How much does a Bowling Pin cost

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Bowling Pins

Whether you are a bowling aficionado or just looking for a unique decorating accent or piece of art, a bowling pin is a great solution. You can find them in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials and for various affordable prices on eBay. Some are already customized with artwork to make a statement.

What are bowling pins made from?

Bowling pins for competitive or recreational play are generally made from wood. These can be painted or coated with plastic or foam to prolong their use. A high-quality wood set of bowling pins can provide years of service for home use and can be refinished for use as art projects.

Plastic and foam bowling pins are common for younger players. Lightweight and portable, these are great for both indoor and outdoor use.

Are all bowling pins the same size?

While regulation bowling pins will all be the same size at 15 inches, you can also find other types. Youth bowling pins for sale will generally be smaller than those designed for adults. Also, some vintage and old bowling pins may not be up to current regulation size. Check the manufacturer for details.

Duckpin bowling is similar to the more traditional 10-pin game and uses smaller pins and balls. A duckpin bowling pin is only about 9 inches tall.

Some used bowling pins for sale were designed to be used as trophies or toys. These can be found in almost any size.

Colors and designs available

You can find a range of colors and designs on bowling pins for sale. Logos from companies, bowling alleys, and leagues are very common. Artists have also taken to using bowling pins as a medium for custom artwork.

While you will find a wide selection of colors and designs, especially when shopping for vintage and used bowling pins, here are some of the most common ones.

• White with red or black banding and logos
• primary colors
• Airbrushed custom designs
• Natural wood with or without banding

What about buying used bowling pins for sale?

There can be a lot of life left in old bowling pins, so don’t discount buying a used set on eBay. Used bowling pins can be a good deal if you aren’t concerned about minor scuffs and scratches. This can also be a great option if you are looking to turn your pins into artwork or if you wish to purchase a backup set for your kids to play with.

When about to make the decision to buy bowling pins, there are several things that should guide you. First, bowling pins are made from different types of materials that include synthetic. Plastic, rock maple wood and nylon. 

That implies different types of materials will attract different prices. 

In this article, we’ll explore all these factors so that you have a clear picture of what to expect in terms of bowling pins prices. 

Let’s dive right in. 

New bowling pins cost between $150 and $195 depending on the type of material used to make the pins. Synthetic pins are the most expensive in the market as they fetch an average of $195. You also have the option of going for used pins whose price averages $100.

Types of Bowling Pins

Again, there are different types of pins based on their design, appearance, weight and as already discussed, the type of material. We’ve got duck-pin, five-pins, ten-pins, and candle-pin.

Based on this criterion, the prices of these pins will vary. But in the United States, ten-pins are the most common in the majority of the bowling alleys. 

How about we take a closer look at each of these pins? Shall we?

1. Five-Pins

These have no finger holes. They take the V-shape at the end of the lane and in terms of appearance, they’re shorter as compared to the ten-pins. They weigh about 2 pounds and 7 ounces with a base diameter of 2 and height of 12”.  

They also have different scoring criteria. For example, if you strike all of the five pins down with the first ball, you clinch 15 points. In addition, you get two more balls in the next frame. 

Five-pin bowling is popular in Canada where it’s offered by the majority of the bowling alleys. This bowling variant can be alone or can also be offered in combination with the ten-pins. 

How Much Do Five-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?

There are many different brands of bowling pins available. They come in various sizes, colors, and styles.

Five-pin bowling pins start at around $10 to $70, while professional-grade ones cost roughly $100 a set. 

You can also find alleys that rent out pins for a small fee, and you can purchase accessories like bumpers and slides to customize your experience.

2. Ten-Pins

If you’ve been to bowling alleys in America, you’ve most def come across ten-pins bowling. They’re taller than their five-pins counterparts, standing at 15 inches tall with a base diameter of 2.75 inches. 

They weigh about 3 pounds and 6 ounces and as you would expect, they’re quite heavy. Due to their heaviness, it’s not that easy to knock them down with the bowling ball. 

Why would they be made to be that heavy?

Because the heaviness is meant to give you an extra challenge during your game. You’ve got to master the sturdiness of the pins so that you’re able to calculate and make maneuvers that will topple the balls off. 

That’s how you become a champ of the ten-pins bowling games. 

How Much Do Ten-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?

The cost of ten-pin bowling pins depends on the manufacturer, the style and quantity of pins, and the location.

They are relatively inexpensive. Whether you buy them in bulk or purchase them individually, the cost will be within a reasonable range. 

The average cost of a set of ten-pin bowling pins is $180 to $250 for a set. An individual pin costs between $15 to $50.

Those who bowl frequently or with friends can save money by buying in bulk (if they have access to a large inventory) or by purchasing pins individually, rather than as part of a set.

3. Duck Pin

Duck pins have a unique appearance but if you don’t take a keener look, you’d be tempted to think you’re looking at the ten-pins. 

The one thing that sets duck pins apart from any other type is that they’re chunkier in the middle with a height of 9” and total weight of 1.5 pounds. 

Connecticut and Maryland are the two places where dick pins bowling is most common. In other places, these alleys have been transitioned into ten-pins bowling alleys. 

How Much Do Duckpin Bowling Pins Cost?

Duckpin bowling pins are typically priced between $7 per piece to and $150 per set. 

However, the cost of a set of duckpin bowling pins depends on the brand, size, and quality. Higher-quality pins are typically more expensive but are also more durable.

