Best Bowling Ball – Recommendations for Hook, Straight Shots, and More

Last Updated on March 3, 2020 by Jake

For the best bowling experience, you need a personal bowling ball. There are several different balls on the market designed for different types of players and conditions. When choosing a ball features to look at include coverstock type, core type, hook potential, and recommended lane conditions.

 

We have reviewed the best bowling balls out there. Balls reviewed include plastic balls, mid-level balls, and pro performance balls.  In the rest of this post, we’ll go over our top picks for the best bowling ball for different types of players.

In a Rush?  Here’s Our Top Picks:

Best Bowling Ball Reviews

For beginners and casual bowlers, a ball with low hook potential is preferable since it rolls straight and works well on dry lanes. Such balls are usually plastic and are generally affordable and easy to work with. If you want to progress from being a casual bowler to a more experienced one then you want to get a reactive ball.  Here are our picks for all different types of bowling balls:

 

Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball  (Best for Heavy Oil Lanes)

 

 

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned bowler, the Hammer Black Widow Legend is one to consider. Referred to as the Legend, it’s definitely is one of the best balls on the market.

 

This ball performs admirably regardless of the conditions. The Legend uses a hybrid coverstock and provides excellent movement on the backend allowing the ball to go through pins without losing much momentum.

 

If you want to improve your game, then the Hammer Black Widow Legend is the ball for you. Shots with this ball feel easy, and it performs wonderfully on medium to heavy oil lanes.

 

The only negative is its high cost. However, this ball offers advanced performance levels.

 

Coverstock type: Hybrid Reactive

Core Type: Asymmetric

Color: Black/Red Pearl

Hook Potential: High (Perfect Scale score of 214.7)

Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil

Finish: Polished

 

Pros

• The Hammer Black Widow performs exceptionally well.
• This bowling ball is quite stylish.
• It is very durable.
• The Hammer Black Widow is very reactive on oily surfaces.
• This model is available in many sizes and weights.
• The Legend comes with a three-year warranty.

Cons

• The Hammer Black Widow is designed with professionals in mind and as such, it is quite expensive for casual bowlers.

 

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

Pyramid Path Rising Pearl Bowling Ball

 

 

This ball is designed with casual bowlers and beginners in mind. It is also a wonderful spare ball for the seasoned player. Its entry-level price and impressive straight rolls make it easy to use.

 

While this ball performs admirably in a wide variations of lane conditions, it is designed for medium to medium-dry lanes and performs best on those. Performance is particularly poorer on heavily oiled lanes.

 

With its affordable price and excellent handling, this is a bowling ball to look into whether you are a novice or a seasoned player.

 

Coverstock type: Pearl Reactive

Core Type: Symmetric

Color: Aqua Blue/Silver (7 other color options available)

Hook Potential: Moderate (Perfect Scale score of 181.3)

Recommended Lane Condition: Medium dry lanes

Finish: Polished

 

Pros

• The Pyramid Path Rising Pearl is excellent for straight rolls.
• It’s a great ball for casual bowlers and hobbyists.
• The Pyramid Path Rising Pearl is very affordable.
• It has a two-year warranty.

Cons

• The Pyramid Path Rising Pearl as reactive as you may hope for.

 

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Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball (Best of light oil conditions)

 

 

The Brunswick Rhino is one of the best reactive resin balls on the market. With its great price, I recommend the Brunswick Rhino to anyone who wants their first reactive ball. It plays well on both oily and dry lanes although it performs best on dry lanes (or lightly oiled lanes). It spins and hooks very well, and is super easy to control.

 

The acclaimed R-16 Reactive coverstock offers wonderful balance between control and power. This ensures that the ball stays on course and doesn’t veer off.

 

Keep in mind that this ball lacks pre-drilled holes. This isn’t bad as it allows you to get holes that fit your needs perfectly.

 

Coverstock type: Pearl Reactive

Core type: Light Bulb

Color: Purple/Pink/White Pearl (3 other color options available)

Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Dry

Hook Potential: Moderate

Finish: Polished

 

Pros

• This ball is excellent for beginners and casual bowlers.
• This model is light and performs well on lanes of all types.
• The Brunswick Rhino is budget-friendly.
• The finishing on this ball is fantastic.

Cons

• The Brunswick Rhino isn’t among the most durable balls on the market.

 

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Motiv Venom Cobra Bowling Ball (Best Reactive Ball)

 

 

This ball is designed for strong hits. If you have an aggressive style, then this may be the ball for you. The ball’s graphics are eye-catching. (It depicts a striking cobra.)

 

The versatility of the Motiv Venom Cobra makes it an excellent ball for both beginners and seasoned players. In addition to this, it offers consistent power and more lengths. The hybrid reactive coverstock ensures that this ball is durable and has a long shelf life.  The ball also has a 5500 grit SLP-Finish which ensures it skids cleanly through the front end and still have enough momentum to power through the backend.

 

This ball works best on light to medium oil lanes.

 

Coverstock type: Hybrid Reactive

Core Type: Asymmetric

Color: Black/Orange

Recommended Lane Condition:  Light to Medium

Hook Potential: Moderate

Finish: Polished

 

Pros

• The Motiv Venom Cobra produces consistent rolls.
• This ball responds well to friction.
• The ball’s graphics is eye-catching.
• The dual-density weight design of the core improves the ball’s motion in all types of conditions.
• It has a 1-year warranty.

Cons

• The Motiv Venom Cobra bowling ball is quite pricey.

 

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Ebonite Cyclone

 

 

Since the Ebonite Cyclone is is an expensive bowling ball, it’s usually out of range for most beginners. However, if you are an up and coming bowling enthusiast, this ball should be on your list.

 

The Cyclone’s motion takes takes skill and practice to master as it is very reactive. Rolls are super effective and produces just enough hook. This ball is excellent for both straight rolls as well, and performs best on medium to medium-dry lanes. Likewise, it handles very well on dry lanes.

 

Coverstock type: Reactive

Core Type: Symmetrical

Color: Black/Gold/Silver (2 other color options available)

Recommended Lane Condition: Dry to medium

Hook Potential: High

Finish: High Polish

 

Pros

• This ball is highly reactive.
• It is the perfect ball for up and coming professionals.
• The Ebonite Cyclone features a polished pearl cover and asymmetrical core.

Cons

• It is high-priced especially for an entry-level ball.

 

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Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball (Best Straight Bowling Ball)

 

 

The Ebonite Maximum is a polyester ball is designed for casual players and beginners. With its stunning and attractive graphics, it’s designed to catch eyes and make you look good. Simply put, it’s a fun ball.

 

The coverstock is plastic (specifically polyester), which means it’s hook potential is never going to be high. However, I can confidently say it’s the best plastic ball you can find. As such, if you want a high quality yet affordable ball, the Ebonite Maxim should be on your list.

 

This ball rolls straight even on very dry lanes making it a good strike ball for dry conditions. The pin action is impressive. Even on a freshly oiled lane, this ball is easy to control.

 

If you need a plastic ball in your arsenal for those tricky dry lanes, then the Ebonite Maxim is one to consider.

 

Coverstock Type: Polyester

Core Type: Symmetric

Color: Purple/Royal/Silver

Recommended Lane Condition: Dry

Hook Potential: Low (Perfect Scale score of 5)

Finish: High Polish

 

Pros

• The Ebonite Maxim is an affordable ball that is perfect for beginners and casuals.
• The comes in several stunning colors.
• It is the best ball for straight rolls thanks to its coverstock features.
• This is quite a durable ball.

Cons

• The coverstock isn’t reactive.

 

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Columbia 300 Nitrous

 

 

The Columbia 300 Nitrous is a mid-level ball and as such, is a great ball for casuals and beginners who wish to take their game to the next level. For the seasoned, the Columbia 300 Nitrous is an excellent spare ball. While the Columbia 300 Nitrous doesn’t provide a lot of movement if you are a power bowler, it hits like a ton of bricks.

 

The ball has a symmetrical 2-piece core which offers excellent balance. The reactive pearl coverstock is quite ‘reactive’ and is perfect for casuals who rise up the ranks.

 

Once the right adjustments are made for hook potential, even a pro bowler will enjoy using this ball. It may not be as good as your number one pro performance ball, but it comes damn close.

 

In terms of price, this ball is at the midpoint. It isn’t as cheap as plastic balls, but it isn’t as expensive as high-grade balls such as the Ebonite Cyclone.

