We have talked about the best 2 ball carriers and the best 3 ball carriers. Now, it is time to discuss the largest, sturdiest, and most spacious variant of bowling bag there is - the 4 ball bowling bag! In this guide, expect to learn about the best 4 ball bowling bag products in the market today and a few important considerations to have before finalizing your purchase.
If you are ready to learn about everything you need to know about 4 ball bowling bags, then continue reading this guide!
How to Choose the Right 4 Ball Bowling Bag - Things to Consider
The 4 ball bowling bag is the second-largest bag made specifically for bowling, and it is quite a beauty to look at. Designed for durability, strength, practicality, and convenience, expect any bowling ball set of 4 to fit perfectly into a high-quality 4 ball bowling bag.
In this section, let us dive into the important factors to consider before ordering your first ever 4 ball bowling bag.
Overall Size
4 ball bowling bags are extremely huge. They are larger than your average-sized luggage suitcase and roughly as big as the larger travel bags.
As an added reference, try checking out the largest gym bags in the market online, and you should have a rough idea about how large 4 ball bowling bags are.
If you travel by car, make sure to set aside a decent amount of space for this bag. If you are traveling by plane for some reason, you should fully expect this type of bag to be disallowed from hand-carry luggage. You will definitely be checking this 4 ball bowling bag in.
We must note, however, that there exists a 6 ball bowling bag in the market, which at times is twice as large as 4 ball bowling bags.
If you are looking for the largest types of bowling bags, then either of the two options would suffice.
Roller Bowling Bag vs Tote Bowling Bag
Most 4 ball bowling bags are 4 ball roller bowling bags, as opposed to a tote bag. This is because the sheer weight of a 4 ball set inside a bag would make it extremely challenging to carry for almost anyone.
If you want to reserve your strength and endurance for your straight shots and hook shots, we would absolutely recommend getting a 4 ball roller bowling bag instead of a tote bag. This is why, in our next section, there will not be any tote bags.
Wheel Size
Wheel size for 4 ball bowling bags is extremely important, as the weight of the bowling balls inside is enough to crush any poorly constructed wheels of a 4 ball roller bowling bag.
We would suggest not only finding a 4 ball roller bowling bag with five-inch wheels minimum, but also looking into the spokes, build quality, and material used for the roller bowling bag wheels just to make sure that the bag can withstand the pressure of each bowling ball.
As we have mentioned in our other guides, large wheels are good for traversing uneven terrain but are more challenging to maneuver or turn with. Small wheels, on the other hand, are faster and easier to control but may be less durable in the case of a roller bowling bag for a bowling ball set of 4.
Organization, Compartments, and Spacing
Any decent roller bowling bag should have good organization, compartments, and spacing, especially for its size, design, and purpose.
If you are checking your roller bowling bag options, definitely check if there is enough room for other bowling gear, equipment, and accessories, as well as a snug (but not tight) fit for each item to make sure there is minimal movement of items during travel.
Organizing your gear, equipment, and bowling balls should not be counterintuitive in any good-quality bag. It should be easy to identify and determine where the bowling balls go, and where everything else should be placed.
The compartments of high-quality bowling ball bags with wheels will never be exact but should offer decent padding and cushioning to avoid any form of damage or chipping on the bowling balls.
The best 4 ball bowling carriers would also need to have good spacing between bowling balls and other gear and equipment. 4 ball bowling bags need excellent spacing mechanics to ensure proper weight distribution throughout the bag.
If the bowling balls are too heavy on the front end, this may cause unnecessary wear and tear on the stitching and material of the bag in front. However, if it's too heavy on the back end, then this will be an even bigger concern, as most rolling bowling ball bags lean backward as they are used.
In conclusion, aim for the best 4 ball bowling bags with good weight distribution, proper organization, and excellent spacing.
Material and Durability
The type or quality of material used for the main parts of the 4 ball bags can determine if the bag would last for a few months or a couple of years.
Typically, a 600 denier rating for 4 ball bowling bags is the standard or minimum, especially since bowling balls are really heavy, but if you find a 4 ball bag that has a higher denier rating, then we suggest opting for those instead.
Be careful, however, with how the denier rating is phrased. Some 4 ball bags have an excellent denier rating for the front portion of the bag but a minimal denier rating for the majority of the bag.
If you are visiting a bowling pro shop or a sports store, make sure to ask which portions of the bag are made with which types of material and what their respective denier ratings are.
Features and Add-ons
Bowling balls are not the only things you will be putting in the 4 ball bag. Make sure to check for clever features and add-ons of the 4 ball bag that can make life easier for you when packing, during travel, or when unpacking.
