We’ve gathered information on some of the best bowling balls on the market so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to buy your next ball.
The Best Bowling Balls Review in ’22.
A decent bowling ball won’t automatically make you a great bowler, but with enough training and commitment, it may help you improve your game significantly.
If you are a regular bowler interested in upping your game, it is a good idea to invest in your own bowling ball.
Understanding some of the basic scientific principles behind bowling balls will help you choose the best fit and gain the most benefit from your ball.
What to Look for in a Bowling Ball
To start, you’ll need to figure out what weight and coverstock are best suited for your needs. Keep in mind that bowling balls do not come pre-drilled, so you’ll need to get them custom drilled to fit your hand.
We’ve compiled a list of the greatest bowling balls in 2022 for all-level bowlers to assist you to get one step ahead of the game.
Also, if your loved one is a frequent bowler at the local alley, we’ve included some of the best bowling ball gift ideas.
Once you have the perfect ball for your game, it’s time to start practicing! With dedication and lots of practice, you’ll be able to see a significant difference in your scores. And who knows – maybe one of these balls will help you become a bowling alley regular!
If you’re looking for the best bowling balls in 2022, here are our top picks…
Here Are the Best Bowling Balls of 2022
1. Hammer Black Widow 2.0
After much suspense, the Hammer Black Widow is back. The new Hammer Black Widow 2.0 has the original black and red colors, as well as the original reaction shape that has been updated to work well in today’s lane conditions.
This is one of the most aggressive symmetrical balls on the market. It is also the best bowling ball if you are looking for the aggression Solid Reactive coverstock.
As one of the top bowling balls on the market, the Hammer will be your favorite new bowling ball.
This Solid Reactive bowling ball is a great choice for those looking for an aggressive backend reaction. The black/red color scheme is unique and eye-catching, and the coverstock is designed to provide plenty of hook potential. This ball is perfect for medium to heavy oil conditions.
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is good for medium to heavy oil conditions and gives a lot of angle when you bowl, which can result in high scores.
The Black Widow 2.0 core is the same as the original Gas Mask core. The Gas Mask core is the most popular weight block for bowling balls.
It is wrapped in a Carbon Fiber outer core which makes it more durable and powerful.
The coverstock used is the Aggression Solid, which is finished with a 500, 1000, and 2000 Siaair finish.
2. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (On Amazon)
The pyramid path rising bowling ball is one of the newest additions to the market. It is a great choice for beginner and intermediate bowlers. The path pearl reactive coverstock provides good hook potential and is easy to control. The ball has a symmetrical core and is finished with a 500/1000 Abralon finish.
This ball is good for dry to medium oil conditions. It provides a strong mid-lane read with an aggressive backend reaction. The pyramid path rising bowling ball is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, yet high-quality, bowling ball.
- 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
3. Brunswick TZone Deep Space
Best bang for your buck. This ball is cheap, but don’t be fooled by the price, it performs just as well as the more expensive balls on the market.
The Brunswick TZone Deep Space bowling ball is a great choice for those looking for a cheap ball that performs well. The black/blue color scheme is attractive and unique, and the coverstock is designed to provide plenty of hook potential. This ball is perfect for light to medium oil conditions.
The Brunswick TZone Deep Space has a symmetrical core and a pearl reactive coverstock. It is finished with a 1500-grit sanded finish and has a perfect scale rating of 173.00.
This Brunswick TZone Deep Space ball features tons of stars! Light up your game today by destroying those pins with the stars on your side!
4. Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry
Another very affordable ball that is perfect for beginner and intermediate bowlers. The Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry bowling ball is a great choice for those looking for a cheap ball that performs well.
The pink/purple color scheme is attractive and unique, and the coverstock is designed to provide plenty of hook potential. This ball is perfect for light to medium oil conditions.
The Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry has a symmetrical core and a pearl reactive coverstock. It is finished with a 1500-grit sanded finish and has a perfect scale rating of 173.00.
This Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry ball will make you look good while you dominate the lanes!
The ebonite maxim bowling ball comes in several styles. If you are looking for an ebonite maxim bowling ball, we recommend the Peek-A-Boo Berry.
5. The Roto Grip Gem
The Roto Grip Gem is an amazing bowling ball that performs brilliantly on heavy oil. It looks breathtaking and will surely dazzle you with its performance.
The Roto Grip Gem has a symmetrical core and is wrapped in a pearl reactive coverstock. It is finished with a 500/1000 Siaair/Crown Factory Polish finish. This ball is good for heavy oil conditions.
The Roto Grip Gem provides excellent traction in the mid-lane with an aggressive backend reaction. The ball has a unique color scheme that is sure to turn heads when you roll it down the lane.
