14 best bowing balls

Bowling balls are a critical component of the sport of bowling. They come in various styles and weights, designed to suit different skill levels and playing styles. Here are some key points about bowling balls:

  1. Materials: Bowling balls are typically made from one of two primary materials: polyester (plastic) or reactive resin. Polyester balls are often used by beginners due to their affordability and straight-line roll. Reactive resin balls are more advanced and offer hook potential, providing more spin and control.

  2. Weight: Bowling balls come in a range of weights, typically from 6 pounds to 16 pounds. The weight you choose should match your strength and playing style. Most adults opt for balls in the 12 to 16-pound range, but it's essential to select a weight that you can comfortably control.

  3. Core Designs: Bowling balls have different core designs that affect their motion on the lane. There are symmetrical cores and asymmetrical cores, each offering unique performance characteristics.Symmetrical cores provide a consistent roll, while asymmetrical cores create more hook potential and versatility.

  4. Surface Finish: The surface of a bowling ball can be customized by adjusting its finish. Bowling balls can have a polished, matte, or textured finish, which affects the ball's interaction with the lane surface. A polished finish may offer less friction and more skid, while a matte finish provides more grip and hook potential.

  5. Finger Holes: Bowling balls have finger holes that are drilled to fit the bowler's hand. The placement and size of these holes are critical for a comfortable and effective grip on the ball. Custom drilling is often done to match a bowler's hand shape and preferences.

  6. Performance Levels: Bowling balls are categorized into different performance levels, including entry-level, mid-performance, and high-performance. High-performance balls are typically designed for more experienced bowlers and offer advanced features to enhance hook potential and control.

  7. Brand Varieties: Numerous brands manufacture bowling balls, each with its unique designs and technologies. Some well-known brands in the industry include Brunswick, Storm, Hammer, and Ebonite.

  8. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of a bowling ball is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Bowlers often clean their balls and have them resurfaced or re-polished periodically to maintain their effectiveness.

Choosing the right bowling ball depends on your skill level, playing style, and lane conditions. It's recommended to consult with a knowledgeable pro shop or coach to find the best ball for your needs and preferences. Additionally, the weight, grip, and drilling of the ball should be customized to your individual requirements for a more comfortable and effective game.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bowing balls on the market
  

Hammer Black Widow 2.0

Hammer

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

After much anticipation, the Hammer Black Widow is back in a 2.0 version. The new Hammer Black Widow 2.0 showcases the original black and red colors as well as the original reaction shape that has been updated to perform on today's lane conditions. This ball provides plenty of traction on medium to heavy oil conditions and produces a massive continuous ball motion which gives a lot of angle resulting in the high scores the Black Widow bowling balls are known for. The Black Widow 2.0 core is the Gas Mask core, the same as the original. This core is wrapped in a Carbon Fiber outer core which provides durability and power. The coverstock used us the Aggression Solid which is finished with a 500, 1000, 2000 Siaair finish.

  • Coverstock: Aggression Solid
  • Cover Type: Solid Reactive
  • Core: Gas Mask
  • Finish: 500, 1000, 2000 Siaair

User questions & answers

Question: How does this compare to the bwp? thank u
Answer: I don’t know it’s my sons and he’s been unable to use due to bowling alleys being shut down.
Question: Is this Ball predrilled
Answer: Ball comes with no holes

Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball

Bowlerstore.com, LLC -- Dropship

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Blast the competition with the Brunswick TZone Arctic Blast. This fun plastic/spare ball not only looks good on the lanes but is perfect for beginners, straight bowlers, or pros looking for a spare ball.

  • Coverstock: plastic/polyester
  • Ball Finish: High Gloss Polish
  • Hook potential: 25 (low) on a scale of 10-175 low-high
  • Ball color: many colors available- product color of this ball is listed in the title of this ball

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with finger hole
Answer: No. I took my bowling ball to the pro shop at the bowling alley. They charge $35.00 for fitted finger holes.
Question: how are fingers measured
Answer: all bowling balls don't have holes, you'll have to take it to a pro shop to have your hand/fingers measured and they will drill the holes, etc.
Question: Is this a good bowling ball for dry lanes? I don't want it to hook to early. ( house condition oil
Answer: This ball is not a hooking ball. It is considered a spare ball because it will go straight.
Question: Hi. are the holes drilled on these
Answer: No, this ball does not come pre-drilled. You must have the holes drilled yourself.