Some brands also offer custom-designed pins at a higher price point. These custom designs are often more intricate than other brands’ standard design and can be very attractive to bowlers who want to stand out in the lane.

Overall, duckpin bowling pins cost relatively little.

4. Candle-Pin

This type of bowling is most common in the States of New England and the eastern coast of Canada. 

The pins derive their names from their cylindrical shape that gives them an appearance similar to candlesticks. 

Candle-pins weigh an average of 2.4 pounds with a base diameter of 2.12 and height of 15 inches. 

These come in a pack of ten. If you manage to knock the ten of them down with your first ball, you’ll get ten points as well as a count on the two rolls that follow.  

How Much Do Candle-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?

The price of candle-pins depends on the type of material they’re made from. You can find them either in the form of hardwood, plastic, ordinary wood, or foam.

For those who purchase their pins from a candle-pin bowling pin store, the cost of a candle-pin bowling pin can vary from $36 to $120. 

However, there are also some options for purchasing pins that are much cheaper than other options. For instance, it is possible to purchase candle-pin bowling pins on Amazon for just $50.

How Much Do Synthetic Bowling Pins Cost?

The average cost of a pack of 19 synthetic pins is $180. But you’ll find some variations as discriminated by the country or place you’re buying the pins from. 

The best option would be to go for synthetic pins that are approved by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). A good example of the pins that meet the USBC standards are Twister Synthetic Pins. 

Can you find these on Amazon? Of course they’re available there. 

The other place you can find them is on the Twister website. 

Are there other types of synthetic pins found online besides the Twister brand? Yes, plenty of pins that bear the “synthetic” mark. 

Some of them are genuinely synthetic and many more are not made from real synthetic material. 

One way to avoid getting a raw deal would be to look for those that are USBC approved since they’re already known to tell apart the fakes and the original. 

Why do many bowling professionals prefer synthetic bowling pins?

For obvious reasons; bowling pins are long-lasting and you can put them to continuous use without having to worry about them breaking. 

Do Bowling Alleys Sell Used Pins?

Yes, most of the bowling alleys sell used pins. If you want to have the pins but your budget can’t allow you to get new ones, you could consider bowling alleys as an alternative source. 

If you’re interested in buying them as keepsakes or souvenirs, you don’t have to buy new ones since used pins will still serve the purpose perfectly. 

Sometimes, you may find that your local bowling alley doesn’t have them in stock. But if they’ve got that arrangement, they’ll put you on their waiting list. 

If you’re in urgent need, you can check in or call with the other bowling alleys in your locality. 

How Many Bowling Pins Come in a Case?

A standard bowling pins pack carries 10 bowling pins. That’s irrespective of whether you’re talking about candle-pins, duck pins, five-pins or ten-pins. 

However, things are now changing and now you’ll even find merchants or online sellers who are selling a pair of bowling pins. 

At the end of the day, it’s about what you want. If you’re looking for an entire pack of 10, you’re sure to find it. And if you also want a pair, perhaps for replacement, you’ll also get it. 

What Are the Other Uses for Bowling Pins?

The primary use of bowling pins is in the bowling alleys. But with the ingenuity and creativity of man, there are a couple of other important uses you could put on the pins. 

Below are some of the creative uses:

• Christmas or special event decorations 
• Chair legs
• Coffee tables
• Bench legs
• lamps

How Are Bowling Pins Made?

If you’re the creative type, you could also carve your own artwork into beautiful bowling pins. However, if you’re planning to put the pins on sale, then you’ll need to make sure that they meet the industry standards before you can release them into the market. 

That includes ensuring you get right the measurements such as the weight, height, and base diameter. 

You can’t also afford to compromise on the structural integrity and symmetrical properties for each of the pins that you’ll make. 

Again, the USBC will have to approve the pins before you can be allowed to commercialize them. 

The materials you use must be strong enough such that they can resist the constant heating and falling that the pins will be subjected to. 

If you can find synthetic or maple wood, you’ll have an easier time coming up with pins that will last for long. 

The procedure for making bowling pins is quite uncomplicated. The first step is to shape them into their traditional shape. 

After that, you can coat them with your preferred colors and stripes. Depending on how far you want to take your creativity, you can even paint them such that they glow when in the dark. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Bowling Pins Last?

The average lifespan of bowling pins is 2 years. But they could stay longer or shorter depending on the frequency of use and the quality of care they receive. You could even end up getting 3 years of service if you use them in the correct manner. 

Where Can You Buy Bowling Pins Online?

The internet is full with places you can buy bowling pins; whether new or used. The most common ones include Facebook Marketplace, Amazon and eBay. If you don’t want to take that route, you can also consider buying directly from manufacturer websites such as Twister. 

What Were Old Bowling Pins Made Of? 

Back in the 1800s, bowling pins were made from maple wood. The woods had a reputation for being solid and long lasting therefore largely preferred in the making of the pins. Even to this day, you’ll find many pins still made of solid maple wood. 

How Much Does a Real Bowling Pin Weigh?

The average weight of an ordinary bowling pin is about 3 pounds and 6 ounces. The heaviest will be about 3 pounds and 10 ounces. These are the recommendations by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). 

Conclusion

By now, you should have a clear answer to the question how much do bowling pins cost. We’ve focused both on the prices of new and used pins as both options are available. In the end, it’s about what you want. As we’ve seen, you can buy and use them for bowling or even as souvenirs and keepsakes. 

How much is a pin worth in bowling?

What do they do with old bowling pins?

How long do bowling pins last?

How heavy is a real bowling pin?