What are the best bowling balls right now?

Best Bowling Ball Buying Guide

Whether you are new to bowling or just buying your own ball for the first time, it may be tempting to pick the most stylish ball off the shelf. However, this ball-buying tactic will not get your game very far. Choosing the right bowling ball can make a significant difference to your game. There are many specifications and manufacturing details that need to be considered when choosing the best bowling ball for you. Its color is unfortunately not as important. So instead of just grabbing a big shiny ball off the shelf, we’ve put together everything you need to consider when choosing the best bowling ball to help you get a big shiny trophy instead.

How to Choose a Bowling Ball

Every detail of your new bowling ball is going to play an important role in how it performs when it leaves your hands. Here are the things to consider when buying a bowling ball:

Weight

The most important consideration when choosing a bowling ball is the weight. One of the best ways to select the ball weight is to calculate 1 pound for every 10 pounds of body weight. Therefore, if you weigh around 120 pounds, you will choose a ball in the range of 12-13 pounds. This allows you to control the ball well without tiring too quickly.

Test the weight you have chosen by having someone pass you the ball when stretching out your arm. This will determine if the ball is too heavy. When the ball is placed in your hands, it should not pull you off balance. If it does, it will be too heavy for you to control. In the same way, a ball that is too light will be hard to bowl straight or control effectively.

If you are buying a ball for someone else and are not sure of their weight, you can make a rough estimation by age. Bowling balls can weigh anywhere between 6 to 16 pounds. Lighter balls weighing between 6 to 10 pounds are generally designed for children while 11-14 pound balls are suitable for teenagers. Adult females and senior players in general use 12-14 pound balls, while adult males use 15-16 pound balls, with the heaviest balls at 16 pounds being the maximum weight allowed in professional bowling.

Coverstock

The ball's coverstock, or shell, can be made from polyester, urethane, or reactive resin primary materials which affect the surface texture, hardness, and oil absorption. Here is a brief description of each coverstock type.

Polyester

Polyester or plastic coverstock is very durable and common in beginner balls. The smooth surface is less porous than other coverstock materials, results in low ball-lane friction, and has a low hook potential meaning it will go fairly straight.

Urethane

Urethane is used by beginners, intermediate, and professionals as it creates a lot of friction between the lane and the ball. It is easier to curve with a moderate hook potential. Although a little bit more expensive than other options, it is a good option for players who try to hit the pins from an angle. However, with more friction, you do trade-off some control which can be tricky on lanes with a lot of oil.

Professional bowlers usually have more than one type of ball to compensate for varying lane conditions.

Reactive resin

Reactive resin balls are expensive but hook very well and are common in professional-grade bowling balls. They offer the most ball-lane friction and come in three types namely solid, pearl, and hybrid.

The solid option offers an even rolling experience with a little more friction on oily lanes. The pearl reactive resin coverstock is not as reactive as the solid option. It still allows the ball to hook but with more subtlety. The hybrid option is a combination of pearl and solid reactive coverstocks.

Cores

A bowling ball can have a pancake, symmetrical, or asymmetrical core which will, amongst other factors, determine where you can drill finger holes.

Pancake core

Pancake core balls are easier to control down the lane with little technique adjustment required. They tend to stay straight for a smooth rolling experience which is ideal for beginners.

Symmetrical core

A bowling ball with an asymmetrical core is a little more advanced and is found in most bowling balls. Since it is balanced, you have more even control.

Asymmetrical core

Although most people prefer using a symmetrical core ball, an asymmetrical core allows you to create a more angular motion. This is beneficial if you need an angle to hit the pins.

USBC Approved

Most recently manufactured bowling balls are USBC approved, which means that the weight is accurate, the ball is balanced, and you can use it for professional competitions. If you are not sure whether your ball is USBC approved, you can take it to a bowling shop to check the necessary aspects.

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.

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. If you are budget-conscious, shop around. Once you have your ball ready, ensure to take good care of it by keeping it in a suitable protective bag and using the right cleaning products. The bowling balls in our list offer excellent value for money, so make sure to check those out too.

What is the best bowling ball on the market today?

What balls are the Pro bowlers using?

What is the best bowling ball made?

Which bowling ball has the most hook potential?