Bumper bowling, also known as “bumper lanes,” is a form of the game of ten-pin bowling in which all of the gutters are equipped with bumpers. The purpose of these bumpers, or “flippers” as they are sometimes called informally, is to allow inexperienced players to get more scoring opportunities by allowing balls that would otherwise roll out of play into the gutter.
The flippers are usually arranged on either side of the lane inboard from each other and away from the central playing string. However, some modern installations have placed them directly on top of the center pin spot at exactly 40 feet (12 m) distance from it, which places them right next to where a bowler would stand when throwing the ball.
At what age can you start bumper bowling?
Kids can start at 8 years old. In some places, you have to prove that you are capable of throwing the ball straight before they will allow children to play on them. It is a great way for kids and parents to have fun together since it’s easier.
Who invented bumper bowling?
A man by the name of Bob Phipps invented Bumper Bowling. He was a bowling center owner and saw what people were doing to bowls and he thought this would be a fun way to bowl without damaging or scratching the lanes. It’s not known exactly when but sometime between 1948 and 1950, he made flippers that were painted onto the gutters.
How do you set a bumper in bowling?
The bowling center will have someone who can do this for you. They simply use a wrench to turn the screw and set the flipper in place.
Can adults use bumpers?
Adults can use bumpers as well. It’s mostly used for children, but some parents use it too.
What does a bumper bowling alley look like?
The bumpers are usually inside of rubber housings that go up and into the gutters. Bumpers can be made out of anything from small plastic tubes to metal bars.
Facts you didn’t know about bumper bowling:
1. If you are using plastic rain gutters, bumpers are very easy to set up. It can take as little as 15 minutes for one person to set them up.
2. When setting up bumpers on metal gutter systems it can be a bit more challenging because depending on the type of gutter system it may have to be done by professionals. The installation process could take an hour or two for one person to complete with some assistance at times.
3. One reason why children enjoy bumper bowling is that they are not capable of throwing a ball straight enough where if there were no bumpers they would miss all their throws in the gutter, which would cause them much embarrassment when everyone else.
What kind of bumpers are there?
There are many different kinds of bumpers. When purchasing your own you can choose from plastic tubes, rubber flippers, and metal bars.
What does bumper bowling cost?
The average price for a rental of the bumper lanes is around $25-35 per hour depending on where you live and that is usually for up to 4 people at a time. It’s best to call ahead before going somewhere though because some bowling centers might not be willing to let walk-ins rent their bumpers unless they have openings. Every child will need their own lane so if you don’t want them to play together then it’s best to pay for two lanes.
Does using bumpers affect your score?
No, it does not affect your score or game because the ball is still rolled down the same alley and on the same line. It just makes it easier for people to get a strike or spare since they are using lanes that are closer to the pins.
If you really want to learn how to bowl then don’t use bumpers, but if you just want a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and family members then bumper bowling is a good option!
Bumper Bowling can be an activity for people of all ages because it’s easy and you only have to worry about aiming for one pin instead of three when trying traditional bowling. If you know someone who wants to try something new in their free time, encourage them to go out and try bumper bowling!
Summary
Bumper bowling is a fun activity for all ages and it’s easy to learn how to play. You can either go to a local bowling alley or you can even set up your own bumper lanes in your backyard. It only takes one person to set them up but keep in mind that if you have someone under the age of ten using bumpers then you will need two lanes because they usually don’t have the strength yet to send the ball down the lane themselves.
