Bowling Ball Fitting & Measuring
A Better Fit Starts With Understanding the Bowler
A bowling ball should be fit to the person using it. At Tom Kelley’s Bowling Pro Shop, we take the time to understand your hand, your grip, and the way you bowl before your ball is drilled.
Using professional fitting tools, including the AMF Pro Fit Measuring Ball, we evaluate span, finger pitches, thumb size, finger flexibility, grip preference, and other details that help us determine the proper fit for your hand. We also evaluate finger grip sizes to find the grips that fit comfortably and appropriately for the individual bowler.
A Bowling Ball Is Only as Good as the Way It Fits Your Hand
You can choose the right bowling ball for your game, but if it doesn’t fit your hand properly, you aren’t getting the full benefit of your equipment. A comfortable, properly fitted ball can feel more natural in your hand, promote a smoother release, and give you greater consistency and confidence on the lanes.
That’s why custom fitting is such an important part of the drilling process at Tom Kelley’s. Small differences in measurements, pitches, flexibility, and grip size matter. Taking the time to get those details right gives you a better foundation for both comfort in your hand and performance on the lanes.
Our Custom Fitting Process
1. Learn About Your Game
Every fitting starts with a conversation. We’ll discuss your experience level, bowling style, goals, and any challenges you have had with previous equipment so we can better understand what you need from your fit.
2. Measure Your Hand
Using the AMF Pro Fit Measuring Ball and professional fitting tools, we take detailed measurements of your hand, including span, finger pitches, thumb size, finger flexibility, and grip preference.
3. Evaluate Grip Size and Fit
We evaluate finger grip sizes as part of finding the right overall fit for your hand. These details are considered alongside your measurements and preferences before the ball is drilled.
4. Carry the Fit Into Drilling
Custom measuring provides the foundation for the drilling process. Once the fit has been established, those measurements are used when your bowling ball is laid out and drilled with professional equipment.
5. Check the Final Fit
Before you leave, we’ll check the finished ball for comfort. If adjustments are needed, we can make them so the ball feels natural and ready for your next game.
The Right Fit Is the Foundation
Custom fitting and precision drilling work together. The measurements establish how the ball should fit your hand, while layout and drilling turn those measurements into finished equipment. The result is a bowling ball designed to feel comfortable in your hand and give you the foundation for a confident, consistent release.
Whether you’re purchasing your first bowling ball or adding another piece to your arsenal, Tom Kelley’s takes the time to get the fit right before drilling begins.
Grips & Interchangeable Thumb Systems
The right grips are another important part of a comfortable, consistent fit. Tom Kelley’s Bowling Pro Shop offers Vise & Turbo finger inserts along with Vise, Turbo and JoPo interchangeable thumb systems, giving bowlers options for replacing worn inserts, adjusting their fit, or using a consistent thumb feel across multiple bowling balls.
Our grip and interchangeable services include:
