Bowling Balls
Bowling balls are arguably the most iconic piece of equipment used in the game. Beyond the simple looking exterior is a complex tool that has changed throughout the years. Bowling balls come in many different colors, sizes, weights, and materials. There is a lot to learn about this essential piece of equipment.
What are bowling balls used for?
Bowling balls are the most important piece of equipment that is used by every bowler. They are hard, spherical and usually pretty heavy. They feature three holes on the side of the ball, meant for a middle finger, ring finger, and thumb. Bowling balls typically range from 6 lbs. to 16 lbs. They also come in different sizes based on the size of a bowler’s hands and their preferences. Bowling balls serve one function, and that is for the bowler to roll the ball down the lane trying to hit a set of pins, knocking down as many as possible. Bowling balls can even be spun to achieve different shot styles.
Things To Consider
When looking for a bowling ball, you'll want to consider the following:
- What size bowling ball do you need?
- Do you want a two-piece or three-piece ball?
- How much do you want to spend on a bowling ball?
- What skill level of bowler are you?
Types
Bowling balls can either come as a two-piece or three-piece ball.
Two-Piece Balls
Two-piece bowling balls have traditionally been made with a central core or weight block with the coverstock making up the rest of the balls. As time has progressed, much of the overstock has been replaced with an outer core in order to fill in the ball with a cheaper material with similar results. These balls tend to produce better spin and control.
Three-Piece Balls
Three-piece balls have stayed relatively the same over time in terms of construction. The majority of their inside is filled with basic filler material. Where the finger holes are placed, there is a small weight block inside to make up for the lost material. The entire ball is covered with a thin layer of coverstock. Due to their relatively basic core, these balls tend to spin less.
What are the best bowling balls?
- Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
- Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball
- Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
- Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
- Hammer Black Widow 2.0
- Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball
- Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
- Storm Proton Physix Bowling Ball
- Motiv Venom Shock Bowling Ball
- Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
1. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $59.07-$69.95
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Brunswick
Brunswick Bowling Balls are one of the most recognized leaders in the bowling industry. These bowling balls were created by John Moses Brunswick. He created the first bowling center in Moscow in 1976. Brunswick sells products ranging from bowling balls themselves and bowling shoes, all the way to apparel and accessories like shoe covers and grip gloves.
One thing that should be noted about this ball is the amount of detail and decoration. This ball comes in a variety of different colors with stars incorporated into the designs, making it look almost like a galaxy. Due to its low hook potential (which is the second phase after the ball is released from the bowler's hand), this ball is said to be a good fit for beginner-level bowlers as well as spare bowling. If there is ever a time when you need to pick a bowling ball, the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball should be your go-to.
2. Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $154.95 - $158.94
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Storm
Released in October of 2016, and not too far from being number one on this list, is the Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball. Storm Bowling produces a total of 35 bowling balls, all having different qualities that make them unique.
Similar to the rest of Storm’s bowling balls, the Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball has a lightweight core. The outer shell of this ball, also known as coverstock in bowling, is made up of three different colors (red, blue, and purple). One of the strengths of the Storm Phaze II Ball includes the power the ball exerts. It also contains a weakness relating to the exterior of the ball. This is because the outside layer of the ball is a little drier than previous models, making it harder to get down the lane. However, with a little polishing of the outer layer, the Storm Phaze II Ball can quickly be fixed for top-notch performance.
3. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $54.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Pyramid
In third place for the best bowling balls is the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball. Its coverstock is made up of a mix of many vibrant colors, and the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball has many different color options to choose from. These color options are one of the many positive things this ball and brand already has to offer. Specifically related to the coverstock of the ball, the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is made up of polyester, which is typically better for straight shots when bowling.
An average bowling ball weighs around six to 16 pounds. The Pyramid Path Bowling Ball weighs nine pounds. Pyramid's end goal is to create the highest quality products and make them available for bowlers of all age ranges and skill levels. With the weight being only nine pounds, it allows them to reach this end goal. This ball, in particular, is very good for beginner-level bowlers.
4. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $82.91 - $109.95
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Brunswick
The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball is another great option to consider when bowling. It is perfect for bowlers of all skill levels, from beginners, intermediates, and even advanced level bowlers.
The Rhino Bowling Ball includes five different color combinations to choose from when choosing your coverstock. It also contains a pearl coverstock that allows it to have a smooth reaction to a dry bowling lane. This accounts for one of its disadvantages, its lack of oil. With all this being said, it should be noted that some bowlers have found the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball difficult to use on a freshly oiled lane.
5. Hammer Black Widow 2.0
Specifications:
- Price: $140.79
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Hammer
Next on the list is the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Bowling Ball. Besides the fact that it has a very clean coverstock, it also includes many unique features. For example, this ball’s traction is perfect for medium to heavy oil bowling lanes. One big addition that makes this ball different from other Hammer balls is the carbon fiber outer core that the ball contains. This was added for its durability and power. Something to note about this ball is the amount of force this ball is able to exert once released from the bowler's hands.
