The process of perfecting one’s bowling game can be long, so it’s important to have the right gear on hand. Both seasoned professionals and casual bowling enthusiasts who invest in bowling gloves see a significant change in their performance. Bowling gloves can help to reduce the risk of injury, elevate performance, and improve consistency.
This guide will look at the most popular styles of bowling gloves for all skill levels, including the key features of each and what makes them attractive to prospective buyers.
Table of Contents
Global market value of bowling equipment
Best bowling gloves for players
Conclusion
Global market value of bowling equipment
Bowling has always been a popular indoor sport, especially in the recreational sense. It’s a budget-friendly activity for both children and adults to participate in, and it can be played with various numbers of people. Ten-pin bowling in particular is expected to have the most growth in the coming years, with demand for equipment, such as bowling balls, set to rise as well. This is down to more consumers spending their income on leisure activities as well as governments promoting leisure activities such as bowling.
An in-depth analysis of the bowling market shows that a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% is expected between 2022 and 2032. This will bring the total global market value of bowling equipment from USD 943.4 million in 2022 to USD 1.46 billion by 2032. As new technologies start to emerge within the bowling industry, the market expects continued growth beyond 2032.
Best bowling gloves for players
When it comes to choosing the best bowling gloves, there are numerous considerations to take into account. Each type of glove is designed to address the specific needs and preferences of bowlers, so what might work well for some won’t be beneficial to others. Some types of bowling gloves are customizable, but there are a few that stand out as the most sought after by consumers.
According to Google Ads, “bowling gloves” has an average monthly search volume of 5,400. Of this number, the most searches come between December and February, with 6,600 searches per month. For the remainder of the year, searches for bowling gloves remain steady between 4,400 and 5,400 monthly.
Looking more closely at the types of bowling gloves consumers are most interested in, Google Ads reveals that “half finger gloves” come out on top with 5,400 monthly searches. This is followed by “bowling gloves with wrist support” at 480 searches and “full finger gloves” with 390 searches.
Keep reading to learn more about the key features of each of these popular bowling gloves.
Half-finger gloves
Half-finger bowling gloves are a very popular choice among bowlers looking for a good balance between tactile feedback and support. These gloves feature partially exposed fingers, which allows for direct contact with the ball. The palm area is either made with materials that help to improve grip, like silicone or tackified leather, or it’s textured to reduce the risk of slippage. Together, these two key features of half-finger bowling gloves allow bowlers to maintain a natural feel of the ball while providing them with better precision.
It’s important that these bowling gloves are breathable, which is why mesh fabric or perforated leather are popular material choices. Design elements such as ventilation holes can help to enhance air circulation and reduce sweat buildup. Having reinforced stitching in high-stress areas is also something consumers will be looking for to ensure their gloves can withstand regular use.
Some styles of half-finger bowling gloves will incorporate wrist support into their design. This is a very attractive feature for bowlers who suffer from wrist injuries or those who want to prevent wrist problems from appearing in the future. Wrist support in bowling gloves also allows bowlers to maintain a consistent wrist position, therefore improving overall power and accuracy.
Half-finger bowling gloves should be designed with an adjustable fit so they can be customized to suit the individual. Velcro closures or elastic bands are two popular choices for this.
Bowling gloves with wrist support
Bowling gloves with wrist support are specifically designed for players who require additional stability on the wrist or who want to prevent wrist injuries. The wrist support is built into the bowling glove, and these can either be flexible straps, metal inserts, or rigid splints. The type of wrist support chosen will depend on the individual’s preference. However, all styles of bowling gloves with wrist support should feature adjustable straps to ensure that the gloves can be adjusted when needed.
The other features of these bowling gloves are similar to other styles. Padding in strategic areas such as the palm and back of the hand, breathable materials, enhanced grip with materials such as rubber or silicone, and reinforced stitching are all important components of bowling gloves with wrist support as well.
Some models may have removable inserts or adjustable components since they’re designed with a specific need in mind.
Full-finger gloves
Among many amateur and professional bowlers, full-finger gloves are the top choice. These gloves are designed to cover the entire hand, including all fingers, and help to prevent blisters or calluses from forming. They’re also ideal for enhancing overall grip and providing warmth in cold environments. Full-finger gloves are made of durable materials, such as synthetic fabrics or leather, that are reinforced in high-stress areas, therefore providing long-term value.
Due to their full-finger coverage, these bowling gloves need to offer flexibility. Many designs will incorporate stretchable fabric sections into the gloves to ensure natural hand and finger movement. This is important so that the bowler’s range of motion isn’t restricted. Having additional cushioning in areas such as the back of the hand, fingers, and palm will also help with hand fatigue and impact absorption.
On top of the more common features of bowling gloves, bowlers who use full-finger gloves will also want to have reinforced fingertips to help with their grip and the overall durability of the gloves. For bowlers looking to add a touch of personality to their game, full-finger gloves are available in a variety of colors and patterns too.
Conclusion
The three most popular types of bowling gloves among consumers each have their own features that appeal to different buyers. Some consumers may want additional wrist support, whereas others are looking for enhanced grip, comfort, and precision above all else.
As bowling continues to grow in popularity, both as a recreational sport and a professional one, additional modern designs are expected to be forthcoming. This can have an impact on the materials used as well as the ergonomic design of the gloves. For the time being, though, the three bowling gloves mentioned above continue to lead the way in sales and will maintain their popularity for years to come.
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