how much does a curling stone cost
Brand‑new, regulation curling stones usually cost about 500–900 USD (or roughly 400–750 GBP) per stone , depending on granite type and spec.
Quick Scoop: Typical Prices
- Club‑quality new stone: about 500–900 USD each, based on club FAQ data for current granite stones.
- Olympic / top‑spec stone: often 600+ USD and up to around 750 GBP per stone, especially those made from Ailsa Craig granite for elite events.
- Refurbished stone: around 450 USD per stone, when a manufacturer reconditions the running surface instead of supplying brand‑new granite.
- Heavily used stone: roughly 200–350 USD per stone, depending on wear and granite type.
For a full sheet, you need 16 stones, so a new high‑end set can easily run well over 9,000–12,000 in local currency equivalent.
Why They’re So Expensive
- Rare granite : Top‑level stones use very specific granites (like Ailsa Craig common green and blue hone) quarried from a single Scottish island and handled under a long‑standing lease.
- Precision machining: Each stone is cored, shaped, and finished so it weighs about 38–44 pounds with a carefully tuned running band.
- Long lifespan: Clubs can use the same stones for decades, making the upfront cost high but spread over many years.
Think of a curling stone less like a dumbbell and more like a handcrafted musical instrument: the material and tuning really matter, and that’s what you’re paying for.
Club Sets vs. Single Stones (Mini Table)
| Type | Approx. price per stone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used club stone | 200–350 USD | Older stones sold off by clubs; condition varies. | [1]
| Refurbished stone | ≈450 USD | Reconditioned running surface, more consistent for play. | [1]
| New club‑quality stone | 500–900 USD | Standard for modern clubs with quality granite. | [1]
| Olympic‑spec granite stone | 600+ USD / up to ~750 GBP | Certified stones using Ailsa Craig granite for top competitions. | [7][3]
Forum / “Latest News” Angle
Recent discussions around “why curling stones cost so much” often pop up during Winter Olympics cycles, especially when people learn that a single certified stone is worth over 600 USD and a full set can rival the price of a small car.
Fans on forums tend to debate whether the performance differences of elite granite are noticeable for casual players, and some highlight that many clubs opt to remanufacture or recondition stones instead of buying brand‑new sets to save money.
TL;DR: If you’re asking “how much does a curling stone cost,” expect roughly 500–900 USD for a new regulation stone, 600+ USD for Olympic‑grade, and 200–450 USD if you’re buying used or refurbished.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.