Are you in the market for the best high-performance bowling balls for experienced bowlers? Looking for a pearl reactive heavy hitter that’ll make mincemeat out of the pins at your local bowling alley? In need of straight bowling balls with plastic coverstock options for top-shelf spare shooting?
Whether you need a spare ball or a high-performance bowling ball for hook bowlers, we’ve got your back. We’ve sifted through the top bowling balls available in 2022, settling on a list of thirteen professional-grade bowling balls worth your time and money.
Most bowling balls strive to reach the heights achieved by these masterpieces of modern technology. Some of these bowling balls are the best bowling balls for picking up spares, while others are the right bowling ball for your primary strike ball. Whether you want a pearl bowling ball, a solid, a urethane option, or a plastic one, all of these bowling balls are worth your time and investment.
So, bookmark our list of the 13 Best Bowling Balls Available In 2022 right away! You’re likely going to want to buy something you see here!
Top 5 Bowling Ball Comparison Chart
Table could not be displayed.The 13 Best Bowling Balls For Sale In 2022
13) Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
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If you need a bowling ball perfectly designed for dry and medium-dry oiled lanes, the Brunswick Rhino is one of the best bowling balls you can find. It’s one of the most durable reactive bowling balls on the market. It’s also one of the finest when it comes to reading even the most minute amount of oil and turning it into angular precision and a powerful backend reaction.
Pros
- R-16 reactive cover stock is precision-built to react to the smallest amount of oil on a lane. It does big things with just a little bit of oil.
- Symmetrical core provides fantastic lane length and stores up energy for a strong back-end finish.
- One of the most durable reactive resin bowling balls you’re going to find.
Cons
- Beginning bowlers beware – this ball is too reactive and hard to rein in if you’re not used to its overall firepower.
- Not for use on heavy oiled lanes. This ball gets gummed up and submerged when oil density is too thick.
12) Ebonite Omni Bowling Ball
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A worthy follow-up to the retired Ebonite Choice Bowling Ball, the Ebonite Omni is a high-performance offering that offers insane pin carry. Using DynamiCore technology, this ball offers far more power on impact allowing you to disperse the pins with that satisfying hit. It’s a solid bowling ball in terms of control in heavy oil and overall punch.
Pros:
- This ball is a heavy oil dream. Its heavy reactivity works extremely well in high oil density, increasing angular reactions and overall firepower.
- Symmetrical core keeps your shot on track and stores energy for a fantastic finish.
- If you’re just on the precipice of becoming an advanced bowler, this ball is a fantastic graduation ball. It’s controllable but has some fantastic high-end potential.
Cons:
- If you’re not used to the cover stock’s level of reactivity, you’re going to struggle. It’s a tough ball to tame if you’re not versed.
- This ball comes with a hefty price tag. You need to be sure this is the best bowling ball for you before plopping down your hard-earned cash.
11) Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
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A perfect ball for straight bowlers and spares that require straight shots, the Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball is like a house ball but better. Finished with a crown factory polish that brings out its deep red coloration, this is a great first ball or backup ball for any bowler. The high-quality polyester coverstock materials on this ball promise and deliver massive booms to and through the pins. Other balls promise this kind of straight-line consistency yet can’t deliver on this level.
Pros
- It’s a low-cost plastic ball that looks like a million bucks.
- It’s a classy beginner’s ball that will help anyone learn how to throw straight and throw smartly.
- If you need a spare ball that holds its own in dry and depleted lane conditions, go with this one.
Cons
- Polyester coverstock balls can only do so much. You’re not hooking this very well, no matter how hard you try.
- The deeper the oil, the harder time this ball has keeping up.
10) Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball
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If your local bowling alley is swimming in heavy-oiled lanes, the Hammer Black Widow Legend is the best bowling ball for you. Several PBA bowlers use the Hammer Black Widow Legend as their strike ball of choice when oil density gets heavy. Combining unheard-of durability for a reactive bowling ball with sharp reactivity, the Hammer Black Widow Legend is an absolute powerhouse. The first of two Black Widow offerings on this list, the Legend is an angular bowler’s best friend.
Pros
- The Hammer Black Widow Legend has one of the most aggressive cover stocks on this list. It turns oil into gold with the right shot behind it.
- Its Gas Mask core is one of the most beloved and powerful bowling ball cores out there. It’s earned its sterling reputation.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty which will keep your worries at bay and ensure you get maximum play life out of the ball.
Cons
- If you are not an advanced bowler who can tame an extremely reactive bowling ball, stay away. This ball may be too much for you.
- Not the bowling ball for budget-conscious bowlers. This one is an investment.
9) Ebonite Choice Bowling Ball
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The Ebonite Choice provides an unbeatable combination of a powerful, durable cover stock and undeniable hook potential which leads to an insane back-end reaction. It’s also a lot easier to control than some of the other heavy oil bowling balls on this list thanks to a symmetrical core calibrated to reduce the impact of shot mistakes.