If you are looking for a high-performance bowling ball that looks amazing, then the Roto Grip Gem is the perfect choice for you.
6. Motiv Mythic Jackal
This ball is in the high-performance category and rightly so. This is a great bowling ball for hook that experienced bowlers will be sure to love.
The Motiv Mythic Jackal has a symmetrical core and a pearl reactive coverstock. It is finished with a 500/2000 Abralon/Factory Polish finish. This ball is good for heavy oil conditions.
The Mythic Jackal is the newest ball added to the very popular Jackal line. It has the new strong Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid Reactive cover and brings back the popular Predator V2 core.
Designed for heavy oil conditions, the Mythic Jackal is a great piece to add for anyone looking for that versatile hybrid high end piece. It creates a lot of down lane hook and is great on fresh and when the lanes start to transition.
This piece is great when you need something that’s going to save energy in the front part of the lane and has a faster response option down lane.
If you are looking for a high-performance bowling ball that looks amazing, then the Motiv Mythic Jackal is the perfect choice for you.
7. Storm Nova
The Storm Nova is a great choice for those who need a ball that is versatile and can be used on a variety of lane conditions.
The Storm Nova high-performance bowling ball uses advanced technology to create a lot of power when you bowl. The Ignition core is asymmetric and helps make sure the ball goes where you want it to go. The R2X Hybrid Reactive cover stock makes sure the ball is smooth on the lane.
This ball was designed to move quickly down the lane and finish powerfully. It also has extra flare potential. It has high rev capability and gets there quickly.
The hybrid cover stock and 3000-grit finish can handle heavy oiled lanes, but it is also versatile enough to work on other surfaces.
The Stormhttps://amzn.to/3pe5exA Nova provides excellent traction in the mid-lane with an aggressive backend reaction. The ball has a unique color scheme that is sure to turn heads when you roll it down the lane.
If you are looking for a versatile bowling ball that can be used in a variety of lane conditions, then the Storm Nova is the perfect choice for you.
8. DV8 Hell Raiser Return
The improved version of the original Hell Raiser outperforms the original with an increased hook and more down lane bite.
The DV8 Hell Raiser Return has an asymmetrical core and a pearl reactive coverstock. It is finished with a 1500-grit sanded finish and has a perfect scale rating of 173.00.
This ball is good for heavy oil conditions.
The DV8 Hell Raiser Return provides excellent traction in the mid-lane with an aggressive backend reaction. The ball has a unique color scheme that is sure to turn heads when you roll it down the lane.
If you are looking for an improved version of the original Hell Raiser, then the DV8 Hell Raiser Return is the perfect choice for you.
9. Columbia 300 Eruption Pearl
This mid-performance ball is a great choice for those who need a ball that is versatile and can be used on a variety of lane conditions.
The Columbia 300 Eruption Pearl uses advanced technology to create a lot of power when you bowl. The asymmetrical core provides extra flare potential. The pearl coverstock makes sure the ball is smooth on the lane.
This ball was designed to move quickly down the lane and finish powerfully. It also has extra flare potential. It has high rev capability and gets there quickly.
The pearl coverstock and 1500-grit sanded finish can handle heavy oiled lanes, but it is also versatile enough to work on other surfaces.
The Columbia 300 Eruption Pearl provides excellent traction in the mid-lane with an aggressive backend reaction. The ball has a unique color scheme that is sure to turn heads when you roll it down the lane.
If you are looking for a versatile bowling ball that can be used in a variety of lane conditions, then the Columbia 300 Eruption Pearl is the perfect choice for you.
10. Brunswick Rhino
The Brunswick Rhino bowling ball is good for beginners and for people who don’t want a ball that hooks a lot. The Rhino has a balance of control and power, and it doesn’t react to dry or oily areas on the lane very much. This is because Brunswick uses the R-16 reactive coverstock and the Light Bulb core in this ball.
The Brunswick Rhino is a versatile ball that can be used on a variety of lane conditions. The ball has a unique color scheme that is sure to turn heads when you roll it down the lane.
If you are looking for a versatile bowling ball that can be used in a variety of lane conditions, then the Brunswick Rhino is the perfect choice for you.
Best Bowling Ball Buying Guide
If you are new to bowling or just buying your own ball for the first time, it is tempting to pick the most stylish ball off the shelf. However, this is not a good idea if you want to improve your game.
Choosing the right bowling ball will make a significant impact on your game.
There are several factors to consider while selecting the finest bowling ball for you, including size, weight, and manufacturer. Unfortunately, its color isn’t nearly as essential.
That being said, we all want a stylish bowling ball so don’t completely disregard the look of the ball.
After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time using it; you might as well get one you enjoy looking at!
