ball rotation and hook potential
- Your throw consistency
- Injury prevention (especially wrist and finger strain)
Trust me, having it done right makes a world of difference. My first ball was poorly drilled, and I ended up with sore fingers and gutter balls for weeks.
Where to Get Bowling Ball Drilled Near You
When I searched “where to get bowling ball drilled,” I got all sorts of confusing answers. So let me break it down clearly:
1. Local Bowling Pro Shops (My #1 Pick)
This is where I ended up, and I couldn’t be happier.
Most bowling alleys have a small pro shop inside. These are run by experienced bowlers who live and breathe the game. They’ll not only drill your ball but also help you choose the right grip style.
Why I love pro shops:
- Personalized fitting (they measured my hand size, span, and pitch)
- Advice tailored to your skill level
- They can watch your throw and suggest layouts
- Often include drilling with ball purchase
💡 Pro tip: Ask if they use a “Span Gauge” or digital fitting system. Precision matters.
2. Dedicated Bowling Supply Stores
These are bigger than pro shops and sometimes not tied to a bowling alley. I found one nearby that had digital scanning tools and offered multiple grip types.
They tend to cater to serious bowlers and stock a wide range of gear.
3. Sporting Goods Stores (Not Ideal)
Places like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports may offer ball drilling—but it’s hit or miss. Some locations don’t drill at all.
Why I avoided them:
- Less personalized service
- Staff may not be bowlers
- Limited fitting options
If you’re just starting out and need a quick solution, it’s okay. But I’d recommend sticking with a pro shop if you can.
4. Online Retailers with Drilling Services
Yep, you can order a drilled bowling ball online. Sounds convenient, right?
Here’s the catch:
- You’ll need to measure your hand yourself (and it’s easy to get wrong)
- No real-time adjustments
- Shipping takes longer
Some trusted online retailers offering drilling:
| Retailer | Drilling Option | Cost (Avg.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BowlerX | Yes | $30–$50 | Good for pre-set layouts |
| BowlersMart | Yes | $25–$60 | Offers video instructions |
| Buddies Pro Shop | Yes | $40+ | Free drilling with some balls |
Still, I’d only go this route if you really know your specs or live far from a pro shop.
How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Bowling Ball?
This was one of my first questions. I didn’t want to drop serious cash just to put holes in a ball.
Here’s what I found:
| Type of Drilling | Average Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Drilling | $30–$50 | Standard finger hole setup |
| Custom/Finger Inserts | $50–$80 | Fitted to your hand with grips |
| Plug & Redrill | $40–$70 | Filling old holes, drilling new layout |
| Thumb Slug Install | $10–$20 | Custom thumb insert for smooth release |
Some shops offer free drilling if you buy the ball from them. That’s how I saved about 50 bucks on mine.
What to Expect During the Drilling Process
I thought I’d walk in, hand over my ball, and walk out in 10 minutes. Nope.
Here’s how it really went:
- Measurement
They measured my span (distance from thumb to middle finger), finger widths, and pitch angles. Felt a bit like a glove fitting. - Throw Analysis
I rolled a few practice balls while the guy watched. He asked if I used a fingertip grip or conventional. - Layout Decision
He showed me a diagram on paper with dot placements. We discussed if I wanted more hook or control. - Drilling
He marked the ball, secured it in a clamp, and started drilling. The whole thing took about 20–30 minutes. - Test Fit
I tried the ball. One of the holes was too tight, so he adjusted it slightly.
I left the shop feeling confident and ready to bowl like a champ.
How to Choose the Right Driller (From My Experience)
Not all drillers are equal. Here’s how I picked mine:
- Ask for referrals at your local league or bowling alley.
- Check reviews on Google and Yelp.
- Visit in person and ask questions. A good pro will explain layouts and fit styles.
- Watch them drill (if allowed). It shows confidence and transparency.
- Don’t cheap out. Paying $10 extra is worth it for better fit and fewer injuries.
Grip Styles and Options (And What I Picked)
The guy at my shop explained the two most common grip types:
1. Conventional Grip
Fingers go into the ball up to the second knuckle. Easier for beginners, more control.
2. Fingertip Grip
Fingers only go in up to the first knuckle. Allows more hook and spin.
I went with a fingertip grip because I like that dramatic curve shot. It took some practice, but the control and power were worth it.
Other grip options:
- Thumb slugs – smooth plastic inserts for consistent release
- Finger inserts – rubber grips for added comfort
- Interchangeable thumb – lets you swap thumb sizes (pro-level stuff!)
Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Let me save you some headaches:
- Mistake #1: Buying Online Without Specs
I bought a ball online before measuring my hand. Drilling it later cost me more and didn’t fit right. - Mistake #2: Rushing the Process
I once drilled a ball in a hurry without test fitting it properly. Bad move. It felt wrong every time I threw it. - Mistake #3: Ignoring Layout Advice
Your pro knows their stuff. I argued about the layout once—ended up re-drilling it two weeks later.
How to Find a Bowling Ball Driller Near You
Need help finding a pro shop? Try these steps:
- Search Google Maps:
Type “bowling ball drilling near me” or “bowling pro shop”. - Use Bowling Centers’ Websites:
Big chains like AMF, Bowlero, or local centers often list shop services. - Check PBA or USBC directories:
These official sites often list certified pro shops. - Facebook Groups or Reddit:
Bowling forums are full of locals who know the best spots.
FAQs – Where to Get Bowling Ball Drilled
Q1. Can any sporting goods store drill my ball?
Some can, but most don’t specialize in it. I’d recommend going to a pro shop.
Q2. How long does the drilling process take?
Usually 30–60 minutes. If it’s busy, they might ask you to come back later.
Q3. Do I need to bring my own specs?
If you already have a drilled ball you like, bring it! Otherwise, they’ll measure you.
Q4. Is drilling painful on the fingers?
Not if done right. A bad fit will cause soreness. A good pro will get it right.
Q5. Can I redrill my ball if it feels wrong?
Yes, but it’ll cost more. That’s why proper fitting upfront matters.
Final Thoughts – My Honest Take
If you’re asking “where to get bowling ball drilled,” here’s my honest advice:
👉 Find a local pro shop.
👉 Ask questions.
👉 Test the fit.
👉 Don’t cheap out.
Getting my ball drilled right changed the game for me. I gained better control, more spin, and way more confidence. Bowling felt smoother, and I started scoring higher.
It might seem like a small detail, but trust me—drilling can make or break your bowling game.