Pros:
- GSV-1 cover stock burns through heavy oil with ease and keeps the energy building for a fantastic back-end crash no matter how oily the lanes are.
- Symmetrical mass bias core increase pin carry and lane length without cutting into hook potential.
- One of the more durable and easy-to-maintain reactive cover stocks we’ve ever played with.
Cons:
- This ball can be extremely volatile and hard to handle for inexperienced bowlers and can be trouble for all bowlers in fresh house conditions.
- The ball can get chewed up pretty badly on drier lanes. Keep it in the bag on those occasions.
8) Brunswick TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball
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With a durable polyester cover stock and minimum/maximum weight range that works for bowlers of all ages, the Brunswick TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball is a classic spare ball offering. This ball performs well when your lane condition breaks down and dries up, but it also provides straight-line accuracy in most conditions. The crown factory polish works better than a high gloss polish coverstock in this instance, offering great length and smart tracking of the pocket for beginners and experts alike.
Pros
- It’s got one of the coolest-looking coverstocks ever designed. It’s a classic through and through.
- The Brunswick TZone Deep Space is a good spare ball and a great first ball for beginners.
- Are you a straight shooter? You’re going to get plenty out of this universal wonder.
Cons
- It’s a plastic ball, so you’re not getting much hook or help in heavy oil.
- It’s a great budget ball with a classic look, but its performance is entry-level at best.
7) Radical Double Cross Bowling Ball
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The only true urethane bowling ball on our list, the Radical Double Cross Bowling Ball is one of the best backup balls for dry and depleted lane conditions that we’ve ever tested. While it doesn’t offer the hook potential of options later on our list, the Radical Double Cross offers fantastic continuation at the breakpoint without unpredictable angularity. If you’re looking for a change-of-pace ball that eschews trendy reactive coverstock options for something more classic, the Radical Double Cross is a great ball for you.
Pros
- Urethane balls are a breath of fresh air for those who don’t want or need the crazy reactivity of reactive resin bowling balls.
- The Radical Double Cross offers a consistent, powerful ride down the lane in dry and medium-dry lane conditions.
- The way this ball keeps its momentum off the breakpoint leads to some heavy-hitting fun on the pin deck.
Cons
- Urethane bowling balls can’t match the total hook of reactive balls.
- While it hits hard on dry lanes, this ball can get submerged in deeper oil.
6) Hammer Scandal/S Bowling Ball
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The Hammer Scandal/S Bowling Ball sports unmatched hitting power with an added perk of retaining energy for a massive back-end reaction. It works fantastically on heavy oil and does well with transitions in oil patterning on the lane, smoothing itself out for a late hitting burst. It also reacts smartly and gently enough to keep the control firmly in the hands of the bowler.
Pros:
- Semtex Hybrid CFI cover stock matches great reactivity with durability that is unparalleled in reactive resin bowling balls.
- Symmetrical core adds a counterbalance of control which benefits both slower bowlers and those who need a little bit of tracking to rein their hooks in.
- Some heavy oil bowling balls tend to overreact to oil conditions. The Hammer Scandal/S doesn’t do this. It makes varied oil conditions feel similar to each other when thrown with efficacy.
Cons:
- High-speed bowlers may not get the same benefits out of this ball as lower-speed bowlers. Higher speeds can cut into this ball’s overall efficiency.
- When the ball gets gummed up with oil, it starts to lose its power.
5) Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
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Are you looking for a fantastic compromise of medium-oiled mastery and consistent spare shooting? The Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is an entry-level reactive ball that gives you just enough hook to use as a starter’s hook ball, but enough consistency to be a strong spare bowling ball when needed. With adjustable finger holes for different hand sizes and a maximum weight allowed of 16 pounds, the Pyramid Path Rising is a malleable ball that can do different things for different bowlers.
Pros
- If you’re looking for a middle ground between plastic balls and high-performance hook shooters, this is the Path to success.
- It handles medium oil well and offers a consistent motion down the lane.
- For those just learning how to hook a ball, this is a fantastic teaching aid.
Cons
- There isn’t a ton of hook potential here, reactive resin coverstock or not.
- It might be somewhat unwieldy for some straight shooters, especially beginners.
4) Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball
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The best bowling ball on this list for a true beginner, the Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball is a great teaching tool. When you need a bowling ball to learn the basics sans the worry about hyperreactivity and loss of lane length, look to the Ebonite Maxim. It’s a durable hitting machine that will help increase scores for beginners and intermediate bowlers alike.
Pros
- Extremely durable polyester cover stock is forgiving for beginners who may not have a handle on things. It will bounce back and keep delivering.
- Symmetrical core makes this one of the best spare bowling balls and straight bowling balls out there. It just holds onto the lane.
- Extremely affordable price point. It’s a great ball to start with when you’re not sure you want to fully invest.
Cons
- Lacks hook potential. This is either a straight bowler’s ball or a spare bowling ball. It’s not a strike ball for hook bowlers.
