Bowling is an amazing yet severely underrated sport. This sport is looked down on by many due to its lack of constant movement, constant or repetitive motions, and slow build-up, but once you appreciate what the sport can offer, you will instantly get hooked. The first thing you'll need when you start competing is a ball. So for those of you just starting out in this amazing sport, this guide is here to help you find the best bowling ball for beginners.
If you would like to know our picks for the best bowling balls for beginners, the important factors to consider when choosing a ball, the importance of understanding lingo such as "dry lanes", "pearl coverstock", and "symmetric core", read on to find out!
Different Types of Bowling Balls
As a beginner, you may be flustered by all the unique options in the market and the terminologies used in finding the best beginner bowling balls. These will all be explained in detail in succeeding sections, but all you need to know is this: there are three general types of balls in the market today, namely, polyester balls, urethane balls, and reactive resin balls.
There are several variations of balls in the market today and historically, the options of what they were made of never ran out.
Back in the early to mid-1900s, plastic or polyester coverstock and rubber or urethane coverstock balls were the best professional-level balls, but are now only considered to be good entry level performance bowling balls.
As the popularity of the sport steadily rose, so did the innovations and materials used. Resin balls and synthetic resin balls entered the scene and were broken down even further to pearl coverstock, hybrid coverstock, and solid coverstock.
How to Decide What the Best Type of Bowling Ball is for a Beginner
Brand
A lot of brands have stepped up their game, but it still needs to be mentioned that some brands have a more reliable set of bowling ball options while others have limited offerings and questionable quality control/manufacturing standards.
If you only plan to invest in a single ball, we recommend that you choose one that is from a well-known brand (or brand subsidiary) such as Brunswick, Storm, and Ebonite.
Pyramid Path, a relatively new competitor, is also a bowling brand to look out for, as they offer good-quality balls at reasonable price points.
Bowling Type or Category
There are five general categories of bowling, all of which have unique scoring features and bowling ball sizes and materials, which is why it is important to know which kind of bowling you plan to commit to.
Ten-pin and nine-pin bowling are the more common classifications of bowling. These types typically use heavier and larger balls that are made of plastic, urethane, or reactive resin.
Five-pin, duckpin, and candlepin bowling are famous in their own right but are not as globally recognized as the two categories previously mentioned. These types of bowling use a smaller ball, typically with no finger holes, and are easier to learn and more convenient for friends and family members looking for a casual and enjoyable bonding activity.
Material
Material will be discussed in further detail in the succeeding section, but it is important to mention that, unlike other sports, the material of the bowling ball can truly affect how it moves, reacts, and responds to different variations of throwing or releasing.
Pay close attention to coverstocks, the design and shape of the core, as well as the size and the weight of the bowling ball, as these could determine how effective you can be as an entry level bowler.
How to Choose the Right Beginner Bowling Ball
Size and Weight
To choose the right size and weight of your ball, we recommend that you visit your local bowling alley to get a feel for what size and weight is natural for your strength and ability.
Take note, however, that the finger holes of the balls in an alley may vary from what is best for you, so whichever size and weight feels right for you, purchase a ball that is slightly heavier.
Grip
There are two ways to grip a ball. For entry level bowlers, the conventional grip (thumb all the way in and middle and ring fingers two-thirds of the way in) is recommended. The fingertrip grip (thumb all the way in and middle and ring fingers one-third of the way in) allows for more variation in grip but may be confusing for beginners.
The way you grip the ball and subsequently release it determines the spin and the hook potential of the ball down the lane. A conventional grip leans more toward a more predictable ball performance but is easier to learn and master.
Pre-Drilled or Custom Drilled
When it comes to purchasing your personal ball for bowling, we truly recommend going for custom drilled balls. There are several pre-drilled balls online for sale (both used and brand new) but there is no guarantee that they would be perfect for the size of your hands and fingers.
Custom drilling your ball would require extra charges, but it is definitely worth it as this would allow you to grip the ball better, leading to better control and performance.
Coverstock
The coverstock is arguably the most important consideration when it comes to picking an entry level ball.
The material used in crafting the coverstock (outer shell or casing of the ball) dictates the sensitivity of your ball to the surface and to how it is thrown or released.
For beginners, the best balls to pick are either plastic or urethane balls. These balls offer a higher degree of friction, which translates to a more predictable and straight movement.
Hooking plastic or urethane balls is difficult but not impossible. In the case of beginners, throwing these balls straight and forward is easy to execute.
Core
The core is what some refer to as the engine of the ball.
This part dictates how heavy, sensitive, and responsive the ball is overall. There are several types of cores used, but can mainly be broken down into two categories: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Some say that the key difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical is the angular motions they assume when rolling down the lane, but another important distinction is their movement patterns.
Under typical conditions, a symmetrical ball would provide a consistent, predictable motion. On the other hand, an asymmetrical ball will give bowlers a more aggressive movement pattern.
