Why Beginners Don’t Need The Most Expensive Bowling Balls

As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.

Unless you’ve advanced to professional bowling, you probably don’t need the most expensive bowling balls in the world.

While it might be tempting to go for the latest new releases or the most expensive bowling ball available, beginners often don’t need the highest price tag or the advanced features that come with it.

Bowling can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with friends or even develop a new passion for the sport.

However, when starting out, many new bowlers are faced with the question of whether investing in the most expensive bowling ball is worth it. 

This blog post will help you understand how bowling balls are made, and why you should save your money until you’ve honed your bowling technique.

I’ve also included a list of beginner-intermediate bowling balls that can be purchased easily from Amazon.

Pin

Why You Should Save Your Money and Avoid the Most Expensive Bowling Balls For Now

One of the primary reasons that expensive bowling balls aren’t necessary for beginners is the learning curve involved in the sport.

To perform well, you need to focus on the right technique and practice rather than relying on a ball with advanced features that you’re not yet ready to control.

The most expensive balls are created with specific materials like reactive resin, asymmetrical cores, and complex weight blocks, which provide high hook potential and strike potential.

They’re great for advanced bowlers, but can be overwhelming for beginners.

Learning how to throw a consistent, straight shot with a more basic ball will serve as a better foundation for improving your game over time.

Watch the following YouTube video for 5 Beginner Bowling Hacks to Help You Bowl Your Best:

How You’ll Know You’re Ready for Expensive Bowling Balls

Knowing when you’re ready to invest in a more advanced, and possibly more expensive, bowling ball comes down to several key factors related to your skills, consistency, and understanding of the game. 

Here are signs that you might be ready to make the upgrade:

You’ve developed consistent technique

If you’ve been bowling for a while and can throw the ball with consistent accuracy and control, that’s a good indication you may be ready for an upgrade.

Consistency in your form, release, and approach is essential before switching to more advanced balls, which typically offer more hook potential and require better control.

You understand lane conditions

As you advance, you’ll begin to notice how different lane surfaces and oil patterns affect the ball’s behavior.

More advanced bowling balls, such as those with reactive resin or hybrid coverstocks, are designed to interact with oil patterns, giving you better control and the ability to adjust to varying conditions.

You’re ready to experiment with hook potential

Basic balls like those with plastic coverstocks are designed for straight shots, but as you progress, learning how to hook the ball becomes essential. Advanced balls, with materials like urethane or reactive resin, are designed for hooking.

If you’re already starting to experiment with hooks and are looking for more control and stronger back-end reactions, it may be time to upgrade.

You’re bowling in competitions of leagues

When you start competing in leagues or tournaments, you’ll often face bowlers who use more advanced equipment.

This may highlight your need for a ball with greater versatility, hooking ability, and adaptability to different types of lane conditions. Higher-end balls, like the Roto Grip Hyper Cell or Brunswick Fortera Exile, offer more precision, which is essential in competitive settings.

You’re current ball feels limited

If you’re finding that your current ball, whether it’s a plastic ball or a more basic urethane ball, is holding you back, it could be time for an upgrade.

Advanced balls with asymmetrical cores and reactive coverstocks offer more versatility and control, helping you refine your game and achieve a more consistent hook.

You want to build a bowling arsenal

Serious bowlers often have an arsenal of different bowling balls tailored to various lane conditions.

If you’ve reached the point where you want to build a decent arsenal line-up, you’re likely ready to consider advanced balls. Balls like the Roto Grip Defiant Edge or Motiv Venom Shock are excellent additions for those who want different reactions depending on lane conditions.

Pin

Understanding the Different Materials in Bowling Balls

Bowling balls come in a wide variety of different materials, which affect their performance on the lanes.

Most beginners start out using house balls made of plastic coverstocks.

These balls are designed for durability and easy control, making them a solid choice when you’re first learning the game.

The following are descriptions of the materials found in bowling balls, including whether they are found in beginner, advanced, or pro-level bowling balls.

Plastic Coverstocks

Plastic (or polyester) is one of the most basic and affordable materials used in bowling balls.

It has very low friction, which means it doesn’t grip the lane much and generally rolls in a straight line. This makes it ideal for beginners who are learning the game and for bowlers needing a spare ball that offers predictability.

• Found In: Entry-level bowling balls and spare balls.
• Commonality: Not found in all bowling balls, only in beginner or spare balls.

Urethane Coverstocks

Urethane coverstocks offer more friction than plastic, allowing for a slight hook while still being relatively easy to control.

Urethane balls also absorb less oil than more advanced coverstocks, making them more durable and versatile for a wide range of conditions.

• Found In: Balls designed for intermediate bowlers, as well as some professional-level spare balls.
• Commonality: Found in some bowling balls, typically for those looking for more control with a subtle hook.

Reactive Resin Coverstocks

Reactive resin is the most popular material for advanced bowlers because of its increased friction and oil absorption, allowing for significant hook potential. This material gives bowlers better control over the ball’s motion and is commonly found in high-performance bowling balls.

• Found In: High-performance and advanced-level bowling balls.
• Commonality: Only found in some bowling balls, typically those designed for advanced bowlers or those looking for strong hooking action.