 

Coverstock type: Reactive Pearl

Core Type: Symmetrical

Color: Silver / Black (3 other color options available)

Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to light

Hook Potential: Moderate

 

Pros

• This ball features a durable yet stylish design.
• This ball offers excellent balance. It is a great ball to bowl with regardless of your bowling prowess.
• The price level of this ball is enticing.
• It is easy to get a hang of it.

Cons

• The Columbia 300 Nitrous doesn’t excel in any one department. It is a great spare ball and an excellent ball for beginners.

 

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

Brunswick Kingpin (Best Bowling Ball for Hook)

 

 

Simply put, the Brunswick Kingpin is the best ball for heavy oil conditions. It also offers the best hook potential. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a bowling ball with high hook potential.

 

The solid reactive coverstock is made from Brunswick’s own ECA (Enhanced Composite Adhesion), and the core is asymmetrical. The core design is called the ‘Brunswick’s DynamiCore’. This proprietary design is meant to produce a perfect balance between control and power. The ECA (Enhanced Composite Adhesion) coverstock is designed to last and produce high hitting power.

 

Coverstock type: Reactive solid

Core Type: Asymmetrical

Color: Black/Light Blue/Purple Solid

Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy

Hook Potential: High (Perfect Scale score of 300)

Finish: Sanded

 

Pros

• This ball performs very well on heavily oiled lanes.
• The Brunswick Kingpin has a powerful backend motion.
• The Brunswick Kingpin provides an excellent balance between power and ball control.

Cons

• This is a premium ball and as such, it’s quite expensive.

 

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

Pyramid Antidote

 

 

The Pyramid Antidote is an excellent ball which offers high hook potential and is easy to control. While it is not a pro-level ball, it makes an excellent spare ball. It rolls very well on medium to heavy oil lanes. On medium to heavy oil lanes, the rolls are well defined and predictable. It barrels through pins and is an excellent ball for casuals and any player who wishes to improve their game.

 

The coverstock of this ball is reactive solid and uses the GPS Navigational Solid coverstock. The core used is the New Era 149 Symmetric Core.

 

You don’t need to spend a ton to acquire this ball. The affordable price makes it an attractive option for regular bowlers on a tight budget who needs a very good and predictive ball.

 

Coverstock type: Solid Reactive

Core Type: Symmetric

Color: Yellow/Black/White

Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy

Hook Potential: Moderate-High (Perfect Scale score of 201.60)

Finish: Polished

 

Pros

• This is an affordable ball for players on a tight budget.
• This model comes in several weights.
• The Pyramid Antidote barrels through the pins.

Cons

• This ball skids heavily on oily lanes.

 

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Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball (Best Bowling Ball for Beginners)

 

 

The stunning looking Brunswick Tzone Deep Spaceball is a great first ball. It is affordable and rolls well. It may not have a high hook potential and may not be the most reactive ball, but it’s a lot of fun to bowl with. You can even use both hands to roll this ball and it will stay true to its course.

 

Since the holes aren’t pre-drilled, you can have your hand measured at a pro shop and the holes drilled to perfectly fit you. The Deep Space edition features the deep space colours complete with countless stars. There are many different colorations and patterns available depending on your preference.

 

The Brunswick Tzone Deep Space ball is among the best entry-level bowling ball you can find. This stunning ball is a lot of fun to bowl with.

 

Coverstock Type: Polyester

Core Type: Symmetric

Color: Deep Space (9 other color options available)

Recommended Lane Condition: Dry

Hook Potential: Low (Perfect Scale score of 5)

Finish: High Polish

 

Pros

• This is an affordable yet durable ball.
• Teens and children can easily handle this ball.
• The model is tastefully designed.

 

Cons

• This is a beginner’s level ball.

 

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Wrap Up

 

These are the best bowling balls money can buy. These balls are guaranteed to improve your game. Ut why buy a ball when you can use the ones provided by the bowling alley. Using your own balls offers several advantages. Personal balls are best fitted to the owner.

 

Secondly, since the ball belongs to you, the maintenance schedule is up to you. Wear and tear is also low when it comes to personal bowling balls. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, acquiring a personal bowling ball is a must. This article is designed to ensure you are well informed as you embark on your search for the best bowling ball!

 

Be sure to check out our guide on how to clean and care for your bowling ball right here!

Last update on 2022-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API