Table of Content
When I first started Bowling, I was under the impression that I only needed a little practice to start scoring 300s every day. As I became involved, I quickly realized that I will never be able to make a decent score without a good Bowling ball and good Bowling shoes.
After a few more games, I began to appreciate the value of bowling accessories like bowling ball cleaning kits, bowling tape, and bowling gloves. From the outside, bowling may look like a simple sport, but in reality, it is more sophisticated.
Here are Some Best Bowling gloves you can get your Hands On:
1. Ebonite React/R Glove
Ebonite React/R are two-finger glove equipped to provide wrist support and a good grip.
Before going in more details, lets have a look at our comparison table:
It is manufactured by Ebonite, one of the leading bowling brands in the USA. Ebonite claims that React/R Glove is the number 1 bowling glove in America. It promises to give you complete control over the ball courtesy of the special gripping compound it uses on the finger sleeves.
Pros:
- Increases Grip
- Increases rev rates and throw consistency
- Makes it easy to hook the ball
- Gives complete control over the ball
- Ample wrist support
- Leather provides adequate padding
Cons:
- It is not very long-lasting
- No warranty
- Only available in one color and design
Users seem to agree with this claim; they report better control over the ball and high revolution rates. They also report increased consistency in their game and the ability to hook balls with ease.
This makes ebonite a perfect glove for beginners as well as league players.
Apart from its functionality, the Ebonite React R is aesthetically pleasing. It is available in a black and yellow contrast which looks amazing in the bowling alley.
2. Anti-Skid Bowling Gloves
The Professional Anti-Skid Bowling Gloves are a budget option for players looking for mild protection and grip. These gloves are made from Lycra. Lycra is lightweight, flexible, and offers a good fit, but it does not allow ventilation. Sweat may pool inside the glove, making hands moist and smelly.
- Design for Bowling Sports, Professional...
- Adjustable Wearing Convenient, Palm Use...
- Perfect Palm-type Fitting Design More...
- Breathable Elastic Lycra Fabric Bowling...
- Size:M: for Palm width 7-8cm (2.76"-...
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good fit
- Bright colors
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cons:
- Flimsy fabric
- Limited sizes
- Minimal grip and wrist support
- Gloves for both hands is wasteful
The palm and fingers of the gloves are made from printed silicone fabric, which allows the player to grip the ball properly. While it does not provide the extreme grip of other gloves in the category, it does a sufficient job.
A unique feature of this glove is that it comes in a pair. Almost all bowling gloves can be purchased either for the right hand or the left. It is a little unnecessary since players only bowl with their dominant hand, and the other glove is useless.
3. Hammer Tough Glove
The Hammer Tough Glove may look like a work glove, but it is one of the best tacky bowling gloves on the market. It is designed to fit the player like a second skin, and its main purpose is to enhance the grip of the player.
- Grey/black/orange diamond plate pattern
- Textured palm
- Allows additional lift and turn
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Textured palm and fingers increase grip
- Durable
- Not bulky around the wrist
- Available for right and left hand
- Available in multiple sizes for both hands
Cons:
- Very tight. Some players find it cumbersome to get it on and off
- The design is dated
- Minimal wrist support
4. Brunswick Grip All Glove X
The Brunswick Grip All Glove X is a good two-finger bowling glove. The glove has all the features of a perfect bowling glove: it is durable, tacky, sufficiently lightweight, provides good wrist support, limits wrist movements, and has a 1-year brand warranty.
- Protects hands and fingers Textured...
The Grip all is made with a unique combination of leather and latex; the back of the glove is leather, whereas the front and fingers are made from textured latex. The Grip X also has additional elastic wrist bands that go around the wrist to provide extra support.
5. Storm Power Glove
The Storm Power Glove is an innovative product; apart from the tacky grip, it features a removable palm pad that promises to decrease the distance between your hand and your bowling ball. The glove claims to increase rev rates and the power with which you can throw a bowling ball.
- Storm Power Glove- Left Hand Put a...
- Add axis rotation in an instant for that...
- 3 different sized pads included: Small -...
The Storm Power Glove is a popular choice among amateur and league players because of its great features. Firstly, it provides firm wrist support, and yet it is flexible. Secondly, It provides a very strong grip, which allows players to control the motion and direction of their ball.
Users report that they have a better release with Storm Power Glove. On top of that, the glove is well-made and sturdy.
