5 STAR Rated 15 Best Bowling Ball Reviews | FAQ’s | Buying Guide of 2024

Bowling sport gives a proficient, fancy, yet complex experience to players. If you are a bowling enthusiast, there is no better way of other than using the best bowling ball on the market. This is because the ball you use to play hugely determines your performance. Investing in the best bowling ball makes the game fun and easy.

Due to the numerous options available on the market, it can be a challenge picking the best. Additionally, bowling balls perform differently in various surfaces. Hence, you may not know which product to purchase for different circumstances and skill level. Here are reviews of some of the top quality bowling balls on the market and where they best perform.

Who should get this?

All bowler enthusiasts should stop here and if possible, re-read the guide. More categories that we are addressing are individuals who love to gift friends and relatives. Having the best bowling ball is a determinant of your performance. Skill is a bonus. A good one makes the sport more comfortable, more fun, and worth playing anytime you are free.

How we picked this

Our main area of research for products was on Google and Amazon. Initially, we had about 50 bowling balls from different brands to sample. We are happy to involve our team of ambitious testers and guides who put the bowling balls through the necessary tests to determine performance and durability. A few pointers were the warranty period, the overall weight of each ball, and the type of surface that you can use the bowling ball on, the material of construction and what the core looks like.

How we tested

The guides took to the field to determine the quality of each ball. The primary basis was on the core, the coverstock, the filler material, and how to correctly spin such balls. It is a great honor to confirm that all the 15 balls feature stupendous quality and performance. Despite a few cons here and there, they are not deal-breakers.

Conclusion

Here are the top 15 bowling balls that you will always love. From these reviews, you are better equipped to pick the right bowling ball for yourself or a loved one. Remember to consider the configuration, construction, as well as materials when selecting your fines fit.

Additionally, the lane condition, as well as skills, should influence your choice. Hence, with all this information in mind, you are well equipped to pick the best bowling ball on the market in 2024. Pick any of the above and make your order today.

FAQ’s and Buying Guide of Bowling Balls

Bowling is an exciting and fun sport but also very complex. In most cases, it is never about luck but skill and the right equipment. Nonetheless, it is not always easy to spot the right bowling ball because of the numerous options available. Here is an in-depth buying guide that will equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision when buying the best bowling ball.

Revolution of the Bowling Ball

Bowling is a sport that people have participated in since thousands of years ago. Anciently, bowling balls featured lignum vitae, which is a hardwood as the main material. Fast forward to the early 1990s; there was the development of the first rubber bowling ball. Shortly after, Brunswick Corporation made a rubber mineralite ball.

In the 1970s a lot of hard rubber balls were made and they dominated the market. Then, the introduction of urethane bowling balls hit the market in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the core design changed, leading to dramatic changes. The core featured a  design which affected the balance of the ball. A new reactive urethane coverstock was also introduced in the market shortly after. Changes have continued occurring, resulting in new designs on the market time after time.

Types of Bowling Balls

Types of bowling balls rely on both the weight block and the coverstock materials. Here are the types of bowling balls available on the market.

Types of Bowling Balls According to the Coverstock

Plastic/polyester

This is one of the most common bowling balls on the market. They are highly durable and feature a very low price. In most cases, these are referred to as entry-level bowling balls because they feature a smooth finish. Since polyester or plastic is less porous and hard, this bowling ball has limited hook potential. Nonetheless, it is a ball that is easy to control.

 Urethane

This bowling ball makes a good option for first-time shoppers. It is easy to manage and features a high hook potential as this creates more friction between the lane surface and the ball. A bowling ball with urethane coverstock comes with high durability and better pin action.

 Reactive resin

This is a bowling ball that gives you full control. It generates more friction, giving you better pin action and high hook potential. It features three types, including the reactive hybrid, reactive solid, and reactive pearl.

These balls easily react to lane conditions that they get in touch with. Therefore, if you committed a handling effort or the lane condition is poor, this will be seen on the ball’s performance and direction.

