Breakdown of the Different Types of Bowling Balls

There are many different types of bowling balls on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
I choose this one. Close-up of a hand holding bowling ball

Types of Bowling Balls

One of the most important factors in bowling is the type of ball you use. In this post, we will discuss the different types of bowling balls and the benefits of using each one.

The Bowling Ball Core (weight block)

pancake core

Bowling balls come in two main categories based on their inner core: Asymmetrical balls and Symmetrical balls. The inner core of a bowling ball is a key component that determines the ball’s reaction to the lane and its overall performance.

Asymmetrical Bowling Ball Core

Gas Mask Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical balls have an inner core that is not symmetrical, meaning that the weight is not distributed evenly around the ball. These balls are designed to have a higher hook potential and provide a more aggressive reaction on the lane. They are typically used by experienced bowlers who have developed a high level of control and skill and can handle a more reactive ball.

Symmetrical Bowling Ball Core

Capacitor Core symmetrical

Symmetrical balls, on the other hand, have an inner core that is symmetrical, meaning that the weight is distributed evenly around the ball. These balls have a lower hook potential and provide a straighter path on the lane. They are typically used by bowlers of all skill levels, including beginners, who are looking for a ball that is more controllable and easier to aim. Symmetrical balls can be used in a variety of conditions, including light to medium oil conditions.

Asymmetrical balls are best used by bowlers with a high rev rate, who are looking for more hook and a more aggressive backend reaction. Symmetrical balls are best used by bowlers with a low-medium rev rate, who are looking for a more controllable and straighter path.

The Bowling Ball Coverstock

bowling ball coverstock

The coverstock of a bowling ball is the outer layer that surrounds the inner core of the ball. It plays a crucial role in determining the ball’s reaction on the lanes and overall performance. The coverstock is designed to create friction between the ball and the lane, which in turn affects the ball’s hook, back-end reaction, and overall performance.

There are different types of coverstock materials that are used in bowling balls, each with its own unique characteristics and performance characteristics. Some of the most common coverstock materials include polyester, urethane, reactive resin, reactive hybrid and particle coverstock. These materials vary in terms of their reactivity, hook potential, durability, and overall performance.

Reactivity

The reactivity of a coverstock is one of the most important factors in determining a ball’s performance on the lanes. A more reactive coverstock will create more friction with the lane, resulting in a higher hook potential and a more aggressive backend reaction. On the other hand, a less reactive coverstock will create less friction, resulting in a lower hook potential and a straighter path on the lane.

Hook Potential

The hook potential of a coverstock is also another important factor in determining a ball’s performance on the lanes. The hook potential refers to the amount of curve or hook the ball will make when it travels down the lane. High-performance reactive coverstock, for example, is designed for heavy oil conditions and provides the highest hook potential for experienced bowlers, while medium-performance reactive coverstock is suitable for medium-heavy oil conditions and have moderate hook potential for a more balanced response for bowlers.

Different Types of Coverstock

Overall, the coverstock of a bowling ball plays a crucial role in determining the ball’s reaction on the lanes and overall performance. Understanding the different types of coverstock materials, reactivity and hook potential can help bowlers select the right ball to suit their skill level and playing style.

The following are different types of coverstock that may surround the inner core of your bowling ball.

Polyester Bowling Ball Coverstock

Isolated bowling ball

Polyester bowling balls are the most basic type of bowling ball and are often used by beginners. It is a plastic bowling ball and is typically used as a house ball. They are made of a hard plastic material and have a smooth surface. These balls are typically the cheapest option and are not as reactive as other types of balls, making them easier to control for those who are just starting out. They are also very durable and can withstand a lot of use.

House Bowling Balls

Picking out the right bowling ball is very important
Picking out the right bowling ball is very important

Bowling ball manufacturers get many orders for plastic bowling balls due to their durability and low cost. These balls are commonly referred to as “House bowling balls,” as they are often plentiful at the bowling alley and are free to use.

House bowling balls typically have a smooth surface and low hook potential, making them easy for bowlers of all skill levels to control. They are also less reactive than other types of balls, such as reactive resin or urethane, which means they are not affected as much by the oil patterns on the lane. They can handle frequent use and withstand the environment of bowling alleys making them ideal for that purpose.

Plastic Balls

Polyester bowling balls are made of a hard plastic material called polyester, which is a type of thermoplastic polymer. The material is extremely durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it a popular choice for beginners and those on a budget.

Smooth Surface

One of the main characteristics of polyester balls is that they have a very smooth surface. Unlike a reactive resin or urethane ball, polyester balls do not have a porous surface, which means they do not absorb oil from the lane. This makes them less reactive to the oil patterns on the lane, making them easier to control for beginners.

Low Hook Potential

Another characteristic of polyester balls is their low hook potential. Due to the smooth surface and low oil absorption, polyester balls do not have as much friction with the lane, which results in a lower hook potential. This means that the ball will not make as sharp of a turn when it hits the oil, making it easier for beginners to aim and control the ball.

