Quick Buy: Bowling Essentials Kit
Looking for a fast-start gear pack? These four items cover the basics:
- Turbo Grips Insert Tape
- Storm Shammy Pad
- Storm Reacta Foam Cleaner
- KR Strikeforce Bowling Shoe Covers
These core accessories keep your grip tight, ball clean, and reaction consistent—perfect for any bowler.
Introduction
Every bowler has their own collection of go-to tools - items that solve little problems before they become big ones. Whether it’s a roll of tape, a grip sack, or a handy shoe brush, these accessories can make or break a session.
Some gear just becomes essential over time, especially for bowlers who want to improve consistency, comfort, and confidence on the lanes. Here are 10 bowling accessories that stand out as must-haves for 2025.
How to Use This Guide
To make it easy to browse and shop, each accessory section includes:
- A brief description of what it does
- Why it's useful for your game
- A recommended product
- Approximate pricing
Feel free to scroll or jump to the item you're most interested in!
Bowling Accessories To Buy
Thumb Insert Tape
Swollen hands, dry air, sweaty palms - it all impacts how the ball fits. Thumb insert tape helps adjust the fit in real-time, keeping your release consistent throughout a session.
Recommended Product: Turbo Grips Insert Tape
Price (approx.): $9
Why it's useful: Available in multiple textures, easy to apply/remove mid-game.
Bowling Shammy Pad
A shammy pad is one of the most effective ways to keep oil off your ball during play. It restores surface tackiness better than standard towels and helps preserve ball performance.
Visit Storm's official product care guide
Recommended Product: Storm Shammy Pad
Price (approx.): $17
Why it's useful: Soaks up oil better than standard towels and restores the tacky surface for a more consistent reaction.
Bowling Ball Cleaner
Read our full guide on how to clean a bowling ball at home.
Even a few games can leave your ball saturated in lane oil. Regular cleaning helps maintain consistent hook and overall ball life. Foam cleaners are especially easy to use and reduce mess.
Recommended Product: Storm Reacta Cleaner
Price (approx.): $14
Why it's useful: Helps maintain your ball’s backend reaction and extends its lifespan with minimal effort.
Bowling Ball Resurfacing Pads
Over time, every ball’s surface wears down. Resurfacing pads allow bowlers to maintain or adjust ball reaction based on lane conditions. Lower grit = earlier hook. Higher grit = later reaction.
Recommended Product: CTD TruCut Resurfacing Pads
Price (approx.): $36 (set of 6)
Why it's useful: Allows you to match your ball surface to lane conditions and restore worn-out coverstocks.
Bowling Shoe Covers
From spilled drinks to slippery walkways, off-lane hazards are everywhere. Shoe covers protect the soles of your bowling shoes and help prevent accidents and unnecessary wear.
Recommended Product: KR Strikeforce Bowling Shoe Covers
Price (approx.): $15
Why it's useful: Keeps your slide sole dry and clean, preventing accidents and extending shoe life.
Bowling Accessory Bag
Between tapes, brushes, fans, and tools, it's easy for things to get lost in a big roller bag. A compact accessory bag keeps all the essentials in one place, ready when you need them.
Recommended Product: VISE Accessory Bag
Price (approx.): $23
Why it's useful: Keeps all your smaller items organized and easily accessible during practice or tournaments.
Bowling Hand Drying Fan
Sweaty hands can seriously affect grip and release. A personal fan keeps hands dry during long sessions or in humid centers. Look for one that’s quiet, rechargeable, and easy to position.
Recommended Product: Honeywell Portable Fan
Price (approx.): $15
Why it's useful: Ensures a dry grip in warm or humid conditions, improving release and control.
Bowling Grip Bag
A grip sack helps manage moisture on your hands while adding a consistent feel to your pre-shot routine. Many also include pleasant scents and compact designs.
Recommended Product: Storm Rosin Grip Bag
Price (approx.): $8
Why it's useful: Prevents sweaty palms and helps deliver a consistent, confident grip every frame.
Bowling Shoe Brush
Clean soles mean controlled slides. A shoe brush removes debris and can improve slide consistency, especially on unfamiliar approaches or slicker lane surfaces.
Recommended Product: Hammer Shoe Brush
Price (approx.): $9
Why it's useful: Maintains the slide surface of your shoes by removing lane dust and debris.
Rotating Bowling Ball Cup
This compact tool makes it easy to clean, polish, or resurface a bowling ball. A smooth-spinning base also lets it double as a holder when space is limited at the lanes.
Recommended Product: Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup
Price (approx.): $15
Why it's useful: Makes it easier to clean, polish, or resurface your ball without rolling it around.
Explore more gear recommendations
Final thoughts
Bowling accessories aren’t just add-ons - they’re key pieces of equipment that help bowlers perform at their best. Whether you're a casual league player or a competitive tournament regular, these tools offer extra control, comfort, and confidence. In 2025, make sure your bag includes the essentials.
Got a question about specific accessory or need recommendations? Let us know—we’re always ready to help!
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