If you are a left hander or someone who has left handed friends, you would know that finding tools and gear that are designed specifically for left handers is quite a challenge. In the world of bowling, the dilemma is, for the most part, just the same. Finding the best bowling balls for left handers is impossible when you use house balls, which is why we have created this handy guide for the lefty bowlers of the world.
If you would like to learn more about the differences between left handed and right handed bowling, a unique advantage that left handers have in the sport, and our top ball picks for lefties, then read on to know more!
Left Handed Bowling Balls vs Right Handed Bowling Balls
In a general sense, there really is no remarkable difference between bowling balls for left handers and right handed bowling balls, aside from determining the best configuration of the finger holes, particularly with regard to the positioning of the finger holes fore the middle finger and the ring finger.
In a technical sense, on the other hand, there is so much more to look into. Let us briefly break down what some key differences are when it comes to bowling balls for lefties and right handed bowlers.
Lane Conditions (Oil)
The amount of oil applied to the bowling lane (typically heavy oil or medium oil) can dictate how much friction and grip your bowling ball can have on the surface.
There are different configurations of oil contentrations:
There are also different lane patters which widely vary depending on your alley's preference.
For left handed bowlers, utilizing the left side of the lane exposes the bowling ball to more oil as this area is usually less travelled by other bowling balls.
What this means is you have to be really deliberate and particular with how you throw the ball down the lane. Expect the ball to skid or glide more before it finally grips onto the surface.
Competitive Advantage (Oil Patterns)
As a continuation of the previous entry, there is actually a competitive advantage when it comes to left handed bowling.
Since balls rarely travers the left side of the lane, left handed bowlers have less factors to consider as opposed to right handed bowlers.
Right handers have to consider how much oil is left on the right side of the lane based on how many times balls have passed through the area.
Left handed bowlers, on the other hand, have predictability on their side, as they could easily determine the amount of oil or oil patterns on the left side of the lane since barely any balls travel down that path.
The Spin (Revolutions) and Trajectory (Angle)
Another aspect of bowling balls for lefties is the fact that the ball spins in the opposite direction and takes an opposite trajectory.
While bowling with the right hand means the ball spins counter-clockwise and hooks from right to left, left hand bowling balls are essentially exposed to a clockwise revolution and a movement pattern from left to right as it approaches the pins.
The Core/Weight Block (Asymmetrical Cores)
Another difference to have lies in how the asymmetrical core or weight block is assembled.
To explain, an asymmetrical core is a good option, especially for professional bowlers, if you are looking for a more aggressive movement and more impactful pin carry.
There are all kinds of shapes and designs for asymmetrical cores and most of the asymmetry is applied to the y axis (up and down) and z axis (forward and back).
Our research has not led us to any asymmetrical cores that focus on the x axis (left and right), but if a bowling ball has a weight block that is heavier on the right side, this would greatly improve the hook potential of the ball for right handers. This can even be the best kind of bowling ball for bowlers with aggressive playstyles.
For bowling balls for lefties, it would be better to have the heavier side on the left, due to how the ball spins and hooks in the opposite direction of bowling balls for right handers.
How to Use Bowling Balls for Left Handers
Bowling balls for lefties operate in the exact same way bowling balls for right handers do, but just in an opposite manner.
You can think of it as a mirror image of one another. Bowlers would still go through the same stance, set-up, gather, approach, and release, whether right-handed or left-handed, but just in opposite methods.
How to Choose the Right Left Handed Bowling Ball
Our extensive bowlers' guides have discussed a lot of these considerations in detail, but we still have to review the ball factors below to get a better idea of what bowlers should choose if they play as lefties.
Coverstock (Plastic, Urethane, Reactive Resin)
For modern-day bowlers, there are three main coverstocks to choose from: plastic coverstock, urethane coverstock, and reactive resin coverstock.
Plastic
A plastic coverstock ball, also known as a polyester coverstock ball, is an entry-level ball meant for straight or linear shots. We recommend purchasing this ball as a beginner ball or spare ball, for the more experienced bowlers.
Urethane
A urethane coverstock ball, also known as a polyurethane coverstock ball, is a more durable ball that possesses the qualities of plastic (rigidity) and rubber (flexibility). This ball has similar purposes with the plastic coverstock ball, but has a slightly higher hook and flare potential. We would recommend this ball to intermediate players who have a better understanding of ball mechanics.
