Thank you for your interest in Candlepin Bowling. On this page you will find information about the game of Candlepin Bowling including specifications, suppliers, manufacturers and distributors.

All of this information has been put together and reviewed by proprietors and distributors with many years of experience. This information is for reference only and should not be used as a replacement for experienced engineers and contractors.

The ICBA is not in the business of recommending products or contractors we recommend you get references and specifications from the companies you will be doing business with. We strongly urge you to contact proprietors currently in the business to learn more about the game and business of Candlepin Bowling.

If after reviewing this information you should need some assistance please don’t hesitate to call the ICBA office at 603-230-9665.

The ICBA is the group responsible for promoting, sanctioning and improving the game of candlepin bowling. Formed with representatives from Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick and New Hampshire it is our job to assist proprietors and bowlers in the fundamentals of the game of Candlepins.

Currently the International Candlepin Bowling Association has over 100 member Candlepin Bowling Centers located throughout New England and the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Bowling remains a very viable and profitable business for many. With the appropriate location, demographics and business practices you will have all of the ingredients for a successful business.

Candlepins has had limited success outside of New England due in part to proprietors and participants lack of knowledge of the game. Candlepins unlike other forms of bowling is not a game of strikes, it is a game of spares and tens. Like Tenpin the perfect score is 300, a feat which has never been accomplished. The highest sanctioned score is a 245. Bowlers must be educated in the game, and not expect perfect scores and games over 200.

Candlepin Bowling is the ideal sport for all ages with balls weighing 2.7 pounds and 4 ½ inches in diameter Candlepins can be played by people of all sizes and abilities. Candlepins would be a great addition to a current center looking for a new revenue source or a center looking to create a new market with limited or no competition.

Bowling has been in the past and remains one of the most participated sport-leisure activities. Nearly 9 million people are league bowlers.

Last year over 50 million people participated in bowling in the United States.

With the advancement of bumper bowling, glow bowling and birthday parties bowling continues to be a favorite with all ages.

Bowling remains an affordable family activity.

Bowling in various forms can be traced back to the stone ages but it was 1880 in Worcester Massachusetts that the game of Candlepins as we know it today was developed.

In 1879 Justin White purchased a billiard and bowling establishment on Pearl Street in Worcester.  Shortly after his purchase he discovered some unconventional bowling pins included in the purchase, one inch wood cylinders ten inches high resembling broomsticks, three inch wide cylinders resembling candles and some balls ranging in size from three to five inches.  Because these pins made the game difficult and the scores low Justin knew he must make some changes or his future in the bowling business would be short lived.

It was in 1880 Justin would increase the size of his new pins to twelve inches high with the center being two inches tapering down to one inch on each end.  Almost immediately the new game took off, with inquires coming into Pearl Street about the new game.  Justin began manufacturing the new pins for other proprietors.  It wasn't long before many establishments only had Candlepins and competition between members began to increase. 

The first published high score in 1880 was a 112 with average scores ranging in the 80's.  Being the father of Candlepins wasn't enough in 1888 Justin was given the title as the first Champion Candlepin Bowler because of his record 131 game.  This record didn't last long, six months later Justin bowled a 133 game.

Candlepin bowling is found mostly in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Eastern Canada. What makes this game different from other forms of bowling is the shape of the pins and the size of the balls. The pins stand 15 3/4 inches tall with a taper on both ends giving them the appearance of candles hence the name candlepins. The balls are 4 1/2 inches with a maximum weight of 2.7 pounds (with no finger holes). The game consist of ten frames or boxes in which up to three balls are rolled down a 60 foot maple bowling lane at 10 candlepins. All pins knocked down remain where they fall until that frame is completed enabling the bowler to use fallen pins (wood) still on the playing area to knock down other standing pins. This creates a whole new game with an endless number of shots. Candlepin Bowling is a game of spares and tens not strikes like other forms of bowling. In Candlepins the highest score possible is a 300, a feat which has never been accomplished, the highest sanctioned score to date is a 245. Very few bowlers average above 130.

In today’s fast paced world there are people who are not willing to commit to a 35 week league season it is very important to offer a variety of leagues and activities within your center. Bowling Alleys are a thing of the past, they have been replaced with first rate Family Fun Centers offering a variety of activities.

