When you step into a bowling alley, you’re likely to be greeted with a familiar and comforting scent. The source of that aroma? Bowling balls!
These balls are often scented in order to provide a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for bowlers. But why exactly are bowling balls scented? In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why this popular activity is accompanied by a pleasant scent.
Why are bowling balls scented?
Bowling balls are scented for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is to mask the smell of the materials used to make the ball, such as rubber or polyurethane. Furthermore, it helps to absorb oil from the lanes and keep it from coming out when exposed to heat or sunlight.
Additionally, scented balls help with accuracy and consistency when playing by providing better grip, which can help improve performance. Finally, scented balls also provide a more enjoyable experience for players, as they add a pleasant aroma to the game.
Storm is the only bowling ball company that uses scents in their balls; their unique feature allows players to smell their way around the lane.
The Benefits of Scented Bowling Balls
There is a range of benefits to using scented bowling balls, including improved grip and handling, enhanced focus and concentration, and distinguishing your ball from the rest.
Improved Grip and Handling
The scents used in bowling balls are designed to improve the grip and handling of the ball. The scent adds an extra layer of tackiness that helps the player to maintain a better grip on the ball, providing greater accuracy and control.
The scents also help to absorb sweat, making sure that your hands stay dry and comfortable while you bowl.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration
Scented bowling balls can also help you to stay focused and concentrate on your form and technique.
The smell of the ball can act as a stimulus that helps to keep your mind alert, sharpening your reflexes and improving your accuracy with each throw. This, in turn, will help you to achieve consistently high scores.
Distinguishing Your Ball from Others
Bowling alleys are often full of people, and with so many people using the same equipment, it can be difficult to distinguish your ball from someone else’s. Scented bowling balls help to make your ball easily identifiable, so you can quickly and easily find it whenever you need it.
In addition, the scents used in bowling balls can also help to make your ball easier to track and follow through the air, providing more accurate throws every time.
The fragrance of bowling balls
Let’s take a closer look at why bowling balls are scented and the different types of scents available.
The Manufacturing Process
The process of scenting a bowling ball starts during the manufacturing process. While the ball is being formed, a scent is added to the outer polyurethane shell.
The scents used can range from fruity and sweet to earthy and musky. The scent is also designed to last for the life of the ball, although it may fade slightly over time.
Different Types of Scents
The most common type of scent used on bowling balls is a fruity scent. This type of scent often brings to mind the aroma of freshly cut oranges, apples, and other fruits.
However, there are other types of scents available. These include earthy scents that may include the aroma of wood and spice, or sweet scents that resemble a vanilla or caramel-like aroma.
Durability and Maintenance of Scents
The scent of a bowling ball is designed to last for the life of the ball. To ensure that the scent doesn’t diminish over time, it’s important to take proper care of the ball.
This includes avoiding contact with harsh chemicals, such as pool and spa chemicals, as well as avoiding extreme temperatures. Additionally, you should clean your ball regularly with a bowling ball cleaner that is specifically designed for use with scented bowling balls.
The History of Scented Bowling Balls
The history of scented bowling balls is a relatively recent one. The traditional odors of beer and smoke commonly associated with the sport have been replaced by scents of grape and cherry.
In the early 2000s, Bill Chrisman from Utah revolutionized the industry by introducing a range of scents to bowling balls. This invention triggered the brain’s memory center to help bowlers improve their game.
Storm Products was one of the first companies to capitalize on this idea and started producing about 40 scents ranging from black cherry, chocolate, lemonade, plum, blueberry, grape, banana, and even root-beer float. Storm’s top-selling ball, the Triple X Factor, comes with a black cherry scent, but Solan’s favorite is chocolate.
Today scented Storm bowling balls are more popular than ever and are used by casual bowlers as well as professionals alike.
FAQ
How long do scented bowling balls last?
Bowling balls with scented aromas usually last for a few years. The exact duration of time depends on the quality of the ball and the environment in which it is stored.
Generally, if a bowling ball is left in a car, it will only last up to one year or slightly longer, as the scent may dissipate due to extreme temperatures. However, if kept in proper conditions, such as indoors and away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat, the scent can last much longer.
To preserve the scent of your bowling ball, it is important to keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight.
How can you choose a scent that fits you?
Choosing a scent that fits your personality is a great way to increase your confidence. To do this, you need to use your senses to help you make the right choice. You can start by noticing the pattern of scents in your environment and what seems to ‘hook’ you.
For example, if you love sports, a good option would be something with a continuous length of cinnamon or chocolate notes. If you like games, perhaps something with cherry or grape would be better suited for you.
Banana and plum are also good options if you want something stronger. Once you have identified the type of scent that appeals to you, it is important to remember that it requires careful consideration when choosing an oil-based scent as it will carry for longer periods of time than other options.
While some people may find this feature intimidating, it can actually help make your choice more personal and unique as it will last longer on your skin.
Ultimately, selecting a scent that reflects who you are is essential in making sure that it suits your style and tastes – so take your time and choose carefully!
Are All Bowling Balls Scented?
No, not all bowling balls are scented. Storm Products is the only bowling ball company which uses scents in their balls. This unique feature allows bowlers to smell their way around the lane while playing.
The scent is subtle and is stronger in the finger holes due to the location of the resin coating. The bowling ball itself is made from polyurethane rubber material, with optional pigment.
Storm Products first scented balls – green apple and citrus – were released in spring 2000, producing about 15 different scented balls since then.
Why do bowling balls smell?
Have you ever been to a bowling alley and noticed that distinct, pungent smell that permeates the air around the pin setters and pins? That smell is the distinctive scent of a bowling ball.
The reason why bowling balls smell the way they do is because they are made out of a combination of rubber, urethane and polyester. The rubber and urethane materials are the primary components responsible for the smell.
These materials are mixed together and formed into a round shape that makes up the bowling ball.
When a bowling ball is used, the air around the ball is heated up by the friction generated by the ball rolling down the lane.
This heat causes the rubber and urethane compounds to break down, releasing compounds that are responsible for the characteristic bowling ball odour.
The smell of a bowling ball is not unpleasant, but is rather a distinctive scent that adds to the atmosphere at a bowling alley. The smell of a bowling ball is a nostalgic reminder of the good times that can be had at the lanes.
In addition to the smell of the bowling ball, the oils used to keep the ball clean and performing optimally also contribute to the scent.
The oil applied to the ball’s surface helps to reduce the friction created between the ball and the lane, which in turn helps the ball to roll further down the lane and score higher. The oils also help to protect the ball from the general wear and tear that comes with use.
Finally, the dirt and dust that is collected on the ball’s surface adds to the smell as well, as it breaks down over time and releases its own odours.
