There’s a difference between once in awhile bowlers and real enthusiasts. For those who just bowl an occasional game once or so a year with friends or family, owning your own bowling ball might not be a priority. You just don’t have enough passion to the sport.

But for those bowling enthusiasts who live and breathe the game, owning their own bowling ball is essential to their enjoyment of the game. The ball is pivotal to the sport, and having a sleek, customized ball brings a whole new magnitude of style and class to the game. Plus, your own ball you can get customized to bring forth your own personality, etched with your initials or featuring the pendant of your favorite football team, for example.

And that’s just on the surface. Deep down, in the body of the ball, is where a ball’s personality is contained. The body determines the balance and spin of the ball, creating a pivotally fast spin or a steady finish, depending on your own bowling style. The characteristics of the body determine the spin of the ball, and can be specifically arranged to your strength and bowling style. A ball can be arranged with a heavy center for easy spin or with a lighter center for a slower, steadier ball.

Also, a specialized bowling ball can be drilled with holes specific to your finger ratios. Holes that have been correctly drilled for your own fingers add more control to the ball, as well as a prime performance. Typically, bowlers using custom-drilled finger holes can throw a two-pound heavier ball than one with more uncharacterized holes. This adds leverage and weight to bowler’s throw, which results in a heavier average of pins down and more consistent strikes.

Plus, there’s the enormous pride you feel having your own ball. A slick ball stands out, brings attention to your game. Like different styles of sports cars, a ball says something about its individual owner. An attractive ball shows off its owner’s styles and tastes, not to mention his or her enthusiasm for the game.