Low Cost

Because of their low cost and durability, polyester bowling balls are often used in bowling alleys, by bowling leagues and beginner bowlers. However, a polyester bowling ball is not recommended for more experienced or advanced bowlers as they do not provide the same level of control and reaction as other types of bowling balls such as reactive resin or urethane bowling balls.

if you don’t want to use a plastic ball from your local bowling lanes, you may consider getting your own ball. If you are looking for a modern bowling ball, the following list of cover stock options may suit your best.

Urethane Bowling Ball Coverstock

Urethane Bowling Ball Coverstock

Urethane bowling balls are a step up from polyester balls and are often used by intermediate bowlers. They are made of a rubber-like material that is more reactive than polyester. This means that they can create more hook, or a curved path, when thrown. This can make them more challenging to control than polyester balls, but can also result in more power and strike potential.

More Reactive Bowling Ball

Urethane bowling balls are bowling balls that are made of a rubber-like material called urethane. They are known for being more reactive than polyester balls and are often used by intermediate bowlers who have developed some level of control and skill in their bowling game.

More Ball Motion

One of the key characteristics of urethane balls is their ability to create more hook or a curved path when thrown. This is due to the porous surface of the urethane material, which allows the ball to absorb oil from the lane and increase friction. The increased friction causes the ball to make a sharper turn, or hook, as it travels down the lane. This can make the ball more challenging to control, but also increases the potential for strikes and power.

More Durability

Another key characteristic of urethane balls is their durability. Urethane bowling balls are made of a high-quality and long-lasting material, which means they can withstand more wear and tear than polyester balls. They also can last a long time and perform well, making them a great investment for intermediate bowlers.

Heavily Oiled Lanes

Urethane balls come in a variety of coverstock options, from high-performance reactive coverstock, which is more aggressive on oily conditions and has higher hook potential, to medium-performance reactive coverstock which is suitable for medium-heavy oil conditions and have a moderate hook potential.

Overall, urethane bowling balls are a step up from polyester balls in terms of reactivity, control, and power. They are more challenging to control than polyester balls, but provide intermediate bowlers with the opportunity to improve their skills and increase their strike potential.

Reactive Resin Bowling Ball Coverstock

Hammer Purple Solid Reactive Bowling Ball 500

A reactive resin bowling ball is the most advanced type of bowling ball and is typically used by experienced bowlers as a strike ball. They are made of a reactive coverstock material, such as reactive resin or reactive hybrid, which allows them to create even more hook than urethane balls.

This makes them the most aggressive type of bowling balls on the market, which gives them the highest hook potential. They are typically used by pro bowlers and high-level competition bowlers because of the high level of control and finesse required to throw them.

Serious Bowlers

One of the main characteristics of reactive resin balls is their porous surface, which allows them to absorb oil from the lane and increase friction. This results in a higher hook potential than urethane balls, as well as a more aggressive reaction on the lane. The increased hook potential and aggressive reaction make these balls ideal for heavy oil conditions, as they can handle the oil and still make a strong and aggressive move on the back end of the lane.

Competitive Bowlers

Another characteristic of reactive resin balls is that they require more skill to control. The higher hook potential and aggressive reaction can make them difficult to control, especially for beginner bowlers. They also tend to have a higher price tag than polyester or urethane balls due to their advanced technology and high-performance coverstock.

Coverstock Options

Reactive Resin Bowling balls have different forms of coverstock options. Reactive resin, reactive hybrid, particle coverstock and more, which is different in terms of coverstock, and have different reaction on the lane according to the oil condition. They are also available in different weight blocks and shapes, providing bowlers with a wide range of options to suit their preferences and skill level.

High Hook Ability

Overall, reactive resin bowling balls are the most advanced type of bowling balls available, and are designed for experienced bowlers who are looking for the highest hook potential and most aggressive reaction on the lane. They are best suited for heavy oil conditions and require a high level of skill to control.

Particle Bowling Balls

particle bowling ball

A particle bowling ball, also known as a proactive ball, is a type of bowling ball that uses a coverstock that is infused with small particles such as ceramic or glass beads. These particles are designed to increase friction between the ball and the lane, which results in more hook and a more aggressive reaction. These balls are typically used by experienced bowlers in heavy oil conditions to maximize performance and power.

The Ball’s Surface is Rough

The particles in the coverstock of particle bowling balls are meant to increase the surface roughness of the ball, and when combined with the oil on the lane this will increase the friction between the ball and the lane. This results in a more aggressive and controllable back end reaction, providing the ball with more power and ability to change direction, especially on heavy oil conditions.

Particle bowling balls are also known for their durability. The particle coverstock material is quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making them ideal for bowlers who want a high-performing ball that will last for a long time.

More Control in Any Oil Pattern

Compared to reactive resin bowling balls, particle balls have slightly lower hook potential but have a more controllable back-end reaction. They are also suited for experienced bowlers who are looking to maximize their performance and power in heavy oil conditions and also provide more forgiveness to bowlers.

In summary, particle bowling balls are a type of bowling ball that uses a coverstock infused with small particles such as ceramic or glass beads to increase friction between the ball and the lane. They are typically used by experienced bowlers in heavy oil conditions to maximize performance and power. They are more durable and provide more control and power than other types of balls.

