Expert: Susie Minshew - 9/17/2009

Question
Hello,
In canada do you have to play 5 pin on a different type of lane compared to 10 pin, ie will the 10 pin machine return the smaller 5 pin ball ?
Is it possible to play 5 pin bowling outside of canada, ie play 5 pin on a 10 pin bowling lane ?
What is the difference between cheaper and expensive 5 pin balls ? EPCO, Softroll, Aramith ? Are they made of the same material and is the feel/grip the same ?
Thanks very much,
Rob.

Answer
Hi, Rob!

I was just in Canada and saw 5 pin bowling for the first time. Canada is the only country with 5 pin bowling, according to Wikipedia. The length and width of the lane (60 feet x 41.5") is the same as tenpin bowling. The back end machines are different since they handle smaller pins and balls. The pins are set with strings. A perfect score in 5 pin is 450 as compared to the perfect game of 300 in tenpin bowling.

There are no holes in 5 pin balls so grip is not an issue. The balls vary by weight. There is a lot more information on Wikipedia about 5 pin bowling and most of your questions, plus more, are answered there.  

Susie