When it comes to casual sports, you have limited choices. If you’re looking for something active, but not too active, there are only a handful of options.
There’s miniature golf, foosball, ping pong, beer pong, frisbee golf, bowling, and, of course, axe throwing.
Bowling is, unarguably, a classic. Great for hanging out with friends, birthday parties, corporate events, and even dates. Practically everyone knows how to do it, too. Truly, you can’t go wrong with bowling.
But how does it stack up against axe throwing? Let’s find out.
(Spoiler: Axe throwing is way cooler.)
Learning Curve
Most folks have been bowling more than a few times. But if you haven’t, bowling is a relatively easy sport to learn.
The rules are simple. You can learn the basics of bowling in a few minutes.
Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve if you want to become a truly skilled bowler. But we’re not shooting for the pros here. We’re talking about having a good night out with some friends.
In that capacity, bowling is a fine choice.
Axe throwing is a bit more challenging to learn. The safety precautions are especially important. Plus, you'll need to learn how to grip an axe properly, how to stand when you throw, and how to release the axe at the right time.
But axe throwing is also a more rewarding sport.
Once you've mastered the basics, you'll feel like a Viking chunking a piece of sharpened metal at a wall of wood. Plus, there’s nothing in the world like the satisfaction of the thud when your blade makes contact with the target.
Assuming you’ve never bowled or thrown axes, the learning curve is close to the same, but axe throwing will leave you feeling like a demigod.
Winner: Axe throwing
Expense
The cost of bowling can vary depending on the location and time of day. However, in general, it’s a relatively inexpensive activity.
You can usually rent a lane for an hour for around $20-30, and the cost of shoes is usually included. You may also want to purchase some snacks or drinks, but these aren’t required.
While the cost of axe throwing can be more, I’ll freely share that the cost per hour at Cascadia is on par with the average hourly rate of bowling. (Did I just use a golf metaphor in the middle of a sentence comparing bowling and axe throwing? Why, yes. Yes, I did.)
I’d call this one a tie since the cost is about the same, but I’m all kinds of biased.
Winner: Axe throwing
Convenience
Bowling is a relatively convenient activity. I mean, there are bowling alleys all over the place. You’re probably reading this in one right now.
Bowling alleys are also open late, so you can go bowling even if you have a busy schedule.
Axe throwing is, from a certain perspective, a “less convenient” activity. There are not as many axe throwing venues as there are bowling alleys. Hell, you might have to travel a bit to find one.
Axe throwing venues are also typically open during limited hours, so you may have to plan your visit in advance.
In general, bowling is more convenient than axe throwing. However, there are a few factors that could make axe throwing more convenient for you. For example, if you live in the Rogue Valley, you just so happen to be near one of the premier axe throwing venues in the country.
Which is more convenient? Well, I’m writing this for the folks who live in and around Medford. Cascadia’s practically in your backyard. Easy call.
Winner: Axe throwing
Wow Factor
Bowling has a classic wow factor. It's a familiar activity that most people have done at some point in their lives.
Unarguably, there's something satisfying about knocking down all the pins with a strike or spare.
Axe throwing has a more modern wow factor. Dare I say, a more sexy wow factor? Yes. I dare.
Axe throwing is just sexier. It's a newer activity that has skyrocketed to popularity in recent years.
In general, axe throwing has a far higher wow factor than bowling. It’s a more unique and challenging activity.
Winner: Axe throwing
Social Currency
Bowling has been around for centuries. It's a classic activity that people of all ages enjoy. Because that’s true, there’s not a ton of social currency in bowling.
Let’s face it. Bragging to your friends that you spent an evening bowling isn’t likely to blow anyone away.
Axe throwing, on the other hand, is a newer activity that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It's more challenging than bowling. It feels dangerous, even though a professional staff (like ours) can ensure your safety.
All in all, that makes axe throwing not only more rewarding, but also far cooler. Which do you wanna share on the social media network of your choice? Axe throwing. Definitely axe throwing.
Winner: Axe throwing
Overall Winner: Axe Throwing!
Okay, let’s tally up this little showdown.
Wow. Look at that. Axe throwing wins by a landslide.
Don’t get us wrong. We think bowling’s great. If you’re not really down with the Viking vibe, grab a ball and aim for the pins. We’re sure you’ll have a grand time.
But if you’re looking for something a little edgier, we humbly suggest you give axe throwing a whirl. We promise, you’ll love your time with us.
~Vex, one of Cascadia's prose hoes