Hybrid Reactive Coverstocks

Hybrid reactive coverstocks combine different types of reactive resins (solid and pearl) to provide a balance of early roll and backend reaction. These are versatile and offer both control in the early stages of the ball’s motion and a strong finish on the backend.

• Found In: Mid- to high-performance bowling balls.
• Commonality: Found in some bowling balls, particularly those designed for bowlers seeking a balance of control and hook potential.

Particle (Proactive) Coverstocks

Particle coverstocks include small textured particles that increase friction and gripping ability. These are primarily used for very oily lane conditions where extra hook potential and control are needed. They are known for their aggressive motion on the lane.

• Found In: Specialty high-performance bowling balls.
• Commonality: Rare; found only in some high-end balls designed for specific lane conditions (typically oily).

Weight Blocks (Cores)

The core, or weight block, is the inner part of the bowling ball and plays a huge role in determining the ball’s overall motion. Cores come in various shapes (symmetric or asymmetric) and densities, affecting how the ball rolls and hooks.

More advanced cores, like asymmetrical cores or ceramic cores, are designed to increase hook potential and control.

• Found In: All bowling balls, though the complexity and type of core vary between beginner and high-performance models.
• Commonality: Found in all bowling balls, though the core’s design and sophistication increase with performance level.

Filler Material

The filler material is the substance that fills the space between the coverstock and the core. Its purpose is to help control the overall weight of the bowling ball without affecting performance.

Higher-end balls may use denser fillers to enhance performance, while beginner balls use lighter, less reactive fillers.

• Found In: All bowling balls.
• Commonality: Found in all bowling balls.

Other hobbies you might be interested in

If you like bowling, you might be interested in reading other blog posts that are related to a variety of hobbies. For example, check these out:

69 Best Mind-Stimulating Hobbies For Men Over 60

23 Ultimate Hobbies for People Over 50 to Enjoy

Why The Most Expensive Bowling Balls Aren’t Always Worth It

The ball cost of more advanced options can be significant, but the real effect of these high-end models, like the Brunswick Fortera Exile or Roto Grip Hyper Cell, won’t necessarily be noticeable for someone who hasn’t yet developed the right techniques. 

These top sellers feature innovative filler materials, hybrid cover stocks, and other cutting-edge features that professional bowlers and serious bowlers appreciate, but beginners don’t need to dive into this level of complexity just yet.

For example, a ball like the Radical Reaxx Pearl or the Crux Pearl offers impressive control and a lot of back end but requires an experienced hand to handle the power and motion. 

The weight of a bowling ball, often ranging between 10 and 16 pounds, and the proper fit of the finger holes are more crucial to a beginner than chasing after newer releases or the ball with the excessive price.

Focus on Fit and Technique

As a beginner, your primary focus should be on developing the right technique, including how to hold the ball, align yourself on the ball rack, and practice consistency in your release.

Finding a ball with a perfect fit in terms of grip and weight is far more beneficial at this stage than buying the most expensive one available.

A poorly fitted ball can lead to strained ligaments and discomfort, which could throw off your entire game.

It’s also important to match the ball to your playing style. Are you a palm bowler looking for more control, or do you want to learn how to hook the ball?

Until you decide, sticking with a reputable brand like a Brunswick Bowling Ball or even a Tropical Surge is a solid choice. 

These balls are often designed with beginners in mind and can offer a smoother transition as you advance.

When to Consider Advanced Bowling Balls

Only when you’ve refined your skills and are starting to bowl regularly should you think about investing in the best bowling ball for your game.

At this stage, you might consider balls with more specific features like ceramic cores, very low RG (radius of gyration), or even specialty balls like the Roto Grip Defiant Edge.

For serious bowlers aiming for competitive leagues, options like the Brunswick Fortera Exile or the Ebonite Innovate may offer a significant boost in performance, especially on more challenging lane surfaces.

However, these high-performance balls come with a steep learning curve, and purchasing them too soon can lead to frustration.

7 Beginner-Friendly Bowling Balls

These are great for newcomers, offering control, durability, and ease of use without overwhelming features like extreme hook potential or advanced core designs.

You may notice that some of the beginner-friendly bowling balls are also good for intermediate to advanced bowlers. For that reason, some of the following bowling balls fall into both categories.

Storm Ice 

Brunswick Tzone

Storm Tropical Surge

Ebonite Maxim 

Brunswick Rhino

Columbia 300 White Dot 

Motiv Venom Shock

7 Intermediate Bowling Balls For Good Performance & Control 

Here’s a list of intermediate bowling balls that offer a good balance of performance and control, perfect for bowlers who are looking to step up their game. 

Roto Grip Hustle

Motiv Venom Shock

Storm Tropical Surge 

Black Widow 2.0

Radical Katana

Columbia 300 Messenger

Brunswick Rhino

Conclusion: The Best Suits Your Skill Level

In bowling, just like any other sport, it’s essential to find the right ball for your current skill level. As a beginner, you don’t need to chase the most expensive ball or the latest new bowling balls on the market. Instead, focus on honing your technique with a well-fitting ball that suits your playing style.

Once you’re ready, there are plenty of middle-shelf balls from reputable brands like Roto Grip, Brunswick, or Storm that offer solid performance without the intimidating features or high price tags of advanced models. 

After all, bowling is as much about technique and practice as it is about equipment.