Best Bowling Protective Gear of 2026
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Bowling protective gear is essential for any player who wants to stay safe and prevent injuries. Some of the most popular items include wrist supports, knee pads, and elbow guards. Wrist supports help to prevent strains and sprains, while knee pads and elbow guards provide cushioning and support to these vulnerable joints. Additionally, there are also finger and thumb inserts that can be used to prevent blisters and calluses from forming on the hands. Overall, investing in quality bowling protective gear is a wise choice for any serious bowler who wants to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary injuries.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Bowling Protective Gear
Birllaid Bowling Thumb Tape
The Birllaid Bowling Tape is designed to enhance your bowling experience by providing comfort and protection. This tape helps reduce thumb and finger fatigue, allowing you to play longer without discomfort. Made from breathable and flexible material, it ensures that your fingers can move freely while being protected from scratches and blisters. It's particularly beneficial for those with manicures, as it safeguards your nails during play. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to carry, so you can take it with you wherever you bowl.
GoSports Rosin Bag Multi-Sport Dry Grip Powder
The GoSports Rosin Grip Powder is designed to help you maintain a strong and reliable hold during sports and activities. It contains twice the amount of rosin compared to other brands, so it lasts longer through your season. This powder effectively fights sweaty hands, giving you dry, tacky skin for better control. Whether you're pitching in baseball or softball, it helps you confidently handle the ball and improve your accuracy. The soft cotton bag is safe for your skin and comes with durable stitching, plus a resealable bag to keep the powder fresh and easy to store between uses.
bowlingball.com Thumb Saver Right Hand Thumb Guard
The BOWLINGBALL Thumb Saver is designed to keep your thumb comfortable and protected while you bowl. It helps prevent painful blisters and calluses, so you can enjoy longer games without discomfort. The special material lowers friction, making your thumb glide smoothly during release, which can improve your control and consistency. It also helps reduce swelling, so your thumb feels better after every game. Plus, the textured tip gives you extra grip, helping you maintain a firm hold on the ball. This product fits most thumbs, making it a convenient choice for many bowlers.
bowlingball.com Kool Kontrol Bowling Wrist Positioner
The bowlingball.com Kool Kontrol Bowling Wrist Positioner (Medium, Right) is a classic styled wrist device that provides exceptional support and keeps your wrist in the proper position throughout your release. It features a unique fabric construction that allows perspiration to easily evaporate, removable metal supports, and three velcro straps for a secure and comfortable fit. It may feel "wrong" at first, but that means you are moving in the "right" direction, as the device is now keeping your wrist in the proper position.
KR Strikeforce Bowling Shoe Slider
The KR Strikeforce Bowling Shoe Slider is a must-have accessory for any bowler looking to enhance their game. This shoe slider is designed to increase slide, making it perfect for synthetic approaches. With its one-size-fits-most design, it is suitable for a wide range of users. The Strikeforce Shoe Slider offers several convenient features that will benefit bowlers. Firstly, it increases slide, allowing for smoother movement and better control during the approach. Secondly, it is specifically designed for synthetic approaches, ensuring optimal performance on synthetic lanes. Additionally, its one-size-fits-most design provides versatility and ease of use. Lastly, the KR Strikeforce brand is well-known for its quality and durability, making this shoe slider a reliable choice for bowlers of all skill levels.
TonGass Microfiber Bowling Grip Powder Bags
The TonGass Bowling Grip Bags are made from high-quality microfiber filled with diatomaceous earth, which helps keep your hands dry by absorbing sweat effectively. This means you can maintain a better grip without slipping during your game. The bags feature a thickened design that keeps the powder securely inside, so you won’t have to worry about spills or frequent cleanups. Sized comfortably for both small and large hands, these grip bags ensure ease of use for everyone. Plus, they are versatile enough to enhance your grip not only in bowling but also in other sports like baseball and tennis, making them a handy accessory for various activities.
Hammer Shammy Pads Black/Orange
The Hammer Shammy Pads help you keep your bowling ball in top shape by removing oil from its surface. This is important because oil buildup can affect how your ball rolls, and the dual-sided leather design makes it easy to absorb oil effectively. These pads work well with any type of bowling ball coverstock, so you don't need to worry about compatibility. Plus, they come in different color options, including the Black/Orange style, letting you pick one that fits your personal taste. Using the Hammer Shammy Pads means better ball control and improved performance on the lanes.
Brunswick Smooth Slide
The Brunswick Smooth Slide is designed to enhance your bowling experience by ensuring a seamless release from the thumb hole of your bowling ball. This product helps you achieve a smoother thumb exit, which can improve your overall performance on the lanes. With its user-friendly design, you can focus more on your game rather than worrying about grip issues. By using this product, you can boost your confidence and aim for better accuracy with every roll. It’s a practical addition to your bowling gear that can make a noticeable difference in your gameplay.
Brunswick Shoe Slider
The Brunswick Shoe Slider is designed to help you improve your bowling game by enhancing your slide ability. Its suede material offers a smooth surface, making it easier for you to glide on the approach, especially in sticky conditions where traction can be challenging. The elastic band ensures a secure and comfortable fit, accommodating most foot sizes without hassle. This shoe slider is a practical choice for bowlers looking to maintain better balance and control during their approach, helping you deliver more consistent and accurate throws.
Pro Taper Grip Donuts
The Pro Taper Grip Donuts are designed to protect your thumb during bowling sessions. Made from soft Neoprene, they provide a comfortable feel that won’t irritate your skin. These grip donuts help reduce the chance of blisters forming on your thumb, making it easier to play longer without discomfort. Sold as a pair, they offer protection for both thumbs, so you can focus on your game without worrying about painful rubbing or chafing. If you want to keep your thumbs safe and comfortable while bowling, the Pro Taper Grip Donuts are a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are required equipment for bowling?
The game of bowling has evolved little since the first ever indoor bowling alley was built in 1840 at Knickerbockers, New York City. The technology and material used may have improved, but the standard equipment required of a player remains the same: a pair of bowling shoes and a bowling ball.
2. What do professional bowlers wear?
Many professional bowlers choose to wear high-quality loose and comfortable bowling shirts with their sponsorships branded on them. Along with those, they decide to wear breathable polyester pants, offer comfort, and allow stretching, which can be necessary at a professional level.
3. What are bowling shoes called?
The Athletic or tennis shoe style bowling shoe is made with a “sliding sole” on both shoes. This type of shoe is an excellent choice for beginners or for bowlers who bowl once a week or less. Examples of this type of shoe are the Brunswick Flyer and Silk.
During our bowling protective gear research, we found 24 bowling protective gear products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 39,204 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bowling protective gear list. We found that most customers choose bowling protective gear with an average price of $15.19.
The bowling protective gear are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bowling protective gear, including Birllaid, GoSports, BOWLINGBALL, KR Strikeforce, TonGass. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 365 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.