Written by Nariko Aguero
Modified & Updated: 28 Apr 2024
Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau
Bowling is a popular indoor game that many people enjoy playing. One important aspect of this game is choosing the right bowling ball. 7 Best Bowling Balls are a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their game. These bowling balls have been chosen based on their performance, durability, and overall quality. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned bowler, having the right bowling ball can make a big difference in your game. In this article, we will explore some of the top bowling balls currently available on the market.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball is a 6-pound ball suitable for beginners and casual bowlers. It features a plastic/polyester coverstock with a High Gloss Polish finish, providing low hook potential. The ball comes in various colors, with the Indigo version measuring 10.00Lx10.00Wx10.00H. It has received positive reviews for its quality, visual appeal, and performance, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers and experienced bowlers alike.
Key Features
- Coverstock: Plastic/polyester
- Ball Finish: High Gloss Polish
- Hook potential: 25 (low) on a scale of 10-175
- Ball color: Various colors available
Specifications
- Color: Indigo
- Dimension: 10.00Lx10.00Wx10.00H
- Size: 6-Pounds
Pros
- Durable and high-quality construction
- Appealing visual design with a sparkly finish
- Suitable for beginners and casual bowlers
- Fast shipping and excellent customer service
Cons
- Additional cost for drilling finger holes
- Low hook potential may not suit experienced bowlers
The Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball is a fantastic choice for beginners and casual bowlers. Its durable construction, attractive design, and positive customer reviews make it a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their bowling experience. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the need for additional drilling and lower hook potential, the overall value and performance of this ball make it a worthwhile purchase.
Overall Score: 6/10
The Champion Sports Rubber Bowling Ball is a lightweight, bright, and colorful bowling ball perfect for training and kids' games. It is designed for easy grip and handling for players of various hand and finger sizes, making it safe and fun for both kids and adults. It is suitable for use in physical education, gym classes, and home game rooms. While some users have reported splitting issues, others have praised it for being a great practice tool and a source of entertainment. However, it is not suitable for use in a bowling alley due to its rubber construction.
Key Features
- Lightweight rubber: Seamless smooth precision for an authentic bowling experience
- Bright color: Perfect for physical education, gym classes, lawn recreation, and home game rooms
- Perfect for multiple hand sizes: Four finger holes for easy grip and handling
- Perfect for practice: Helps develop control and technique for the bowling alley
- Safe for kids, Adults: Makes bowling a fun game for all ages
Specifications
- Color: Red/Teal
- Dimension: 8.70Lx8.50Wx8.30H
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Bright and attractive colors for kids
- Suitable for practice and training
Cons
- Reports of splitting issues
- Not suitable for use in a bowling alley
The Champion Sports Rubber Bowling Ball is a great choice for kids’ games and practice sessions at home. While it may not be suitable for professional use in a bowling alley, it offers entertainment and skill development for players of all ages. The lightweight and colorful design make it an attractive option for families and schools.
Overall Score: 8/10
Get yourself a reliable and durable bowling ball with the ELITE Pre-Drilled Star Polyester Bowling Ball. Perfect for spare shooting, league bowlers, and straight bowling. Choose from multiple color options and weights. Built to last a lifetime and backed by a 1 year limited warranty. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, this bowling ball offers great value and is designed not to hook, making it ideal for straight bowlers.
Key Features
- Great value for any level bowler
- Available in multiple vibrant color options and weights
- Built to last a lifetime
- Backed by a 1 year limited warranty
Specifications
- Color: Blue/Black/Green
- Dimension: 8.00Lx8.00Wx8.00H
- Size: 10 Pound – Medium Drilling
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- Ideal for straight bowlers
- Backed by a 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Not intended to hook
The ELITE Pre-Drilled Star Polyester Bowling Ball is an excellent choice for bowlers of all levels. It offers great value, durability, and a fantastic design that’s perfect for straight bowlers. With a variety of color options and weights to choose from, this bowling ball is a solid investment for anyone serious about their game.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Ultra Bowling Ball is a lightweight and versatile option for people of all ages and hand sizes. It is made of 1-piece rubber and comes with 2 sets of finger holes. The ball is latex free and guaranteed not to split. Its red color adds a touch of fun to your bowling experience. However, some customers have noted that it is harder than expected and has a seam around it, but others have found it sturdy for recreational use. Overall, it's a good option for those looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use bowling ball.
