Get Your Own Signature Ball: The Best Bowling Balls
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Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball -
DV8 Endless Nightmare Bowling Ball -
Storm Dark Code Bowling Ball -
Motiv Primal Rage Bowling Ball -
Brunswick Vapor Zone Solid Bowling Ball -
Buyer's Guide
The sport of first-dates, Homer Simpson, and weekend afternoon programming on ESPN2; bowling is suitable for everyone because anyone can play. Though maybe you're one of those folks who hears the crash of the pins like a siren's call, and it's about more than just a few beers and those cool-looking shoes. If that's you, then it's time to invest in a ball, and when you're picking out that very special one, the first thing to consider is the weight. If you go too heavy or too light, it will have an effect on your game. Go with the heaviest ball you can physically manage to wield. Anything heavier is going to be useless because you'll lack control and comfort every time you swing.
You have a selection of materials to choose from in the composition of your ball; each one is best suited based on your style of play, the lanes you use, and your skill level. Beginners will want to go with a plastic ball since they haven't developed their game fully and will tend to roll the ball straight, without much hook. The intermediate player might want to go with urethane material, allowing for more hook on each roll; the surface will not only interact better with well-oiled lanes but also impact the pins at a lower sweet spot. Resin balls take most of these advantages and allow for greater success with each, especially with regard to hook and strike zone.
So now that you've got some buying tips to work with, take a look at our list of the best bowling balls of 2022 below— each one is chosen based upon the following criteria: core materials, coverstock materials, power, weight availability, and overall performance.
Best Bowling Balls Worth Considering in 2022
Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball - Best Bowling Ball Overall
The Deadly Aim will give you just that with expert precision and hard-hitting impact. Hammer has created a core system that concentrates greater mass density at the center, increasing your torque for a stronger flow of energy that results in a longer continuation on your roll out and a hard backend snap. The assertive arc of this thing bashes down the pins with a reinforced outer core layer of unyielding and durable carbon fiber, unleashing all that power down with veracity. The ball has excellent grip in heavy oil, using a primer reactive hybrid coverstock and still maintains enough energy for serious impact at the end of the lane. Hammer is so sure they've made one of the strongest and most powerful balls on the market that they're backing it with a three year warranty against manufacturing defects. It comes in a fiery red/orange/yellow color combination and is available in weights 12-16.
DV8 Endless Nightmare Bowling Ball - Runner Up
DV8 has always been known for their aggressive balls that exert a lot of strength and the Endless Nightmare continues that tradition of dominance. They've put their Class 9 hybrid reactive coverstock around their asymmetric, black, skull-shaped Nightmare core; which is designed for harder arc and more area at the break point with faster friction response. The ball is forceful right from the start and slashes through medium to heavy oil with ease while maintaining all of its energy, before turning on a dime and blasting the pins with all of its might. Plus you won't need to perform all kinds of exotic drillings on this ball to make it do what you want. Simplicity works best. It comes in various weights from 12-16 and has a strange exterior aesthetic of purple, silver, and yellow that isn't the most attractive combination. If you're a fan of previous DV8 balls like the Nightmare and the Brutal Nightmare this one won't disappoint; and as is the case with all of their balls, DV8 backs their product with a two year warranty against material and workmanship defects so you can rest assured you're holding a quality piece of equipment in your hands.
Storm Dark Code Bowling Ball - Honorable Mention
Storm has improved upon all the excellent qualities of its previous Virtual Gravity ball with the Zero Gravity, using a modified design on their Super Lock core which has been tweaked for a lower density center mass that produces less flare-out and keeps the control in your hands. What does that mean exactly? The result is a ball that starts out strong at the top with a smooth motion down the mid-lane before transitioning with more fluid ease at the backend; and while it hooks with enough hard-hitting power to lay the smack down, it does so without the snap that some of the previous balls display. This one hooks hard with consistent reaction and a graceful recovery. Storm's improved ERG Solid Reactive coverstock likes to power through medium to heavy oil and works in concert with the low density core to charge down the lane while storing enough energy to knock down everything in its path. Storm's ball comes in weights 12-16 and is one of the best-selling balls on the market at the moment.
Motiv Primal Rage Bowling Ball - Consider
Motiv's newest bright red ball has the most angular backend of any ball the company has manufactured before it. Providing smooth length and excellent friction response, the Primal Rage lets you put as much speed as you want on it, no matter how steep the angle on the front, and still recover beautifully. This is achieved through Motiv's use of their new Fusion Pearl Reactive coverstock combined with a dual-density V2 core, which takes the ball through the heads with smoothness and ease before picking up speed and power down the mid-lane as it accumulates energy for the big finish. And what a finish it is, the ball waiting until the very last minute to hook and deliver a thrashing finale. Motiv's ball is available in the usual weights and comes at a retail price comparable to the other picks on our list.
Brunswick Vapor Zone Solid Bowling Ball - Best Bowling Ball
The Aura is a pretty impressive ball all around, starting with Brunswick's Optimum Solid-Flip Coverstock technology. It provides a stronger preservation of revolution rate, axis rotation, and speed, so that greater energy is released later in the backend. This makes for a better angle and powerful impact to make sure you take out all the pins. The ball's ultra-low RG core helps it do all of that by extending the ball's rotational energy for one of the best angular velocities of any ball on this list. It's a simple-looking ball, but the purple and black color combination is intimidating nonetheless. With a high-rated hook potential and length, this is a ball that is best suited for medium to heavy oil lanes.
