If you have seen professional bowling highlights, you would know that aside from years of practice and perfect technique, professional bowlers use the best reactive resin bowling balls with high hook potential. Whether competing in dry lanes, medium oil lanes, heavy oil lanes, or other unique lane conditions, if you want to level up your bowling game, then you would have to choose from the top reactive resin bowling balls in the market today.
In this guide, we will walk you through what a reactive resin coverstock is and why this is considered to be one of the best bowling balls for both casual and competitive play, regardless of lane conditions.
What Exactly Are Reactive Resin Bowling Balls?
Reactive resin bowling balls are essentially the best bowling balls in the market that are made with unique reactive coverstock (high-quality porous urethane) material.
However, choosing the best reactive resin bowling ball would depend on your style of play and hooking ability.
Today, three reactive resin coverstock variants are widely known and used in the sport of bowling:
Pearl coverstock bowling balls are known for better back end performance (the ball hooks at the back end of the roll) and are more ideal for dry lanes or medium oil conditions.
Reactive solid coverstock bowling balls (or solid reactive coverstock) perform well either at the beginning or as it approaches the mid lane. This means that the ball enters the hook movement earlier and performs slower at the back end of the roll.
These are ideal for those who want more control and stability when hooking. These are also good for dry to medium-dry conditions.
The hybrid reactive bowling balls are somewhere in the middle between the back end pearl coverstock and the early to mid lane solid coverstock. If you need a versatile reactive resin ball that can do well in light oil, medium oil, or heavy oil conditions, then this type of reactive resin ball is generally a good pick.
Reactive Resin vs Urethane Bowling Balls
Aside from the weight block, another important aspect of the bowling ball is the coverstock.
You usually see bowling balls advertised with a 1500 grit finish or a pearlized coverstock material, but the easy way to break down how a bowling ball is generally classified is by the material used to craft the outer shell or the coverstock.
A plastic or polyester coverstock bowling ball is the most affordable type of ball. It usually comes with a pancake or symmetrical weight block for more control and stability.
However, for more experienced or advanced ball players, it is important to know the distinction between reactive resin and urethane bowling balls.
Below, we break down the most important distinctions between a reactive resin ball and a urethane ball.
Material
As mentioned earlier, reactive resin and urethane refer to the type of material used to form the outer surface or coverstock of the ball.
Reactive resin was a relatively new addition to the bowling scene as it was introduced in the 1990s. This material is essentially a more advanced form of urethane, that have been processed with additives to create microscopic pores that enhances friction and traction, significantly increasing oil absorption capabilities and hook potential.
Urethane is a cross between plastic and rubber. Also known as polyurethane or synthetic rubber, this material is designed to combine the strength of rigid plastics and the elasticity and flexibility of rubber. It does not have a high friction level and hook potential, but can perform better and last longer than a plastic or urethane bowling ball.
Purpose/Performance
For bowlers who would like to work with a ball that has a high hook potential, strong back end or early reaction movement patterns and a more aggressive and powerful impact on the pins (also known as pin carry), the reactive resin ball is the most ideal partner.
For those who prefer a ball that is more durable than the plastic or polyester coverstock ball, but would provide a similar level of straight shot performance (for dealing with those stubborn pins), a urethane ball is a good option.
Take note, however, that there may be a slight back end curvature or hook with this ball, which may take some getting used to if you had been used to a plastic or polyester ball for spare or straight shots.
Skill Level
Using a reactive resin ball requires a lot of effort and practice in mastering the technique to get the right amount of spin to make a good hook shot. Whether you are working on an early reaction or back end hook, it would take several months before you get a consistent shot.
A urethane ball, on the other hand, is easier to master. Primarily used for straight shots, this ball can execute spare shots with great accuracy and precision (but be careful with how it moves toward the back end of the roll as some urethane balls tend to hook slightly).
Durability
Unfortunately, reactive resin balls prioritize performance over durability. Due to the nature and porosity of a reactive resin ball, the coverstock tends to wear out significantly faster than any other type.
A urethane ball, on the other hand, is the most durable of the three major types of bowling balls. It possesses the greatest qualities of plastic and rubber and should last several years, depending on how often it is used.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Reactive Resin Bowling Balls
It is hard to choose products in bowling because there are so many aspects of the game to consider.
Keep in mind the following general factors to make sure that you are getting the greatest value out of the money you will be paying.
Brand
As is the case with any type of ball, purchasing from a reputable bowling ball brand can spell the difference between a high-quality investment and a regretful decision.
When it comes to a reactive resin bowling ball, you can never go wrong with the ball offerings of the big brands like Brunswick, Storm, and Hammer.
If you plan to go with a lesser-known bowling ball brand, make sure to do thorough research. Identify aspects such as warranty, aftersales services, and user feedback to see if the ball you plan to acquire would be worth it or not.
Hook Potential/Reactive Resin Type
The best reactive resin bowling balls were made for high hook potential. However, not every ball of this category performs the exact same way.
If you are looking for a great bowling ball that reacts early and immediately enters into a hook motion, the solid coverstock bowling ball is right for you.
If you need the best bowling ball that builds up momentum and unleashes its aggressive motion towards the end of the lane, go for the pearl coverstock bowling ball.
Lastly, if you are looking for the best bowling ball of both worlds or the in-between, go for the hybrid reactive bowling ball.
Most of us who bowl also prefer the hybrid reactive bowling ball but it is all a matter of preference and skill level.
Size and Weight
Bowling balls come in a variety of different sizes and weight distributions.
You can get a bowling ball as light as 6 pounds, or a bowling ball as heavy as 16 pounds.
You can also get a reactive resin bowling ball with a symmetrical core for more control and stability, or with an asymmetrical core for more aggressive movement and revolutions.
