Even if you know nothing about bowling you surely know the difference a good bowling ball can have in your gameplay.
You might not know what criteria to set for one but you’ll know that you need it. If you don’t know what bowling ball to buy, don’t despair, neither did I when I started out.
However, after playing night after night for years, buying, trying and testing different bowling balls, after thorough research I have reviewed some of the top bowling balls out there.
If you have ever been bowling before, you may not have actively noticed the difference that a bowling ball can make to one’s game but you might have felt it.
No, you were not being superstitious opting for the same ball that helped you score that one strike over and over again. It was probably because that is the one that is most suited for you. It is perhaps the single most critical piece of equipment you’re your performance is reliant on.
The ball interacts with each element of the game in bowling; from the player to the pins, to the lanes and even the oil patterns. They might be the biggest and the most important representation of your investment in bowling. Whether you make or break the shot is heavily dependent on the quality of the bowling ball.
There is no doubt that judging which is the right ball for you has grown progressively more difficult with time. The balls are no more just a mere spherical piece of equipment as they once used to be. Nowadays, you can’t buy and use a bowling ball for every lane; in fact, despite their durable nature, it is unlikely that they will last you longer than a few years.
Bowling has evolved over the years to become a more complex and interesting game due to technology. In the past, there were barely any options available but now a single manufacturer will be offering over 10 bowling ball design, each created for varying conditions.
With so many options available in the market with varying features it sure has become difficult for avid bowling enthusiasts like us to figured out and understand which ball will be best suited to us. The right bowling ball can be the difference in drastically improving your score as well as consistency. Finding the right ball for you may seem like a daunting task to undertake but by the end of this review, you’ll be feeling more confident in your knowledge and familiarity with the bowling ball.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finding the Ideal Ball Weight
There is a popular saying in the world of bowling that your ball should approximately weigh 10% of one’s body-weight, exceeding to 16lbs max. Pro-bowlers often use 16lbs balls. Another way to assess the perfect weight is to add 1-2lbs to what your usual house-ball weighs. The ball although heavier, if drilled explicitly for your hand, will feel almost 2lbs lighter than the house-ball.
The ideal ball weight for you is the heftiest ball you can easily throw.
Determine Your Ideal Cover Stock
The material on the exterior of the bowling ball is known as cover stock. It’s essential in shaping the way the ball reacts to the lane’s condition. 3 main types of cover stock are polyester, urethane, and reactive resin.
If this will be your first ever ball, the best bet will be to opt for a reactive resin coverstock; as it provides your shots with a more hook potential. Polyester cover stocks are good for throwing the bowling ball straight. They are usually the most affordable option, but not very versatile.
Reactive resin and urethane are ideal if you want to be throwing a hook. They can better grip the lane, hence hooking the pins. Reactive-resin is the most popular choice since it allows the ball to cut through oil picking up friction as it approaches the end finishing with an aggressive hook (known as the backend). Thus chances for a strike are higher.
Get It Drilled to Fit Your Hand
Predrilled bowling balls are available; however, if you are going to buy one that already is drilled it is better to stick to the house-balls. A ball that has been specifically drilled for the contour of your hands will allow a greater level of control and significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. Be sure to take the ball to a pro-shop to be drilled by an expert. Stores might include free drilling, however, getting it done is inexpensive and worth the effort.
- Perfect for all ages and skill levels
- Polyester coverstock for straight shots
- Pyramid quality
- Perfect Scale Rating: 5.0
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
This ball is pretty good quality given its affordable price. The Pyramid Path bowling ball gives ballers a variety of colors to choose from. It is ideal for every age group and level of skill as it is available in weights ranging from 10-16lbs. the ball has a polyester cover stock and thus goes straight; perfect for those looking for a precise throw each time. It comes with a 2-Year warranty. .
- A FINISH YOU CAN COUNT ON: 500 Siaair / Crown Factory Compound / Crown Factory Polish - this finish will give you a very clean, consistent ball reaction for lighter oil conditions. Ideal for the beginner bowler looking for a great value.
- DEPENDABLE CORE: Light Bulb Symmetrical - a time-tested core shape, the light bulb core provides a smooth, consistent reaction.
- DURABLE COVERSTOCK: R-16 Reactive - available in both a solid reactive (Magenta/Purple/Navy) and Pearl Reactive version.
- LANE CONDITIONS: Light Oil conditions are no match for the Rhino
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
If what you are searching for is an entry-level bowling ball then this is the ideal for you. Brunswick Rhino bowling ball stabilizes command and control by combining a reactive resin cover stock R-16 with a light-bulb shaped center. 101 customers have rated it 4.5 stars out of 5 with 92% of the ratings being over 4 stars. The most frequent complaint about the ball seems to be regarding its durability and the delivery of the wrong color.
- Columbia boost/gear will reactive cover stock
- Columbia nitrous core weight Block
- 500/2000 Abralon Polished w/Powerhouse factory finish polish
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Columbia 300 Nitrous Bowling Ball
Columbia Nitrous is an affordable bowling ball that can help you improve your game. It does this by combining th
Conclusion
Allow me to leave you with the final concluding thoughts:
- Do not spend heavily on your initial bowling ball; the likelihood is it will get beaten up. Focus more on the features below.
- Weight: the mechanics of the game are specific, thus stronger people may even perform better using a light-weight ball. Focus on your aim, and balance between power and control
- Cover stock: If you want your balls to go straight down the lanes opt for polyester or plastic. If you want to hook the pins go for reactive resin or urethane.
- Grip: the palm should lie flat on to the ball when all three fingers are inserted.
- Note: Plastic balls are less expensive and easier to control thus better for entry-level bowlers as you do not have to concern yourself with hooking and lane conditions.
Next Steps and Where to Purchase Equipment
When you’re ready to make the leap, you can read these articles to learn what bowling equipment we recommend for every different kind of player and choose what suits you better. We try to review the best bowling equipment in the market every few weeks to keep up-to-date with the current trends.
Bowling Tips for Left-Handers