Buyer's Guide
Why Should You Buy Your Own Bowling Ball?
Purchasing your bowling ball saves you from lots of trouble and hassle. Trust us; you would no longer have to wait in the alleys trying to find the right one.
And what if you don’t find one? You can end up with a poor bowling experience, and let’s not forget aching hands.
Having a bowling ball that offers you the best control and grip can be game-changing. You would not have to invest so much force and effort trying to get the right shot. The ball will feel comfortable in your hands too.
What’s more, using your bowling ball keeps you protected from the unknown. And, by that, we mean the germs transferred by a thousand different people. Better to invest in a ball than compromise on your health!
Factors to Consider in the Best Bowling Ball
With the plethora of bowling balls, it can be challenging to decide upon the perfect pick for your needs.
Naturally, you would want to go with one that belongs to a reputable brand and comes at a premium price. But, brand and price are not the only defining features of the best bowling ball. There are numerous other things you need to evaluate.
Read more to gain a deeper insight!
Types
Bowling balls have a lot of sub-categories that can be troublesome to decipher. You’ll find bowling balls for hooking, reactive resin balls, and whatnot.
However, there are only three fundamental bowling ball types based on throwing style:
- Hook ball: Easiest to control and strike pins successfully under varying conditions.
- Curveball: Provides the best strikes but requires a lot of handling practice.
- Backup ball: Good control but poor strikes.
You need to identify your style and pick the ball accordingly. Mostly, people prefer hook balls due to their consistent and easy-to-master results.
Material
Another fundamental category that you’ll come across is the one based on materials. It influences the efficiency and success of the throws. You have to evaluate the material used in the outer layer (also called cover stock) for the best performance.
Plastic Balls
The plastic bowling balls offer no friction at all. They are smooth and fast, which means straight strikes. It is great for beginners who have little to no experience in different throw styles.
Urethane Balls
Unlike plastic, the urethane balls provide good friction that reduces deflection. As a result, you can hit pins from various angles and get more strikes.
Reactive Resin Balls
Reactive resin uses an advanced type of polyurethane. It remains the most preferred option due to the excellent friction that it offers. Thus, the bowler gets better command overthrowing angle and speed.
Cores
The core affects the overall performance too. Here are some core types to choose from:
- Pancake Core
These bowling balls offer a smooth rolling experience and go straight. Since these don’t require much adjustment, beginners can easily control them.
- Symmetrical Core
Symmetrical cores make the bowling ball more balanced. Hence, the ball rolls evenly and smoothly. These are idealistic for both intermediate and beginner bowlers.
- Asymmetrical Core
If you are a seasoned bowler who enjoys hitting the pins at an angle, the asymmetrical core is an amazing option. These bowling balls create a slight angle when thrown, making it easier to strike.
Grip
If you’re purchasing a drilled bowling ball, then make sure to consider the grip type. Usually, there are two types; conventional or fingertip grip.
The conventional grip requires holding the ball with the ring and middle finger to about the second knuckle. Meanwhile, in fingertip grip, it's about to the first knuckle.
You can opt for either one depending on your comfort level. People who select fingertip grip also use inserts (also called plugs) for enhanced handling.
Does the Weight of a Bowling Ball Make a Difference?
Yes, the weight of a bowling ball makes a world of difference!
We have either heavy or lighter balls. You’ll find the heaviest ball to be 16 pounds and the lightest one to be 4 pounds. Well, each one comes with both pros and cons.
The heavy bowling balls do make you feel exhausted quickly, but their performance is unbeatable. These balls enhance your striking ability by causing the pins to fall successfully.
When thrown, the heavy ball has larger inertia than the lighter one. So, upon collision with the pins, the heavy balls transfer greater energy to the pins and guarantee a strike.
Plus, the heaviness results in less deflection. Your ball will go where you aim it. However, they strain your wrists and make handling difficult for beginners.
Comparatively, the lighter bowling balls allow easy control and adjustment. But, these do not promise good strike ability or reduced deflection. Sometimes, they even bounce over the pins.
Maintaining a Bowling Ball
Taking care of your bowling ball is crucial for a longer lifespan and optimal performance. Most bowlers simply wipe the ball after every shot and store it in the bag until the next use. But that’s not it.
Bowling balls collect a lot of dirt and grime in the lanes. You need to restore the ball to its original condition by deep cleaning every once in a while.
For it, you only need a towel, waterproof tape, and dish soap. Begin by putting tape on the holes so that no water goes inside. Then, fill warm water in a tub and pour in some dish soap.
Soak the ball in it for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Take it out and wipe the surface using the towel. Do it again if you still find oil and dirt.
Best Bowling Ball FAQs
Q. What is considered fast bowling ball speed?
A. Bowling ball speeds vary greatly from bowler to bowler. Generally, a speed greater than 19mph is fast. Meanwhile, a 17mph speed or lesser is slow.
Q. How long does a bowling ball last?
A. The lifespan of a bowling ball depends on usage, material, and maintenance. Most quality and maintained balls last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. But, it may last longer with better care.
Q. Can a bowling ball lose its hook?
A. Yes, a bowling ball can lose its hook potential when not maintained properly. The cover stock takes in the grime and oil from the lanes. It makes gripping the lane difficult. And so, the ball loses its hook.