Proactive/particle

Here is a perfect bowling ball for expert and advanced bowlers. The ball features a bumpy or textured surface, generating a lot of friction when used on heavily oiled lanes. Additionally, they tend to dig; hence, they aren’t the easiest for beginners.

Type of Bowling Balls Depending on the Weight Block

 Asymmetrical

These are bowling balls whose cores have great weight distribution. In most cases, they always come drilled and their spots are heavier than others. Hence, they produce defined and angular motions.

Apart from having a high intermediate differential, these balls respond quickly to friction at breakpoints and this maximizes the hook potential. Additionally, with this ball, you can develop a lot of revolutions.

Its action relies on the lane condition and the coverstock material it has.

 Symmetrical

This is a type of core where a 2-piece bowling ball features low intermediate differential. The ball features low flare potential and this translates to less hook at breakpoint.

It is perfect for bowlers who throw balls at low speed and those who bowl on dry lanes due to the smoother arc motion it comes with.

The ball makes a perfect option for individuals without full hook control when hitting the targeted pin.

High mass or pancake type

This is a bowling ball that is designed to reduce a heavy roll. It has a puddle shaped weight block, or a thin pancake layer finished with high amounts of filler material. Hence, one of its ends is heavier than the other and this gives low hook potential and track flare.

This is considered as a traditional weight block and mainly classified as a symmetrical ball.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Bowling Ball

There are numerous factors you can consider when buying a bowling ball. However, the key points to consider include the ball type, the perfect ball weight, and the grip.

Q: What is a bowling ball?

A: A bowling ball refers to the piece of equipment used when engaging in the bowling sport. The bowling ball interacts with all the physical elements of the game including the pins, the lane, the oil pattern, and the bowler. For top bowlers, the bowling ball is the largest piece of equipment investment and actually, it features all the potential to make or break every shot you engage in.

Q: What the best bowling ball has?

A: The best bowling ball features two components, namely the coverstock and the core. The coverstock is the outer layer which interacts with the lane and the core is the inner layer that influences the ball’s performance and direction.

Q: What are bowling balls made of?

A: There are two major components that make a bowling ball. These two include a core and a coverstock. However, sometimes, you can come across the three-piece bowling ball that features a coverstock, filler material, and the core. All these components feature different materials, making all the balls unique and different from each other.

Q: How to spin a bowling ball?

A: Your fingers should maintain constant grip pressure from stance position. Using one of your feet, move a step forward and make sure the ball also comes forward above your foot. Your non-bowling hand should support the ball.

Releasing the ball from your non-bowling hand, bring the ball to a knee-length then further behind you. Get into the highest point of the backswing still with the ball on your hands. Take your last step towards the line and bring the ball forward. Lower the hips and move your weight a little back and while bending your torso forward, throw the ball. Always keep your wrist and arm straight to impart spin.

Q: How to release a bowling ball?

A: As your hand moves forward, maintain a constant grip. Release the ball as the ball passes past the laces of your sliding shoe. Before releasing, make sure that your thumb is the first one out of the ball.

Q: How to choose a bowling ball?

A: Here are some of the critical features that you should consider when choosing a bowling ball.

Core types

This is a critical feature that you need to consider when choosing a bowling ball. It makes a huge difference when playing. In case you are a beginner and requires a functional ball that needs no skill, buy one with a symmetrical core.

 Weight

A bowling ball with a lot of weight limits your capacity to utilize its full potential. However, if it is too light, it can likely swerve off. This is why you need to choose a bowling ball with the right weight.

Style and looks

A good bowling ball should add some style in the game. Therefore, the finish and colors should look the part and match your personality and taste. Luckily, the bowling balls on the market come with multiple colors, making it easy for you to spot the best that matches your style, taste, and interest.

High gloss balls are highly preferred as their finish never comes off, keeping the ball stylish and shiny for a long time. Moreover, the outer layer also determines a ball’s durability. Hence, you should be extra keen to ensure that you get a bowling ball of high durability.

Finger hole position

In most cases, symmetrical bowling balls do not have holes in them during purchase. Therefore, holes are drilled later after purchase. These holes determine the amount of curve as well as the technique of bowling the ball. Custom bowling ball feature finger holes that are only perfect for your fingers and hands.

