It’s been ages since you’ve been bowling, and when you pick your ball, you suddenly get a whiff of cranberry. Or is it cherry? But wait a minute! How can bowling balls smell like fruit?
Scented bowling balls became a thing in the early 2000s, and now, some players just can’t get enough of it. It provides a soothing fragrance of various scents such as cinnamon, banana, plum, chocolate, and even piña colada – just to name a few!
According to players, scented bowling balls help them to be able to maintain focus whenever they throw the ball. It soothes their nerves just like essential oils do.
Now, let’s discover why bowling balls are scented, how long the smell lasts, and where you can find them!
Why are Bowling Balls Scented?
Originally, bowling balls were made to be scented to throw off the opponents’ focus and eventually lead them to a bad performance.
However, it was later established that the fragrances on the balls do not affect performance at all! Despite that, players seemed to enjoy the scented bowling balls and found it immensely relaxing!
The History of Scented Bowling Balls
It all started with Storm Products, Inc. founder, Bill Chrisman, who discovered scented bowling balls in the early ‘90s. This concept was later said to be counterintuitive since the fragrances wore off immediately after bowling and needed to be reapplied.
So, in the early 2000s, and with the assistance of his friend and bowling enthusiast, Keith Orton, they developed scented chemicals that could be poured into the urethane (which is what’s used for the ball’s outer shell).
Later, after many failed experiments and mishaps, the first scented bowling ball was manufactured in 2006. Now, there’s an assortment of various fragrances available, such as fruits, confections, flowers, and more!
Are All Bowling Balls Scented?
No! Not all bowling balls are scented. The CEO of Storm Products, Inc., Bill, is the only one who manufactured scented bowling balls to stand out from their competitors. All the others are plain and simple.
To be able to understand it a little better, let’s find out how they are manufactured and then scented from scratch.
Making the Bowling Ball
Step 1: We all know bowling balls are perfectly round. However, their core is not. The mold that’s used for making the core is asymmetrical in shape.
Then, a mixture of minerals and polyester resin is poured into the mold, leaving it to dry until it solidifies.
Step 2: After the core is solid, the machine adds a liquid polymer mixture into a second mold, completely covering the core in the center.
This gives the ball its final shape and can take days to harden. Now, we have a regular bowling ball, but without the shiny, polished look.
Step 3: In this step, the rough-looking ball is then branded with the manufacturer’s labels, logos, and designs. Next, the vinyl coating is applied to the third mold.
This is where different varieties of colors and patterns can be used to make the balls look unique. This process is known as priming.
Once done, the ball is again set aside for the vinyl mixture to solidify into the finished product.
Step 4: After the ball is coated, it’s then put in the oven so that the exterior coating can harden a little more.
While it’s still hot, a shaving machine will cut off the excess mold to make the ball completely spherical in shape.
Step 5: Next comes the polishing! An automated sanding machine is used with a continuous water flow to remove any dust and debris.
When the polishing is done, a driller will drill three finger holes into the finished bowling ball product, so you now have a plain and simple bowling ball in your hand.
Adding the Fragrance
In order to make it a scented bowling ball, there’s another step involved before adding the vinyl coating.
Any type of rubber material, such as polyurethane or resin, is used to layer it on the ball before the vinyl coating is done.
You can select your desired fragrances and add them to the rubber material. Now, you can continue with steps four and five and have in your hand a polished, scented bowling ball.
One important thing to note is that after the addition of the fragrance and polishing, the bowling balls are then coated with coverstock.
The type of coverstock is important as it will affect the ball’s performance. There are typically three types of coverstocks used:
- Urethane: This material is the most popular choice because it provides good lane friction and hook potential.
- Polyester: In the scented bowling balls Polyester is often used in recreational bowling and is the cheapest option.
- Resin: This will provide more hook potential and is expensive.
If you’re a beginner, experiment with different types of coverstock to see which one suits you best.
Do Scented Bowling Balls Make a Difference?
As stated earlier, there is no scientific explanation or studies that prove scented bowling balls can improve your performance. It may calm and soothe your nerves, but ultimately it’s your bowling style and skills that decide your fate.
However, players who are hypersensitive to the smell may get distracted, which can eventually affect their overall bowling performance. It all comes down to the playing style and preferences of each player.
How Long Can Scented Bowling Balls Last?
Back in the ‘90s, when the first scented bowling ball was made, the fragrance would diminish immediately after playing.
The balls manufactured later, in the early 2000s, were a whole different story. The fragrant chemicals used to make the outer shell, remain fragrant, even after playing a couple of times.
Ultimately, it takes approximately ten years for a scented bowling ball to completely lose its smell. That’s an impressive feat, considering how these balls are handled when playing.
It may even take longer for the smell to fade if the balls are cleaned, maintained, and sanitized regularly.
In addition, invest in a good bowling bag and store it in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. Avoid leaving it in the direct sunlight or inside of a hot car.
Taking care of your bowling balls with these small and simple steps will leave them looking new and smelling fresh for longer.
What’s in a Bowling Ball Fragrance?
You may be wondering how a bowling ball fragrance can last for ten years! Apparently, the manufacturer found a way to saturate a long-lasting aroma into this product.
Due to the location of the fragrant rubber coating, the smells are usually more subtle on the surface, and stronger inside the finger holes.
But, you may be wondering, what’s in those fragrances? The ingredients vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer. However, some fragrances contain essential oils, which are completely natural aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants.
They have a calming and uplifting effect on the mind and body and are used in perfumes, candles, baths, and skin products.
Other available fragrances are fruity smells, such as lemon, apples, and oranges. There are also floral scents, such as roses and jasmine (which, by the way, are popular choices among players to mask their sweaty smell).
Other fragrances include food and beverage-related products, such as cinnamon, peppermint, vanilla, funnel cake, and even root beer float! The fragrances are endless!
Where to Find a Scented Bowling Ball?
If you’re looking for a scented bowling ball, you can find online retailers who are selling them. Or you could check a local bowling alley to see if scented bowling balls are available and whether they are for rent or purchase.
If you’re searching for a good quality brand, Storm bowling balls are at the top of the list. Since they’re the ones who first manufactured these giant scented marbles, their balls are the best-scented ones, with an amazing variety of fragrance choices.
Should You Try a Scented Ball?
If you’re sensitive to smells, it would be best to steer clear, but if you’re looking to add a bit of flair to your game, try a scented bowling ball.
However, when you’re purchasing a bowling ball, take the coverstock and weight into consideration before making a final decision.
These factors will affect your bowling style, so you should ensure you choose the right one so that it best suits you. Experimentation is key in finding the right scented bowling ball fitted to your needs.
In a Nutshell
Scented bowling balls have infused the sport with various aromas and sensory experiences. If you don’t have a problem with your sense of smell, try a scented bowling ball the next time you go out to play.
With so many fragrances to choose from, many people describe them to be “subtly pleasant,” which may be the reason why they decided to purchase their own scented bowling balls.
So, the next time you visit the bowling alley, be sure to check out the scented balls. If you happen to buy one, clean it regularly, sanitize it after every use, and store it properly to make your scented bowling balls smell like chocolate or piña colada every day!