The best bowlers in the world take care of their most important tools by using the best bowling ball cups in the world. Whether you are new to the sport or have years of experience behind you, having a good-quality bowling ball cup can do wonders for cleaning, polishing, and simply showcasing the bowling balls you have.
In this guide, we take a look at the primary functions of ball cups, recommend some of the best bowling ball cups, and which is our personal favorite (and why).
What are Bowling Ball Cups Used for?
Cups have a variety of uses but are oftentimes used for three main things: cleaning, polishing, and display purposes.
If you need to understand why there is so much value in a cup that simply holds up balls, then check out our brief analysis of the three key functions of cups.
Cleaning
A bowling ball, like every other piece of equipment or gear, may accumulate bacteria and dirt, whether from sweaty palms, a slightly dirty surface, or even a heavily oiled bowling lane.
It would be hard to clean your balls alone, which is why, along with the right bowling ball cleaner, a cup is necessary for these scenarios. A ball cup will help prop up your ball, and provide you with the needed angles and rotation to make sure every tiny spot of your balls is dirt-free.
Polishing
Every committed bowler should understand that polishing is the best way to ensure that your balls perform the same way they did during the first few bowling sessions you used them in.
Balls that have a dull surface or coverstock, whether it be plastic coverstock (or polyester), urethane coverstock (or polyurethane), or reactive resin coverstock (pearl, solid, and hybrid), will always use up energy earlier than what is ideal, therefore making them weaker as they approach the mid to end portion of the lane. This would result in an inconsistent performance due to low pin carry potential.
If you want to make sure that your balls are in top condition, then polishing is the best way to do it. A cup is what you need to set up your balls for success in the sport. Simply place it on the cup/holder and polish every section until you can observe a consistent, polished finish.
Do not overdo this, however, as a heavily polished finish may lead to late movement patterns or mechanics and reactions, which are more unpredictable and harder to manage, especially for novice bowlers.
Display
Of the three main purposes of ball cups, using them as a showcase tool or display holder is perhaps the most prevalent.
If you have seen all the ball collections of seasoned veterans of the sport, or if you have even visited a pro shop or bowling specialty store, then you could easily tell that aside from design, looks or style plays a very important role in the sport as a whole.
Ball cups are designed to be a platform to place your most prized bowling balls on. If you want to show off the bowling ball you used to win your first ever professional game, or are simply retiring bowling balls you have had for years, then a set of bowling ball cups should be included in your budget planning.
The 7 Best Bowling Ball Cups
We found it very difficult to curate a ball cup list that encompasses all different purposes and functionalities, so we decided to make sure that in our list, there is a ball cup for everyone.
Whether you need the ball cup purely for display purposes or require the functionality of a rotating ball cup model, this list has everything for you.
1. Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup
The Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup comes from a manufacturer that has had its hands in the sport of bowling for more than 200 years, so there is no question that the Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup, along with all the other Brunswick bowling products, is made with diligence and high standards of quality.
The Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup is a ball cup with a rotating mechanism, allowing the bowler to rotate the ball in a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion. This particular function elevates the Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup to an object that holds a ball in place to a rotating ball cup that allows for cleaning, polishing, and diagnosis of any damage or chips.
The rotating mechanism of the Brunswick Rotating Ball Cup is done with the utilization of ball bearings situated within the rotating ball cup itself. As for the exterior of the body, expect to have a high-quality and durable finish, allowing for prolonged use, perhaps even longer than the lifespan of an average bowling ball.
This sturdy rotating bowling ball cup is portable enough for almost all bowling ball bags and comes with a limited-time warranty as proof of quality in design and build.
2. Storm Classic Bowling Ball Cup
Storm Bowling is one of the most reputable bowling ball and ball cup brands in the market today, and also caters to different equipment and apparel for the sport. The brand has clothing lines, shoe lines, accessories, and bags. If you want to pair the Storm Classic Ball Cup with a full arsenal of identically branded products and gear, then this manufacturer may be perfect for you.
For those looking to test the waters with their very first bowling ball cup without breaking the bank, then this is one of the most affordable bowling ball cups to look out for. This ball cup is made of high-quality rigid plastic and has a simple design that will prevent that will stabilize the ball in place, essentially making this product a minimalist bowling ball cup.
If you are not looking for over-the-top style and functionality, and are simply looking for a bowling ball cup that will get the job done every day, then the Storm Classing Bowling Ball Cup is definitely a priority consideration.
3. Smart Orbit Rotating Bowling Ball Holder Cup
For bowlers looking for a more sophisticated device to care for their bowling balls, the Smart Orbit Rotating Bowling Ball Holder Cup is definitely something to invest in.
