The 10 Best Bowling Balls for Beginners in 2023

Bowling is a sport enjoyed by millions of numbers of people from all corners of the world. It can be a great activity for family time, corporate team-building or even a date, but if you wish to get better and improve your average, getting your own ball is a crucial step to take.

After a long night of fun at your local bowling alley with family and friends, did you find yourself waking up the next morning with a sore hand and possibly even blisters? The reasons vary, but most likely because of the house balls that you were using did not fit your hand properly. If bowling is something you enjoy, wether as a casual bowler or thinking about joining a weekly league, then you MUST purchase your own custom fitted bowling ball.

Bowling is one of the games that a lot of people uses to build bonds with family on friends. It doesn’t matter who you are there is something about watching a bowling ball move down the bowling lane that creates an unexplainable level of excitement. There are many different types of bowling balls, some more ideal for beginners, some better for certain types of bowlers and some can be ideal for almost any player.

Having your own ball is great because you can customize your bowling experience no matter the lane condition to help increase your average score the best way for you. Whether you want a lighter ball or the heaviest ball making the best choice of entry level ball for you can be a lot of work, but we are here to help!

The 10 Best Bowling Balls for Beginners in 2023

1.Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball

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TZone bowling balls are a cheap alternative worth your nominal investment, whether you’re a beginner bowler just getting started in the sport or an experienced bowler seeking on-track and a reliable spare bowling ball.

Brunswick T-Zone Indigo Swirl has also been included as the Top number 4 on Top Picks for the Best Bowling Balls 2021.This bowling ball is popular for having a high gloss polish, a plastic coverstock, or polyester coverstock, and having a hook potential of 25 low on a scale of 10 to 175 Low-High.This ball provides an effective balance of straight-line accuracy and consistent spare shot consistency.

Due to this, Brunswick T-Zone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball is considered a great ball for kids and beginners.Also, T-Zone bowling balls are the spare ball of choice among bowlers of all skill levels and experience levels.Brunswick T-Zone bowling balls are highly regarded by bowlers regardless of skill level.

T-Zone bowling balls have provided an easy-to-learn introduction to the sport for many new bowlers who have yet to experiment with the idea of a hook shot.When it comes to hitting the pin pocket with consistency, T-Zone’s polyester balls provide beginners an advantage.They have a combination of durable polyester cover stock and straight-line accuracy.

Moreover, if you are after a good aesthetic design that suits your preference, Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl has prepared various options for you to choose from.And if you worry about the price, you should not be frightened because this is extremely cost-efficient and it is masterfully executed in such a way as to get you compliments from other bowlers in the lane.

Advantages

• Low cost.
• Extremely easy to pick up and play with.
• The ball’s incredibly low hook potential and symmetrical core provide unequaled lane length in identifying your spare shot mark and hitting it over and over again with ease.
• With the appropriate delivery and fingertip grip, T Zone bowling balls can cut through lane conditions and provide an accurate shot.
• The impact-resistant polyester cover stock is difficult to damage and guarantees a long time period of shelf life.

Disadvantages

• Lose some of their accuracies on heavy-oiled bowling alley with uneven oil patterns.
• They don’t have many hooks and flare potential to work with.
• TZone bowling balls are still a great spare alternative, but some intermediate bowlers may find them too limited and simple for trickier spares and changing lane conditions.

2.Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball

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Advantages

• Affordable
• Beginner-friendly.
• The appearance is solid.
• There are a variety of sizes available.
• On dry lanes, this works wonderfully.

Disadvantage

• There is no hook.

The third best bowling ball that is suitable for beginners is the Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball. This is also popular and included in Top Number 13 in Best Bowling Balls in 2021.Also, it is perfect for those novices who look for low-cost bowling balls. Ebonite Maxim has no hook and is an excellent piece of equipment for improving your alley performance.

It also contains a feature of straight reaction rate, a three-piece core, and a polyester coverstock for long-lasting performance.Moreover, Ebonite Maxim has various sizes ranging from 6 pounds to 15 pounds which makes it suitable for all genders, whether you’re young or old, and the level of your skills.

The lighter balls are ideal for children or beginners who aren’t used to playing with a heavy ball.The heavier balls, on the other hand, are best for experienced players or intermediate players looking for a good spare to add to their collection.