Just remember that your new bowling ball ships undrilled so you will need to get it into the pro shop.
How to Choose a Bowling Ball
When you are buying a bowling ball, it is important to think about all the details. The way the ball feels in your hand, the color, and even the weight of the ball will affect how it performs when you bowl. Make sure that you pick a ball that feels good in your hand and is a color that you like.
Bowling Ball Weight
The bowling ball weight is one of the most crucial things to consider. You should select a ball that weighs about 1 pound per 10 pounds of your body weight.
If you weigh about 120 pounds, you’ll want a ball weighing around 12-13 pounds. You can manage the ball effectively without getting tired too quickly if you choose a weight that corresponds to your initial guess.
You can test the weight of the bowling ball by holding it straight out in front of you. The ball should be suspended in the air for a few moments without your hand getting tired. If you can hold the ball up easily, then it is a good weight to start with.
If it is too hard to hold out straight, it will be too heavy for you to control. The same is true for a ball that is too light. It will be hard to bowl it straight or control it.
If you are buying a ball for someone else, you can estimate the weight by their age. Bowling balls usually weigh between 6 and 16 pounds.
Lighter balls, weighing between 6 and 10 pounds, are designed for children. Heavier balls, weighing between 11 and 14 pounds, are designed for teenagers.
Adult female bowlers and experienced players in particular generally utilize 12-14 pound balls, whereas adult males use 15-16 pound balls. Professional bowling allows for the usage of the heaviest 16-pound balls available.
Bowling Ball Coverstock
The coverstock or shell of bowling balls is composed of polyester, urethane, or reactive resin primary materials that influence the surface texture, hardness, and oil absorption.
Below, we give each type of coverstock a brief explanation.
Polyester Coverstock
A polyester ball has a hard, shiny surface. They are the least reactive type of bowling balls and are not meant to absorb much oil.
This makes them ideal for dry lanes or for beginner bowlers who need a little help keeping their ball straight. Polyester balls are also the cheapest type of bowling ball.
Beginner balls often include a durable polyester cover stock, which make it a great ball for your first ball.
The smooth covering has low permeability and causes little ball-lane friction, as well as a low hook potential, which means it will go fairly straight.
Urethane Coverstock
A urethane ball has a mid-priced coverstock that is softer than polyester but harder than reactive resin.
It can be sanded to create more friction with the lane, and it also has a higher hook potential than polyester balls.
This type of bowling ball is good for bowlers who need a little help hooking the ball, but not too much.
It is also a good choice for bowlers who are looking for a durable ball that will not break the bank.
Urethane is a popular bowling ball material since it has a lot of friction between the lane and the ball, making it easier to curve.
Although it is more expensive than other choices, it’s a fantastic choice for players who target the pins from an angle. However, you give up control in exchange for greater friction, which is difficult on lanes with a lot of oil.
Professional bowlers usually have more than one type of ball to use on different lanes and lane conditions.
Reactive Resin Coverstock
A reactive resin bowling ball has a porous, spongy surface that is designed to absorb oil. This makes them ideal for use on oily lanes.
Reactive resin balls are the most expensive type of bowling ball, but they are also the most effective.
They have a higher hook potential than polyester and urethane balls and can be sanded to create even more friction.
Reactive resin balls are the choice of most professional bowlers because they provide the most control and allow for the most customization.
Reactive resin balls are expensive but they are good at hooking and they are common in professional-grade bowling balls.
The solid reactive option offers a bowling experience that is even and with a bit more friction on oily lanes.
The pearl reactive resin coverstock is less reactive than the solid reactive option. It still lets the ball hook, but it does so more subtly.
The hybrid option is a combination of two different types of coverstocks: pearl and solid reactive.
Plastic Coverstock
Plastic coverstock balls are the lightest and cheapest type of bowling balls. They are made of polyester or urethane and have a hard, shiny surface.
They are not meant to absorb oil and are not as effective on oily lanes. However, they are good for dry lanes and for beginner bowlers who need a little help keeping their ball straight.
Plastic coverstock balls are the best choice for beginners since they are cheap and easy to control.
On the other hand, more experienced bowlers might find them too light and difficult to control on anything but the driest lanes.
Final Thoughts on Coverstock
The coverstock is the primary material that makes up the outer shell of the bowling ball. It acts as a barrier between the lane and the inner core of the ball, and it affects the ball’s performance.
The three most common types of coverstock are polyester, urethane, and reactive resin. Polyester is the least reactive type of coverstock and is not meant to absorb much oil.
Urethane is a mid-priced coverstock that is softer than polyester but harder than reactive resin. Reactive resin is the most expensive type of coverstock and is designed to absorb oil.
