Top 12 Best Bowling Ball 2024 – Choosing the Right Ball for You

Bowling with the best bowling ball takes coordination and lots of practice. But buying it isn’t as perplexing as you might think. Many people choose to shy away from buying bowling balls online. But that’s about to change now.

Understanding the science behind bowling balls is an important skill for serious bowlers. Without it, mastering the technique and form of bowling is hard to practice. So you gain more than you can imagine through trial and error in bowling.

Some days you are at the top of your game, while the others you’re not. But you won’t be able to practice as you should with a delicate and unfit bowling ball. You need a bowling ball of the right weight and size to help you master the sport.

Best Bowling Ball 2024

Buying something that happens to be necessary for the sport is important. Expert bowling balls (like the ones I’ve mentioned below) will keep you satisfied for a very long time.

It’s true that professional bowling balls don’t come with perfect features. But you still need to consider the basics before buying one that suits you best. With that out of the way, let’s look at the top-rated bowling balls on the market.

Bowling Ball Name	Our rating	Cover Stock	Unique Feature
Pyramid Path Bowling BallPyramid Path Bowling Ball	#1 (Editor choice)	Polyester	2-year warranty
Brunswick TZone Caribbean Blue Bowling BallBrunswick TZone Caribbean Blue Bowling Ball	#2	Polyester	Tiny pit holes for better performance
Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling BallHammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball	#3	Carbon-Fiber	Gas Mask core for durability
Ebonite Cyclone Bowling BallEbonite Cyclone Bowling Ball	#4	GB 10.7	Cyclone core
Brunswick Rhino Bowling BallBrunswick Rhino Bowling Ball	#5	Solid Reactive	Suitable for right and left-handed bowlers
Hammer Black Widow Assassin Bowling BallHammer Black Widow Assassin Bowling Ball	#6	NBT Solid	Gas Mask core for rugged performance
Ebonite Maxim Bowling BallEbonite Maxim Bowling Ball	#7	Polyester/ Plastic	3-piece core
Sportime UltraFoam Weighted Bowling BallSportime UltraFoam Weighted Bowling Ball	#8	Foam	Lightweight UltraFoam design
Storm Crux Pearl Bowling BallStorm Crux Pearl Bowling Ball	#9	ERG Pearl Reactive	Strong root beer scent for increasing concentration
DV8 Diva XOXODV8 Diva XOXO	#10	Composite Flip Pearl	Better friction control

1. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball – One of the Best Beginner Bowling Balls

The Pyramid Path Bowling Ball comes from a reliable brand. It’s affordable and durable, to begin with. And with its versatile range of colors, you won’t feel the need to buy anything else. It features 9 tempting colors combinations. These include silver and aqua, black and orange along with pink and green.

This bowling ball comes undrilled, so you have better flexibility and usage. The wide range of colors offers better customization that you can choose from. There’s no single thing you’d find wrong with it. It’s pretty straightforward and handy. The thing that attracts me the most to this bowling ball is its adaptable design and features. It comes in multiple sizes ranging from 6 lbs. to 16 lbs.

So you can choose the lowest size up to 16 lbs. of the same version of the bowling ball. There’s no difference between the design of a 6-pound and a 16-pound. That is when you wish to buy two different sizes of the same color.

Other impressive features include a solid 2-year warranty and a polyester cover stock. These features are easy to use, irrespective of age and skill level.

The fact that it comes in many sizes and colors makes it a popular choice for amateurs and professionals. The undrilled design makes it easier to handle if you don’t know much about bowling balls. And getting it to a professional for drilling ensures that your ball fits you the right way.

You can head down to your “drilling” guy in a local bowling shop to know how incredible this ball is. It’s smooth and straight with a durable warranty to fall back on. And any professional who drills holes will tell you the reliability score of this brand. It’s one of the top contenders for the best bowling ball on the market.

If you don’t mind taking only straight shots with your bowling ball, this one is a top performer. It doesn’t curve or hook like other heavyweight bowling balls.

    Pros

• It glides smoothly without curving.
• ​Easy to hold and use.
• Solid with a 2-year warranty.

    Cons

• It doesn’t hook or curve.
• The plastic feels a bit cheap.

2. Brunswick TZone Caribbean Blue Bowling Ball – One of the Best Professional Bowling Balls

The Brunswick TZone Caribbean Blue offers a durable polyester cover stock. It even comes with a high-gloss polish finish to add its charming appearance. It is the perfect bowling ball for budget-minded buyers. If you’re looking to improve your bowling skills, nothing beats the basic features of this ball.