Pros:
- Well-made
- Increases grip
- Enhances release and throw consistency
- Good fit, easy to wear and remove
- Lightweight
- Available for left and right hand
- Available in multiple sizes
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- It has minimum wrist support
- No warranty
6. Ebonite Mag Force 9000 Gloves
The Ebonite Mag Force 9000 Glove is a heavy hitter. The most notable feature about this glove is the 9000-Gauss Rare-Earth neodymium magnets sewn into the wristband. The name Mag Force 9000 is inspired by these neodymium magnets. Ebonite claims that these magnets are very effective for relieving pain.
- Puts you in the position you want to be...
- In the lead
- The only glove that has it all–metal...
Other features include tacky finger sleeves, padded-steel back support, and 2-inch hook and loop wrist band for additional wrist support.
The glove is made from leather, it is well-made and looks durable. The black and purple contrast of the glove gives it an elegant appearance.
Ebonite Mag Force 9000 is the third two-finger glove produced by Ebonite. It is a little pricier than Ebonite React/R glove and the Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove, mainly because of the magnets in its wrist band.
From my analysis, I have understood that the Ebonite gloves feature a bulky wrist support. So, the gloves are favored by players who like sturdy and rigid wrist support, whereas players who want a lightweight glove give it a thumbs down.
If you want to buy a glove which gives you a good wrist support and don’t mind the bulk than any one of the Ebonite gloves will be perfect.
Pros:
- Gives a good grip
- Provides complete control over the ball
- Durable leather
- Steel back gives rigid wrist support
- Available in multiple sizes for both hands
Cons:
- The magnet feature is a marketing gimmick
- It is only available in one color
- Some people find it loose fitting
- It is expensive
7. Robby’s Competitor
Robby’s Competitor is a nylon, two-finger glove. Notable features include microdots along with the fingers and palms, which allow a good grip on the ball. Players can have great control over the ball while wearing Robby’s Competitor.
Another notable feature is the use of steel and plastic inserts to provide wrist support. The inserts are removable, which increases the versatility of the glove. A thick band over the wrist provides additional support.
The glove is made from nylon, which makes it lightweight and flexible. However, there have been complaints about its poor make. The glove is easy to wear and remove, it provides a good grip, and it is comfortable, but It may only last you a few months.
Pros:
- Provides a good grip
- Provides good wrist support
- Lightweight
- Available in multiple sizes for both hands
Cons:
- Not durable
- Limited colors and designs
- No warranty
8. Master Deluxe Wrist Glove
The Master Deluxe Wrist Glove is another all-rounder; it provides strong wrist support as well as a tacky grip. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the strong wrist support as the best feature of this glove.
- Top-quality leather
- Tacky rubber fingers
- Stretch spandex back
- Package Dimensions: 12" L x 1" W x 5" H
The large wrist band is augmented by an additional wrap around the wrist band to provide maximum support. I will recommend this glove to players who have wrist pain or have suffered from injuries previously.
Master is an old bowling products company, and the brand name inspires confidence in the durability and make of the glove. The leather and latex fabric and the stitching of the glove looks sturdy. The latex is also designed to fit the player perfectly.
The glove is adequately padded. It is comfortable and an easy fit.
Pros:
- Amazing wrist support
- Tacky grip
- Durable
- Perfect fit
- Easy to wear and remove
- Available for left and right hand
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons:
- Available in only one color
- No warranty
- Heavyweight
- It is bulky
9. Columbia 300 Pro Wrist Glove
The Columbia 300 Pro Wrist Glove is another good option for an affordable bowling glove. The glove is made from leather and features a good wrist support.
- Adjustable wrist closure
- Two-way spandex finger gussets
- Superior craftsmanship in genuine...
The Columbia 300 does not offer specially designed tacky fingers. It is a basic bowling glove that provides wrist support and protection from bruises, cuts, calluses, and swelling.
Some players may find it a little bulky and inflexible, but players who desire support should definitely opt for this glove.
Why Do we Wear Bowling Ball Gloves
Protect and Support Your Hand and Wrist
A bowling glove is one of the most versatile accessories of the game. It can help bowlers elevate their bowling skills and improve their scores while providing protection and support to their hands. Here is how a bowling glove helps the player:
Adults bowl with bowling balls weighing 14 – 16 lbs. In only one game, a bowler lifts and throws the heavy bowling ball multiple times. The entire weight of the bowling ball weighs down on the bowler’s hand and wrist.
If a bowler is a frequent player or a league player, then this strain only gets worse because they play multiple bowling games each day for many days.
The wrist of a player’s dominant hand is most susceptible to injury. The joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the wrist may become inflamed by overuse. Inflammation can lead to acute and chronic pain. It may even limit the mobility and function of the hand permanently.
To avoid injury, bowling players wear bowling gloves. These gloves provide support to the wrist. The glove takes most of the burden of the wrist, putting less pressure on the joints and soft tissues.
In the same way, bowling gloves provide support to your hand and wrist while they are healing from an old injury. Apart from preventing injury, bowling gloves are also very useful for managing injury and pain in the wrist.
Apart from support, the bowling gloves also prohibits unnecessary movement of the wrist. While wearing the glove, a player can only move the wrist in a certain position, this makes sure that the wrist is not being overworked.
Bowling gloves are essential for making sure that your body remains safe while you continue to enjoy the game you love.
Improves Your Skills and Technique
As we mentioned above, bowling gloves restrict the movement of the wrist joint. Apart from prohibiting overuse injury, this is very useful for teaching new bowlers the right bowling techniques.
Beginners are often moving their hands too much, or they are holding the ball incorrectly. The incorrect postures not only put an additional strain on the hand and wrist, but they are also the reason for low scores.
Bowling gloves allow limited wrist movement, which is very good for training new bowlers. Since the bowling glove does not let players make unnecessary movements, they quickly learn the right form and movement for their style to make a good roll.
You can think of bowling gloves like the training wheels on a bicycle. They help new bowlers get a hang of the technique and help them practice without fear of injury. Bowling gloves are a sure-shot way of elevating your bowling skills.
Increase Your Grip
Every bowler knows that a proper grip means a good roll. Bowling gloves can help increase your grip on the ball. Most bowling gloves are made from a special material which enables you to grip the ball properly. The material sticks to the bowling ball, making sure that it does not slip as you make your throw. A good grip glove gives you total control over the bowling ball.
A proper grip also puts less strain on your fingers, wrist, hand, and even the elbow. Once again, bowling gloves help you elevate your game while keeping you safe.
Provides Padding to your Hand
Lifting and throwing a heavy bowling ball repeatedly creates friction between the ball and the player’s hand. This friction may cause calluses, redness, blisters, cuts, and swelling of the fingers, thumb, and the hand of the player.
A bowling glove acts as a comfortable and padded barrier between the ball and the hand. The glove protects your hands from friction and skin conditions.
What to Consider When Buying A Bowling Glove?
Now that you know the numerous benefits of wearing a glove, I am sure you are itching to go out and buy one for yourself.
But wait just a minute! First, you need to know what kind of bowling glove you should purchase.
You have to ask yourself, “why do I need a bowling glove?”
Do you have a weak wrist and need a bowling glove to provide support and prevent injury? Or do you want to buy a glove to improve your bowling form and technique?
When you understand the specific purpose for which you need a bowling glove, then you will be able to make a smart purchase. Once you know your purpose, you should look at the types of bowling gloves available in the market.
Types of Bowling Gloves
-
Basic Bowling Gloves
Basic gloves have no extra features or characteristics, that doesn’t mean they are useless. They are suitable for players who require a little support to prevent wrist injury and are looking for light padding.
-
Tacky Bowling Gloves
Basic bowling gloves provide the most rudimentary support and padding. Usually, they have wrist support, and they have sleeves for your fingers for padding.
Tacky Bowling gloves are designed to increase your grip on the bowling ball. Usually, they are made from a special fabric that enhances grip. In any case, the fabric around the fingers and thumb sleeves are made from specialized material.
If you are purchasing a bowling glove because you need to improve your grip, then the tacky bowling gloves are your best bet. Apart from the specialized fabric, they also allow ventilation so that your sweat evaporates. Sweat can make your hands slippery, which can make it hard to make a perfect release. These gloves assist your release and give you complete control over the bowling ball.
Users who wear tacky gloves report high rev rates, perfect releases, and consistent scores.
The Storm Power Glove, Brunswick Grip All Glove X, and Ebonite React/R Glove are some popular examples of great tacky gloves.