League Bowling: Leagues remain the backbone of many bowling centers. Leagues alone can represent 60% or more of bowling receipts. The problem with a strong league base is it leaves little or odd times for public bowling. Bowling tends to run in cycles as leagues drop off, availability of public bowling times expand allowing your public bowling revenue and league interest to increase.

 In Candlepins when a bowler buys a bowling ball they are usually sold in sets of four, it is not necessary for a bowler to wait for their one ball, to return, speeding up game play. Leagues consisting of four bowlers will usually complete 3 games of bowling in about one hour and 45 minutes. Teams of 5 bowlers will complete 3 games in about two hours and twenty minutes. Over the years interest in 2^nd shift leagues (after 9PM) has dwindled. Building a new center gives you the opportunity to arrange a league schedule that will make both you and your bowlers happy. Consider starting your first shift at 5:30 and your second shift at 8:00. This allows your 2^nd shift bowlers (Prime Time Leagues) to be finished by 10:00.

Public Bowling: Bowling in all forms remains affordable entertainment. Depending on the market it is still possible for a family of 4 to bowl for two hours for under $50.00. Bowling especially Candlepins is a lifetime activity; participants do not need to purchase any equipment and are not limited by their size or strength.

Glow bowling: A favorite of youths glow bowling allows friends and families to dance to there favorite tunes while enjoying the competition of bowling. And don’t forget about the stylish shoes.

Birthday Parties: Parents are very willing to pay the price if it means the party can be held outside of their own home. Parties can start from the basic bowling to pizza, drinks and cake. The possibilities are endless.

Function Rooms: If space allows function rooms can generate rental income and the possibilities to package products such as larger bowling parties. You are only limited by your imagination; groups are always looking for different fun activities. These areas can also be used for local teams and civic organizations holding weekly or monthly meetings exposing people to your center and increasing revenue through food and beverage sales.

Pool Tables: Once again a favorite with teens and adults. Pool can be charged by the game or by the hour. Pool tables have great earning potential with little annual expenses. Tables should be recovered annually along with new cues purchased when necessary.

Arcade Games / Redemption: Basic arcades have taken a hit because of the home game market, however there is still money to be made in this area. Drive games, air hockey and shooting games in the home, still have a long way to come. Redemption is an area which keeps your customers coming back. Players receive tickets which may be used to purchase gifts in your center, many players will hold on to their tickets to acquire the big prizes. Most arcades can be set up with very little cost by using a local vendor who supplies the equipment and in turn gives the proprietor a percentage of the income. Using a vendor enables the fun center to turn over equipment which is not producing and always giving your arcade a fresh look.

Restaurant / Lounges: Once again one more step to being a full service facility. Families and league bowlers can now get a bite to eat before, during or after bowling. There are many possibilities to consider.

Beer only vs beer and liquor

Serving at the lanes vs alcohol only in the lounge area

Pizza and burgers vs full entrees

Owner operated vs leased operations

Pro Shop: In Candlepins the need for a full service pro shop is not there. You should still have knowledgeable counter help that can assist bowlers with their questions. Space should be provided to display balls, bags, shoes and other equipment.

Lottery: One thing for certain is bowlers are gamblers. Many states offer various lotteries and they are always looking for sales agents. Depending on the games states usually offer a percentage of the sale price to the seller and a percentage of tickets cashed. Lottery can easily add thousands to your bottom line.

ATM machines: If customers can access money while in your facilities there is a very good chance they will spend a good portion of it in your location. Once again there are many options, buy, lease or shared revenue.

Vending machines: Like arcades you can buy your own equipment or work with a vendor who will give you a percentage of the sales. Working with a vendor eliminates the purchase and upkeep of the equipment but also forfeits some of the profits.

Soda

Candy

Ice Cream

Gum / Novelties

Locker Rentals: Lockers help to insure customer loyalty and convenience for league bowlers who don’t wish to transport their equipment every week. Lockers can usually be placed as room dividers or in out of the way areas helping to make every square foot of your center a profit generator.

Visa: Today less and less people carry cash, offering ATM machines, debit card and Visa transactions will encourage customers to visit your center over other attractions and possibly stay longer and spend more.