Brunswick Bowling Ball lb Sporting goods

Brunswick

Based on 524 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Combined with the traditional light bulb core shape, the Rhino delivers outstanding ball motion and impressive pin action for more strikes and higher scores. The r-16 reactive cover stock provides easy length and back end hook motion without extreme sensitivity to the dry and oily parts of the lane.

  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Dimensions: 21.336 L X 22.605 W X 24.13 H (Cm)
  • Country Of Origin: Mexico
  • Item Package Weight: 4.898 kgs

User questions & answers

Question: Does this ball work better on oily or dry lanes
Answer: This ball is primarily designed to work on dry to medium lanes. With that said it is also dependent upon the bowler’s rev rate and ball speed. If a bowler has a very slow ball speed this could work on oily conditions by adjusting the cover stock. However, there are balls in the Brunswick and DV8 lines that are better suited to the oilier lane conditions...
Question: Is this is a hook ball
Answer: As long as you get finger holes drilled in the right places, then you can use this bowling ball as a hook ball. The professionals who drill the bowling ball holes will be able to calculate where the finger holes have to go on your bowling ball.
Question: Is it a left handed or right
Answer: This ball can work for both right or left handed bowlers alike. The way it is drilled will make this work for one specific hand.
Question: Is this a hook ball
Answer: Ricky j yes this is a entry level reactive ball from Brunswick it will hook

KR Clear Red Rose Bowling Ball- 14lbs

KR Strikeforce

Based on 74 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Check out the newest Clear Red Rose Bowling ball

The clear Red Rose Bowling Ball with a large Rose on the inside of a clear ball

This is only available in 14lbs and no other weight

  • Color: Clear with Red Rose
  • Ball Featuring: Red Rose
  • Coverstock: Polyester
  • Small air bubbles in the ball are normal according to KR

User questions & answers

Question: Mine arrived with no finger holes
Answer: All bowling balls are manufactured and sold with no holes in them. (Except the children's foam bowling balls)
Question: Hello does it have the green stem
Answer: Small / short green stem
Question: Is this ball approved for use in a usbc tournament
Answer: Yes, this ball will have a USBC Serial number on the cover to confirm it is approved.
Question: Will this make me roll like big ern mccracken
Answer: I am big Ern!

Storm Trend

Storm

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Storm Trend is a high-performance bowling ball in Storm's Signature line of bowling balls that they have created in collaboration with professional bowler Jason Belmonte. This ball combines the proven and popular R2S coverstock with the Piston core to offer a ball that provides better carry by creating more angle into the pocket. This ball gives a quick response along with a more defined breakpoint regardless of what your rev rate is.

  • Coverstcok: R2S Pearl Reactive
  • Weight Block: Piston Core
  • Factory Finish: 1500 Grit Polish
  • Fragrance: Blueberry

Motiv Jackal Legacy

Motiv

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The legend of the Jackal goes on with the Motiv Jackal Legacy Solid. This high-performance bowling ball is a hook-beast! The Jackal Legacy was designed to handle the heaviest oil conditions that a bowler might face. This ball uses the versatile and strong Predator V2 core and pairs it with the Coercion MXC (MaXimum Continuation) Solid Reactive coverstock to produce the strongest Motiv bowling ball to date. The Predator V2 core has been used in previous Jackal balls but the Jackal Legacy introduces the Coercion MXC Solid Reactive coverstock. This coverstock provides outstanding traction in heavy oil as well as a strong down lane motion with continuation. This ball will be powerful, provide tons of traction on heavy oil, give a smooth motion, as well as a controllable shape that helps lessen the over/under reaction on wet/dry lane conditions.