Bowling Ball Cores
There are different types of bowling ball cores on the market. A bowling ball can have a pancake core, a symmetrical core, or an asymmetrical core. This will determine where you can drill finger holes on the ball.
Pancake core
Pancake core balls are easier to control down the lane and don’t need much technique adjustment. They usually stay straight and smooth, which is ideal for beginners.
Symmetrical Core
A bowling ball with an asymmetrical core is a more advanced version that can be found in most bowling balls. You have greater uniformity of control since it is balanced.
Asymmetrical Core
An asymmetrical core is an advanced type of core that is designed to give the ball more hook potential.
This is because the weight is not evenly distributed, which makes the ball spin more on its axis. As a result, it creates more friction with the lane, making it easier to curve.
This is an advantage for professional bowlers because they can adjust their techniques to get the desired results in different lane conditions.
Final Thoughts on Cores
The core of the bowling ball affects the performance of the ball. The three most common types of cores are pancake, symmetrical, and asymmetrical.
Pancake cores are the simplest type of core and are ideal for beginners. Symmetrical cores are more advanced and offer greater control. Asymmetrical cores are the most advanced type of core and offer more hook potential.
When choosing a bowling ball, it is important to consider the type of core that is best suited for your needs.
Is The Ball Legal (USBC approved)
Most bowling balls that are made recently are approved by the USBC. This means that the weight is accurate, the ball is balanced, and you can use it in professional competitions.
If you’re not sure whether your ball is USBC approved, take it to a bowling shop to get it verified.
Finger Holes
Bowling balls are usually purchased solid and require the holes to be drilled as per your specifications.
This should be done at a bowling shop that can do it professionally using the correct measurements and understanding the geometry of the bowling ball.
A pro shop will measure your hand and ask you about your grip. They will also take into account the size of your fingers and what type of bowling ball you are using.
After they have all this information, they will be able to drill the perfect finger holes for you.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Bowling Ball
Additional brand logos on your bowling ball can sometimes result in a price spike without any real benefits. However, if you are serious about bowling then you already have all of the above details covered and you just want to look cool.
Shop around if you’re on a budget. After you’ve finished preparing your ball, make sure to keep it in an appropriate protective bag and use the right cleaning solutions.
Bowling Ball FAQs
ARE YOU ALLOWED TO BOWL USING 2 HANDS?
Some people argue that using two hands to bowl is cheating or illegal. However, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sport’s national governing body, has determined that there are no rule violations using this method.
In fact, if you are using the no thumb technique it’s almost necessary to use 2 hands.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BOWLING BALL IS TOO HEAVY?
A good bowling ball should be around 10% of your body weight. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a lighter ball. You can always move up to a heavier ball once you get more experience.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR BOWLING BALL?
You should clean your bowling ball after every game but not during. If you have your own ball, it is recommended to give it a deeper clean once a week. This will help to remove the build-up of oil and dirt that can affect performance.
ARE ALL BOWLING BALLS THE SAME SIZE?
The size of a ball is a standard 8.5 inches in diameter, but the weight ranges between 6 lbs and up to a maximum of 16 pounds. There is a very small amount of tolerated variance in this size caused by production inconsistencies.
What is the best bowling ball for a beginner?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your individual needs. A plastic ball is usually good first start.
What is a Spare Ball?
Spare bowling balls are used to convert difficult spares. They are typically lighter balls with less hook potential so you can make straight shots. This makes them easier to control and get into the pocket.
What is Ball Reaction?
Ball reaction or ball motion is how the ball moves down the lane after it is thrown. A good spare ball will have very little reaction since you want it to go straight. However, a hook ball will generally revolve more on it’s axis allowing for a greater hook potential.
What is a Hook Ball?
Hook bowling balls are designed to create more hooks. They have a higher RG and lower differential which makes them spin more on their axis. As a result, they create more friction with the lane, making it easier to curve.
This is an advantage for professional bowlers because they can adjust their techniques to get the desired results in different lane conditions.
What is an Ideal Bowling Ball Weight?
A good bowling ball should be around 10% of your body weight. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a lighter ball.
Conclusion
The coverstock, core, and weight of the bowling ball are the three main factors that affect performance. The coverstock is the primary material that makes up the outer shell of the bowling ball and affects the ball’s performance.
The three most common types of coverstock are polyester, urethane, and reactive resin. The type of coverstock you choose will depend on your budget and desired results.
The core of the bowling ball affects the ball’s performance. The three most common types of cores are pancake, symmetrical, and asymmetrical.
Pancake cores are the simplest type of core and are ideal for beginners. Symmetrical cores are more advanced and offer greater control. Asymmetrical cores are the most advanced type of core and offer more hook potential.