bowling
bowlingbowling alleys. leisure centres.nightclubs
Ten-pinbowling vs
duckpin bowling
Expert guidance on making the right choice
Ten-pin bowling vs duckpin bowling: Which system is right for you?
Adding a bowling lane transforms any space into an entertainment destination. Whether you’re a venue owner looking to diversify revenue streams or a homeowner designing a luxury games room, you’re facing the same fundamental question: should you install traditional 10-pin bowling or opt for compact duckpin?
Both systems use modern string pinsetter technology, which means simplified maintenance and lower running costs compared to traditional mechanical pinsetters. The real difference lies in space requirements, player experience, and upfront investment. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your specific situation.
Successful Installations
Years experience
Years working with Tenpin
Countries Served
Side by side comparison
Ten Pin Bowling
Typically higher investment
The authentic bowling experience using standard balls and pins with modern string pinsetter technology.
Choose This If:
- You have 90-100 feet of usable length
- Authentic bowling experience matters
- Targeting serious bowlers or leagues
- Space and budget allow full-size lanes
Space Required:
- 90-100 feet total length
- 11’4″ width for 2 lanes
- 2.7m minimum ceiling height
Duckpin Bowling
Typically Lower Investment
Compact, social bowling with smaller balls and pins. The main use is social / family fun rather than serious ten‑pin practice.
Choose This If:
- Space is limited (33-47 feet)
- Social fun matters more than competitive play
- You want something distinctive and memorable
- Lower investment preferred
Space Required:
- 33-47 feet total length
- 10’6″ width for 2 lanes
- Flexible ceiling requirements
Looking To Install a Bowling Lane In Your Home?
Transform your home into an entertainment destination where memories are made. At MJH Events, we create bespoke bowling experiences—from compact duckpin lanes to full championship installations—that blend seamlessly into your lifestyle, delivering professional-quality play with the craftsmanship your home deserves.
How does the player experience differ?
Ten Pin Bowling
This delivers the authentic bowling experience everyone recognizes. Players use standard bowling balls with finger holes, aim for full-size pins, and follow traditional scoring. The modern string reset system is virtually invisible during play.
For serious bowlers or venues wanting to host leagues, 10-pin is the only choice. It’s “real” bowling, and players who’ve grown up with the sport expect this experience.
Duckpin Bowling
Duckpin offers something different. The small balls without finger holes are easy for everyone to handle—children, older adults, and casual players all feel comfortable from the first throw. A seven-year-old picks up and throws as naturally as an adult.
The game is more challenging than it looks. Strikes are harder because the lighter ball transfers less energy, so scores run lower and everyone’s on a more level playing field. The social aspect takes priority over competitive skill, which is exactly what makes it work so well for mixed groups.
The novelty factor matters. Most people haven’t played duckpin before, which creates curiosity and conversation. It’s memorable, distinctive, and gives venues a talking point that standard bowling doesn’t provide.
Upgrade Your Leisure Venue
Transform underutilised space into profitable entertainment. We help restaurants, bars, soft play centres, and social clubs add bowling to increase dwell time, attract group bookings, and stand out from competitors. Compact duckpin or full-size installations—we maximise your ROI.
Why Bowling Centres Across Europe Choose MJH Events
Proven Commercial Delivery at Scale
We're not just bowling contractors – we're strategic partners to the UK's biggest bowling brands. Our portfolio includes over 500 successful installations, from complete new builds for national chains to complex refurbishments completed without disrupting trading. When Tenpin needed bowling alley contractors capable of rolling out multiple sites simultaneously whilst maintaining exceptional standards, they chose MJH Events.
Queens Bowl Bayswater has trusted us as their sole bowling alley contractors for over 20 years. Through multiple upgrades, branded collaborations with Meat Liquor, and complete modernisations, we've proven that long-term partnerships deliver superior results.
The MJH Events Difference: What Sets Us Apart from Other Bowling Alley Contractors
Proven Track Record
Tenpin Estate: Main installer since 1997. Martin knows their venues, equipment, and timelines inside out.
Queens Bowl London: Trusted partner for 20+ years, including their Meat Liquor collaboration.
Bray Bowl: Reliable partner for multi-activity venues.
Deep Industry Knowledge
Martin's 40+ years means he understands:
- Complete history of bowling technology
- How to solve supply chain issues
- When traditional methods work best
Family-Run Values
MJH Events is built on integrity and trust. Martin leads technical delivery while Vanessa manages operations.
We're a team that takes pride in our work and treats every project like it matters.
End-to-End Service
- Site assessment & consultation
- Custom design & space planning
- Equipment sourcing
- Full installation & fit-out
- Testing & staff training
- Ongoing maintenance & support
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Tight timelines? Supply issues? Complex technical challenges?
Martin thrives under pressure. His ability to find solutions when others hit walls is why venues trust MJH Events with their most critical projects.
Specialist Expertise
- Complex refurbishments for aging bowling centres
- Duckpin bowling installations for compact venues
- String pin system upgrades for cost savings
- Luxury residential lanes across UK and Europe
- Boutique venue installations (restaurants, bars, social clubs)
- Quality refurbished equipment from our projects at competitive prices
High Quality Supplier Chain Partners
SES Pinsetters
SES develops, produces and sells high-quality machines for the bowling and skittle alley industry all over the world. The specialists at SES do this not only with enormous experience and outstanding expertise but also with a genuine passion and enthusiasm for bowling and skittles.
Steltronic Scoring Systems
Steltronic has been a pioneer in developing microprocessor systems, optical equipment, and countless other technological innovations. Many of these innovations are now standard in bowling centres.
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