  • WEIGHT: BLOCKPredator V4
  • COVER STOCK: Coercion MXC Solid Reactive
  • FINISH: 2000 Grit LSS
  • Without a doubt, this is one of the strongest covers in bowling today and what makes it truly special is not just the unbelievable traction

Pyramid Path Bowling Ball

Pyramid

Based on 644 reviews Check latest price
  • Perfect Scale: 5.0
  • RG: N/A
  • Differential: N/A
  • Flare Potential: N/A
  • Recommended Cleaner: Monster Tac

User questions & answers

Question: do you have a four or five pound bowling ball
Answer: No
Question: What about figure size, and weight
Answer: It comes in all weights. You choose what you can lift. Figure size? The ball is not predrilled if you are asking about finger size. You have to take it to a bowling alley and they will drill it to your finger size.
Question: Does it have a weight block in it
Answer: It is a 3 piece ball with a pancake weight block.
Question: Hello, How does black light work
Answer: The Pyramid Path Bowling balls have a limited reactivity to the blacklights that are turned on during cosmic bowling at your local bowling center.

Product features

Pyramid Path Polyester

The arrival and roll out of Pyramid bowling balls, the Pyramid Path series, means you can now get quality as well as the best possible prices. The Pyramid brand is designed to offer bowlers of all levels the best in value, quality, durability, and at the absolute best prices on the market. Check out all of the Pyramid Path balls right away and get ready for the new bowling season.

(Available In 16 Different Colors)

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Brunswick Stars and Stripes Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball

Brunswick Bowling Products

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bowling balls with exclusive 360 degree, limited edition graphics. At the bowling center or on display in your home or office, there's nothing cooler than a Viz-A-Ball. Real bowling balls designed with your favorite images. This ball glows under the black light. Coverstock: Plastic/Polyester Ball Finish: High-Gloss Polish Hook Potential: 25 Low Recommended Lane Conditions: Any Patterns may not align perfectly

  • Sport Type: Bowling
  • Package Weight: 12.0 Pounds
  • Included Components: Bowling Ball
  • Package Dimensions: 9.0 L X 9.0 H X 9.0 W (")

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a warranty for this product
Answer: One year from date of purchase
Question: Is this a straight or curve bowling ball
Answer: Straight. It’s intended to be used as a spare ball only
Question: Is the ball drilled
Answer: The one I purchased was not drilled, but amazon sells the same ball already predrilled. Just check the description before purchasing.
Question: Is this ball predrilled
Answer: No

Brunswick Tzone Ocean Reef Bowling Ball Tzone Ocean Reef Bowling Ball, Green/Blue/Silver, 9 lb

Brunswick

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Brunswick Tzone bowling ball is great for beginners, kids and spare shooting Features the bullet core Has a polyester coverstock Ball is finished with crown factory shine.

  • Features the bullet core
  • Has a polyester coverstock
  • Ball is finished with crown factory shine
  • Country of Origin:Mexico

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come pre-drilled
Answer: There will not be any finger holes in this when it arrives. Those must be drilled locally.
Question: Is this a hook ball
Answer: This is a beginner ball and doesn't have the advanced technology of more expensive balls. It's those advanced technologies that help hook/curve more. Yes it will hook based on how you throw, but this ball is great for picking up spares/rolling straight.

Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball

Pyramid

Based on 522 reviews Check latest price
  • Perfect Scale: 181.30
  • RG: 2.54
  • Differential: 0.032
  • Flare Potential: Medium (3-4")
  • Recommended Cleaner: Monster Tac

User questions & answers

Question: Does this ball already have the finger tip holes cut in
Answer: No. All bowling balls sold by Pyramid on Amazon are new in the box and undrilled.
Question: Is this good for bowling straight
Answer: The way mine is drilled, yes. I can bend it 15-20 boards or straight roll.
Question: Is there a such thing as a left handed ball
Answer: When you take it to the shop tell them that you bowl with tour left hand. And they will drill it accordingly.
Question: Is this a high performance ball? Or a mid performance ball
Answer: On our main website we categorize bowling balls in the following way: Pro Performance (10) High Performance (8) Advanced Performance (6) Performance (4) Entry Level (2) Plastic (0) This bowling ball is a Performance (4) and has a Perfect Scale rating of 181.3. The Perfect Scale goes from 0-300 with the highest being around 230. This ball does hook when rolled properly. It depends on your rev rate, drilling layout and lane conditions. Hope this helps.

Product features

Pyramid Path Rising Pearl

The Path Rising... Entry Level Cost With High Performance Pyramid Technology.

With ever-changing variables within the sport of bowling (e.g. lane conditions, ball speed, rev rate), this technology allows any bowler, from stroker to two-handed, to achieve peak performance on medium to medium-dry conditions.

