12 best high reactive bowling balls

High-reactive bowling balls, often referred to as "high-performance" or "advanced performance" bowling balls, are a type of bowling ball designed to provide bowlers with enhanced hook potential and pin action on the lane. These balls are known for their aggressive coverstocks and advanced core designs, which work together to create a high level of angular motion and friction on the lane surface. Here are some key points about high-reactive bowling balls:

  1. Coverstock: High-reactive bowling balls typically feature coverstocks made from reactive resin materials. These coverstocks offer a high level of friction with the lane, allowing the ball to grip the lane surface and hook aggressively.

  2. Core Design: These balls often have complex and innovative core designs that help control the ball's motion down the lane. Core shapes can vary, but some popular options include asymmetrical and symmetric cores.

  3. Hook Potential: The primary goal of a high-reactive bowling ball is to generate a strong and angular hook. This means that when the ball encounters the oil patterns on the lane, it will create a significant change in direction towards the pocket, increasing the chances of striking down more pins.

  4. Lane Conditions: High-reactive bowling balls are most effective on medium to heavy oil lane conditions. They can create too much hook on dry lanes and may not provide enough hook on heavily oiled lanes.

  5. Skill Level: These balls are typically preferred by intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed the skills to control the ball's hook and adjust their playstyle based on lane conditions.

  6. Versatility: While high-reactive bowling balls excel on oily lanes, they may not be the best choice for all situations. Some bowlers choose to carry multiple balls with different coverstock and core combinations to adapt to various lane conditions.

  7. Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential for high-reactive bowling balls. Bowlers often clean and resurface their balls regularly to maintain their performance characteristics.

  8. Drilling: The layout and drilling pattern of the finger holes can have a significant impact on a high-reactive bowling ball's performance. Customized drilling patterns are often used to match a bowler's style and preferences.

  9. Brands and Models: Numerous bowling ball manufacturers produce high-reactive bowling balls, each with its own unique technology and design. Some well-known brands in the industry include Storm, Brunswick, Ebonite, and Motiv, among others.

  10. Regulations: In organized bowling leagues and tournaments, there may be rules and regulations governing the use of high-reactive bowling balls. Be sure to check with the specific league or event for any equipment restrictions.

High-reactive bowling balls have revolutionized the sport of bowling by providing bowlers with increased hook potential and pin action. They are a popular choice among serious bowlers looking to improve their performance on challenging lane conditions. However, selecting the right ball and understanding its behavior on different oil patterns is crucial for success with these advanced bowling balls.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best high reactive bowling balls on the market
  

Brunswick Rhino Reactive PRE-DRILLED Bowling Ball- Red/Black/Gold Pearl

Bowlerstore.com, LLC -- Dropship

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This bowling ball ships pre-drilled. There are 5 sizes and the sizes that we drill are based on the weight of the ball. X-Small: 6lbs- Ages 8 and under, Small: 8lbs and 9lbs- Ages 8-11 and womens ring size from 8-11, Medium: 10lbs, 11lbs, and 12lbs, Ages 11-15 and Adult Ring size 10 or lower, Large: 13lbs and 14lbs, Mens ring size 10-12 or people with larger hands, X-Large: 15lbs and 16lbs, Mens ring size over 13 or people with extremely large hands. If you would like a different size drilled for the weight you selected, you must contact us via email as soon as your order is placed with your order number. pre-drilled bowling balls cannot be returned or exchanged. The Brunswick Rhino Reactive bowling balls are the perfect bowling ball for those looking at getting into their first reactive resin ball or for those looking for a ball for lighter to medium oil conditions. The new R-16 reactive coverstock describes our latest formulation that provides a perfect balance between power and control. The R-16 formula produces easy length and backend hook motion without extreme sensitivity to the dry and oily parts of the lane. The traditional light bulb core shape delivers outstanding ball motion and impressive pin action for more strikes and higher scores. The Rhino can be drilled using the standard drilling techniques developed for symmetric bowling balls. At Brunswick, the unique core shape of each individual ball is used for weights from 12 to 16 pounds. This approach to lightweight ball engineering provides bowlers with consistent ball reaction characteristics across this weight range. Core Type: Light Bulb Coverstock: R-16 Reactive Finishing Steps: 500 Siaair/Royal Compound/Royal Shine Weights: 10-16 Pounds RG Max: 2.554  RG Min: 2.524 RG Differential: 0.030

  • Package Weight: 4.943 Kilograms
  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Package Dimensions: 22.86 L X 24.13 H X 22.86 W (Cm)
  • Product Type:Sporting Goods

User questions & answers

Question: Can i get this not drilled and have it drilled at my bowling center
Answer: DO NOT ORDER THIS BALL ALREADY DRILLED AS YOU WILL HAVE TO PLUG IT AND RE-DRILL IT AT YOUR BOWLING PRO SHOP!

Storm Hy Road Bowling Ball, 14-Pound

Storm

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

While designing and testing the Hy-Road™ we kept in mind that we needed to maintain the superior on-lane performance that has come expected from the Thunder Line™ of bowling balls. Our desired outcome was to create a bowling ball that strategically placed itself in-between the T-Road Solid™ and T-Road Pearl™. What better way to do so than combine the two coverstocks, hence creating a hybrid coverstock. By utilizing the ever so powerful Inverted Fe² Technology for theweight block, we knew that we could create the mid-lane read needed to handle a medium-heavy lane condition. By encasing the weight block inside the R2S™ Hybrid coverstock, we found the perfect balance between its two predecessors. We found the Hybrid to be a great go-to ball once the T-Road Solid™ is too much. It gives you better mid-lane control than the Pearl. The reaction can be described as the ultimate benchmark reaction, mid-lane read with a predictable hook motion.

  • Coverstock: R2S Solid Reactive
  • Core: Inverted Fe² Technology
  • Finish: 1500-grit Polished
  • 0
  • 0

User questions & answers

Question: I just want to be sure this ball is 14 pound
Answer: The ball is a little over 14 pounds. I think it's like 14.5 or so. That weight will go down after it's drilled. I only use 14 pound balls and I love this thing. Nothing changed with my swing so you'll be fine

Pyramid Antidote Solid Bowling Ball

Based on 119 reviews Check latest price
  • New Era 149 Symmetric Core, 2.55 RG, 0.054 Differential (Medium Flare Potential)
  • GPS Navigational Solid Coverstock with 2000-Grit Abralon/Factory Polish Finish
  • Gives Benchmark motion on Medium Lanes
  • Versatile drilling options for different bowling styles
  • Perfect Scale Rating: 201.60

User questions & answers

Question: How does this ball compare to the game breaker
Answer: I haven't thrown the GB3 however, I recommend watching the videos on Bowlingball.com so you can see the different reactions to different layouts, speeds and styles for each ball.
Question: If I use this bowling ball, can this ball do a hook
Answer: Yes it will hook. Has a lot of power when going into the pocket. This is one of my main balls in my inventory. It looks awesome rolling down the lane let's you see what you did wring by looking at the ball pattern while rolling.
Question: Do your 13 pound balls having the metal weight in them, or do you have to get a ball heavier than the 13-pound ball
Answer: Hi,The core that is present in the Pyramid Antidote bowling ball is a higher-density ceramic core (not metal), and it is present in all weights (12-16lbs).
Question: Whats the best way to have this ball drilled to gwt the best out of it. So i know wat to tell guy at pro shop
Answer: We enclose a sheet with every ball that details several different layouts that work well for varying bowling styles, lane conditions, and desired ball motions. Each layout has a description of what the layout is designed to do, as well as other points of information and recommendations. You can show the sheet to your local pro shop operator to have them map their drilling to your desired layout and specifications.

Product features

Pyramid Antidote

When oil starts to spread, the Pyramid Antidote is the perfect solution.

In order to offer the best remedy for medium-heavy oil, we've wrapped the core in our proven GPS Navigational Solid coverstock. Finished at 2000 Grit Abralon/Factory Finish Polish, the Antidote will give you a stronger, earlier and smoother reaction than the Pathogen.

Contain your competition with the Pyramid Antidote.

For Best Results Try Our Monster Cleaning Products

Lane Debris and Dirt Have Met Their Match

Monster cleaning products allow you to get back to your game with clean, ready-to-strike equipment with frightening speed.

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.

Monster Pad Bowling Applicator sold separately.

Motiv Forge Fire

Motiv

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Motiv Forge line of bowling balls continues with the Motiv Forge Fire. This high performance ball introduces the Infusion Hybrid Reactive coverstock which offers a faster reaction to the friction on the lane than its predessesor, the original Forge. The Forge Fire also utilizes the low RG and high differential symmetrical Detonator core. This ball is great at creating angle for various types of bowlers when facing medium to heavy oil.

  • Core: Detonator
  • Coverstock: Infusion Hybrid Reactive
  • Finish: 4000 Grit LSS
  • Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Heavy Oil
  • Material Type: Other

Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball

Pyramid

Based on 532 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.

For Best Results Try Our Monster Cleaning Products

Lane Debris and Dirt Have Met Their Match

Monster cleaning products allow you to get back to your game with clean, ready-to-strike equipment with frightening speed.

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.

Monster Pad Bowling Applicator sold separately.

Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball

Bowlerstore.com, LLC -- Dropship

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The T Zone should be used for beginner bowlers or for advanced bowlers to throw straight at their spares

  • 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.

Ebonite Ebonite Impact Bowling Ball

Ebonite

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Ebonite Impact will get down the lane with ease before making a big move on the backend Recommended for medium to heavy oil lane conditions Features the CB-2 Asymmetric core Finished at 1000 abralon and polished with factory finish polish

  • Hitting hard has never looked so good, Ebonite brings you the new impact to the high performance category, impact will get down the lane with ease before making a big move on the backend
  • Finished at 1000 abralon and polished with factory finish polish
  • Package Dimensions : 21.844 cm L X 22.352 cm W X 22.606 cm H
  • Country of Origin: United States

Brunswick Brunswick Bowling Products

Bowlerstore.com, LLC -- Dropship

Based on 233 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing viz-a-ball from Brunswick: this ball also glows when bowled with under the black light. Bowling balls with exclusive 360 degree, limited edition graphics. This bowling ball is perfect for the recreational bowler or beginner. This also works well for experienced bowlers who want to throw the ball straight at spares. This ball is made of a high quality polyester material and the actual image is embedded into the surface of the ball. We also have a matching Lizard t-shirt and towel as well as a complete package. Simply type in Lizard in our product search.

  • Introducing Viz-A-Ball From Brunswick: This Ball Also Glows When Bowled With Under The Black Light; Bowling Balls With Exclusive 360 Degree, Limited Edition Graphics;
  • This Bowling Ball Is Perfect For The Recreational Bowler Or Beginner; This Also Works Well For Experienced Bowlers Who Want To Throw The Ball Straight At Spares;
  • This Ball Is Made Of A High Quality Polyester Material And The Actual Image Is Embedded Into The Surface Of The Ball
  • Sport Type: Bowling

User questions & answers

Question: What type or warranty does this ball have
Answer: None that I know off.... the ball is chipped already
Question: Does the ball come with drill holes
Answer: No, this will not have any holes. You have to get this drilled locally after you receive the ball.
Question: How much does drilling cost
Answer: It vaires between pro shops. Type in pre drilled bowling balls on Amazon as we have many to offer.
Question: Whats a good size for a 9 year old boy
Answer: we purchased this for a 8 yr old and it is alittle heavy but he loves it. It's 10lb ball and he uses it so in a year he will b fine with it. But I would say at least a 8 or 10lb for 9yr old

Motiv Jackal Flash

Motiv

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The legend of the Jackal continues with the Motiv Jackal Flash Pearl. This high-performance bowling ball is the strongest asymmetric pearl ball that Motiv has created to date. The Jackal Flash was built to be cleaner through the front of the lane with a quicker response on the backend. This is achieved by combining the Predator V2 weight block with the Infusion HV Pearl Reactive coverstock and finished with a 5000 LSP. This combination offers continuation with max revs and track flare while providing length and a strong angle that is needed when making adjustments on heavy oil patterns. This ball was designed to be an early transition ball for heavier oil but it also pairs well with rev dominant bowlers as the first ball out of their bag. Bowlers that are more speed dominant who usually struggle when throwing a pearl ball will find the Jackal Flash to be extra versatile on moderate conditions.

  • Package quantity: 1
  • Country of Origin: United States
  • No batteries required
  • Product Type: SPORTING GOODS

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come already drilled
Answer: No. You will have to go to a pro shop to it get measured and drilled to your finger size.

Pyramid Path Rising PRE-DRILLED Bowling Ball

Pyramid

Product description

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.

  • New Era 139 Symmetric Core, 2.54 RG, 0.032 Differential (Medium Flare Potential)
  • Path Pearl Reactive Coverstock with 1500-Grit Abralon/Factory Polish Finish
  • Gives Benchmark motion on Medium Lanes
  • Versatile drilling options for different bowling styles
  • Perfect Scale Rating: 181.30

Storm IQ Tour Emerald 15lb

Storm

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The premise is wickedly simple: create a ball that’s worthy of your time, energy, and dollars. It’s no mystery that the ! Q has become a staple in Storm’s lineup of high performance bowling balls. Favored by bowlers of all levels all over the globe, anyone and everyone can benefit from the benchmark reaction the ! Q series is able to provide.

  • Cover stock: R2S Pearl Reactive
  • Weight Block: C3 centripetal control core
  • Scent: melon Mint
  • Workable and forgiving, the C3 Centripetal Control Core is a design that revs up quickly, providing a smoother change of direction downline

User questions & answers

Question: Is the i q emerald a simetric or assemetric
Answer: The ball is symmetrical.
Question: How many inches is the pin
Answer: The pin differences between balls.
Question: How do I know if it's a 2in pin or what. Do I have any say so or do you just send me a 15lb ball
Answer: I don't even know what a pin is,sorry. But love mine.

Motiv Trident Nemesis

Motiv

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Motiv continues the popular Trident high performance ball line with the Motiv Trident Nemesis. This ball introduces the Infusion HV (High Volume) Pearl Reactive coverstock and Sidwinder asymmetric weight block. This combination produces jaw dropping backend motion and strong continuation in medium-heavy oil conditions making this ball the most angular ball to date in the Motiv line.

  • Sport Type: Bowling
  • Included Components: Bowling Ball
  • This bowling ball ships UNDRILLED with no holes unless you add drilling services
  • Let's get right to it, the new Trident Nemesis is undoubtedly the most angular asymmetric ball ever created by MOTIV
  • It proudly features our latest Infusion HV (High Volume) Pearl Reactive cover technology and new Sidewinder asymmetric weight block design
  • Intended for medium-heavy oil conditions, the Trident Nemesis has impressive backend motion and powerful continuation
  • The new Sidewinder weight block expands the MOTIV spec range within the asymmetric category making the Trident Nemesis a very attractive ball because of the impending balance hole rule change

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