Bowling Pin Shape

Bowling originated in Europe where it was called keggling. It came to the United States with early immigrants. The earliest bowling pins were made of maple and were smaller than the pins of today, similar in size to the current candlepins. These pins were cylindrical, much like a rolling pin. Early American bowlers began, probably for a little variety, to turn the pins on their lathes. It became obvious that this new shape could improve pin action, the very desirable effect of one pin knocking down another. This was studied and some standardized dimensions resulted. The majority of the weight of the pin was to be in the belly or the widest part of the pin. The belly was to be the same height off the lane as the maximum circumference of the bowling ball. Some weight in the head of the pin improved the spinning of fallen pins creating better scores. From that evolving process came the very regulated product today. Pins are 15 inches high and 15 inches around at the belly. Regulation pins weigh between 3 pounds 6 ounces and 3 pounds 10 ounces, with the PBA pros using the heaviest pins. The pins are still made of maple though they are laminated. Four smaller pieces of maple are affixed to a larger central plank which has two holes or voids drilled in the area which will become the belly. This allows for better control of the weight of the pin. The pin is turned to size on a lathe and a plastic collar is attached to the base. The pin is then coated with a protective plastic covering. Very rigorous quality control is part of the release process for new pins. Since 1962 there have been 40-50 proposed modification but none has passed the performance criteria. In 1999 after three decades of research a new, all synthetic pin called the Twister was approved for use. It will debut at the 2001 ABC tournament in Reno, Nevada. Look for it; it may soon appear in your local bowling house but it probably won't make the 7-10 split any easier to pick up!