When compared to resin or urethane balls coverstock, polyester and plastic balls are the most suited coverstock for beginners because it is more durable.As a result, the Ebonite Maxim will last for the entire bowling session which can assure you of long shelf life.

Lastly, it works best on dry lanes, which is the greatest lane condition for beginners since it allows them to have more control over the ball.This bowling ball is designed without a hook because it is for beginners so that it will just travel straight down the lane.

3.Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball

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Pros:

• It comes with a gas mask core.
• Meant for heavy oil lanes.
• It is made with NBT hybrid coverstock material.
• Provides a strong reaction.
• Extremely durable.
• One of the most robust balls out there.

Cons:

• There are no cons.

According to many in the bowling world, the Hammer Black Widow Legend is aptly named. Legendary in this case is more than just hype due to what Hammer brings to this excellent reactive ball that’s best for more advanced bowlers. The Black Widow line has been popular and successful for a long time, and this latest version takes it to a new level. First, it has a hybrid coverstock, which is a first for the Black Widows, and it’s extremely aggressive and ideal for medium-heavy oil. The popular Gas Mask core is also used in this ball, which helps with a strong backend. Hammer stands by their products and the Legend has a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty.

4.Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball

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In contrast to the previous two which were best for experienced bowlers, this is another entry level ball that’s great for those just getting started in the game. Alternatively, it can be a reliable spare ball for bowlers who are indeed a bit more advanced. The Ebonite Maxim line has a polyester coverstock and is a good option for reliability and consistency in your shots.

5.Storm Ice Storm Blue

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Advantages

• Great balance between control and power.
• Lots of great design and color options
• Has asymmetrical core for enhanced pin action and release momentum.
• Average but workable hook potential.
• The radius of gyration and differential allows for better control of ball movement.
• Moderate ball weight to improve strength and prevent bounce.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for severely oily lanes.
• Unreliable angles and inconsistency in hooking.

Brunswick Rhino Reactive Ball is one of the best balls in the list of best reactive resin balls for beginner bowlers to get started with the hook style of bowling.This bowling reactive ball is greatly recognized for its features, good value, and is known as a starter hook ball.

The brand Brunswick became known in the bowling market for its high-quality products, particularly its well-made urethane reactive bowling balls.The Rhino bowling reactive balls, which are much more than simply a beautiful cover stock, are the perfect exhibition of control and power for most players’ preferences.

Whether you’re a beginner, a professional player, or anywhere in between, this is an excellent addition to your bowling arsenal.Brunswick Rhino Reactive has various color combinations and sizes of options ranging from 10 to 16 pounds.

It has R-16 Reactive Coverstock and a pearl reactive cover type.Lastly, the Brunswick Rhino is cost-effective and it comes with a 2-year warranty effective from the purchase date.

In addition to that, it is an adaptable bowling ball that provides great performance with a lower hook potential that performs well in a variety of lane conditions, making it a worthwhile purchase for all types of bowlers.

Best high performance bowling balls

6.Pyramid Path Bowling Ball

Pyramid produces some of the best bowling balls available out there. The quality of the balls is worth mentioning. If you want to get quality bowling balls within an affordable rate, Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is the option for you.

For instance, with polyester coverstock, the ball serves to be an ideal companion for the beginners. This ball is perfect for the ones who want to achieve a perfectly straight shot. However, if you are a professional, you can even use it as a spare bowling ball.The design of the ball makes it suitable for players of all ages. It is also available in multiple colors for you to choose from. The good thing about the product is that it comes with a 2 years warranty. This ensures the longevity of the ball.

With its excellent finish and quality, it is sure to turn heads. Considering all the given features of the ball, this is indeed a great bowling ball.If you are aiming for a good practice game, you can undoubtedly rely on the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball.

7.Columbia 300 Nitrous Bowling Ball

Columbia 300 nitrous bowling ball provides complete value for your money. This entry level reactive ball is one of its kind. The Nitrous makes use of a new symmetrical core.There is no doubt that this is one of the best performance balls out there. Other than its performance, the ball is a delight to look at.

It is available in silver and red which makes it look absolutely stunning.The ball gets it shiny look from the 2000 Abralon polished finish. The excellent finish of the ball enables it to glide smoothly on a medium to light oil lanes.

