In that regard, here are my suggestions for stress-free travel. Before you buy the tickets, find out the airlines' baggage policy. If you can only have a total of three pieces, do your math. If you have seven bowling balls, something has to stay home. If you want to change clothes at some point during the trip, that's going to have to factor into the equation as well.
Some airlines are real sticklers about bowling equipment and weights.
And they can refuse heavy things or force you to pay a surcharge. That four-ball carrier seems like a good idea until they say no. Friends from your area can tell you what airlines are better than others. Some names pop up over and over again, but things change over time, and from airport to airport. So ask around.