For beginners, we recommend purchasing a symmetrical ball.
Lane Conditions
The lane conditions of your bowling alley often dictate how great or poorly your bowling ball will perform.
Generally, bowling ball lanes fall under any of the four categories below:
Well-oiled lanes assist your ball, giving it the ability to glide along the lane, preventing scuffs and damage (which can accumulate over time). However, the material or coverstock of your bowling ball will react differently to each kind of lane.
This is why you can see more experienced bowlers bring multiple types of balls, to accommodate for the lane conditions in any alley they visit.
In terms of performance, the oilier the lane, the less friction the ball will have, which would require a ball that has good grip and hooking ability.
Dry lanes, on the other hand, create more friction between the surface and the ball. A plastic or polyester bowling ball performs well in this kind of lane.
Top 5 Beginner Bowling Balls
1. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
If you are looking for a ball from a reliable brand that looks as good as it performs, then the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball is the ideal purchase.
This outer space-themed ball sports a polyester/plastic coverstock and has solid weight distribution. For beginners working on accuracy and straight-line throws, this ball should provide you with exactly what you need.
This ball is available in 9 unique designs and ranges from 6 pounds to 16 pounds.
2. Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball (Reactive Resin Pearl Coverstock)
If you need to make a long-term investment in a ball and envision yourself improving in the sport over a short span of time, then we recommend to you the Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball.
This ball is the only product in our list that sports a reactive resin pearl coverstock, allowing for different movement patterns and hook throws.
The composition and design of the ball are also great for slow-speed bowlers and comes in a range of 8 pounds to 16 pounds.
3. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
If you are looking for a fresh yet reliable company that is constantly looking for innovative manufacturing methods in the sport, then Pyramid has pulled through with the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball.
Perceived by many bowlers to be one of the best-performing plastic coverstock bowling balls, beginners and experienced players alike should not hesitate in considering this product as their next purchase.
The motion of this ball is highly predictable, giving beginners great confidence in reaching their marks and hitting their targets.
This product comes in 16 unique colorways and ranges from 8 pounds to 16 pounds.
4. Columbia 300 White Dot Lava Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
For those looking for an affordable ball that can assist you with mastering the fundamentals of the sport, the Columbia 300 White Dot Lava Bowling Ball is an excellent partner for you.
The plastic coverstock offers precise straight-line motion, regardless of oil or lane conditions. This is a no-fuss ball that gets the job done for beginners and can also serve as a perfect spare ball once you increase in skill level.
This product has several unique designs and sizes online, but we recommend a 12-pound ball for this particular product.
5. Ebonite Maxim Night Sky Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
The Ebonite Maxim Night Sky Bowling Ball is the kind of ball you bring to impress your friends without being too loud or colorful.
Sporting a midnight black finish (with a starry design), this polyester/plastic coverstock ball is meant for versatility in the beginner and intermediate levels.
It is a very accurate ball and does not require expert handling. Some professionals even use this ball as a backup or spare ball because of how reliable and predictable it is in the lanes.
This product ranges from 6 pounds to 16 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of bowling ball should a beginner use?
Bowling beginners should use a bowling ball that that is affordable, has predictable movement, and can be used as either a strike ball or spare ball. A plastic or polyester bowling ball should do the trick if you plan to throw the ball straight, while a urethane or rubber bowling ball can be used for those with a little more experience and are aiming to develop good hook potential.
We do not recommend really cheap bowling balls. Go for an affordable yet good-quality bowling ball that is at least roughly $50 (excluding custom drilling and other fees).
2. How do you pick the right size bowling ball?
The right size and weight bowling ball ultimately depends on your strength and gripping ability, and may therefore range from 10 pounds to 16 pounds heavy. Male bowling beginners should aim for a 14-pound or 16-pound bowling ball, while female bowling beginners may go as low as 10 pounds in bowling ball weight. For the younger beginners, a 6-pound bowling ball would suffice for practice and casual use.
3. What is the best bowling ball for straight bowlers?
The best product for beginners who prefer to throw the ball straight down the lane is the plastic coverstock. Having a plastic coverstock provides low friction, minimal spin, and low sensitivity. Combining these three features would almost guarantee that the bowling ball goes straight up until it hits the pins at the end of the lane. These are also effective as spares. Check out our guide to the best bowling balls for straight bowlers for recommendations.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
For beginner bowlers, we cannot stress enough that you should simply go with a ball that offers good quality and performance at an affordable price. The plastic/polyester coverstock material truly offer the best value proposition and can give you a good experience when practicing straight-line throws and hitting those stubborn pins.
This sentiment leads us to our personal favorite, the Ebonite Maxim Night Sky ball. It is a product that we have been using most recently because of its design and sleek performance.
The brand behind this ball is a legend in the industry as well, so that adds to the reliability of the product.
So, if you are in search of the best bowling ball for beginners, our top 5 list and the rest of this guide should suffice. Print this article and bring it with you the next time you visit your local sports retailer.