This mid-performance bowling ball also comes with a boost/R reactive resin coverstock which increases its worth even more. This ball is ideal for bowlers of all skill levels. With the help of this ball, anyone can perfect their shots.

Best bowling ball for all lane conditions

8.Motiv Golden Jackal 14lbs

This ball possesses a lot of fresh power in it, creating it a great choice for hard hooks deep down the lane. It’s ideal for bowlers who are a little more advanced and are prepared for a ball that is slightly more grippy and hard to control as the power it provides is out of this world.

9.Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball

The Ball is ideal for providing control hooks and tossing straight shots, this magnificent ball easily influences the whole length of the lane without pulling off to the side halfway down. However, This ball is perfect for beginners who may diversely struggle to control the ball and want something that they can depend on being easy to toss.

Best bowling balls for intermediate bowlers

10.Storm IQ Tour Edition Bowling Ball

The deep green spirals and gold glitter on this bowling ball assist to place it apart but what makes it really enjoyable and fascinating is the long-lasting coverstock and the majestic core. The fusion of the power created by this two together make this ball not only comfortable to toss but also an epicentre powerhouse on almost any lane, regardless of the conditions. This is the reason why it is a perfect option for beginners as well as more advanced bowlers.

What are 3 types of bowling?

Entry Level Bowling Balls

If you’re just getting started with bowling but recognize the advantages of getting your own ball, you’ll want to get started with one that won’t break the bank and will allow you to improve your skills easily.

Assuming that you’re like the vast majority of beginners who throw a straight ball on their first shot, the type of ball to go for is made of plastic or polyester (they mean the same thing but are called by both names). These balls have less friction on the lane and are designed to travel true and straight, so you can achieve consistency in your shot. Even when you step up to the next level, you’ll want to keep your plastic ball around to use for your spare shots.

Intermediate Level Bowling Balls

When you’ve graduated from your straight ball days, say when your league average is in the 140-170 range, or you just want to mix it up and try a new challenge, hooking the ball is the next step.

And the plastic/polyester coverstock isn’t ideal for hooking as it doesn’t react sufficiently with the lane surface. Urethane balls, on the other hand, do allow for greater action between the ball and the lane, which will let it have more of a hook. In general urethane will play best on dry and medium lanes as a strike ball, or as a spare ball in any conditions.

Advanced Bowling Balls

For bowlers who invest more time in the game and want to perform at a higher level, such as tournaments or a competitive league, there are special urethane balls that have added ingredients for even more hook potential: resin particles.

These are called resin or reactive resin balls and typically they are the most expensive, but also the most powerful and capable of getting you the most strikes on your first ball. The particles can be made from various materials, so reactive balls can be geared towards different types of lane conditions. Next we’ll look at a few specific balls from major companies, so if you’ve been wondering what is the best bowling ball on the market today, you’ll know the top candidates.

How To Choose A Bowling Ball To Fit Your Needs

Bowling is one of the most enjoyable games out there. It may be a trendy game, but it is definitely enjoyed by a lot of people. The hard part of the game is choosing the right ball for your game.

You need to choose a bowling ball that fits your needs and style. When it comes to choosing the right bowling balls, there are several factors to consider.If you thought, weight is the only thing that matters, you are very wrong.

For a beginner, it may appear all to be the same. Well, that’s not the case. To choose the right bowling ball, you need to have the expertise of a professional.To help you out, I have pointed out the factors that you need to consider while choosing the right ball. Mind you, there is more than just weight when it comes to choosing the right bowling ball.

Things You need to consider:

1. WeightWeight is the most crucial aspect for you to consider while choosing the right bowling ball. Apparently, you don’t want to struggle while rolling the ball. If the ball is too heavy, you may find it difficult to handle during the game. On the other hand, choosing a lighter ball may not be wise for balance. This is why it is essential for you to pick the right weight ball. It’s the weight of the ball that makes all the difference. There are basically three recommendations for you to follow when choosing the right weight ball:

You should select a ball that is equivalent to 10% of your total body weight. This is the most common recommendation and is followed by the majority of the players.You can go for the heaviest ball in your arsenal but make sure that you can throw it accurately. Mind you, this may not work for everyone.