Solid Bowling Balls

Solid bowling balls are similar to reactive resin bowling balls but have a smooth surface without any reactive coverstock material. They are designed to be less reactive and more controllable than other types of balls. This makes them a good choice for bowlers who want a straighter ball path, or less hook, than what other reactive balls can provide.

Spare Ball

A Solid bowling ball is typically made of a hard plastic material like polyester which offers a smoother surface, is less reactive, and doesn’t have a porous coverstock material. Due to the smooth surface and less reactive coverstock, these balls have a lower hook potential, making them a great option for spare balls.

Less Ball Hook

Solid bowling balls are also often used by bowlers who are looking for a straighter line or a more consistent roll on the lane. They are a good choice for bowlers who want a ball that will not hook or turn as much as other types of balls, providing a straighter path on the lane which could be beneficial for bowlers who have to throw in medium-light oil conditions and have a moderate hook potential.

Solid bowling balls are also known for their durability, similar to polyester bowling balls and are a cost-effective choice for bowlers. However, they may not provide the same level of control and reaction as other types of bowling balls such as reactive resin or urethane bowling balls, which are designed to provide more hook and reaction on the lane.

In summary, Solid Bowling balls are similar to reactive resin bowling balls but have a smooth surface without any reactive coverstock material. They are designed to be less reactive and more controllable than other types of balls, making them a good choice for bowlers who want a straighter ball path and a consistent roll on the lane. They are also durable and cost-effective but might not provide the same level of control and reaction as other types of balls.

Hybrid Bowling Balls

Hybrid bowling balls are a combination of solid and reactive resin bowling balls. They have a reactive coverstock on the outer layer and a solid inner core. This design allows the ball to create a moderate amount of hook while still maintaining a straighter path. These balls are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions, making them a good choice for bowlers of all skill levels.

Hybrid bowling balls have a reactive coverstock on the outer layer and a solid inner core. The reactive coverstock, which is similar to that used in reactive resin balls, provides a moderate amount of hook, while the solid inner core helps to maintain a straighter path. This design allows the ball to create a moderate amount of hook while still maintaining a straighter path, making it a more controllable option than reactive resin balls.

Various Oil Conditions

Hybrid bowling balls can be used in a variety of conditions, including medium to heavy oil conditions. They are versatile and can be used by bowlers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced bowlers. They are also a good choice for bowlers who are looking for a ball that can provide a balance of hook and control. They have a moderate hook potential and can be fine-tuned to the bowler’s playing style.

Hybrid balls are also known for their durability. The coverstock is durable, and the combination of the solid core and the reactive coverstock makes these types of bowling balls suitable for long time usage.

In summary, Hybrid Bowling balls are a combination of solid and reactive resin bowling balls. They have a reactive coverstock on the outer layer and a solid inner core. This design allows the ball to create a moderate amount of hook while still maintaining a straighter path. These balls are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions, making them a good choice for bowlers of all skill levels, they are also known for their durability.

Specialty Bowling Balls

There are many different types of specialty bowling balls available on the market, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some examples include:

  • Self-righting bowling balls, have a unique weight distribution that causes them to always roll in the same direction.
  • Two-piece bowling balls, which have a separate inner core and outer coverstock, allow the bowler to adjust the ball’s weight and balance.
  • Three-piece bowling balls, which have an inner core, an outer core, and a coverstock, allow for even more customization of the ball’s weight and balance.
  • Bowling balls with interchangeable weight blocks, allow the bowler to adjust the ball’s weight as needed.

Custom Bowling Balls

For professional bowlers and some serious amateurs, custom bowling balls are available. These are balls that are designed to the bowler’s specific needs and preferences. A bowler can select from a variety of coverstocks, cores, weight blocks and drilling patterns to create a ball that is tailored to their individual style and skill level. Custom bowling balls can also be designed to suit specific lane conditions, such as oily or dry lanes. These balls are typically more expensive than other types of balls, but they can give bowlers a significant advantage by providing a perfect fit for their specific needs.

It is important to note that when selecting a bowling ball, you should consider your skill level, the type of lanes you will be bowling on, and your personal preferences. A ball that is perfect for one bowler may not work as well for another, so it is best to try out several different types of balls before making a final decision.

Finger Holes

Custom bowling balls are drilled to fit the specific hand and finger measurements of the individual bowler. They are designed to provide a better fit and more comfortable feel while throwing the ball, which can help improve accuracy and performance.

To make sure that you get the best out of a custom bowling ball, bowlers typically go through a process called “finger fitting” where the size and shape of their fingers are measured by a pro shop.

These measurements are then used to create finger holes that are specifically tailored to the individual bowler’s hand.

Then the bowling pro shop or the manufacturer will use these measurements to drill the finger holes with precision to the exact size of the bowler’s fingers, ensuring a comfortable fit and bowling grip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of bowling balls on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and features. It is important to consider your skill level, the type of lanes you will be bowling on, and your personal preferences when selecting a ball. With the right ball and some practice, you can improve your bowling game and enjoy the sport even more.

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