-
Bowling Gloves with Metal Inserts/Plates
Another type of bowling glove comes equipped with metal inserts or plates. These bowling gloves are ideal if you need:
- Maximum support for your wrist, because you have a weak wrist or previous wrist injury.
- Restricted wrist movement to improve your bowling form and technique.
Bowling gloves with metal insert act like rigid braces, they keep your wrist straight and don’t allow useless movements.
Robby’s Competitor Glove, Brunswick Power XXX Gloves, and Monster Grip Bowling Glove are some popular examples.
Styles of Bowling Gloves
When purchasing a bowling glove, another important consideration is the style of the bowling glove you want to buy. Just like the types, there are many variations you can choose from. Let’s have a look at the most common styles:
Wristers are more like wrist braces and less like gloves. However, they do provide support to your wrist, and that’s why we are mentioning them here. Some people call wristers ‘gloves for the wrist,’ but we will let you be the judge of that.
Wristers, as the name suggests, cover only your wrist. They are made from a firm fabric and are tied with elastic bands or Velcro straps. They keep your wrist snug and warm, providing minimal support to it.
Wristers are ideal for players who need minimal wrist support and are not worried about their grip. Master Wrister is an excellent choice for a wrist glove.
Fingerless Gloves: Like wristers, fingerless gloves do not have finger sleeves. But, unlike wristers, they extend to cover the palm and upper hand. They provide support to the wrist and protect the hand while allowing for the skin to come into contact with the ball.
Some players, usually players who don’t sweat as much, prefer to hold and throw the ball while making contact with the bowling ball with their natural skin. Fingerless gloves are ideal for these players.
The Mueller Green Fitted Brace is one of the best fingerless gloves in the market.
One finger bowling glove had a sleeve for one finger, wither the pointer or the thumb. The one-finger glove provides support, padding, and grip.
It is ideal for players who like a little grip while still holding the ball with their natural skin.
The Storm Xtra-Hook Wrist Support and Robby’s Thumb Saver are some common examples.
Two Finger Bowling gloves is the most popular. The glove has a finger sleeve for the pointer and the pinky finger while the ring and middle finger are left bare. Typically, the finger sleeves have a tacky fabric to increase grip.
They are ideal for players who need to increase their control over the ball, increase rev rates, and make consistent throws.
The Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove, Storm Power Glove, and Hammer Tough Glove are some popular two-finger gloves in the market.
Three finger gloves provide the same functions as the two-finger gloves; they are tacky, padded, and usually have good wrist support with the added benefit of a finger sleeve for the thumb.
Three finger gloves are ideal for players who need a grip on their thumb to assist a better release.
The Robby’s Thumb Saver is a common example of a three-finger glove.
Full Gloves As the name implies, full gloves are complete gloves with sleeves for every finger. They cover the entire hand, the fingers, and thumb.
They are preferred by players who sweat a lot and need padding to make a perfect release.
Material
Typically, the main body of the bowling gloves is made from leather, spandex, nylon, or a combination of these fabrics. You need to consider the characteristics of each fabric before you make a purchase.
Nylon is lightweight and flexible fabric; it will be easier to wear and maneuver as compared to leather. While leather can be stiff, it is more durable and will last you longer. It will also provide more padding to protect your hand and fingers.
Finally, spandex is lightweight, flexible, and durable. However, it has little breathability and may cause sweat to pool inside.
Technology is ever-evolving, and better variations of these fabrics are available each day. Read the description of each glove to understand the fabric and then make your decisions.
Design
The final factor is the design of the glove. Apart from the style and the type, you need to choose a glove that looks appealing to you.
The look of the glove will make you a more confident bowler.
Now that you know how to purchase a bowling ball, I will give an in-depth analysis of some of the best-selling bowling gloves in the market.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we took an in-depth look into bowling gloves. We discussed the uses of bowling gloves and how they protect your hands while elevating your game.
We also discussed the things you should look out for when going to purchase a bowling ball. It is essential to understand why you want to buy a bowling glove before deciding the type, style, material, and design of bowling glove you will purchase.
Finally, we looked at 10 of the best-selling gloves in the market. All of these gloves are targeted towards increasing your grip on the bowling ball, so you can achieve high scores. Some of them also feature very strong wrist support to protect your hand and wrist.
In the end, the choice of a bowling glove depends on your biological needs, design preferences, and your style of bowling. I hope the information I presented here will help you make a wise and well-informed decision.