You can also add extra 1 or 2 pounds to your house ball weight. According to experts, if the holes are drilled perfectly, the ball will automatically feel lighter. This will ensure a great throw. Also, you will feel comfortable while throwing the ball.

In my opinion, don’t pick a heavy ball just because you feel like it. If you want to stand out in the game, be strategic with your ball selections.

2. CoresThe next important consideration is the cores. As a newbie, you may not know, but there are different cores in the balls. Each of the cores has a disparate impact on your game. This is why it is crucial for you to pick the right core.

Here is what you need to know about the different cores:

• Pancake Cores: This is mainly found in beginner bowling balls. The features of pancake cores are what makes them ideal for the newbies. These type of bowling balls are easy to handle.
• They don’t require much adjustment. Also, these balls are much straighter. The pancake core can give you a soothing rolling experience.
• Symmetrical Cores: This is a bit more advanced core than pancake cores. However, this is the core type that is found in most balls. The best quality of these balls to mention is that they are very much balanced.
• Needless to say, this ensures more of even roll in the game. The core actually plays a significant role and has a big impact on your game.
• Asymmetrical Cores: Most of the players prefer to go for an asymmetrical core. These balls allow you to have more control.

However, such balls are good only under certain conditions. The main advantage of playing with the asymmetrical core is that it provides you with more motion.If you need to hit the balls from an angle, this is the best option you can go for.

Now that you have basic ideas about the different cores, it should be easier for you to pick the right one. Pick the core that you are more comfortable to play with.

3. Coverstock MaterialWhen deciding to pick the bowling ball, coverstock material is one of the most important aspects to consider.

Sadly, many of the players tend to ignore the importance of coverstock material. Choosing the right coverstock is essential as it decides the amount of hook you will get.There are different types of coverstock material listed out there. The most common one is the plastic coverstock.

Different coverstock materials include urethane and reactive coverstock. You need to choose the coverstock based on what you want your ball to do. Different coverstock has different roles to play. It has a significant impact on your game so you might as well pick the right one.For example, plastic coverstocks are ideal for smooth throwing. However, they won’t rotate much. If you want your bowling ball to go straight, plastic coverstock can be a sensible choice.

On the other hand, urethane and reactive resin are suitable for players who want to hook their throws. However, the degree of hooks will vary based on the material of the coverstock.Reactive resin is more aggressive than urethane bowling balls. If you are aiming for a potential strike, opting for reactive resin will be a good option.

4. Reactive ResinBefore choosing a bowling ball you need to check how reactive it is. This is also dependent on the design of the ball. For this, you need to have complete knowledge of reactive resin coverstocks as well. Options available to you include solid, hybrid and pearl reactive resin coverstocks.

The solid reactive resin is ideal for an even rolling experience. Also, it is useful for creating more friction especially if the lane is oily.As far as pearl reactive resin is concerned, they are not very reactive on oily lanes. However, they may provide you some leverage.

Coming down to the hybrid reactive resin, it is a combination of both pearl and solid. Thus, it enjoys the best of both sides. Hybrid reactive resin is more aggressive and can provide you with a great rolling experience.It is advised that you pick the reactive resin based on the quality of your game. For beginners, the solid reactive resin is considered to be a perfect choice.

5. USBC ApprovedMost of the bowling balls are USBC approved which means they can be used for professional competitions. However, if you are to choose the ideal bowling ball for your next game, make sure that it is USBC approved.

To approve a bowling ball they mainly focus on two important aspects including the balance and weight of the balls. By doing so, they ensure the balls are perfectly balanced so that you can use it for professional games.

In order to find out whether your ball is USBC approved, you can take it to a local bowling shop. Since these people have a lot of experience with bowling balls, they will be able to tell you the differences. This is particularly important if you are getting ready for a serious game.With the help of the given pointers, you will be able to pick the right bowling ball for yourself. By now, the importance of choosing the right ball should be clear to you.

Features You Must Consider While Choosing The Best Bowling Ball For All Lane Conditions:

Coverstock/ Outershell of The Ball:

As most of the people may know, the outer cover of a bowling ball performs an important role in how smoothly it will roll and move down the lane as well as if or not it will hook hard; Nevertheless, what some people are unaware of is that the cover also transpires into play on varied lane conditions.

