Bowling Pins

Bowling pins have an “hourglass” shape and are typically made of “hard rock maple wood”. They are the main targets of various bowling games like five-pins, tenpins, candlepins, and duckpins. The stipulations in manufacturing bowling pins are set by the “American Bowling Congress” or ABC.

Bowling Pin Weight, Height, And Shape

The weight of a bowling pin is between “1.53 kg” and “1.64 kg”. Every pin has a height of 38.1 centimeters and 4.75 inches width. A bowling pin has a narrow neck and gradually widens to a 12-centimeter diameter at its widest point called the “belly”. The bowling pin then narrows to a 5.7-centimeter diameter at its base. This design of pin allows it to fall down if tilted to ten degrees.

The “duckpins” are squatter and shorter compared to the standard tenpins. The Canadian “fivepins” have a size that’s between the tenpins and duckpins size, however they have an inch-wide and thick rubber band wrapped around its widest part to increase its “pin action” when hit.

The “candlepins” are unlike the rest of the bowling pins, as they’re the tallest pins. They have a height of 15-¾ inches, but are only 2-15/16 inches wide, and 8oz weight. Its shape is almost cylindrical and resembling a candle, thus its name. Different from other pins, duckpins can be placed on either end.

Bowling Pin Construction

While efforts to produce all-plastic bowling pins have been taken on for some years, the most standard material used for bowling pins is still “hard rock maple wood”. The wood is durable and solid, thus the best option for bowling pins.

The construction process for bowling pins involves gluing block of this wood material into vague shape, and then its turned on a “lathe”. The lathe will shape the pins, and after they’ve taken form, they’re coated with plastic material and painted. They’re finally covered using protective, glossy finish.

Synthetic and plastic bowling pins have started to be made for several years, due to the scarcity of the suitable wood material. Plastic and synthetic bowling pins are constructed in a different process called the “thermoplastic injection molding”.

All bowling pins must show a mark and the name of its maker, whether “WIBC Approved”, “BTBA Approved”, or “USBC Approved”, and must show uniformity.

Arrangement Of Pins

The most common type of bowling played around the globe is the tenpin bowling. The ten bowling pins are arranged in a triangular shape, with its “vertex” oriented towards a bowler. The arrangement is said to be that of “tetractys”. From the back, the first row has four pins numbered 7-8-9-10, then the second row with three pins numbered 4-5-6, third row with two pins numbered 2-3, and finally one pin on the front, also called the “head pin”.

Bowling Pins Available

There are many types of bowling pins available in the market today. Some of the most popular include the Brunswick Max, Winsom Pin, AMF Sumo, Brunswick Flyer, AMF Pin, Brunswick Mixer, Brunswick “B” Max, Vulcan Vultex II, “The Rock” Brunswick WWF, Brunswick PBA Gold Pin, Brunswick Killer “B”, and more.

There are also several major non-sports related and sports-related companies focusing on designing, manufacturing, and supporting bowling products. Some famous brands for bowling equipment include Ebonite, Storm, AMF, Dacos, and Brunswick. Individual shops selling bowling merchandise of these companies, particularly for “tenpin bowlers” are called “Pro Bowl” stores.

Bowling pins are one of the game’s main components, and they’re regulated by the USBC for uniformity and standards. While technological changes over the years have often required a change in regulations as well, the uniformity and construction of bowling pins remain to be in conformity with the USBC. This avoids discrepancies and allows fair games and tournaments.