- Only comes in lighter weights. You’re not going to be able to find a 16-pound version.
3) Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Bowling Ball
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If you love the classic asymmetric gas mask core and want a ball that turns your body weight into pure power down the lane, grab yourself the revamped Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Bowling Ball right away. The powerful Aggression Solid reactive coverstock turns heavy oil into liquid gold, offering more backend dynamite and mid-lane hook than the original Hammer Black Widow. Straight bowlers should steer away from this hook-happy Hammer ball. It’s a real treat for those who need some breakpoint sharpness and entry-angle creativity in their bowling lives.
Pros
- If you loved the original Black Widow, you’re going to be infatuated with the tweaks employed in the Hammer Black Widow 2.0.
- The back-end motion is big, bruising, and bold. It’s a real treat to watch.
- Medium oil is a perfect balance for this ball. It hooks so well when everything is level on the lanes.
Cons
- The drier the lanes get, the worse this ball tends to react and hold.
- The sharp breakpoint reaction might scare some bowlers off.
2) Motiv Venom Shock Bowling Ball
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A high-performance bowling ball for bowlers of all different shots and styles, the Motiv Venom Shock is a malleable, trusted standout that can do it all for all kinds of people. No matter the length, density, or complexity of the oil pattern you’re faced with, the Motiv Venom Shock can blend and build energy for a big back-end crash. It’s one of the most consistent high-performance bowling balls ever produced, and it’s one of the most popular in the marketplace for that very reason. Motiv Venom Shock
Pros
- The Motiv Venom Shock offers an amazingly smooth ride down the lane for a high-performance reactive resin ball.
- Different shot styles can unlock this ball in different ways.
- It’s one of the most trusted and well-reviewed high-performance bowling balls out there. It’s also sold at a very fair suggested price.
Cons
- It doesn’t offer the kind of hook potential synonymous with more aggressive balls on the market.
- Don’t take this ball out in extremely dry conditions. It won’t react well.
1) Storm Phaze 4 Bowling Ball
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While we’re cheating a bit since this ball hasn’t been officially released as of this writing, the utter anticipation for the Storm Phaze 4 Bowling Ball gives it an easy spot at the top of this list. The Storm Phaze series has been big money for Storm, and the fourth installment is primed to be the best of them all. Listed as one of the most aggressive symmetric core bowling balls ever created, the Storm Phaze 4 is said to combine unparalleled length and angularity for a non-asymmetrical core ball. We’re ready to take out for a test drive or ten.
Pros
- The bowling world always lines up for the release of a new Storm ball, and the Storm Phaze 4 is one of the most sought-after new releases they’ve ever announced.
- A hyper-aggressive symmetric ball with great length and even better power? Sign us up!
- If you’ve ever played with a Storm Phaze ball, you’re rightfully excited about this one!
Cons
- We have yet to test this ball ourselves, so we’re still kinda in the dark so far.
- We worry that the symmetrical core might eliminate some hook creativity for those who want major aggression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best spare bowling ball for 2022?
Our pick for the best spare bowling ball in 2022 is the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball. While the polyester coverstock options available on the Brunswick TZone Deep Space Bowling Ball and Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball make them great for straight-line spare shooting, the Pyramid Path Rising tops reactive resin balls when it comes to its value and spare consistency for hook shot artists. It might not be an adequate strike ball for expert bowlers, but it’s a heck of a backup option.
What bowling balls do professional bowlers use?
When looking at the world of professional bowling, you’re not going to find a lot of house balls and entry-level offerings. Pro bowlers usually look for an aggressive ball with an angular motion, hybrid reactive or solid reactive coverstock (or pearl), and all the bells and whistles that advanced bowlers need and love. Since pros are tasked with tackling complex lane conditions regularly, they need balls that can tackle both heavy and light oil lane conditions with aplomb. Thus, they usually carry an aggressive reactive ball and a more muted backup ball for spares and when oil conditions break down.
What is the most aggressive bowling ball on the market today?
While the Storm Phaze 4 Bowling Ball is the most aggressive symmetric core bowling ball in the marketplace, two other Storm offerings take the cake when it comes to pure aggression — the Storm Omega Crux Bowling Ball and the Storm Parallax Effect Bowling Ball. Whether you use lighter balls or ones with heavier ball weights, both of these pearl reactive Storm standouts rip through medium and heavy oil conditions with reckless abandon. This isn’t your average spare ball or new bowling ball kind of stuff. These are aggressive beasts that turn more friction into more pin carry.
Closing Thoughts
No matter what ball weight you use and whether you want a urethane bowling ball or something with a reactive coverstock, the marketplace is full of options for you to choose from. Before you sign up for a bowling league or head out to bowling alleys in your area, you need a great ball that fits your shooting style. Whether you’re a straight bowler or a hook master looking for an asymmetrical core ball, there’s something for bowlers of all skill levels and shot types on our list above.