Rather than go with the typical plastic build, this bowling ball cup is made with aluminum, a durable yet lightweight material. The bowling ball cup is also fitted with several ball bearings crafted using chrome steel, making for one of the most complex and well-designed rotating ball cups in the market today.
This ball cup is definitely a looker. If you feel the need to bring a bowling ball holder with you to your local bowling alley, then you can pack this in your bowling ball bag along with your bowling balls and other gear.
The rotating ball cups great advantage, however, may also be seen as its greatest downfall. For all the features and functionality that this ball cup has, it may be a bit too much for the novice bowlers who are looking for simpler bowling ball cups.
4. Hammer Bowling Ball Cup
If you need a ball cup that prioritizes the fundamentals, and greatly improves the stability of the bowling balls, then the Hammer Ball Cup is just what practical bowlers need.
This reputable manufacture of bowling balls has come up with a plain plastic ball cup with a foam ring fixture on the inside, allowing the bowling ball to fit snugly in place, with little to no risk of damage to the bowling ball, regardless of coverstock material.
Whether you have a heavy or light bowling ball, made of polyester, urethane, or reactive resin, the Hammer Ball Cup is an amazing holder for the long term.
5. Ebonite Bowling Ball Cup
If you want a bowling ball cup that can never take attention away from your bowling balls, then the Ebonite Ball Cup is the perfectly designed ball cup for you.
The Ebonite Bowling Ball cup is one of the most effective, no-nonsense ball cups in the market today. You would also not see any logos or designs across the body of the ball cup, making for a very minimalist, almost non-existent bowling ball holder.
The Ebonite Bowling Ball Cup is also very lightweight and portable, so you do not have to worry about setting aside extra space if you plan to bring this ball cup along with you to the bowling alley. Just slip the Ebonite Bowling Ball Cup inside the main compartment of your bowling ball bag and you are good to go.
Alternatively, if you plan to use the Ebonite Bowling Ball Cup to display or showcase your bowling ball collection, this ball cup does an excellent job of highlighting and elevating the aesthetics of the bowling balls.
We do not recommend the Ebonite Bowling Ball Cup for those looking for more style or flare, as it only comes in one color (Black) and one design language.
6. Sierra Novelty Bowling Ball Cup/Display Stand
If you are looking for a unique design that does not have all the sophisticated ball bearings and rotational capabilities, the Sierra Novelty Ball Cup/Display Stand is a great choice.
This 5-inch ball cup/display stand is made of durable polypropylene plastic material, which is similar in build and durability to a rubber bowling ball cup.
This ball cup/display stand has dimensions that also make it a good fit for all kinds of round equipment. Aside from bowling balls, you can use it for basketballs, soccer balls, volleyball, and medicine balls.
If you want to avoid your sports balls from rolling around when not in use, then the Sierra Novelty Ball Cup/Display Stand is a good purchase.
7. Kaze Sports Wood Bowling Spare Ball Cup
For bowlers who are truly looking to stand out, and do not mind the absence of a rotating ball feature through ball bearings, the Kaze Sports Wood Spare Ball Cup is the most unique ball cup offering in the market.
The wood material used in building this ball cup may not be the best or most conventional, but it is sturdy nonetheless.
As a basic accessory for bowlers, the wooden build makes the Kaze Sports Wood Spare Ball Cup a very good long-term investment as it definitely is much tougher and durable than its competitors.
Of all the bowling ball cups, however, this may need to come with a warning. Bowling balls with a poor paint job (and those that have been used extensively) may easily get chipped away or experience discoloration. We suggest only going for this ball cup if you are into the wooden theme of the product, but if not, just consider the bowling ball cups mentioned earlier.
In Summary
Bowling ball cups are a very underrated piece of equipment in a bowling enthusiast's arsenal, but this guide should help you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for cups and the different varieties offered in the market today.
Take note that the best ball cup for you may not be the best for everyone else, so make sure to think really hard and well about which cup you would go for.
And The Winner Is...
As for our personal favorite ball cup, we are going with none other than the Ebonite Ball Cup.
We have had this particular ball cup the longest and there is only one thing we can say about it: it is the best value ball cup we have gotten in our entire bowling careers.
This ball cup is great for display purposes but can also serve as a ball holder when you need to do some maintenance and polishing on your bowling ball. We absolutely recommend maximizing your use out of cups such as this product because it can determine how well you perform and how consistent you can achieve strikes or high scores.
Just remember, if you need to find the best bowling ball cups in the market today, then this guide and any of our recommendations should help you find the right one.