Out of the box (OOB), the Path Rising is finished with a 1500-grit polish, offering a clean look through the heads and a sharp ball reaction down lane.

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Monster Tac and Monster Foam are ready to use between frames, shots, and games to keep your motion as consistent as possible.

Monster Gel and Monster Shine allow you before or after your game to get a really deep clean and bring back the angular sheen you want on your equipment.

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Ebonite Vortex V2

Ebonite

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Ebonite Vortex V2 is one of the most iconic and winningest balls in the Ebonite line. It has the Modified V2 Core which is almost identical to the original V2 and features the Trimax19 Reactive Coverstock. This is a limited seasonal release and will not be readily available again until next December. This ball is USBC approved.

  • Ebonite's famous Vortex V2 is back - but only for a limited time!
  • The new Trimax19 solid reactive cover has a similar formulation to the previous Vortex and Matrix lines but this time, Ebonite amped up the reaction with stronger backend aggression.
  • Paired with the Modified V2 symmetric core, the Vortex V2 will rev up easier and provide more overall hook than any Game Breaker released. EVER.
  • This is a limited time release from Ebonite and it is also their last official release that was made in the USA Finish: Matte Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Factory Finish: 500/1000 Abralon
  • Coverstock: Solid Reactive

Storm Phaze III

Storm

Based on 191 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Storm Phaze III has the attributes of both an innovative core and coverstock technology. The fast-revving shape of the Velocity Core evens out the backend reaction without causing over-reaction. The low RG and high differential coverstock make this benchmark ball a go to for a variety of bowling styles and oil patterns. The R3S Hybrid coverstock does a good job of blending the transitions on the lanes on medium oil conditions.

  • A never-before-seen cover and core combination of R3S Hybrid and the Velocity Core shines above all else. It reveres its past but is imminently future-forward. When the corners get tough, R3S gets tougher.
  • Coverstock: R3S Hybrid Reactive
  • Weight Block: Velocity Core
  • Fragrance: Grapevine

User questions & answers

Question: What is the pin distance? Can i request pin up and pin length
Answer: You can request that. I would do 3"-4"+ for pin up
Question: Is this ball for medium to heavy oil lanes
Answer: It’s good for all lane conditions
Question: Is this for straight or curved
Answer: You can curve this one even on waxed lanes. But if you keep your hand straight it will go straight no matter what ball you throw. But this ball does smell good.
Question: Is this a symmetrical ball
Answer: Yes it is symmetrical. It doesn't have a PSA or mass bias

MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball

Motiv

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Jackal Ghost is the go-to ball for bowlers that want to see more hook without sacrificing continuation on higher volumes of oil. It will also bae ideal for bowlers that have a low rev rate or higher ball speeds.

  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Dimensions: 22.9 L X 23.1 W X 23.9 H (Cm)
  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Item Package Weight: 6.804 kgs

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a good ball for a beginner
Answer: Go to your local lanes and ask the pro.
Question: Does the ball come drilled or do I have to get it drilled
Answer: You have to get it drilled. I purchased as a Christmas gift for my husband and he loves it especially on very oily lanes. It's a strong ball.
Question: does it work good on dry lanes
Answer: No, it's not good on dry lanes. It rolls out too quick. To make it work on dry lanes you have to use power gel. It's great on oily lanes.
Question: Does this come with a warranty
Answer: Yes it comes with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty.

Storm Pitch Black Bowling Ball

ace mitchell

Based on 75 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Capacitor Core helps you regulate your flare potential, making you the ultimate master of your ball motion.

  • Control Solid Urethane Coverstock
  • Capacitor Core
  • 1000-Grit Pad Factory Finish

User questions & answers

Question: is it real aggressive
Answer: Not REAL agressive. Depending on how and where you throw it you can hook across the lane but it's more of a smooth hook than an agressive hook.
Question: how many boards will it hook
Answer: The Pitch Black is a Urethane Ball, this will hook far less than most reactive balls available.
Question: Stupid question... Is the ball actually pitch black or does it have that logo on it
Answer: logo is on the ball
Question: Does this ball have the matte black finish
Answer: Yes. It has a matte black finished.

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