What were bowling balls made of before plastic?

Before the widespread adoption of plastic, bowling balls were primarily crafted from Lignum vitae wood and later from hard rubber.

The Evolution of Bowling Ball Materials

The journey of bowling ball manufacturing has seen a fascinating progression of materials, each chosen for its durability, performance, and ability to meet the demands of the sport. Long before plastic became the standard, two main materials dominated the production of bowling balls.

The Era of Lignum Vitae Wood

In the earliest days of modern bowling, the material of choice for bowling balls was a remarkably dense and hard wood known as Lignum vitae. This exceptionally tough wood, sourced primarily from trees native to the Caribbean and parts of South America, was highly valued for its ability to withstand the rigorous impacts of bowling. Its natural hardness made it a durable option for early bowling ball designs.

The Rise of Hard Rubber

As the sport evolved and new manufacturing techniques emerged, the early 1900s marked a significant shift with the incorporation of rubber into bowling ball construction. This material offered improved resilience and performance characteristics compared to wood. Early examples of these rubber balls include the Everture and later, the renowned Brunswick Corporation's Mineralite. Both utilized a hard rubber compound, setting a new standard for durability and playability before the advent of plastic.

A Timeline of Early Bowling Ball Materials

To summarize the progression of bowling ball materials before plastic, here is a brief overview:

These materials paved the way for future innovations in bowling ball technology, eventually leading to the development and widespread use of plastic and other synthetic compounds. For more information on the broader history and design of bowling balls, you can refer to resources on the evolution of bowling balls.