Outside Attractions: Depending on the size of your property and the climate in your area there are many attractions you can add to boost your profits.

Miniature Golf

Go Carts

Bating Cages

Play Grounds

Property size is determined by the size of the center you are looking to build. Without taking local zoning regulations into account you should plan one acre for every 8 – 10 lanes. Cost can vary considerably depending on location and traffic counts in any given area.

Locations should have easy access and good visibility, with a population base capable of supporting the number of lanes you are considering plus any lanes currently in your market within a 5 mile radius. Typically 2000-2500 people per lane are needed to support a bowling center.

A majority of your site will be needed for parking; consideration should be given to locate your building for optimum visibility and accessibility from auto and pedestrian traffic. The number of parking spaces should be 7 – 10 per lane, which allows for overflow between shifts as well as dining or lounge business. If you are building in a region with snow and ice, design your parking lot with snow removal in mind and consider how direct sun can help keep your parking area ice free.

Locate your center with and eye towards the future. What will happen to the abutting properties? Will other buildings obstruct your building or signage? Have you left yourself room for expansion?

The building you choose is part of your signature, describing in part what is going on inside. If your property doesn’t look inviting from the outside why would anybody think it would be different on the inside. With so many activities fighting for today’s entertainment dollar your location must present itself as fun and safe. When planning new construction or renovation, attention should be given to detail and allow for future expansion. Create and display excitement.

When determining the size of your building there are some measurements that must be adhered to such as.

Depth:

Minimum of 3 feet from the back wall to the rear of the pinsetter.
4’ 2" pit area
62’ 10" pindeck and lane
14’ - 16’ approach
9’ - 15’ seating area
+ concourse
+ lobby area
+ restaurant & game room

The ideal building is one with a clear span. The average depth of a bowling center is 150 feet with the width dependent on the number of lanes. When determining width, allow a minimum of 10’ 6 " per pair of candlepin lanes. Do not forget to add 3’ to each side for walkways and possibly one in the middle. If you are dealing with columns, adjustments must be made accordingly. Columns must be avoided in the approach area.

On an average a bowling center consist of 1,000 square feet per lane, which includes bathrooms, lounge, offices and arcades.

Bowling lanes are installed on a waterproof, reinforced concrete slab (recommended 6" minimum thickness) poured over compacted fill. In the lane bed area, the surface need be only a wood floated finish, but care must be exercised to maintain a close tolerance (+ or – ½ inch) on levels, to avoid excessive shimming of lane foundations. Due to size, the floors are usually poured in strips rather than in one pour. Be sure to "key" the concrete to insure the waterproof quality and to avoid "heaving" at a later date.

Your architect must determine the need, type and location of expansion joints. In the pinsetter area a minimum of 6" thick 3000 PSI, steel troweled, hardened and dustproof concrete is suggested. Concrete in the bowlers seating area should be a minimum 6" thick 3000 PSI, steel troweled and hardened in order to anchor seating and other related equipment.

Care should be taken not to put any utilities or drains under the lane area or future repairs could be very expensive. Testing of water and soil lines should be completed prior to bowling equipment delivery. A minimum of five weeks drying time after the concrete is poured should be allowed to insure dimensional stability of bowling components. Since wooden bowling equipment is kiln dried to prevent moisture it is your responsibility to provide moisture free conditions conductive to installation on site. Once cured the floor should be permanently sealed or covered to prevent unnecessary dust.

If the lanes are to be installed on a floor other than ground level, all areas must be strong enough to carry the load of the pinsetters, lanes and occupants. Consideration must also be given to noise and vibration. Lane weight is approximately 13,000 pounds per pair of lanes covering 900 sq ft.

In order to be handicap friendly, the ideal situation would be to have everything on one level with no steps. Please consult with installers for proper floor elevations.

If at all possible avoid flat roofs and interior drains, both will eventually give you problems. Plans should include overhead structures capable of supporting scoring units.

The ceiling height above the approach area is generally 10’ to 12’ feet above the lane, be sure to consider scoring system dimensions and load requirements.

Older bowling centers with paneling on the walls tend to be very loud, when planning décor and ceiling materials, noise reduction and local fire codes are a top priority. In the pinsetter area acoustical material with a noise reduction coefficient of 85 to 90db should be used. Over the lanes and lobby area 70 to 80db.

