With the advancements in technology, bowling balls have also undergone some significant changes. Besides focusing on other major aspects, manufacturers have also started working on the scent of the balls. The sound of a scented bowling ball might seem bizarre to you, and you might wonder why bowling balls have a fragrance?
It is not easy to spot any fragrant bowling balls at your local bowling arena. However, you might see a lot of professionals using them. Different symmetrical and asymmetrical block weights infused with a unique scent make the ball seem more refined. It is also said that the fragrant balls help increase the player’s motivation and keep their focus from shattering. Currently, the company is manufacturing 30+ different types of scented balls.
You might be really confused about scented bowling balls if you are a novice. But don’t worry because, in this article, I will be sharing with you why do bowling balls have a fragrance.
I will also share some exquisite details that will help you understand the bowling balls better and make a worthy purchase. So make sure to give the whole article a read and broaden your knowledge about bowling balls.
So When Were Scented Bowling Balls First Invented?
In the 2000s, sales at Storm Inc. dropped to a considerable extent, and something needed to be done for the sake of the company. That is when the President of the company, Bill Chrisman, came up with the idea of fragrant bowling balls to help their products stand up from the rest.
The first two flavors the company produced were citrus and green apple. These scented balls instantly captured people’s attention and brought a whopping increase in sales. Chrisman states that another reason behind creating scented balls was to make the bowling experience more fun.
Who Makes Scented Bowling Balls?
Storm Products Inc. – the company that invented bowling balls with fragrance, is the only producer of scented bowling balls. The company started manufacturing regular bowling balls in the 1990s and became immensely popular in 1994. The scent-infused bowling balls weren’t introduced until one decade after the company’s formation.
The Storm is one of the leading high-end bowling ball manufacturing companies and has gained the trust of many professionals. The company is famous for its scented balls and the latest technology they use in their products. Not all the balls at Storm are scented, and you can easily find beginner-friendly balls which are also less expensive.
What Scent Flavors Are Available?
Storm Inc. has come up with several new scents. As of now, the company has manufactured at least seven product lines and more than thirty different scents. The most popular scents used for scented bowling balls at Storm Inc. are:
- Licorice
- Peppermint
- Black Cherry
- Blueberry
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Orange ginger
- Cinnamon, etc.
How Is Scent Added to The Bowling Balls?
The addition of scent to the bowling ball is not as simple as spraying perfume on a surface. The smell will quickly fade away if it is sprayed onto the surface of the balls. In the case of fragrant bowling balls, the scent is added to the ball while it’s being manufactured.
So, let’s take a look at the steps involved in the addition of scent to a bowling ball:
- First of all, the asymmetrical core of the bowling ball is made with polyester resin.
- Next, a filler is heated at a high temperature for some time, and then it is placed to cool down properly.
- After the filler has cooled down, a hole is drilled so that it fits the mold. It makes sure that the filler doesn’t move around when placed in the second mold.
- In the second mold, the liquid coverstock is added. The scent is added to the ball at this point before the coverstock starts solidifying.
- After the scented coverstock has hardened, the balls are left to cool down overnight.
- Lastly, the balls are polished, and any final logos or images are imprinted or engraved on the ball before they are packed and dispatched.
How Long Scented Bowling Balls Last?
Scented balls hold their scent for almost as long as the ball’s lifespan. Because the scent is a part of the coverstock (outmost layer of the ball), these balls retain the scent for a minimum of 5-10 years. A number of players using these balls also stated that the scent of the Storm balls lasted until they kept using the ball.
However, a person complained that the scent of his bowling balls didn’t last for a long time and perished soon. He further added that he used reacta clean to clean the ball.
Remember that if you follow the proper maintenance guide and avoid using any harsh chemicals on the ball, there is a good chance the ball might last for 10 years!!!
Are Scented Bowling Balls Effective?
There is no science-backed evidence proving that scented balls affect a player’s performance. However, the essential oils scented balls might benefit the player to some extent. The most apparent advantages of using scented bowling balls include
- The scented bowling balls have a more sticky surface and thus improve the ball’s hook.
- The calming and aromatic scents provide a sense of relaxation to the players and lower their stress levels.
- The scent also helps the players focus better on the game.
Many people don’t care much about whether the balls are scented or unscented. Professional players mostly look for performance. Players said that as long as the ball performs well in the bowling lane, they don’t have an issue with it.
Can A Scented Bowling Ball Break?
Scented bowling balls, pretty much like regular bowling balls, might crack if you don’t handle them cautiously. However, these balls are more likely to develop cracks or split in half rather than crumble into small pieces.
2 reasons why the bowling balls crack are:
Extreme Temperature
Bowling balls might seem like rigid objects. However, these balls are fragile and don’t react well when placed in extremely cold or hot temperatures. A ball left in a hot and humid environment might start expanding, leading to a cracked surface. Similarly, a ball left in a too-cold environment might lose color and eventually begin to break.
Improper storage
If you don’t pay attention to storing the bowling ball carefully, you might end up with a cracked bowling ball. Mostly this happens when the ball is left in the storage bag untouched for an extended period. The ball’s core exerts a lot of pressure on the outer surface of the ball, leading to a cracked coverstock.
Final Words
Scented bowling balls are becoming more popular as time passes by. Storm Products Inc. is the only company producing scented bowling balls. All scented balls are mid/high-end bowling balls made for professional use.
These balls have a long-lasting fragrance that lasts you for a surprisingly long time. If you handle the scented bowling ball with care, it might last you for even 10 years. Give this article a read, to learn more about why bowling balls have a fragrance and their benefits.