It’s an excellent performer with solid features. The lowest size is suitable for kids as much as adults. It falls into standard buying habits, which gives you more flexibility while choosing. The basic sizes of this bowling ball include 6 lbs. up to 16 lbs. 16 pound, being the heaviest, is best suitable for professionals and hardcore bowlers.

There’s nothing this bowling ball cannot do. From shooting a hook to curving, it works on a more professional level. The outside of the bowling ball is durable and polished. This makes you look my sophisticated on the alley. The appearance of a bowling ball makes you look good, especially during competition.

All this said, one more thing I loved about this bowling ball is the color pattern. Even though it doesn’t offer a broad range of colors, like our top contender, it’s perfect for many. The mixture of both green and black on top of the glossy finish adds style. It shines in the dark and glides smoothly without compromising on direction.

From what I’ve seen of bowling balls, this one is well-tailored for performance. Its potential is dynamic, accurate, and durable. And you will find this bowling ball ideal for professional-level games.

On a more personal note, drilling this bowling ball doesn’t cost much. That’s because the price tag of this bowling ball is already below the usual costs. This makes everything so much simpler and wonderful!

But it’s polyester quality runs a bit weak than higher-grade models. After drilling, the ball might chip and crack around the drilled holes.

    Pros

• It is studier and easier to use.
• Versatile sizes fit for all ages.

    Cons

• It has a low-quality polyester design.
• Default color pattern.

3. Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball – One of the best competitive bowling balls

The Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball comes from a superior brand on the market. The performance and durability is worth the investment you make. It does cost a few extra bucks than the first two picks. But it is one of the most efficient bowling balls you’ll ever come across.

Over the years, this bowling ball has earned a reputation for being the most intimidating ball. The spider logo imprinted on the front adds to its formidable appearance. Anyone willing to take a step farther for a decent upgrade, this would be my first recommendation.

I would also recommend this bowling ball to intermediates for its build quality and feel. There’s nothing as explicit as this ball to contest your competitors. The hybrid cover stock and polished cover offer better movability. (Different bowling techniques)

It also features rugged oil protection for three straight years. So the brand offers 100% guarantee in case the ball gets damaged.

The last thing I’d like to talk about is Gas Mask core of the ball. It’s not every day you see a bowling ball this skillful and adaptable. The Gas Mask core offers better durability and texture on the ball for 3-year performance. It also makes the ball comfortable to hold and use.

The striking design isn’t the ball’s only advantage. It’s durable, rugged, and incredibly adaptive to many bowling alley conditions. This bowling ball helps you break the rules as you score well. It’s useful for shooting straights, hooks, and curves.

It is specifically designed to suit your bowling style, even if don’t play by the rules.

One complaint: This bowling ball comes with limited sizes. And the lightest ones are also not the best for beginners to play with. So if you want lightweight bowling balls, you might not like what this one has to offer.

    Pros

• The bowling ball is durable and sturdy.
• ​It has a high-qual
  ity build and polishing.
• It comes with a solid 3-year warranty.

    Cons

• Not suitable for beginners.
• Only limited sizes are available.

4. Ebonite Cyclone Bowling Ball – The Best Bowling Ball with an Unbreakable Core

This bowling ball is one of the very few to feature a darker color pattern. It offers impressive gliding ability, plus it has better force than others. If you’re looking for something to help you improve your game, buying the Ebonite Cyclone is a sure-fire way to do so. It doesn’t only up your score average, it increases your consistency too.

From the design perspective, the Ebonite Cyclone is unlike many others. It features multiple sizes, that is from 10 lbs. to 16 lbs. The Cyclone core boasts of a rugged texture. The kind you won’t find on the market easily. And based on how this brand gets its reputation, naming the bowling ball Cyclone definitely isn’t way-off!

In the end, the striking polish on the ball is what attracts more and more people. The ball is relatively comfortable to hold and use. The exterior doesn’t feel slippery or awkward in-between your fingers. And getting the ball drilled for further usability is also simple.

If you’ve used other bowling balls as your strike ball, nothing would ever compare to this. It may not be as aggressive, but it’s definitely a catch! You’ll be able to shoot straights, curve, and hook with this bowling ball.

If you’ve been shooting straights all your life, why stop there? With Ebonite Cyclone you can learn how to curve and hook the ball on the alley. You can finally start learning the right techniques and skills for champion-like performance.

Any with any big purchase, the Ebonite Cyclone comes with its minor drawbacks. It’s not suitable for anyone looking for lightweight bowling balls. The size range starts from 10 pounds, which isn’t one of the smaller sizes on the chart.