Although there are many advantages to this bowling ball, it also comes with disadvantages. One of which includes risking the ball’s cover stock if it is used in a dry bowling lane with a higher-rev style. With that being said, this bowling ball should be used by more advanced bowlers or bowlers who know how to read and see the oil levels on the bowling lanes.
6. Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $65.95
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Brunswick
While the Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry Bowling Ball is also manufactured by Brunswick, it differs from the other ones that we have seen previously. One thing that stands out about this polyester ball is its utility for spare shooting. The core of this bowling ball is a traditional symmetrical pancake core, which is also seen in various other types of bowling balls.
Not only do the vibrant purple, blue, and silver colors seen on the ball make it even more attractive when deciding whether or not to purchase it, but the colors also flow very nicely while the ball is rolling down the lane. In the case that you are ever looking for a beginner’s bowling ball and a bowling ball good for spare shooting, the Ebonite Maxim Peek-A-Boo Berry Bowling Ball is a good fit for you.
7. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $109.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Pyramid
This ball was created by a company called Pyramid, founded by a group of avid bowlers who wanted to use their expertise to create high-quality bowling products. As mentioned before, Pyramid’s end goal is to create the highest quality products and make them available for bowlers of all age ranges as well as skill levels. Apart from bowling balls, the company also sells bags, shoes, and accessories for bowlers.
If you are ever looking for a ball that is not likely to have chips or cracks, the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is definitely the answer. This specific ball consists of a chip-and-crack-resistant topcoat. This allows for the ball’s polyester coverstock to stay in better shape for longer. Although this ball has many plus sides to it, the one downside is that it happens to be somewhat bouncy. The bounce that this ball gives off could have something to do with the weight of the ball, which is 8.8 pounds. The one advantage of the weight of the ball is the strain it can take off of a bowler's body.
8. Storm Proton Physix Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $174.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Storm
The Storm Proton Physix Bowling Ball offers traction and hook on heavy oiled bowling lanes. The ball’s coverstock contains a matte finish with a swirl of magenta, black, and violet underneath a yellow logo that stands out. This ball is recommended for use by more advanced bowlers. Since the colors tend to swirl together when the ball is rolling down the lane, it is harder to read cues if you are not as skilled in bowling.
Similar to the other Storm Bowling Balls we have seen, this Storm Proton Physix Bowling Ball is made up of a lightweight core. It is said that this ball feels like cheating because of the amount of power it exerts and its dynamics. The Storm Proton Physix Bowling Ball is made up of an asymmetrical Atomic core. Apart from the core being lightweight and asymmetrical, it is also said to be extremely versatile, which means that the ball is able to adapt to the lane oil patterns.
9. Motiv Venom Shock Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $133.00
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Motiv
The Motiv Venom Shock Bowling Ball is an affordable option for bowling balls. This bowling ball is also very commonly known for its colors to pop on the bowling lane, and should primarily be used on light to medium oil conditions. This ball was produced by Motiv, a company that sells various bowling equipment. The orange logo seen on this ball is said to “pop” very well when on the lane as well as on a shelf.
Although there are so many advantages to this bowling ball, there are also a few disadvantages that should be noted. For example, if an advanced bowler is looking for an angular hook, this is not the ball to choose. Although it is said to be versatile, it is also not a great bowling ball to use on dry lanes. This ball is more recommended for beginner-level bowlers.
10. Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
Specifications:
- Price: $68.50
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Columbia 300
If you are looking for a bowling ball that comes in multiple different weights, the Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball is your answer. This bowling ball comes in nine different weights; however, the weight does not determine the price of the ball. This ball is best used in light oil lane conditions and includes a straight reaction. It is a polyester ball with a consistent durability and color.
In addition to the polyester coverstock this ball has, it has a bullet core and a crown factory polish finish. The Columbia 300 White Dot also has an advantage over some of the other bowling balls we have seen so far because it can be used on any lane condition. Whether you are a youth, beginner, intermediate, or even an advanced level bowler, this Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball is a good choice.
FAQ
Are heavier bowling balls better than lighter balls?
Heavier bowling balls are not necessarily always better than lighter balls. While heavier bowling balls will typically produce more power when striking the pins, some balls may be too heavy for the user. It is always best to use the heaviest ball that you can consistently bowl while also producing the most speed.
How do you know if your bowling ball is too heavy?
One way to know if your bowling ball is too heavy is if you feel sore or injured after a bowling session. Keeping your health in tact is most important, and if a certain size ball is constantly hurting your arm it is best to go lower. If the speed of your ball decreases throughout the session or isn’t where you want it to be, the ball is likely too heavy.
What type of bowling ball is best for beginners?
For beginners, the best type of balls to use are three-piece balls and those made out of plastic. Both three-piece and plastic balls are made to roll straighter and without the potential to hook. This makes it easier for beginners to get used to hitting their target and have a consistent roll.