“Everybody’s span is different, everybody’s
grip is different,” said Scherle. “Some people
squeeze more than others. The holes should be
custom fit. You don’t want it too big because it
causes you to squeeze and you don’t want it too
tight because you might go down the lanes with
the ball.”
There are also accessories the bowler can
use, from “wristers” to gloves to plugs for the
ball holes. Five pin bowlers, on the other hand,
are more likely to shun the extras.
“It’s not as intense as it would be in ten-pin
bowling,” said Meconi. “I do see wristbands
primarily...but no, there’s not a lot of extra gear.”
Bowling leagues are going strong and often
account for the majority of a bowling alley’s
business. Operators depend on leagues to keep
the doors open. At Super Bowl, about 75 per cent
of their total business comes from leagues.
“You really depend on your league bowlers
and your regulars. They are the most important
hands down,” said Clarkson. “They are your
lifeline. Without leagues you are nothing, unless
you’re a small bowling alley like Tec Lanes (in
Tecumseh), you’re looking at eight lanes. Then
you can probably get by without major leagues.”
Super Bowl’s website recently listed no fewer
than 22 leagues that had openings. Rose Bowl’s
website had 42. Yet if you enjoy bowling, there
are many benefits to joining a league.
“Becoming a better bowler, bowling a lot,
good times,” said Clarkson. “98 per cent of our
leagues are fun leagues where people have a
good time. You’re just enjoying the old
There are
roughly 120
bowling lanes
in various
alleys
throughout
Windsor-Essex