    Pros

• Best performance core.
• Easy to hold and use.

    Cons

• It lacks small sizes.

5. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball – Best Bowling Ball for Shooting Hooks and Curves

The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball comes from one of the top brands in the world. Its superior, reliable, and durable to use. Available in 5 distinct colors, it offers sizes from 10 lbs. to 16 lbs.

The hook potential of the ball is one step ahead of others. It ameliorates the scoring average efficiently. Plus, it’s best for anyone bowling for the first time.

The striking design, rhino logo up front, and texture are well-defined. Aside from the fact that it’s customizable, there’s plenty of weight distribution on this. It offers good enough balance and control over hand movements.

The fact that it’s resin makes it perfectly suitable for intermediate performance. There’s a clear reason why you might love to bowl with this ball.

It has a durable cover stock. This R-16 Reactive cover stock makes it one of the best hook balls on the market. And this means that the bowling ball is perfect for right and left-handed bowlers too. Drilling the bowling ball for the best hand fit is also not such a problem.

The material and finishing are penetrable to the extent that it makes drilling easier. And it does so without compromising on durability.

If you just started bowling as an adult, finding the right fit might seem complicated. But rest assured, with the Brunswick Rhino you can become a good enough bowler in less time! As an extreme amateur, a starter bowling ball is never enough. You need something in-between lighter and medium-level performance.

That’s where this bowling ball comes in. It offers better weight balance and hand control. And it makes hooking or curving the ball much easier.

The only downside to this bowling ball is that it has a shorter shelf life. It’s perfect for all skill levels, but in terms of durability, it isn’t precisely what you might be looking for.

    Pros

• It offers incredible balance and control.
• Versatile sizes for all skill levels.

    Cons

• It lacks durability.

6. Hammer Black Widow Assassin Bowling Ball – Best Heavyweight Bowling Ball

This one comes close to its kin, the Black Widow Legend. The Hammer Black Widow Assassin Bowling Ball is one of the most superior bowling balls on the market. The spider logo printed on the front and the dark color pattern makes all the difference.

It’s a solid resin bowling ball with a light to medium oil usability. You will also find that the bowling ball comes undrilled, so you can customize it based on your fit. This bowling ball is easy to use, providing a smooth gliding performance. It protects itself against rough, harsh conditions to hook and curve shots as you like.

The dynamic design and energy transfer make the ball feel comfortable. It’s better than most high-grade models with the similar footprint. Another one of its incredible features is the pin carry range. It’s accurate, efficient, and definitely rugged to perfection. Everything about this bowling ball is anything but basic, yet it’s suitable for all ages and skill levels.

All this said, the Hammer Black Widow Assassin comes in only a single size, that is 15 lbs. Supported by the Gas Mask core and high-polish finishing, it’s unique and the best.

How can you control this ball on the lane? The Hammer Black Widow Assassin is a strong performer. It catches a swift pace toward the end of the path. But if you want, my suggestion would be to throw the ball faster for better control. That way, it offers a steady break toward the end of the lane.

One complaint: It comes in only a single size which is 15 lb. Unless you’re looking for a bowling ball of this exact same size, this may be a major drawback for most of you.

    Pros

• It has a solid build quality.
• It delivers easy handling and usability.

    Cons

• Only a single size is available.

7. Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball – Best Entry-Level Bowling Ball for All Ages

The Ebonite Maxim is the ideal beginner bowling ball on the market. It’s available in size from 6 to 15 lb. Plus, the 3-piece core and polyester finish makes it the perfect straight shooter.

Since the bowling ball comes undrilled, it’s ideal for all ages. So if you’re an adult and a beginner at bowling, starting your first round with this isn’t a bad option. It’s specifically built for entry-level players. (How to join the Professional Bowlers Association tour)

Ebonite offers many versatile bowling balls, but it’s not as attractive as the rest of them. This is because it only offers bowling balls with a single color pattern and design. The black, purple, and gold color combination provides a unique, ocean-like demeanor. There’s nothing too fancy or intimidating about it.

I also found that this bowling ball is by far the toughest entry-level ball to have. Its polyester build and core comes with the strongest gliding performance I’ve ever seen. Also, it fits the right weight based on your bowling skills.

The versatile size choices make the Ebonite Maxim a must-buy for most of you. Why? Because it’s best used for recreational bowling. And we all know that a recreational bowling ball has many perks, including a longer shelf life.