For a bag that carries 4 bowling balls, it is an absolute must for the bag to have velcro straps, elastic bands, good-quality handles and handlebars, excellent positioning of the handles, and fantastic zipper quality.
Take note, however, that these features would add to the price point of the bag, so make sure to set aside a decent budget to get the best 4 ball bags available.
Brand
Beyond the logo, the brand of the 4 ball bag is one of the best indicators of the quality, durability, and reliability of the bag.
Multiple bowling manufacturers have entered the bag industry, such as KR Strikeforce, Ebonite, Storm, Pyramid, and Brunswick.
Any bag produced by these bowling powerhouses is sure to be made from the best quality standards, so if you have a specific preference or fondness for a particular brand, whether it be the underrated KR Strikeforce, or the globally popular Storm, you are assured to get a good-quality 4 ball bag.
Design and Color
Though not as relevant as the other factors listed above, the design and color of the bag may also be something worth considering.
KR Strikeforce, for example, has products that are mainly two-tone in color and have simple designs.
Ebonite and Storm, on the other hand, may have more exotic and unique colorways, sometimes released in limited edition batches.
Preference for a particular design and color is purely subjective. It is totally up to you to pick whichever bag looks best in your eyes.
The 5 Best 4 Ball Bowling Bags in the Market
1. KR Strikeforce Hybrid 4 Ball Roller Bag
KR Strikeforce arrives in great fashion with the Hybrid Roller Bag.
This bag has a high-strength molded plastic base, a removal upper half (which can then be converted into a 2 ball tote bag), and a very convenient opening for the lower portion of the bag (utilizing an easy-open front-load design).
This recently released bag is very diverse and practical for both 4 and 2 ball requirements. The compartments are also large and spacious, and the quality of the zippers used is very good.
2. KR Strikeforce Royal Flush 4 Ball Roller Bag
Another strong offering from KR Strikeforce is the Royal Flush 4 Ball Bag.
Sporting a set of four wheels, each with a 5-inch measurement and, urethane build, and premium steel bearings, this bag is definitely good for weight distribution and travel on any type of surface.
The fabrics used are rated 600 denier and 1680 denier, so expect this product to withstand even the heaviest of weights.
The luggage zippers are also of premium quality, and the design and build of the handles are top-notch.
This bag has an excellent design and you can tell that the engineering behind it was very well thought of.
3. Hammer Premium 4 Ball Stackable Roller Bag
If you need a bag that is not only is heavy-duty but also looks like it is heavy-duty, then the Hammer Premium 4 Ball Stackable Bag is one of the best for you.
The 5-inch urethane wheels with premium steel bearings provide for a very smooth and quiet travel on most bowling surfaces.
The way the bowling balls are positioned within the bag is also great, with a dual vertical stacking organization.
The product is also detachable, so you can convert the upper half into a two ball tote if necessary.
Weight distribution is also good for this bag, as it was built wide and bulky, allowing for a lower center of gravity and more stability.
4. Storm 4 Ball Rolling Thunder Signature Roller Bag
The Storm Rolling Thunder Signature Roller is undoubtedly the best-looking product on our top 5 list.
Built with a 600 denier polyvinyl fabric and a transparent easy-view portion, this carrier is meant for those who want to arrive in style.
The product also comes with a generous 5-year limited warranty, so you are assured of the quality and durability of this item.
There are two large accessory pockets on either side, so there is definitely ample room for other bowling gear and accessories.
5. Storm Streamline 4 Ball Roller Bag
Last but not least on our top 5 list is the Storm Streamline Roller, built with a 600 denier fabric for good flexibility and durability.
This product, like a couple of the other entries in this list, also offers a detachable suitcase to separate your bowling set and convert the upper half into a tote suitcase.
The price point of this product is also good for the value, features, and benefits it provides. This is definitely something to look out for if you are looking for good quality from a reliable manufacturer.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
As for our personal favorite 4 ball bowling bag, we would have to go with none other than the Storm Rolling Thunder Signature Roller.
The beauty of this carrier is simply otherworldly. The black and white color combination makes for a very sleek and stylish appearance, despite the rather large size and chunkiness of the item.
Beyond looks, the product has a lot of storage, good spacing, excellent weight distribution, and a lot of other individual compartments meant for bowlers who really want to organize their stuff.
Just remember, if you need to get the absolute best 4 ball bowling bag in the market today, do yourself a favor and hop back onto this guide. If you would like to know more about bowling gear and equipment and other fascinating facts about the sport in general, then check out our other guides on our website!