The 10 Best Bowling Balls of 2024

If you are asked to mention a few popular sports today, you should include bowling on your list. This unique game is full of fun but requires many techniques to get everything right. The game is not all about rolling the ball and counting the scores but involves a lot. Other than the right skills, you need the best bowling balls to achieve your goal.

Also, you must possess the most relevant knowledge regarding this interesting sport if you want to excel more. Using top-quality bowling balls will most likely suit your style, develop your interest in the game, and even become one of the top professional bowlers.

While a number of bowling alleys provide players with “house balls” to use, it is quite challenging to be consistent with this type of bowling ball. This due to the fact that the balls won’t always fit nicely to your hand in addition to lacking the coverstock and core that will give you a perfect curve. Not to mention an explosive pin action that you need when the ball hits your target.

So, if you’re worried about how to go about purchasing the right bowling ball for your needs, this review and buying guide have you covered. Just read on to find out what you need at your fingertips when shopping for the best bowling balls of 2021.

Best Overall: Hammer Black Widow-Pink Bowling Ball

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If you are looking for the best bowling ball to fulfill your bowling fantasies, look no further than the Hammer Black Widow-Pink Bowling Ball. This beautiful ball is designed to handle any heavy oil bowling lane.

Also, the ball is extremely aggressive thanks to its polished cover. As such, it achieves great movement to give you amazing results. Its core comes in handy to provide excellent performance.

Apart from that, the same ball boasts a polished finish and pink cover to make it more attractive and efficient on the bowling lanes. At the same time, it comes loaded with legendary features such as flex resins and carbon fiber to make it one of the toughest bowling balls on the market.

Best Value: Pyramid Path Rising-Bowling Ball

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Here comes one of the best bowling balls from Pyramid. Path Rising-Bowling Ball is designed with you in mind. It features Pyramid Technology to help you achieve great performance on different types of bowling lanes. This is made possible with the help of its core which offers versatile ball motion. As a result, anyone, whether a beginner or a professional, can use the ball to showcase their bowling skills.

As if that is not enough, the ball is made of a polyester coverstock to make it durable and efficient. No wonder it is always considered a great companion for new bowlers. With its finish and breathtaking quality, Pyramid Path Rising-Bowling Ball is a real deal when it comes to turning heads.

Best Pick: Brunswick TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball

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Whether you are new to bowling or a professional, TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball from Brunswick is just right for you. This is one of the best bowling balls you can rely on to improve your skills.

It is not only a nice-looking ball but also a great ball that delivers awesome performance on the lanes. The ball is exceptionally perfect when it comes to striking straight shots. That is why you can use it as your spare ball. In addition to that, the ball features excellent finishing which makes it a great choice of achieving great bowling performance.

Aside from enviable performance, Brunswick manufactures bowling balls that have the finest quality for buyers. This model is no exception since it has received higher ratings from previous users all over the world.

From the structural point of view, the TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball does not disappoint in any way. This is because it has a polyester coverstock that gives it a great appearance. It is no doubt that the attractive aqua blast color of this product makes it unique. The same color combination allows the ball to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding. Moreover, its high gloss finish enables the ball to roll nicely on many lanes.

Best Budget-Friendly: Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball

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Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball is a must-have if you are just starting with bowling. The ball is regarded the best for most dry lanes. As an entry-level bowling ball, this product is a perfect choice for less reactive shots. Again it gives more control on every throw you make.

It features one of the most unique cores in bowling. Designed with the light-bulb core, the ball provides the best motion ever. What is more, it comprises an R-16 coverstock to provide back-end hookup motion easily. It is also made of a 500 grit stair-pad that is skillfully polished using a crown factory compound to give it a shining look.

The ball is well-known for providing bowlers with excellent balance as well as absolute control over the motion. These two are the most crucial aspects you should expect from a top-quality bowling ball on the market. What is amazing is that the ball comes in five different color schemes to choose from.

With this ball in your possession, you can soar great heights in bowling within a short time. This is due to the fact that the ball has achieved great performance for many users since its first advertisement. For that reason, you can expect it to give you outstanding ball action in dry lanes but not oily lanes.

Best for Kids: Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball

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Designed for middle and elementary school grade levels, Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Bowl is the real deal when it comes to training your kids to bowl. It is made of high-quality and durable foam rubber materials for safety and aesthetic value.

For safety, the ball utilizes the exclusive foam rubber that has the ability to not only absorb but also to dissipate the shock created at impact. The same material provides much- needed kinesthetic feedback, much to the delight of your young bowlers.

Furthermore, the ball boasts an indestructible UltraFoam feature that withstands any type of impact on the lane while it rolls. Also, the same feature minimizes injuries by a large percentage, keeping your kids safe throughout the bowling session.

Additionally, its multi-grip handheld pattern plays an integral role in providing a one-size-fits-all bowling experience to anyone regardless of their experience. Most importantly, this bowling ball from Sportime features some fancy, bright colors that draw your kids’ attention instantly.

Pyramid Path Bowling Ball

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Pyramid Path Bowling comes in a combination of colors such as pink, blue, and teal to capture your attention. This type of ball from Pyramid allows you to choose your path in bowling regardless of your experience.

With this Pyramid series, you are sure of great results and excellent performance in a short time. This is attributed to the fact that this ball is designed to offer all levels of the best quality, durability, value, and the best prices. Also, it is designed to take care of your bowling needs in all seasons without stretching your budget.

The best thing about this product is that it has one of the most amazing finishes in the world of bowling. This is to say that it offers both a polished finish and a classy appearance thanks to its polyester coverstock. In addition, the core ensures that bowlers of different skill levels enjoy their bowling sessions, particularly for shooting spares or on dry lanes.

Best New Features: Pyramid Antidote-Solid Bowling Ball

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Just like a real antidote, Pyramid Antidote-Solid Bowling ball offers an everlasting solution to your bowling challenges. This ball is packed with unique features that give you a great advantage when bowling.

Having said that, it features the latest version of cores that enables you to have an easy time when making a shot. This feature is popularly known as the ERA-149 symmetric core designed to create a medium flare differential. What this means is that the core allows your ball to roll along medium lanes easily and smoothly.

Most significantly, this product is equipped with yet a unique version of coverstock. The GPS navigational solid coverstock adds value and glamor to this ball. Besides featuring a GPS, it also comes with a 2000 grit abalone/factory polish finish to make it stand out from the rest. The aforementioned two features help the ball to move smoothly in all lanes.

Other than great performance, Pyramid Antidote-Solid Bowling boasts its versatility. It provides you versatile drilling options to help enjoy a variety of bowling styles without having to look for another bowling ball.

Best Color Combination: Storm Ice Blue/White Bowling Ball

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The beauty of Storm Ice Blue/White Bowling Ball is on another level. This beautiful ball will make your opponent freeze even before you make your first throw. The ball is packed with key features that enable you to achieve success in bowling without struggling much.

It features a three-piece pancake core that allows you to pinpoint the ball accurately. This is the way you can hit your target with the best precision ever. Apart from that, there is a polyester coverstock that adds value and authenticity to this great bowling ball. To add to that, it enables the ball to travel in a straight line.

The 3500-grit polish is another feature that will blow away your mind and uplift your mood the moment you lay your eyes on this ball. This is because it provides a durable finish that maintains the appearance of the ball for quite someone, making it look as good as new throughout.

Best for Recreational Bowling: Brunswick Brunswick Bowling Product

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If you love style and attention while bowling, look for Brunswick Brunswick Bowling Product. This viz-a-ball gives you the best of Brunswick thanks to its design and overall appearance. The ball glows nicely when you bowl it under the black light. No wonder it combines blue, green, and white to give an amazing image of the globe.

Apart from that, it consists of 360-degree limited edition graphics that give a true image of the globe complete with images depicting the continents, clouds, and oceans. It is made of high-quality polyester material that is both long-lasting and efficient when it comes to rolling the ball on the lanes. Overall, this bowling ball is designed for both professional bowlers and recreational bowlers.

Best Color: Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball

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Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball is a state-of-the-art bowling ball that gives you value for your money. Despite being an entry-level reactive bowling ball, this model is one of its kind. It makes use of the latest version of the symmetric core. This feature makes it a high-performing ball on different types of lanes.

Besides its performance, this scarlet ball offers a sight to behold. Its unique color and glossy appearance make it look stunning. This shiny look comes about as a result of a 2000 Abralon polished finish. In this case, the ball is able to provide a smooth glide on both medium and lightly oily lanes. Its pancake coverstock gives it a great performance. Plus, it boasts a polyester coverstock to make it last longer while serving you well.

Best Bowling Balls Buying Guide

Bowling is undoubtedly the most fascinating game you will ever come across. Besides being a trendy game, it is enjoyed by scores of people across the globe. Despite its popularity, the most challenging part of this game is finding the right ball. In this regard, you need to find a bowling ball designed to fit your needs and playing style.

To find the best bowling ball, you need to take into account several factors. For a beginner, choosing the right ball can be a real hurdle since all the bowling balls will appear to be the same. This means you need to acquire the expertise of real bowling professional to buy the most ideal ball for yourself. Here are essential considerations when shopping for your bowling ball.

Consider the Weight of the Ball

Consider the weight of the ball when choosing the best bowling balls. The weight of the ball plays an integral role in bowling. This is because you shouldn’t struggle much when rolling your ball.

If your ball is too heavy, it is obvious that you will struggle when trying to release it. Likewise, a lighter ball will make it difficult for you to execute the right moves due to a lack of balance. This is the main reason you need to consider choosing the right weight ball in relation to your ability. In an actual sense, it is the weight of a bowling ball that makes the difference when playing this addictive game.For you to find the right ball weight, you must consider the following recommendations:

Choose a ball that is about 10% of your entire body weight. Most seasoned players take this recommendation seriously every time they are out there to buy their balls. You can also do the same to find the right ball weight.

Even if you decide to go for the heaviest ball, make sure you can use it without any constraints. Keep in mind that this option may not work for everyone. So, be sure to make the right choice.

You may add at least 1 or 2 pounds to the house ball weight. The extra weight is to compensate for materials removed when drilling the holes. Once the holes are drilled, the ball will feel a little bit lighter to give you a great throw.

In a nutshell, don’t go for a heavy bowling ball if you cannot handle it properly. Instead, choose a ball weight that will make you feel comfortable when throwing the ball.

Consider the Cores

The cores of the bowling ball are the next most important consideration to make when buying a bowling ball. Apparently, there are different types of cores found in bowling balls. Each of these cores has been designed to create a disparate impact on the game. That is why you need to settle for a bowling ball with the right type of core. Below is a brief description of the cores you need to know:

Pancake Cores

Pancake cores are associated with bigger bowling balls. Their features make them a better choice for new bowlers since they are very easy to handle. Apart from that, they don’t require a lot of adjustment to make the ball easy to handle. Most importantly, pancake cores make the balls look straighter than others with different cores. This explains why a bowling ball with a pancake core is known for providing a more soothing rolling experience.

Symmetrical Cores

Unlike pancake cores, the symmetrical core is a little more advanced. No wonder it is the most common core found in many bowling balls. The most intriguing thing about this type of core is that it is very much balanced. Due to this feature, balls with symmetrical cores give an even roll during the game. After all, the core plays a critical role in making your game more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Asymmetrical Cores

Surprisingly, most bowlers prefer balls with asymmetrical cores. The main idea behind choosing this type of core is that it allows you to control your balls. Even if many players love balls with asymmetrical cores, this option is good under certain conditions. That is, they give you more motion for every throw you make. Also, it allows you to hit the ball from an angle without much of a struggle.

Since you have first-hand information about different types of cores used in bowling balls, you can easily make up your mind on the type of ball you want to purchase. You just have to pick the most appropriate core and everything else will fall in place for you.

Consider the Coverstock Material

A coverstock is another consideration to keep in mind when choosing the best bowling balls. Moreso, the material used in making this part of the ball is what you should pay attention to while shopping for this important bowling accessory.

Unfortunately, most players ignore this factor because they don’t know its importance. The material used in coverstocks determines the amount of hook the ball will achieve. Just like the cores, coverstock materials are of different types. But the most common of all is the plastic material. Others include urethane and reactive resin.

Your choice of coverstock material should be based mainly on what you want your bowling ball to do. This is in relation to the fact that different coverstocks have different roles when it comes to bowling. For instance, the plastic ones provide a smooth throw even though they don’t rotate as much. They just make your bowl roll in a straight line. Reactive resin and urethane are ideal for those players who prefer hooking their throws. But the degree of hooking may vary from time to time depending on specific materials used in making a cover stock.

Consider the Reactive Resin

You must find out how reactive the bowling ball is before choosing it. But this factor depends on the design of your most ideal ball. In this regard, you should have knowledge of the reactive resin coverstock. The reactive resin is available in solid, pearl, and hybrid forms.

The solid form is most suitable for providing an even ball rolling experience. It also creates more friction to make the ball roll smoothly on an oily lane. The pearl reactive resin is not reactive on an oily lane. But this type of reactive resin gives some leverage. The hybrid reactive resin combines solid and pearl resins. This means it provides the best qualities of both sides. It is more aggressive in addition to providing a great ball rolling experience.

In summary, you should choose a reactive resin depending on the quality of the game you are going to take part in. For newbies, solid reactive resin is the most ideal choice.

USBC Approved

A good bowling ball is one that is USBC approved. USBC is a body that approves bowling balls for professional competitions. The approval of the ball encompasses a lot of factors which may include the balance or weight of a certain type of ball. The approval aims at ensuring that the bowling balls are well-balanced for use in professional bowling games.

Consider the Brand

There are quite a number of bowling ball companies that you need to know before you go out to buy your ball. These companies offer many options that help you choose the best bowling ball easily.Examples of these brands are as follows:

• Storm
• Ebonite
• 900 Global
• Motiv
• Brunswick

The above-mentioned companies have a reputation for meeting the growing demand for bowlers across the world. In addition, these companies are well-known for producing high- quality bowling balls for both beginners and professionals.

With these factors at your fingertips, you will have an easy time choosing the right bowling ball for your bowling needs. Make sure you study each factor carefully to help you make a wise decision on these bowling products.

Best Bowling Balls Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What parts make up a bowling ball?
A: Every bowling ball you come across has two major parts; the core and the coverstock. The core is located inside the ball. It is also known as the “weight black”. The core is actually an oddly-shaped weight fixed inside the coverstock. It is normally located right at the center of the bowling bowl.

The core helps to create the asymmetric weight that results in the momentum you need for your bowling ball to hook and get through the pins while maintaining a substantial amount of force. The size and shape of the core vary greatly.

As the name suggests, the coverstock is actually the outer part that is visible. This part is shaped just like any other ball. It is made of a special material that makes it unique. Thanks to this material, the coverstock is designed to come in touch with the lanes during the boiling process. That is why many manufacturers today strive to use materials that allow the coverstock on a bowling ball to have a firm grip on the lanes and create a perfect impact on the pins. Different types of coverstocks are in production today to meet the needs of bowlers who have different skills and techniques.

Q: What are the most appropriate bowling ball weight for youth, men, and women bowlers
A: Since everything is different in structure and strength, every bowler should choose the heaviest ball that each one of them can throw severally without exhausting their arms.

For that reason, the most appropriate bowling ball for the men’s league should range from 14 to 16 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the women’s league bowlers may range from 10 to 14 pounds. These bowling balls come in different sizes. You can get some of them weighing as low as 6 pounds which is appropriate for youth bowlers.