My only suggestion would be to work this bowling ball for only straight shots. It’s best suitable for working on different techniques. Plus, the polyester and plastic blend of the ball gets most of the attention.

The only drawback to this bowling ball is the lack of color patterns. There is only one color pattern to choose from. But nevertheless, the design looks attractive down the lane.

    Pros

• The bowling ball is durable and efficient to use.
• It is also suitable for entry-level performance.

    Cons

• Only one design is available.
• It doesn’t hook or curve.

8. Sportime UltraFoam Weighted Bowling Ball – Best Lightweight Bowling Ball

There’s no doubt that the Sportime UltraFoam is the cheapest and lightest bowling ball. It boasts of a flexible foam blend for the average casual bowler in the industry. I recommend this bowling ball to you if you have difficulty using standard balls. It’s an excellent choice for people who prefer a lightweight ball that has better grip ability.

It comes pre-drilled, but the finger holes are extremely comfortable to hold. There is no age restriction for it either. Anyone who’s a casual bowler will find the finger holes adaptable.

If you think UltraFoam is soft and extremely breathable for a bowling ball, think again. This bowling ball is quite the opposite of fragile. It’s unbreakable and durable. In fact, based on my research, it has the same material blend used for making bats, balls, etc.

The ball offers incredible energy transfers and weight distribution. Perfectly designed for children and adults. You can use plastic bottles as pins have your own bowling alley in your home. The lightweight foam blend doesn’t damage and puncture walls or break furniture. It’s the safe and adaptable to use.

The best way to use this bowling ball is for learning new techniques. You can know what you’re doing right from the comforts of your own home. That is, without destroying your walls or breaking any furniture.

A bowling ball this lightweight has its drawbacks too. It’s best used for recreational purposes. So it’s safe to say that anything even remotely professional is not fit for this ball.

    Pros

• The ball is lightweight and home-friendly.
• It is durable to use as well.

    Cons

• Not suitable for professionals.
• Not outdoor-friendly.

9. Storm Crux Pearl Bowling Ball – An Efficient Bowling Ball for Both Casual and Professional Players

The Storm Crux Pearl Bowling Ball may be a good backup bowling ball for many. It comes in only 2 sizes including 12 and 13 lb. The Catalyst core design adds incredible strength and motion stability. While the ERG Pearl Reactive cover stock increases grip ability on the lane.

Buying this bowling ball as an alternative can save your game. If it comes to that! It’s suitable for all skill levels. If you like to throw hooks, I recommend using this ball. The ball glides fast with an incredible hook potential. It is even suitable for simple two-handed bowling performance. And here’s something that other bowling balls couldn’t offer.

Because of its strong build quality, the Storm Crux Pearl is best for people who can’t do with any other bowling ball. From the design perspective, it changes color under dark lighting. This means that the bowling ball is iridescent by nature. And isn’t that something to look forward to?

The bowling ball can elevate your game and the average score. There’s a lot more to learn in bowling, and you need something as efficient as this ball to achieve that.

Imagine you skidding on the mid-lane on heavy oil conditions. It’s only possible with this bowling ball. It supports a strong backend reaction, best for hooks and curves.

You can even adjust how much rotation you would like. And the cover stock offers balance and control over mid-lane performances.

The only drawback is that it lacks proper sizes. If something this durable is available on the market, it’s a real drawback when you don’t have size options to choose from.

    Pros

• The ball supports two-handed bowling style.
• It is ideal for throwing hooks.

    Cons

• Not available in many sizes.

10. DV8 Diva XOXO – A Good, Reinforced Bowling Ball for Intermediates

The DV8 Diva XOXO is unique and one of the best budget balls I found. It’s a budget buy because it’s both valuable and cost-effective for long-term performance. It ranks high due to its durable core and composite flip cover stock.

The thing that makes the DV8 Diva XOXO the best is its versatile range of sizes. Starting from 10 lb to 16 lb, it’s best suited for all ages and skills. It lacks friction when you throw it down the lane, which is a good thing!

Also, it boasts of faster motion control and stability toward the end of the lane. The build quality is well-defined and doesn’t strike me as anything less than durable. The better half of this bowling ball is its ability to control and balance when on the lane. So why wouldn’t you want something simple and affordable?

After considering over 20 bowling balls, nothing beats down the features of this one. That’s because, unlike most, this features a composite build that increases strength. And it does so while also ameliorating any sort of friction and imbalance during the performance. And that’s
the reason why the DV8 Diva XOXO is the best bowling ball on the market.

Are you looking for a bowling ball that can be controlled without putting in too much of an effort? If yes, then this bowling ball is your ideal bet. Though the design is basic, it offers plenty of stability and weight distribution.