Energy consumption will be a major cost in day to day operations, proper design and energy efficient fixtures will help control these cost by dispersing light appropriately and reducing the heat generated by these fixtures. If Glow Bowling is part of your plan, black light fixtures and specialty lighting must be considered.

The majority of your heat, air conditioning and ventilation will be needed from the approach area to the lobby area. Air conditioning should be able to maintain temperature of 68 degrees for ideal bowling conditions. Average humidity should be 35% to 45%. Humidity affects the cleanliness of your operation and the operation of electronic equipment, a humidification systems will be needed during the heating season. For proper pinsetter operation heat will also be needed in the pinsetter area.

Local building codes and your insurance agent should be consulted to evaluate your individual situation.

Installation of a public address and sound systems with speakers located above each settee area, lobby, lounge, restrooms and arcades will enable patrons to hear all announcements clearly. All areas should have individual controls to allow for announcements in specified areas. Depending on the floor plan of your center it may help to arrange the speakers over the settee area in groups of lanes, which will allow for private functions or activities without disturbing other patrons.

The installation of a central vacuum systems throughout the center adds convenience and helps to keep your center up to your customers expectations.

Your sign will show everyone who and what you are. Electronic message centers are coming down in price an are and excellent way to tell the public what you have to offer and when. Check with local enforcement agencies for size and placement specifications. Some suppliers will supply you a sign at no cost, keep in mind if you do this the sign will be advertising their product and colors. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s the way to go. Check with local reputable sign companies for prices and ideas. Drive around town to see what others have done, if their signs appeal to you incorporate some of their design into yours. Your only limitations are your budget and your imagination.

Cape Ann Lanes
Gloucester, MA

Plan for accent and holiday lighting around walkways and shrubs.

Candlepin Bowling pinsetters are currently not available new, there is however used and rebuilt pinsetters available. The most popular and favored pinsetter is the Bowl Mor. The Bowl Mor machine is reliable, easy to get parts for and is chain and belt driven. The design of the pins and machine make for smooth operation with little down time if properly maintained. Rebuilt machines offer many upgrades leading to energy savings and less troublesome operation.

Pinsetter malfunction in candlepin is a fraction of what is normal in tenpin.

Weight

1450 pounds

Electrical Requirements

Machines are wired for 110-220 volt three wire service

Running load is 24 amps at 110 volts

The following information has been compiled from a survey done by the International Candlepin Bowling Association in January 2003. The survey was sent out to 93 centers with a response of better than 30%. The survey was sent only to Candlepin Bowling centers.

The results are based on 32 respondents and in some cases have been averaged out to represent the entire membership base being 93 centers with 1784 lane beds.

24 centers offer a smoke free environment

14 have manual scoring

11 have semi automatic scoring

7 have automatic scoring

15 accept credit cards

13 accept debit cards

10 have ATMs

29 offer bumper bowling

19 offer glow bowling

31 offer birthday parties

28 have arcades

11 have pool tables

32 offer youth leagues

27 offer senior citizens leagues

26 offer bowlathon fundraisers

13 sell lottery tickets

These numbers have been averaged out to view the ICBA membership as a whole.

The industry has on average 32 league bowlers per lane representing 1,713,869 in the winter season.

The summer season averages 8.88 league bowlers per year representing 269,355 bowlers.

Public bowling averaged 3164 games per lane per year representing 2,822,553 participants per year.

Our business is 41% league bowling and 59% public bowling.

As an industry we serve 4,805,777 patrons per year.

The following information is to give you an idea of the cost involved in building a Candlepin Bowling Center. These cost are estimates based on a 24 lane center, actual cost may vary depending on location.

Land cost is one of the most difficult cost to estimate because real estate values vary in each region and even on the same street, 3 acres.

Site preparation and permit process cannot be estimated due local codes and location variations.

$60.00 per square foot, 24,000 square feet

Rebuilt pinsetters $5,000 x 24 = $120,00.00
Lanes $15,000.00 x 24 = $360,000.00
Ball returns$1,000.00 x 12 = $12,000.00
Seating $150.00 x 168 = $26,000.00
Semiautomatic scoring $70,000.00
Pins $21.50 x 648 = $14,000.00
Balls $20.02 x 144 = $2,900.00
Rental shoes $19.73 x 600 pairs = $12,000.00

The following projections are based on a 24 lane center.

