If you have been bowling for quite some time, you would know that the sport of bowling can be very demanding if you want to be the very best (or at least the best among your peers). A major consideration when improving in bowling is lane conditions, particularly oil patterns and oil conditions. In this guide, we walk you through dry lanes, medium oil lanes, heavy oil lanes, and everything else in between. On top of this, we will show you the best dry lane bowling balls in today's market.
If you would like to learn more about the factors to consider when it comes to lane conditions, how dry lanes and oil conditions affect bowling ball performance, and things to look out for before purchasing the best bowling ball for dry lanes, then continue reading!
What are Medium to Dry Lanes in Bowling?
Medium to dry lanes in bowling refers to a general range of volume of oil applied to the bowling lane.
For reference, there are a total of four general lane conditions, namely:
The type of lane that has the least concentration of oil is the medium-dry lane, which can more or less be broken down into dry lane and medium oil lane.
Dry Lane
A dry lane means that the surface the ball travels on has minimal or light oil applied. This would translate into more grip and friction at the early stages of the ball motion and would result in an earlier hook motion for hook shots and a slower travel velocity as a result of the friction or resistance throughout the lane. This type of lane has the least amount of oil and could even result in wear and tear for both the bowling ball lane and the bowling ball itself.
Medium Oil
A medium oil lane means that there is a certain amount of oil applied, but not as much as a heavy oil application. This translates into less friction and resistance at the beginning, but compared to the other oil conditions, would still result in a relatively earlier ball reaction and hook motion. In terms of volume of oil applied, this lane has the second least amount of oil applied, right behind a dry lane.
It is also worth noting that there are oil patterns to consider as well, but this varies on the house pattern, competition rules and regulations, and other factors. Let us save oil patterns for the next section.
Choosing the Right Dry Lane Bowling Ball
Straight Shot vs Hook Shot
When rolling a ball down the lane, beginners (and some intermediate players) tend to throw a straight shot. This means that the ball takes a linear motion, and barely (if at all) breaks away from the straight-line trajectory. This is relatively easy to execute and master but does not necessarily lead you to the most number of strikes.
Hook shots are for the more experienced bowlers. Bowling professionals and experts utilize the hook shot to initiate a more aggressive movement pattern into the set of standing pins. A more aggressive and angular approach would lead to better pin carry and provides the bowler with an easier window to strike the sweet spot or the so-called pocket of the pins.
In dry lane conditions, it is very important to identify the kind of shot you plan to utilize to determine what kind of coverstock or bowling ball you should use, which leads us to our succeeding factors.
Coverstock
There are three types of coverstocks used in modern-day bowling:
Each type of coverstock has its own use case or purpose, and for the sake of dry lane conditions, it is important to understand what each kind of coverstock can do for you to determine the best bowling balls for dry lanes.
Plastic/Polyester
A plastic/polyester coverstock bowling ball is the best bowling ball for dry lanes because the surface of the ball has the least amount of friction, allowing for better forward motion and velocity as it rolls down the lane. However, this is not ideal for hook shots.
Urethane
The urethane bowling ball possesses the best qualities of plastic material and rubber material. It is a more durable version of the plastic/polyester coverstock and is the best bowling ball for dry lanes only if you need a long-term ball and if you are experienced with managing the minimal hook potential and flare potential due to its surface.
Reactive Resin
The reactive resin coverstock bowling ball is the best bowling ball for dry lanes if you plan to execute hook shots. This kind of bowling ball is broken down into three main categories, as found in the next entry on this list.
Reactive Material
Under the reactive resin coverstock, there are three main materials used that provide different kinds of reactions and movement patterns:
Pearl
The pearl coverstock bowling ball has the least amount of friction or resistance among the three. This is a good bowling ball for experts who have mastered hook shots since the reaction or grip of this ball happens toward the back end of the shot.
Solid
The solid coverstock bowling ball is the counterpart of the pearl coverstock bowling ball, as it hooks earlier and responds quicker (sometimes as soon as it gets in contact with the lane). Use this type of ball if you are aiming for an initial burst of speed and hook movement.
Hybrid
The hybrid coverstock bowling ball is somewhere in the middle between the pearl coverstock and the solid coverstock. It typically hooks mid lane or in the back end, but this can vary depending on the core or weight block inside of it (discussed in the succeeding entry).
As for the best bowling balls for dry lanes when hooking, we suggest that you examine what you prioritize. If you want a good hooking ball that offers more control and stability, the solid coverstock is your choice. But if you're looking for a ball that performs perfectly toward the back end, go for the pearl coverstock. If you are looking for a mix of the two, the hybrid coverstock is the right pick.
Core/Weight Block
There are two types of cores/weight blocks when it comes to hook shots, symmetrical and asymmetrical.
For beginners, we recommend going with symmetrical bowling balls as this offers decent control, stability, and predictability.
For experienced bowlers who are looking for more aggressive movement patterns, the asymmetrical core bowling balls are considered to be one of the best bowling balls for dry lanes.
Drilling Layouts
To provide you with a basic understanding of what drilling layouts can do for you, it is important to describe the two most common layouts or configurations: pin up and pin down.
This is very important to take note of since dry lanes would really leave the bowling ball with ultimate control over how it would respond, move, and react down the lane.
The pin up layout allows for a short and sharp hook movement pattern, and an energetic movement right off the bat. This means that the ball will enter the lane and burst with more revolutions, and will hook at an earlier point.
The pin down layout will present a slow and steady start, but will then begin to react, grip, and hook toward the middle or the end of the roll. This layout offers lower flare potential, and a longer, curvier hook movement pattern.
Top 5 Dry Lane Bowling Balls
1. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
If you are looking for a young, reputable, and innovative offering from a young, reputable, and innovative brand, the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is the right choice.
Created in 16 unique designs and a size range from 8 pounds to 16 pounds, expect this polyester coverstock bowling ball to deliver you with great and consistent straight shot performance.
2. Storm Ice Bowling Ball
The Storm Ice Bowling Ball is perfect for bowlers who are looking for a ball with great performance and a simplistic design.
Offered in a weight range of 10 pounds to 16 pounds, expect this polyester coverstock, 3500 grit polished bowling ball to give you decent speeds and a straight trajectory down a dry lane.
3. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Our final plastic/polyester coverstock bowling ball entry in this list is one of the most popular: the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball.
This ball sports a high gloss polish and minimal hook and flare potential to provide you with high levels of control and stability.
It also has the most size and weight options (6 pounds to 16 pounds) and comes in 9 unique colorways or designs.
4. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball is one of the best reactive resin bowling balls for dry lane conditions.
Specifically built for dry lanes with a symmetric light bulb core and a 500 grit finish, this ball minimizes unnecessary flare and reaction to dry to medium oil lane conditions.
If you want a bowling ball that ranges from 10 pounds to 16 pounds, comes in three cool colorways, and offers decent stability and control for hook shots, then this is the one for you.
5. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
As you would expect out of the brand, the Pyramid Path Rising Ball is just the best in terms of value-for-money.
With a pearl reactive coverstock, a 1500 grit polish, and a symmetric weight block, expect excellent control and predictability when using this ball for hook shots.
This bowling ball is great for different playstyles, whether you are slow and methodical or quick and aggressive, this ball can provide you with the strength and performance you require.
Special Tips for Bowling on Dry Lanes
Dry lanes can be a struggle to deal with, especially if the lane conditions you are used to as a bowler involves a certain degree or concentration of oil applied.
We totally understand this as we have experienced the same dilemma ourselves.
In this section, we list some of the special tips and techniques we have acquired through the years to be just as effective in dry lanes as we generally are in light oil, medium oil, and heavy oil lanes.
Get the Right Bowling Ball
In our eyes, one of the best solutions to dealing with dry lane conditions is to seriously find the best bowling ball for dry lanes.
It is rough, literally and figuratively, to compete on a surface that offers the greatest amount of friction and resistance. This is especially true for bowlers who have grown to rely on their hook shots, rather than straight shots or spare shots.
The simplest (although costly) way is to get a bowling ball that is perfect for dry lanes. There are several offerings in the market. You just have to refer to our list of best bowling ball products to find which one would fit dry lanes.
Just remember, to counteract the friction of the dry lanes, you would have to go for a ball that has the least amount of friction. Polyester coverstock balls and urethane coverstock balls may be good options, but not the best if you plan to hook your shots.
We recommend going with reactive resin coverstock bowling balls, particularly the pearl coverstock bowling balls or even the hybrid coverstock bowling balls. Either of these is a good option because they possess the porous qualities needed to grip the dry lanes but are also designed to offer significantly lower friction or resistance to delay the reaction or hook motion of the bowling ball.
Review our factors above to get a deeper understanding of what to look for when finding the best bowling ball for dry lanes.
Adjust Your Starting Position
Certain bowlers have gotten used to shooting or rolling a bowling ball from the center, and although we stand by consistency in stance, approach, and release, we have to concede to dry lanes.
If you find yourself struggling in dry lanes, especially when it comes to hook shots, try moving to the left (if you are a right-handed bowler) or right (if you are a left-handed bowler).
Experiment with your starting position to find the best approach for your playstyle in dry lanes.
Pick the Right Angle
As a continuation of the previous entry, picking the right angle should be a major consideration. The angle at which you let go of the ball can determine how far down the lane it goes before reacting to or gripping the surface.
Again, try out different things. Work on different angles and release points, and check out which approach works best for you.
Work on the Power of Your Swing and Release
Another important factor is the power of your release.
We know there are bowlers who are slow and methodical, and others who are swift and aggressive, but when it comes to the actual swing and subsequent release, working on the power can determine how strong and aggressive your ball moves down the lane.
In dry lanes, it is difficult to keep up speed and momentum due to the friction and resistance offered by the lane. Working on your power serves to counteract this reality, and will give you an opportunity to get higher scores.
Develop a Strong Spin
In executing great hook shots, the spin is everything.
However, in dry lanes, not only do you have to consider the revolution or spin of your ball, but you also have to consider the forward motion you would have to provide to your ball to reach the intended destination with aggression and impact.
It is therefore very important to re-assess your spin technique and work on improving the forward motion of your ball simultaneously to get a decent hook and pin carry.
Just Keep Practicing
There is no other way around it. You just have to keep practicing to get better at performing in dry lanes.
It took us several bowling sessions to get a grip (pun intended) on dry lanes, so expect to take longer than usual when trying to master various lane conditions with various types of balls.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite Dry Lane Bowling Ball)
Choosing the right ball for you requires a bit of thought and consideration, which is why this guide is very comprehensive and detailed. An informed and well-researched bowler is surely capable of getting the best bowling ball for any kind of lane condition or playstyle.
As for our personal favorite dry lane bowling ball, we give the award to the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball.
Having extensively tested it ourselves in dry and medium oil conditions, we can confidently say that this ball was made for minimal oil volume.
We also prefer to go with this ball because it is a more powerful ball that is predictable during aggressive hook shots, which is why this ball should be on your radar if you play in dry lanes.
The next time you are shopping for the best dry lane bowling balls, always go back to this guide to have a comprehensive view of what you need to look out for before finalizing the purchase.