And it’s intuitively designed to suit all skill levels.

It is extremely sensitive to oil than other bowling balls. Plus, it doesn’t handle tough techniques well as the outer covering of the bowling ball is slightly weaker.

    Pros

• Good build quality.
• It can handle all kinds of bowling styles.

    Cons

• The bowling ball is very sensitive to oil.

Bowling Balls – Buyer’s Guide

It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual bowler or a professional. Buying a bowling ball can invite a number of important factors. These factors set the foundation of how fitting and accurate your bowling ball is. Plus, you won’t be able to do much if you’re bowling ball lacks the spin and skill to hit the mark.

One thing is for sure, you cannot use a bowling ball for a long time. You have got to keep switching between a pair to hit more potential shots.

So what do you need to do in order to choose the best bowling ball on the market? Follow these simple steps and you’ll most likely find your ideal fit.

1. Choosing the correct ball weight: According to research, a bowling ball must be 10% of your body weight. Generally, bowlers play with 16-pound bowling balls. To have a few lighter pound balls, as the back-up, is a good way to release pressure off of your hands and shoulders.

That said, professional bowlers go with both heavy and lightweight pounds. This is because bowlers should never use too heavy bowling balls as it lacks potential. The first rule of bowling is to throw a comfortable shot. And that’s simply not possible with heavy pound bowling balls than you can carry.

2. Picking the ideal cover stock: As with any other product, the build of a bowling ball is as important as its weight. This will determine how fast, smooth, and accurate your ball would spiral on the lane. The most common types of cover stock are polyester or plastic, reactive resin, and urethane.

3. Considering a good price: Where you buy your bowling ball from is a major factor to consider. Talking with local shop owners will give you a good idea about bowling ball prices. With the weight capacity and material, you can know the type of ball you need.

This will help you settle on a price that’s not too expensive or cheap. A standard plastic bowling ball is more affordable than reactive resin balls. Plastic bowling balls are often found in bowling shops. And most people are comfortable using it on a regular basis. But reactive resin balls are much stronger and have an excellent grip.

4. Getting predrilled bowling balls: You can now pre-drill bowling balls as per your hand fit. It increases grip ability and finger positioning while reducing the chances of injury.

You can get the ball pre-drilled by visiting a local bowling shop. They measure your hand and get the ball drilled as per the accurate fit. If you think it’s an expensive luxury you won’t be able to afford, buying a predrilled bowling ball is also good enough.

Factors Affecting Bowling Performance

To determine the on-lane performance of a bowling ball, you have to check surface roughness, hardness, and oil absorption rate. These factors have a direct impact on the amount of grip and friction the ball has in the lane. Plus, it leads the ball in the right direction without compromising on speed and spiral.

So let’s look at each factor closely, shall we?

• Surface Roughness

Here is where the cover stock measures matter the most. The surface finish, whether plastic, urethane, or resin, should be polished to perfection. If there’s plenty of surface roughness, it leads to friction between the lane and the bowling ball.

This reduces contact and sends the bowling ball tumbling over to the side.

• Oil Absorption Rate

If the bowling ball has a high oil absorption rate, there’s a greater chance of friction between the lane and ball. When compared with other cover stocks, the reactive resin has a higher oil absorption rate. That means it’s porous and more likely to absorb any liquid coated on it.

• Hardness

Cover stock hardness plays a contributing role in choosing the best bowling ball. When the surface of the ball is soft, it increases friction by leaving a footprint on the lane. Plus, a soft surface cover stock is much less aggressive to hit a great shot.

Are You Ready?

I’ve touched on all the essential factors for buying a real bowling ball. This guide is not just about comparing the best choices, but it’s also comparing the best features of one. For the record, bowlers who enjoy frequent sessions settle for plastic bowling balls. They’re more affordable, easier to handle and last long enough.

One such bowling ball is the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball. It has a tight surface grip, is unbreakable, and adaptable. Very similar to the kind of professional bowling balls you see, but at very steep prices.

On the other hand, reactive resin or urethane balls suit professional bowlers. For them too, the size, weight, and friction matter during the performance. Just because you’re used to buying what’s available doesn’t mean you go down with one. The time has come to take matters into your own hands and buy the next best bowling ball.

Sources:

1. 5 steps to choosing the right bowling ball for you.

2. 5 tips on selecting a bowling ball.

3. The Ultimate Bowling Ball Buying Guide.

4. Choose the right bowling ball.

Here are some other interesting models that you might like: