Pin specifications are set by the United States Bowling Congress. World Bowling, formerly World Tenpin Bowling Association, has adopted the USBC specifications. Pins are wide at their widest point and tall. They weigh, pins weighing up to are approved. The weight of the pin was originally based on the idea that a single pin should be around 24 percent the weight of the heaviest bowling ball within regulation,.
Duckpins are shorter and squatter than standard tenpins. Canadian fivepins are between duckpins and tenpins in size, but have a thick, inch-wide rubber band around the widest part of the pin to increase pin action when struck.
Candlepins
Candlepins are dissimilar to the others, being the tallest of all at 15-3/4 inches, but only 2-15/16 inches wide and in weight, each pin nearly matching the maximum weight of a candlepin ball. They are nearly cylindrical in shape with a slight taper toward either end, making them vaguely resemble candles. Unlike other bowling pins, because they are vertically symmetrical, candlepins may be set on either end. Due to their width and construction, candlepins tends to produce a billiard ball-like sound when struck.
Kegels
Pins used in the German bowling game kegelappears to combine the design of tenpins and duckpins. The overall shape of the pin resembles a standard ten-pin bowling pins, and its small size is comparable to duckpins. Similar to five-pin bowling, these pins have strings attached on top of each, which connects them to the pinsetter.
Pin construction
Bowling pins are constructed by gluing blocks of rock maple wood into the approximate shape, and then turning on a lathe. After the lathe shapes the pin, it is coated with a plastic material, painted, and covered with a glossy finish. Because of the scarcity of suitable wood, bowling pins can be made from approved synthetics. Currently there are synthetic pins sanctioned for play in five-pin, duckpin, and candlepin. There is one synthetic ten pinmodel approved by the USBC. When hit by the ball, synthetic pins usually sound different from wooden pins. Juggling clubs could be mistaken for bowling pins due to their similar shape. The two differ greatly in construction and weight.
