Expert: Russ King - 5/13/2007

Question
I had a friend give me his old bowling ball a couple of years ago. I moved to California and left it with my parents in Kansas. I've been wanting them to ship it to me and had my sister look at the condition of the ball. I knew the manufacturer was Ebonite and when I asked her the name of the ball she said, "RAINBOW."  Its a solid blue color.  I'm getting ready to start a sanctioned league soon and I'm wondering if it is accepted for play.  I looked on Ebonite's and the USBC websites for any information about the ball and to see if it conforms to the rules, but is not listed.  Is there any information you could give me about this ball and can I use it during the leaque?

Answer
The Ebonite Rainbow was a ball sold in Sports Stores in the 1980s for around $35 - $50.It is a Plastic surface.I do not think Ebonite has ever made a ball that was not accepted by AJBC,ABC,WIBC,USBC.As long as it has a brand name & serial # on it,it is ok.Sometimes the engravings get worn off.
It will take about $20 to send it to you & you may need it plugged & redrilled = more $. A good plastic new ball is under $100.
Your USBC rule book should tell you about legal equipment.You should be able to find one at the front desk or league office at the lanes.