Q: Does buying the bowling ball online include the finger holes?
A: Not at all. When you buy a brand new bowling ball online it does not come with holes drilled. This is attributed to the fact that each bowling ball must be custom-drilled in relation to your hands. The good news is that it is affordable to have the holes drilled according to your specifications. All you need is to take them to the nearby bowling alleys or stores to have them drilled. At least you will save some money for other uses.

Q: Can I drill holes on my own ball?
A: Not really! Never attempt to drill holes in your newly bought bowling ball. This is because the entire drilling process is complex and requires someone with special skills to perform it. Look for a bowling ball professional certified by the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) to help you with the drilling of holes. A poorly drilled ball is likely to lead to injuries when throwing it.

Q: Should I go for a one-handed bowling ball or a two-handed one?
A: Most people are only aware of the traditional bowling technique-the one-handed bowling style. Little do they know that the best bowling style is the double-handed bowling technique. As a matter of fact, the double-handed style is used by Jason Belmonte, the world number one bowler.

This revolutionary style has been debated upon by professional bowlers as to whether it is legitimate or not. The good news, it is there to stay. So, you can choose your bowling techniques depending on your ability and preference.

Q: How do I choose a grip for my new bowling ball?
A: This is a question that new bowlers fail to address when shopping for their bowling balls. The choice of the grip depends on where the holes are drilled on your ball. Two ways are applicable when trying to find the exact position to have a grip. These are the fingertip grip and standard grip. Either way, you will find it easy to have a better grip on your bowling ball. Both methods are applicable and they are inherently better.

During the conventional grip, your thumb should be fully inserted inside the bowling ball’s thumb hole. Your middle and ring fingers should be pushed into the bowling ball to reach the second joint on the two fingers. The best thing about the conventional grip is that it provides you with more stability than other gripping methods. With this technique, your fingertip grip enables you to make more revolution on the bowling ball upon release. However, this is just a matter of choice and not a prerequisite.

Q: What is the purpose of oil on the bowling lane?
A: The oil serves two functions. The first one is that it prevents the formation of scratches, gouges, and dents on the ball. The most ideal type of oil used on the bowling lane is mineral oil. Secondly, the oil determines the patch or direction of the bowling balls along the lane.

Q: How do I tell the lane conditions when bowling at my local bowling alley?
A: If you want to know how the conditions in your local bowling alley are, you should ensure that you have a bowling ball that can serve you in all conditions. That is if you are an experienced bowler.

Q: What other additional bowling equipment should I have?
A: In addition to a bowling ball, you need a good pair of shoes designed primarily for bowling. This is the most important piece of equipment that you should acquire if you want to enjoy your bowling game. If you cannot afford a pair, you can just rent one, especially if you are still new to bowling.

Other equipments include a locker for storing your items and a rosin bag to wear on your hand when bowling. The rosin bag plays an active role in absorbing the moisture and enhancing your grip on the ball. At the same time, the bag helps you to gain full control of the bowl, allowing for a smoother bowling ball release. Above all, it protects your skin on your hands against injuries throughout the game.

Q: How do I improve my bowling skills?
A: Sadly, most newcomers in the world of bowling overlook the significant aspect of picking up spares. Little do they know that it is fun to knock every pin on the first ball. Keep in mind that a strike scored more than a spare. But this is not always the case where you obtain multiple strikes following each other. This should tell you that you must pay attention and follow each spare attempt to gain your bowling skills.

Another way to improve your bowling skills is to develop a great passion for the game. You also need to make a few adjustments by practicing more often. In addition to that, you should consider joining a bowling league in your area to acquire new skills and experience.

The Verdict

Finding the best bowling ball depends on several factors. Key among them being your performance and knowledge of common features. The balls mentioned above give you an idea of what you should strive to look out for when shopping for these bowling accessories. They are tested and proven to be effective on different types of lanes.

Based on the features and reviews from previous users, our top overall is Hammer Black Widow-Pink Bowling Ball. This bowling ball has what it takes to transform your bowling skills. Other models are just fine and will deliver great results much to your delight.