Reactive Resin
A reactive resin coverstock ball, broken down into three categories (pearl coverstock, solid coverstock, and hybrid coverstock) is a ball meant for advanced players or professional bowlers. This type of ball has the most aggressive movements, hook potential, and flare potential, and can specialize in a variety of lane patterns and conditions. We only recommend this ball to experienced bowlers.
Core/Weight Block (Pancake, Symmetrical, Asymmetrical)
Inside every ball is a core or weight block that serves as the main weight and weight distributor, dictating how powerful or aggressive the ball moves down the lane.
A pancake core is typically utilized for a plastic or urethane coverstock ball. This is simply a counterweight to the weight lost from the parts of the ball that were drilled.
A symmetrical core assumes a certain size and shape that has perfect symmetry, therefore allowing a more balanced and predictable playstyle.
An asymmetrical core provides a more aggressive and unpredictable movement pattern and surface reaction and is best for those who are fond of hook shots and fast releases.
Size and Weight
A ball typically ranges from 6 pounds to 16 pounds in size and weight.
We always recommend bowlers to go for a ball that is not too light and not too heavy.
A heavy ball tend to provide a weaker, inaccurate throw or undershot. This is not ideal for both straight shots and hook shots.
A light ball, on the other hand, will lead the bowler to overshoot, which is just as imprecise as a heavy ball throw.
A ball that is light or heavy ultimately depends on the strength of the bowler, so we suggest to try out different sizes and weights of balls to get a better understanding of what kind of ball is ideal for you.
Pitches (Forward Pitch vs Reverse Pitch)
The discussion of finger pitches of a ball is a highly technical subject, but we can break it down into simpler terms by talking about forward pitch and reveres pitch.
A forward pitch means that the finger hole is closer to the center of the ball. This allows for a better grip, but would translate to a late release of the ball as the fingers are gripped tighter and deeper into it.
A reverse pitch, on the other hand, means that the finger hole is farther from the center of the ball. This condition is ideal for those who would like more control and leverage over the ball when it comes to spins and hook shots, but would still widely vary from player to player.
For beginners, we recommend going with a comfortable pitch configuration. You should only worry about this when you plan to enter competitive play.
Finger Holes/Drills (Pre-drilled/House Ball vs Custom Drilled)
A pre-drilled ball or house ball is never good for lefties. This is because the position of the ring finger hole and the middle finger hole are the opposite when it comes to lefties.
This is why lefties should go for a ball that is not pre-drilled.
Have your ball custom drilled at a pro shop. The cost of custom drilling varies, but you should expect to shell out approximately 100$ for a high-quality custom drill.
Grip and Finger Hole Inserts (Conventional Grip vs Fingertip Grip)
There are two accepted general grips in the sport.
The conventional grip means that your thumb is fully inside the finger hole, while your middle finger and ring finger are about two-thirds of the way inside.
The fingertip grip means that your thumb is fully inside the finger hole, while your middle finger and ring finger are about a third of the way inside.
Using a fingertip grip is more advanced, but beneficial when applying a spin or rotating motion to the release of your ball (for hook shots).
We recommend the use of the conventional grip for straight shots or spare shots.
Top 8 Best Bowling Balls for Left Handers
When it comes to the best bowling gear and the best bowling equipment, you should always prioritize finding the best bowling ball.
The best bowling balls for left handers have some similarities to the best bowling balls for right handers.
In this section, we list down the top left handed bowling balls and a few of their best features.
1. Brunswick Rhino
For entry-level bowlers looking for a good-performing and forgiving ball, the Brunswick Rhino is perfect for you.
Sporting an R-16 reactive coverstock and a traditional light bulb core shape, expect to get consistent movement mechanics to increase your chances of getting a higher score.
This ball comes in 3 unique designs. The lightest version is 10 pounds, while the heaviest is 15 pounds.
2. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
One of the mainstays in our best ball lists, the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is an amazing ball for left handers, just as it is for right handers.
This requires no oil to get to the needed spin and velocity, and it unleashes a good back end reaction, making this a unique offering for both beginners and experienced bowlers.
This ball has 8 unique designs. The lightest version is 8 pounds, while the heaviest is 16 pounds.
3. Pyramid Antidote Bowling Ball
Yet another solid and value-providing left handed ball from the Pyramid, the Pyramid Antidote Ball provides you with agility and lane length that is not usually observed with solid coverstock balls.
This mid-performance bowling ball sports a symmetric core and a 2000 grit finish, allowing for decent performance in both heavy oil lane condition and dry lane condition.
You can get this (one of the best affordable bowling balls) as light as 12 pounds or as heavy as 16 pounds.
4. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space
If you need a popular option for today's bowlers, the space-themed Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball is a good bowling ball for left handed bowlers.
Aside from its stellar design, beginner-friendly polyester coverstock, and high gloss polish finish, this spare shot bowling ball can definitely provide any bowler with the needed precision or accuracy to knock down those stubborn pins.
There are 9 unique colorways to choose from and a wide variety of sizes and weights (6 pounds to 16 pounds).
5. Storm Super Soniq
If you need a hybrid coverstock that is diverse and has one of the best high-performing aggression and movement patterns, even for lefties, the Storm Super Soniq Bowling Ball is right up your alley.
The unique design caught our attention first, but when we tested it out, the experience was noteworthy.
Sporting a 3000 grit finish and a symmetrical core, expect to have one of the best stable, comfortable, and moderately aggressive bowling balls.
6. Storm Ice Bowling Ball
Another common entry in our bowling ball guides, the Storm Ice is an amazing ball for lefties.
It does amazing in any lane conditions. Whether you play in a heavy oil lane condition or dry lane condition, this polyester coverstock ball offers a high level of predictability and straight line motion.
If you need one of the best spare bowling balls that does not break the bank but offers exemplary value for lefties, then this is the ball for you.
7. Storm Drive Bowling Ball
The innovative R2S hybrid coverstock of the Storm Drive Bowling Ball is enough to make you pull out your card and make the one of the best investments of your bowling career.
This super stable ball made of hybrid coverstock is amazing for lefties looking to play in heavy oil lane conditions. Expect an aggressive yet efficient motion, just like the design of the exterior of the ball.
For those looking to spend a premium on a long-time bowling ball investment, then include this in your shortlist.
8. Pyramid Curse Bowling Ball
If you need a ball as serious and intimidating as your playstyle in the bowling alley, the Pyramid Curse Bowling Ball is the one for you.
If you need a consistent partner to roll down the lane and get you high scores, for both lefties and right handers, then this 2000 grit finish, symmetric weight block bowling ball can get the job done.
The available sizes are made for the more powerful bowlers, however. The lightest version comes in at 12 pounds, while you can get the heaviest at 16 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we round up our guide with our conclusion and our personal favorite ball of lefties, let us first take a look at a few of the most commonly asked questions with regard to the sport (as well as our brief responses to each).
1. Do left handed bowlers have an advantage?
Left handed bowlers have one very distinct advantage when it comes to competitive bowling: the lane conditions and patterns.
Right handers in bowling would have to consider how much oil is remaining or how much oil is dispersed along the area where there bowling ball would travel.
On the other hand, left handed bowlers would have a better understanding of the conditions of the left portion of the bowling lane since the oil conditions would be almost the same, as if the oil was just freshly applied.
The bowling balls would therefore have a more consistent and predictable motion or roll going down the left area of the lane.
2. Is there a difference between left and right handed bowling balls?
The best difference to talk about with regard to right and left handed bowling balls is the configuration of the drills or fingerholes.
For left handed bowling balls, the custom drilling specialist must take note of where the ring finger and the middle finger enter. This is very important as this would dictate how strong or weak the bowling ball would spin. To know more distinctions and see our in-depth analysis on the key differences between the best bowling balls for right handers and left handers, take a look at one of our sections above.
3. Where do left handers stand when bowling?
Regardless if you have one of the best bowling balls for left handers or the worst, your stance and beginning position would depend on your mechanics as a bowler.
If you find it more effective to release set up your stance from the center of the lane, then that would the best for you. If you prefer starting from either side, then that is also acceptable. We suggest to first go out and find the right ball first, then you can worry about the set-up and positioning next.
4. Can a right handed bowler use a left handed ball?
A right hander who is used to bowling with bowling balls for right handers can still use bowling balls for left handers, but expect a slight difference in grip and overall performance. The bowling ball configuration of the drills and fingerholes vary from person to person, regardless if it was designed for left handers or otherwise. Expect a drastic change in control and grip when using a left handed bowling ball.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
If you have read the guide all the way up to this point, then you would have a deeper appreciation for lefties in the sport of bowling.
As for our personal favorite bowling ball for left handers, we are confident in saying that the best is the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball.
If you are looking for a good performer in a multitude of lane conditions and lane patterns, a ball that you can custom drill to have the right configuration of finger holes, and the best bowling ball for left handers, then this is it.
Choosing the best bowling balls for left handers may be complicated, but as long as you have read our guide (and bookmarked it for future reference), then you will be able to make an informed decision before finalizing the purchase.