It is very important to note that the game of Candlepin Bowling is much more difficult than tenpin bowling. Games of 200 are very rare and a perfect score has never been achieved. For this very reason outside of the New England area Candlepins will be a difficult sell. Your job will be to educate your customer base about the game of Candlepins and how difficult it really is.

The highest sanctioned game in Candlepin Bowling is a 245. In Candlepin Bowling a high average for a male bowler would be about 130 for a women 120.

The game of Candlepins consist of ten frames (boxes) in which three balls are rolled unless a strike or spare is scored. Scoring can be done both vertically or horizontally. Scores are normally entered after three balls except in the case of strikes or spares.

In Candlepins the pins that have been knocked over remain on the playing field until the frame is over. Any fallen pin in the playing area may be used to assist you in knocking down the remaining pins. Pins that are in the gutter or out of play may not be used.

If all the pins are felled by the first ball it is a strike and is marked with a double line / /.

If all the pins are felled by the first two balls it is a spare and is marked with a single line /.

If all the pins are felled by three balls it is a ten box and marked by an X.

A strike is worth 10 points, plus a bonus of the pins felled by the 1^st and 2^nd balls of your next box. After determining the bonus for your strike without reseting the pins, the 3^rd ball is rolled to determine the score for the next frame. If all the pins are felled in 2 balls then a spare is scored for the next frame.

A spare is worth 10 points, plus a bonus of the pins felled by your 1^st ball of your next frame. After establishing your bonus score do not reset the pins and roll your next two balls to determine the score of your next frame. If all the pins are felled after 2 balls then a spare is scored for the next frame.

1^st frame
You fell 8 pins after 3 balls

2^nd frame
You fell 10 pins with 3 balls, totaling 18.

3^rd frame
You fell all 10 pins on the first ball scoring a strike. You
add the pins fallen on the first two balls of the fourth
frame to the strike (10 + 4 = 14) then roll your 3^rd ball
and put the total pins fallen in the 4^th frame

4^th frame
You fell 9 pins after 3 balls.

5^th frame
You fell all 10 pins with two balls scoring a spare. You
add the pins fallen on your first ball of your 6^th frame
to the spare (10 + 8 = 18) then roll your next 2 balls and
put the total pins fallen in the 6^th frame.

6^th frame
You fell 10 pins after 3 balls.

7^th frame
You fell 4 pins after 3 balls.

8^th frame
You fell all 10 pins on the first ball scoring a strike. You
add the pins fallen on the first two balls of the 9^th frame
to the strike (10 + 10 = 20)

9^th frame
You fell all 10 pins with 2 balls scoring a spare. You add
the pins fallen on the first ball of your 10^th frame to the spare
(10 + 8 = 18) then roll your next to balls and put the total pins
fallen in the 10^th frame.

10^th frame
You fell 8 pins after 3 balls.

We are not in the position to give you price quotes for what it would cost to convert your lanes to Candlepins, however we can guide you through the process and give you the names of people who can give you prices and do the work.

Candlepin lanes built in place are made preferably of all maple, or at least the first 20 feet from the foul line. Other acceptable lane surfaces include synthetic lane beds, synthetic overlays or plastic film approved by the ICBA. The lanes are 41" minimum width and 42" maximum. The length of the lanes is 60’ from the approach side of the foul line to the center of the head pin.

.

The Candlepin tends to roll more than other forms of pins. For this reason our pindecks are ¼ inch lower than the lane to prevent pins from rolling up the lane. The deadwood line is located 24" plus or minus 1" from the center of the headpin. Any pin which touches or goes beyond the deadwood line are considered out of play and must be removed.

The stamp shows the date the lane was refinished and the material used. This is a mandatory safety feature to assist the lane refinisher in safe removal of the finish.

In Candlepins we also have a lob line located 10’ from the foul line. The ball must land before this line to be considered in fair play, bowlers may also use the approach as playing area.