Bowling Balls that have a hard or pearl Outershell are going to move forward easily in the front of the lane when they are utilized on dry lanes. This feature will provide bowlers a lot of control over their balls and also make them realize as if they can more comfortably alter their throws when performing in their match. This is in fact a significant for dry lanes.

Then again, when the bowlers are performing on lanes consists of medium or heavy oil, then the bowlers require to watch out for balls that have firmer coverstock. A hard coverstock will assist to grow the gripping action of the ball, providing it a lot more bite and grit when it rolls down the lane. Unaccompanied by this bite, the ball will begin to slide and won’t be effortless to control.

Weight of The Ball

While it’s foremost to think about the weight of a bowling ball as a personal choice and one that will play a giant and significant role in how skilfully a person can toss and control his or her ball, the weight of the ball also comes under consideration when it is utilized on certain lane conditions. The balls which are lighter can frequently slip and slide when they are played on high-oil lanes, and thus, makes them almost unfeasible to control.

The balls which are Heavier, on the contrary, are able to easily bite and grab the lane even though they may be little bit more laborious to throw. The heavier balls provide these balls to roll more easily when performed on a lot of oil. In the case of lighter balls, it will slide to the side of the lane and halt out of control, heavier balls have the intensity and necessary control over the ball to sustain better and more compatible contact with the lane.

Flare Potential of the Ball

The flare potential of a ball is also most prime factor while picking up a ball for certain lane conditions. The potential rating of a ball decides how much hook potential the ball has, which can come handy on playing on dry and oiled lanes and can immensely influence how the ball reacts.

To Bowl on a dry lane is comparably easy, mainly when a ball with a lower flare potential being used. These balls will not have the exact high back-end reaction compared to the balls having eminent flare potential will.

When you are bowling on say, medium or heavy oil lane, it is a smart and ideal idea to go for a bowling ball that has medium flare potential. These balls will not only have a powerful back-end reaction but will also be partially comfortable to control. In this case, bowlers will watch out for a ball that has a potential rating of around 4” to 6”.

To Bowl on very oily lanes can be sometime difficult; in such case, it is a ideal idea to go for a bowling ball that has more flare potential. These will help the bowler to have a strong back-end reaction on the ball. Bowlers will now start to look for balls with a minimum 7” potential rating when it is bowled in such conditions.So, given above are some best bowling ball for all lane conditions sorted by our group of experts.

The six basic fundamentals for bowling:

1. Ball fit and weight

2. Armswing

3. Footwork

4. Timing

5. Release

6. Finishing position.

Why Trust Yeaig?

The author, Yeaig, is a certified bowling coach. She is dedicated to finding ways to enhance the bowling experience and make it more enjoyable for enthusiasts. Yeaig has conducted extensive research and analyzed feedback from numerous bowlers to curate a list of the best bowling equipment and accessories. The products mentioned in the list are carefully chosen for their quality, performance, and user satisfaction.

What size bowling ball should a beginner use?

Typically, adult male beginner players tend to choose balls from 14 to 16 pounds while adult female beginner players choose balls from 10 to 14 pounds. Young bowlers should choose balls in the 6 to 14 pound range.

How do I pick my first bowling ball?

Some say your ball should be approximately 10 percent of your body weight, up to the maximum 16 pounds. Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use.

What new bowling ball should I get?

Some say your ball should be approximately 10 percent of your body weight, up to the maximum 16 pounds. Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use.

Is it better to use a heavy ball or light ball in bowling?

In general, the heavier the bowling ball will be, the better as a heavy ball will be more impactful, carry more power, and will have more chances of hooking than a lightweight bowling ball. The heavier ball will be able to knock down more pins when two bowling balls are thrown at the same speed.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BOWLING BALL IS TOO HEAVY?

If you can hold the ball in the palm of your bowling hand without your arm shaking, the ball is not too heavy. However, if your arm is shaking and you struggle to hold it, drop a pound or 2.^[1]The Best Bowling Ball Weight For You

ARE ALL BOWLING BALLS THE SAME SIZE?

Yes, although balls vary by weight, all bowling balls are manufactured with a universal 8.5-inch diameter.^[2]How To Choose The Right Size Bowling Ball