Q: How to clean a bowling ball?

A: Bowling balls get dirty after playing especially on oily lanes. If left unattended, the accumulated dirt hugely affects your game. Therefore, you need a cleaning schedule where you need a spray cleaner to get rid of any oil that could be stuck on the ball. If you play on dry lanes only, you need to clean your ball occasionally.

In case your bowling ball requires thorough cleaning, you can consider hiring the cleaning service of a pro shop to maintain it in good shape. Another way of cleaning is, taping the finger holes to prevent water from getting inside, then using a decent ball cleaner to get rid of the accumulated dirt.

Q: How much does a bowling ball weigh?

A: Bowling balls feature different weights and most of them weigh between 6 and 17 pounds.

Q: How are bowling balls made?

Bowling balls are made using different number of pieces. Hence, a bowling ball can either be a two-piece or a three-piece. For instance, the 3-piece bowling ball can contain the coverstock, pancake weight block, and the filler material or the coverstock, the core and the filler material. The two-piece bowling ball mostly features the coverstock and the core. These layers are filled with different materials, giving the bowling balls different characteristics.

Q: How to pick a bowling ball?

The bowling Ball of the modern-day features individualism and high tech. This is why it could be a challenge choosing the best bowling ball on the market. However, you should consider selecting a product that features a comfortable weight. Secondly, obtain the perfect grip for your fingers. Additionally, remember you should consider whether you are right-handed or left-handed.

Q: How heavy is a bowling ball?

A: Bowling balls have different weight range having 6 pounds as the lowest weight and this is meant for kids while the heaviest bowling ball weighs 16 pounds. Women and seniors mainly use a bowling ball that features between 12 pounds and 14 pounds. Men, on the other hand, mostly use the 15-pound bowling ball while a few other men go for the 16-pound bowling ball.

Q: How to drill a bowling ball?

A: On the market today, you will have a choice of buying either drilled or non-drilled bowling balls. A pre-drilled bowling ball is similar to your house ball and so you would save money because it does not have anything different to offer.

A non-drilled ball is drilled to fit your hand and fingers, giving you more control and significantly reducing injury risk. Do not drill the ball on your own because there are pro shops that specifically do that. In the pro shop, your hand measurements take place and the ball drilling commences to fit you alone.

Some stores will not charge you for the drilling service if you buy the bowling ball from them. However, even if you have to pay to obtain a custom bowling ball, the drilling process is inexpensive and worth the service fee.

Q: What weight bowling ball should i use?

A: Your weight should determine the perfect bowling ball weight that you should use. Hence, buy a bowling ball that weighs 10 percent of your body weight. Therefore, in case you weigh 100 pounds, invest in a bowling ball that weighs 10 pounds.

You should never buy or use a bowling ball that is too heavy, even if you feel the need to challenge yourself. The real optimum weight of a ball should be the heaviest you will comfortably throw.

Q: How to choose bowling ball weight

A: Experts recommend that your perfect ball weight should be a tenth of your body weight. This implies that if you weigh 140 pounds, you should use a bowling ball that weighs 14 pounds or if you weigh 160 pounds, your ideal bowling ball should weigh 16 pounds. In most cases, bowling balls weigh a maximum of 16 pounds although you will find a few weighing 17 pounds. However, most people use the 15-pound bowling ball.

Additionally, another way of determining the ideal weight of your bowling ball is to add a couple of pounds or even a single pound to the weight of your house ball. This is because a heavier ball which is drilled to fit your hand precisely will feature the same weight as that of your house ball but 2 pounds lighter.

Conclusion

For you to score in this game, you must have the right bowling ball that matches your weight, lane condition and skill. With the comprehensive guide above, you will surely land the best bowling ball that will match your skill, personality, and taste.

Sources:

1. Lauren K. Wolf: What’s in a bowling ball, and how does its chemistry help topple pins?February 21, 2017.
2. Jack Schmid: Ball Weight, How ball weight impacts your game, October 2013.