Foul Line

In candlepins the pindeck is recessed 1/4 to 1/2. Converting your existing pindecks to fit the candlepin game will probably mean cutting your lane back roughly 40 ½" from the end not including the tailplank. The following standard materials to be used, of any thickness are, fiber, steel, phenolic board, synthetic ten pin decks or the polyethylene sanctioned unit. Plates of material may not be convexed (crowned) but may be concaved with a depression of 1/16^th of an inch.

Tail Plank: All tail planks were and are still made from 1 ¾ inch hardwood from the top of the plate down past the top edge of the pinsetter turntable. The tail plank or just the top edge of the plank may be covered with ½ inch minimum recommended thickness by 1 ¾ inch wide of fiber, polyethylene, phenolic or as incorporated in the polyethylene sanctioned unit.

Gutter ends are to be no higher and level with the pindeck. Depth of the gutter is 3/4" plus or minus 1/8".

Candlepin sidekicks are normally 58" to 58 1/2" apart. We are allowed to build them in to 56" minimum. Distance between finished surfaces may not be less than 56 inches, top to bottom, the entire length of the pit area, or to the pit curtain. Tenpin sidekicks are normally 60 ¼", this can be built out to the minimum dimension to give your bowlers as much pin action as possible, which leads to higher scores. Sidekicks can be built out with plywood with the last cover using fiber, polyethylene (any thickness) or sanctioned rubber, with a maximum rebound factor of 75%.

Rubber Stops: the use of rubber stops on the approaches is grand-fathered if they existed before July 1, 1966. This is providing they are on the approach side of the foul line and are flush with the floor.

Approaches, materials and length: Approaches of hardwood preferably maple, extending from the foul line, shall be unobstructed, level, on less than 14 feet in length and not laess than the width of the lane. Depressions from wear, existing before the foul line , should not exceed ¼ inch.

Foul Line Detectors: The detector must report the moment the bowler breaks the beam on the approach side of the foul-line. They are to be installed as to have a sound or light detector at the unit itself or at the masking unit.

Hand Moisteners: Industry standards do not permit wet dishes or sponges on the ball returns. Personal towels (dry or moist) are permitted and there placement is left to the discretion of the establishment.

Pit Curtain: No portion of the pit curtain shall be located less than 14 inches from the back side of the tail plank, free to swing from the top to the base and be made of non ridged material.

Lane Beds: Candlepin lanes built in place new are to be made preferably of all maple or the heads a minimum of 20 feet of said material. The width is 41 inches minimum to 42 inches maximum. Level to within 1/16 of an inch, side to side, with a depression of no more than 1/16 of an inch. Ten pin lane beds of maple and pine are acceptable when installed used or converted to candlepin specifications. Other surfaces acceptable are synthetic lane beds, synthetic overlays or plastic film passed by the ABC and ICBA.

The removal of the tenpin machine should be done before any conversion begins. This would give the mechanics more freedom in rebuilding of the pit area and keep cost down. The Bowl-Mor machine which is the most popular and most desirable of the candlepin pinsetters is readily available. Bowl-Mor Corporation is no longer business, however, parts are still available from several sources. The Candlepin machine is nothing like the tenpin machine, the machine is very simple with most functions being chain driven. Breakdowns are a fraction of what you would find in tenpin industry, providing machines are maintained properly.

Pin Location: 10 pins shall be spotted on a 36 inch equilateral triangle 12 inches apart from center to center and are known by the numbers shown. This arrangement is located in the center of the lanes with the #1 pin facing the bowler.

Once the pins have been knocked into the pit or swept in with the sweeper. The pins and balls are rotated on the turntable. The balls and pins are then separated. The pins go up the pin elevator to the top of the machine, and the balls go up the ball elevator to the ball return.

Once pins are elevated to the top of the machine they fall into ten pockets . When these pockets are filled they are all pushed out onto conveyors. After the bowler is completed their frame and the sweeper is in motion the pins come down the conveyors into the tubes which set the pins in their proper formation

tubes

Most candlepin proprietors keep around 25 pins in each machine which keeps the pinsetter operating efficiently without delays.

