How Fast Is Bowling Ball?

A bowling ball reaches 32 km/h hitting the pins. Professional bowlers average 27 km/h release speed; the world record sits at 56 km/h. The pins fly because their centre of mass is high — a tiny tap at the base topples them dramatically.

Modern bowling balls have asymmetric internal cores that affect the ball's roll — top players choose balls based on lane oil patterns and their preferred angle of attack.

• Same speed as a city car
• World record release: 56 km/h