Bowling Accessories 2025: 10 Must-Have Items in Your Bag

Oct 15, 2025 | By Erikas Jansonas

Bowling Accessories

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Bowling Accessories 2025: 10 Must-Have Items in Your Bag

Oct 15, 2025 | By Erikas Jansonas

Bowling Accessories

Quick Buy: Bowling Essentials Kit

Looking for a fast-start gear pack? These four items cover the basics:

These core accessories keep your grip tight, ball clean, and reaction consistent - perfect for any bowler.


Introduction

Every bowler has their own set of go-to bowling accessories—items that solve small problems before they become major issues.

Whether it’s a roll of tape, a grip sack, or a shoe brush, the right gear can make or break a session.

Over time, some bowling accessories become essential for anyone who wants consistency, comfort, and confidence on the lanes.

In this guide, we highlight 10 bowling accessories every bowler should pack in 2025.


Bowling Accessories To Buy

Thumb Insert Tape

Bowling Tape

Swollen hands, dry air, or sweaty palms can all affect how the bowling ball fits.

This simple tool helps adjust your grip instantly, keeping your release smooth and consistent during long sessions.

Thumb tape is one of the most overlooked bowling accessories, but it’s a must-have for comfort and control.


Recommended Product: Turbo Grips Insert Tape


Price (approx.): $9


Why it's useful: Comes in different textures and is easy to apply or remove between games.


Bowling Shammy Pad

Bowling Ball Shammy

Keeping oil off your ball is one of the easiest ways to maintain performance during a session.

A shammy pad works better than a standard towel. It helps restore the ball’s tacky surface and maintains ball performance longer.

Among all bowling accessories, a high-quality shammy is one of the most useful items for maintaining ball motion.


Visit Storm's official product care guide


Recommended Product: Storm Shammy Pad


Price (approx.): $19


Why it's useful: Absorbs oil effectively and restores surface grip for a consistent reaction.


Bowling Ball Cleaner

Bowling Ball Cleaner

Read our full guide on how to clean a bowling ball at home.


Just a few games can leave your ball soaked in oil and dirt.

Cleaning it regularly helps maintain consistent hook and extends your ball’s lifespan.


A good cleaner is one of the most essential bowling accessories for keeping your equipment performing like new.


Recommended Product: Storm Reacta Cleaner


Price (approx.): $14


Why it's useful: Restores backend motion and preserves coverstock with minimal effort.


Bowling Ball Resurfacing Pads

Bowling Ball Resurfacing Pads

Over time, your ball’s surface breaks down and loses its original reaction.

Resurfacing pads help restore the surface or adjust it based on lane conditions.

Lower grit creates earlier hook, while higher grit gives you more length and control.

If you want more control over your ball reaction, these bowling accessories are a smart investment.


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

Bowling Shoe Covers

Off the lanes, hazards like wet floors or food spills can ruin your slide sole fast.


Shoe covers protect your bowling shoes from damage and help prevent slips or accidents.


These bowling accessories are essential if you walk around the center between games or tournaments.


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

Bowling Acessory Bag

Tapes, brushes, tools - small gear often gets lost in large roller bags.


A compact accessory bag keeps your bowling accessories organized and easy to find during practice or competition.


It saves time, reduces clutter, and helps you stay focused on the lanes.


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

Bowling Hand Drying Fan

Sweaty hands make it harder to grip the ball and control your release.

A personal fan is one of the most practical bowling accessories for humid centers or long practice sessions.

Choose a model that’s quiet, rechargeable, and easy to clip near your lane.


Recommended Product: Honeywell Portable Fan


Price (approx.): $15


Why it's useful: Keeps your hands dry and grip consistent, especially during heat or humidity.


Bowling Grip Bag

Bowling Grip Bag

Moisture on your hands can ruin grip and throw off your release.


A grip bag absorbs sweat and adds a consistent feel to your setup routine.


Among must-have bowling accessories, this one helps bowlers feel confident on every shot.


Many grip bags are scented, compact, and fit easily into any accessory pouch.


Recommended Product: Storm Rosin Grip Bag


Price (approx.): $16


Why it's useful: Prevents sweaty palms and helps deliver a consistent, confident grip every frame.


Bowling Shoe Brush

Bowling Shoe Brush

Dust and debris can ruin your slide and affect your performance on the approach.

A shoe brush helps clean the soles of your bowling shoes so you stay in control on slick lanes.

It’s one of those bowling accessories you don’t think about - until you need it.


Recommended Product: Hammer Shoe Brush


Price (approx.): $10


Why it's useful: Removes buildup from the slide sole and improves consistency when sliding.


Rotating Bowling Ball Cup

Rotating Bowling Ball Cup

Cleaning, polishing, or resurfacing your ball is much easier with a rotating cup.


This compact tool keeps your ball stable while you work, so you don’t have to chase it around.


It’s one of the most useful bowling accessories for at-home maintenance or lane-side touch-ups.


You can also use it as a stand during tournaments when space is limited.


Recommended Product: Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup


Price (approx.): $18


Why it's useful: Lets you clean or resurface your ball with control and stability.


Explore more gear recommendations

Final thoughts

Bowling accessories aren’t extras - they’re essential tools that support your performance and protect your gear.

Whether you bowl casually or compete often, the right accessories improve comfort, control, and consistency.

In 2025, make sure your bowling bag includes these must-have bowling accessories.

Got a question about specific accessory or need recommendations? Let us know - we’re always ready to help!

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, BowlingLife may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we’ve tested and trust.

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