Rear view of a candlepin pinsetter

Pins:

The weight of the pin shall not exceed 2 lbs 8 oz. maximum. Dimensions shown here were taken from the former World Bowling Council 1961 drawing. These specifications were reaffirmed by the ICBA in 1990

Balls:

A new Candlepin ball shall be manufactured to the size of 4.500 inches diameter, with a tolerance of plus or minus .005, (5 thousandths of an inch) i.e.4.505 or 4.495 inches. If the ball is manufactured outside of the tolerances stated, it will be considered illegal.

The new ball must not be manufactured in excess of 2 lbs 7 oz. Over this weight will be considered illegal. All balls shall be equally balanced from its core to its circumference to maintain it’s equal distribution of weight. Any ball out of round or weighted to one side to act as a roll directive for hooking, will be considered illegal.

Material: Wood and a composition of rubber and plastics can be used in the making of Candlepin balls. New materials may be introduced if approved by the sanctioning body of the ICBA.

Six house balls per lane are recommended.

 Ball Returns:

Most Candlepin ball returns are gravity fed, the balls go down a metal track to the ball rack.  New ball racks are available from several sources for both above lane and under lane returns. In candlepin, bowlers who have their own equipment buy balls in sets of 4 so you’re not waiting for your 1 ball to return.

 Scoring:

There are currently several manufacturers of Candlepin scoring systems automatic as well as semi-automatic.  Please be sure to ask your computer provider if they are equipped to score candlepin bowling.  Don’t forget we roll three balls.

Pins

Candlepins are made of a high density plastic to withstand years of abuse. Depending on use and maintenance of pinsetters pins can last for 9 years or possibly longer. It is recommended each pinsetter have 27 pins.

Balls

Candlepin balls are available in a variety of colors and weights. It is recommended that each lane should have a minimum of six balls, keep in mind having to many balls on the return will create problems when customers bring in their own balls possibly over loading the return. 

Rental Shoes

Rental shoes will represent a major profit area in your center, as well as one off the first impressions your customers will see. If you would not wear a pair of shoes don’t rent them, through them out.

The following chart is the recommended number of rental shoes for a 24 lane bowling center. Each center differs in their needs depending on their market some adjustments may be needed.

Recommended Tools

Complete set of wrenches up to 1 ¾ inches
Screwdrivers plain and philips various lengths and size
Socket set up to 1 inch 3/8 drive and 1/4
Hacksaw
Handsaw
Wire Strippers
Wire Cutters
Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Vice Grips
Adjustable Wrench
Chain Cutter
Chain Puller
Assorted Hammers
Punches
Chisels
Files
Grinding Wheel
Drill Bits assorted sizes
½ Drill
Tap and Die set
Electrical Tester
Soldering Iron
Extension Cords
Drop Light
Vise
Air Compressor
C Clamps
Flash Light

Assorted Pinsetter Parts

Suppliers, Vendors and Manufacturers

The following are current members of the ICBA there may be others in these fields which are not listed.

Bowling Balls and Pins

Manufacturer of candlepins

Garland Manufacturing
PO Box 538
Saco, ME 04072
207-283-3693
Charlie Garland

Manufacturer of candlepin balls
Supplier of candlepin related materials
Trophies & Silk-screening

Paramount Industries
42 Milford Street
Medway, MA 02053
1-800-343-6455
Bob Parrella

Computer Scoring

Computerized scoring for Candlepins with a fully integrated automatic league secretary system.

Compu Score
PO Box 12
Lowell, VT. 05847
802-744-6127
Alden Warner

Electrical Components

Solid state pinsetter control panels

Insurance

Chamberlain Insurance
45 Main Street  PO Box 277
Bridgewater, MA 02324
508-697-6963
Tom Chamberlain

Lane Resurfacers
Pinsetter Installation

Lane resurfacing, installation, repairs Lane injection, maintenance supplies

Gold Crown Services
PO Box 181
Southboro, MA 01772
508-485-6969
David Shompe

Lane resurfacing, installation, repairs Lane injection, wall coverings, furniture Masking units

JE Corp.
Box 348
Sherborn, MA 01770
508-655-4064
Bud Joline

Pinsetter installation, parts and service

Candlepin Sales & Parts Co.
134 Tenney Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
978-352-5612
John Drozdowicz

Trophies

N & R Trophy
310 Maple Street
Winchendon, MA 01475
978-297-0712
Norm Norcross