Masters Traditional Games

Competitive skittlers have for centuries prefered to use balls made from the traditional wood, Lignum Vitae, a tropical hardwood which is extremely hard, very heavy and also self-lubricating.

Some leagues prefer hard rubber which is heavier, takes longer to wear out the pins and is also more environmentally friendly. The balls here are pink to reduce marking of the alley.

Lignum Vitae has become increasingly difficult to obtain and it seems clear that soon it will be impossible to buy any at all. As an alternative to Lignum, we have balls made from a black phenol resin composite. These are similar to the material used to make modern lawn bowls - the weight and density are deliberately similar to Lignum Vitae. They have been used by serious pubs and league players successfully for many years.

If you aren't sure what size ball you need, please see the guide at the bottom of this page.

Black Phenol Composite Balls

Change to $ Change to C	UK pounds (ex.VAT)	Pounds (incl. VAT)	Typical ETA in wkg days	Add to basket
3 black phenolic resin skittle balls - 4 inch (approx. 800g, 1lb 12oz)	£75.57	£86.90	1 + transit time
3 black phenolic resin skittle balls - 4.5 inch (approx. 1.1Kg, 2lbs 8oz)	£86.87	£99.90	1 + transit time
3 black phenolic resin skittle balls - 5 inch (approx. 1.5Kg, 3lb 5oz)	£112.09	£128.90	1 + transit time
3 black phenolic resin 5.5 inch skittle balls (approx. 2.1Kg, 4lb 9oz)	£118.17	£135.90		Apologies - out of stock.. Date new stock due: 25/11/2009. Email us to be notified when new stock is available.
3 black phenolic resin 6 inch skittle balls (approx. 2.7kg, 6lb)	£118.17	£135.90

For an immediate quote & to confirm that an item will arrive before Christmas simply add to basket & select your location.

Pink Rubber Balls

Approximate weight and dimensions:
4.5 inch diameter (11.4cm) - 1120g (2½lbs)
5 inch diameter (12.7cm) - 1520g (3⅓lbs)

Change to $ Change to C	UK pounds (ex.VAT)	Pounds (incl. VAT)	Typical ETA in wkg days	Add to basket
Set of 3 pink rubber skittle balls (4.5 inch diameter)	£95.57	£109.90
Set of 3 pink rubber skittle balls (5 inch diameter)	£124.26	£142.90
Single pink rubber skittle ball (4.5 inch diameter)	£38.17	£43.90
Single pink rubber skittle ball (5 inch diameter)	£43.39	£49.90

For an immediate quote & to confirm that an item will arrive before Christmas simply add to basket & select your location.

Lignum Vitae Balls

Lignum Vitae is an endangered wood and increasingly difficult to obtain. We believe that within 2 or 3 years, it will become impossible to buy LV skittle balls. Masters Traditional Games therefore recommends that pubs and leagues convert to resin composite or rubber balls if possible. These materials are cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

August 2008: Our supply of Lignum dried up in August 2007 and there is no estimate as to when more will be found. Until we hear more, please use one of the alternative materials above.

Single Balls

Change to $ Change to C	UK pounds (ex.VAT)	Pounds (incl. VAT)	Typical ETA in wkg days	Add to basket
1 x Lignum Vitate Ball - 5 inch	£62.52	£71.90	12 + transit time	Apologies - out of stock.. Date new stock due: unknown. Email us to be notified when new stock is available.
1 Lignum Vitae ball - 6 inch	£85.13	£97.90	12 + transit time	Apologies - out of stock.. Date new stock due: unknown. Email us to be notified when new stock is available.
Single black phenolic resin 5.5 inch skittle balls	£41.65	£47.90		Apologies - out of stock.. Date new stock due: 25/11/2009. Email us to be notified when new stock is available.
Single black phenolic resin 6 inch skittle balls	£41.65	£47.90

For an immediate quote & to confirm that an item will arrive before Christmas simply add to basket & select your location.

Guide to Skittle Ball Sizes

The following shows the size of LV ball typically used by leagues and clubs for the various pins sizes. The larger and heavier the ball, the easier it ploughs through the skittles which is rewarding, but the downside is that there will be a greater wear and tear on the pins and alley.

We have also shown our recommendations for the Composite and Rubber balls.