Key Features
- Lightweight 1-piece rubber bowling ball
- 2 sets of finger holes for all ages/sizes
- Latex free, red color
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.75Lx8.75Wx8.75H
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile
- 2 sets of finger holes for all ages/sizes
Cons
- Harder than expected
- Has a seam around it
The Ultra Bowling Ball offers a lightweight and versatile option for users of all ages. While some customers have noted its hardness and seam, it has been found sturdy for recreational use. Overall, it’s a good choice for those seeking a lightweight bowling ball option.
Overall Score: 8/10
The COITEK Bowling Seesaw Bag 2 Pack is a versatile and durable storage solution for bowling enthusiasts. Made of premium soft material, these bags can act as bowling carry bags, bowling cleaner bags, and general storage bags when not in use. The high elasticity and quick cleaning power make them ideal for maintaining bowling balls. These washable bags are easy to carry and store, with a portable size of 15” X 16” and the ability to fold to 5 X 3 X 1.5 inches. The black color and one-size-fits-all design add to the bags' appeal, making them a popular choice for bowling enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Premium Soft Material
- 3 IN 1 Function Bags
- High Elasticity
- Quickly and Strong Cleaning Power
- Washable and Portable Size
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Size: One Size
Pros
- Multi-functional design
- High-quality material
- Durable and washable
- Portable and easy to store
- Suitable for bowling ball maintenance
Cons
- May stretch excessively with heavy balls
- Limited weight capacity
The COITEK Bowling Seesaw Bag 2 Pack offers great value for bowling enthusiasts, with its multi-functional design and high-quality construction. While it may have limitations with heavy balls, its overall durability and convenience make it a worthwhile investment. Whether used for carrying, cleaning, or storing bowling balls, these bags provide a practical solution for avid bowlers.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Athletico Bowling Bag & Seesaw Polisher Bundle is designed to carry all your bowling gear in one place. It features a spacious design that can hold a bowling ball, a single pair of bowling shoes up to men's size 14, gloves, towels, and more. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap provides comfortable carrying, while the foam ball holder protects your bowling ball from damage. The microfiber construction absorbs and locks in dirt and moisture, while the bag is backed by the Athletico 100% satisfaction guarantee. This black bowling bag is perfect for any bowling enthusiast.
Key Features
- Carry All Gear: Fits all bowling equipment together
- Comfortable Carry: Padded, adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
- Protective Design: Foam ball holder to cushion and protect bowling ball
- Dirt Absorption: Microfiber construction locks in dirt and moisture
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Backed by the Athletico 100% satisfaction guarantee
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 14.00Lx11.00Wx13.00H
- Size: Large
Pros
- Spacious design fits all bowling gear
- Comfortable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Protects bowling ball from damage
- Absorbs and locks in dirt and moisture
- Backed by a satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- One review mentioned missing item
The Athletico Bowling Bag & Seesaw Polisher Bundle is a spacious and comfortable option for carrying all your bowling gear. With its protective design and satisfaction guarantee, it’s a great choice for any bowling enthusiast.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Ebonite Fireball Bowling Ball is a top-performing bowling ball suitable for all levels of competition. It features a modified lightbulb core shape, a new form of the GB 10.7 coverstock, and DynamiCore outer core technology. The ball provides a super responsive backend reaction and is recommended for use on lighter volume oil patterns. The Fireball comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty, giving bowlers confidence in their purchase. Available in a vibrant red/gold color, this bowling ball is durable, powerful, and a great value for its price.
Key Features
- Great Value: The Fireball keeps the Ebonite tradition of giving bowlers the best value.
- New Coverstock: Uses a new form of the GB 10.7 coverstock for enhanced performance.
- Super Responsive: Features HK22 base material for super responsive backend reaction.
- Durability: Utilizes Dynami Core outer core technology for durability and power.
- Warranty: Comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Specifications
- Color: Red/Gold
- Dimension: 9.00Lx9.00Wx9.00H
Pros
- Great value for price
- Enhanced performance on lighter oil patterns
- Durable with a 2-year warranty
- Super responsive backend reaction
Cons
Overall, the Ebonite Fireball Bowling Ball is a top-notch product that delivers great value and performance. With its vibrant color and advanced technologies, it provides a superior bowling experience for bowlers of all levels. The 2-year warranty further adds to the confidence of the purchase, making it a highly recommended choice in the world of bowling equipment.
Top Bowling Balls 2022 Buyer's Guide1. Consider Your Skill Level
- Beginner: Look for a ball with a plastic or polyester coverstock for straight shots and minimal hook potential.
- Intermediate: Consider a reactive resin coverstock for more hook potential and control.
- Advanced: Look for a high-performance ball with advanced core technology for maximum hook potential and pin carry.
2. Weight and Size
- Choose a ball that feels comfortable and easy to control.
- For adults, the standard weight is 14-16 pounds, but consider your strength and physical ability.
- Junior and youth players should use lighter balls, typically ranging from 6-14 pounds.
3. Coverstock Material
- Plastic/Polyester: Provides a straight, predictable motion, ideal for beginners.
- Urethane: Offers increased friction for moderate hook potential and control.
- Reactive Resin: Provides the most hook potential and versatility for different lane conditions.
4. Core Type
- Symmetrical Core: Offers a smooth, controllable motion, ideal for beginners and those looking for consistency.
- Asymmetrical Core: Provides increased hook potential and dynamics, suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
5. Lane Conditions
- Consider the typical oil patterns and lane conditions of the bowling alley you frequent.
- For heavy oil conditions, choose a ball with a higher hook potential and a strong coverstock.
- For dry or light oil conditions, select a ball with a smoother coverstock and less hook potential.
6. Budget
- Set a budget for your bowling ball purchase and consider the value it provides in terms of performance and durability.
- Keep in mind additional costs such as drilling and customizations.
7. Brand and Reputation
- Research reputable bowling ball brands with a history of quality and performance.
- Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from experienced bowlers.
8. Customization
- Consider getting a custom-fit ball drilled specifically for your hand size, grip preference, and playing style.
- Custom drilling can improve control and accuracy while reducing the risk of injury.
9. Purchase Options
- Shop at local pro shops for personalized advice and fitting services.
- Consider online retailers for a wider selection and potential cost savings.
10. Warranty and Support
- Look for bowling balls that come with a manufacturer's warranty for defects and performance issues.
- Check for availability of customer support and technical assistance from the brand or retailer.
Remember, the right bowling ball can make a significant difference in your game, so take your time to research and choose wisely. Good luck and happy bowling!
Frequently Asked Questions about 7 Best Bowling Balls
When choosing a bowling ball, consider factors such as weight, coverstock material, and hook potential. It’s important to choose a ball that feels comfortable in your hand and matches your bowling style.
The right weight bowling ball for you is one that feels comfortable to hold and doesn’t strain your arm or shoulder. Most adult bowlers use balls that range from 12 to 16 pounds, but it’s important to choose a weight that you can control and deliver accurately.
Reactive resin coverstocks are known for their strong hook potential, while urethane coverstocks offer more control and less hook. Choosing the right coverstock depends on your bowling style and lane conditions.
While it’s possible to use the same bowling ball for different lane conditions, having multiple balls with different coverstocks and hook potentials can give you more versatility and improve your overall performance.
It’s a good idea to replace your bowling ball every 3-5 years, or sooner if you notice any significant wear and tear. Over time, the coverstock can lose its effectiveness, and the core can degrade, affecting the ball’s performance.
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