At the end of the day, go with the right size and weight for your playstyle and strength.
If the ball is too light, you may end up overshooting the bowling ball. Bowling balls that are too heavy, on the other hand, would require more effort and power to perform good shots with.
Grip/Fingerholes
When it comes to grip, we normally use the conventional grip (thumb fully inside, middle and ring fingers two-thirds of the way in) as opposed to the fingertip grip (thumb fully inside, middle and ring fingers a third of the way in).
For reactive resin bowling balls and hook shots, however, most experts would recommend using the fingertip grip as it allows more control and leverage when entering into that spinning release/motion for the ball to have decent hook potential as it rolls down the lane.
The fingerholes should also be custom drilled in accordance with the size and length of your fingers. Poor fingerhole configuration leads to poor performance (which is why house balls are not good if you want high-scoring performances).
We would also recommend looking into fingerhole inserts to allow you to have a better grip, especially when it comes to the fingertip grip approach.
The 7 Top Reactive Resin Bowling Balls (Our Personal Picks)
There are several great options in the market today, and several combinations of cores, coverstocks, brands, and designs to choose from.
We are unable to identify the absolute greatest performers, but we can give you our personal list of some tried and tested products in the market that have had great reviews. Some are even used by professional bowlers and veterans.
You would most likely see these balls being used at the usual bowling alleys and for good reason.
Below is the list of our top 7 bowling balls made of reactive resin coverstock.
1. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball (Hybrid Coverstock)
The Brunswick Rhino Ball is an amazing hybrid bowling ball that sports the latest R-16 innovation of the brand.
The 500 grit finish provides decent traction in oily lanes, allowing for a more controlled hook movement pattern with good flare potential.
You can get this ball in three unique designs. It is available in multiple weights, from 10 pounds to 16 pounds.
2. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (Pearl Coverstock)
If you are looking for an underrated, value-for-money reactive resin ball, the Pyramid Path Rising Ball is perfect for your needs.
With a 1500 grit polish and pearl coverstock, expect stellar performance and consistency, especially when it comes to late movement patterns or reactions in a medium-dry lane.
This ball offers lots 8 color and design options. The lightest variant is 8 pounds. The heaviest ball is 16 pounds.
3. Storm Timeless Bowling Ball (Hybrid Coverstock)
The Storm Timeless Ball utilizes a unique dual-drive core and hybrid coverstock, along with a 1500 grit polish for better grip and traction in a variety of lane patterns and conditions.
This ball can be extremely reactive and provide aggressive movements down the lane, but will also give you assurance and control as it approaches the end of the lane.
You can get this ball in either 12 or 13 pounds, which is an ideal weight for competitions or casual play.
4. Motiv Golden Jackal Bowling Ball (Pearl Coverstock)
With the highest grit finish in this list (4000 grit, in contrast with the 500 grit, 1500 grit, and 2000 grit products), the Motiv Golden Jackal is one of the most powerful high-performance reactive resin products in the market today.
Along with its golden appearance and intimidating design, expect a high level of controlled aggression with this product.
It is a rather heavy product as it only comes in three sizes (14 pounds, 15 pounds, 17 pounds).
5. Motiv Trident Abyss Bowling Ball (Solid Coverstock)
If you are in love with aquatic themes or designs and would like to get a product that does not sacrifice performance for style, the Motive Trident Abyss is perfect for you.
This is one of Motiv's most popular and good-performing bowling balls to date. It offers massive hook ability and angular movement pattern past the breakpoint which makes this excellent for experienced bowlers who want to try out different playstyles.
With a 2000 Grit Abalon finish and a solid coverstock, expect a dependable rolling experience from this one.
6. Radical Katana Legend Bowling Ball (Pearl Coverstock)
If you need perfect down-lane reaction and a high level of traction to pair with your hook technique, the Radical Katana Legend is just for you.
Performing the greatest in oily conditions, expect this product to provide you with amazing pin carry and angular movement as it barrels down the lane with force.
Like the name hints at, this product will slice through the competition.
7. Roto Grip No Rules Bowling Ball (Solid Coverstock)
Last but not least on our list is a ball with one of the highest flare potentials in the market today, the Roto Grip No Rules.
This product is spectacular for bowlers who heavily rely on strong hook shots that observe a consistent trajectory or movement pattern.
The 2000 grit pad finish, solid coverstock material, and chaotic core weight core all make for a great performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up with our guide, we would like to share a couple of the most commonly asked questions regarding reactive resin. (and our brief answers to each).
1. What is a reactive resin bowling ball?
A reactive resin bowling ball is a type of bowling ball made of porous, high-grade urethane coverstock, meant for more aggressive rolls and hook shots. These are generally the most expensive of the three bowling ball coverstocks (plastic/polyester and urethane coverstocks being the two others).
A reactive resin bowling ball has three main categories: pearl, solid, and hybrid. Each category offers a distinct trajectory or movement pattern that would be beneficial to experienced bowlers, depending on the playstyle.
2. How long does a reactive resin bowling ball last?
A reactive resin bowling ball can last for up to 10 years (or 300 games) but expect most to show signs of wear and tear earlier than the plastic and urethane bowling balls. Reactive resin bowling balls were built for the ultimate performance, grip, and hooking ability at the cost of durability.
Make sure to check user reviews to identify how long their purchases have lasted. To prolong the life of your bowling ball, we recommend checking out our guides on cleaners and spinners, or visiting your local pro shop on a regular basis.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
As you can tell from our list, the best reactive resin bowling balls in today's market have different finishes, coverstocks, and cores. This is because what is perfect for some may not be perfect for others.
As for our personal favorite, we have to go with the ball we have used the longest, the Pyramid Path Rising Ball.
Although the brand is relatively young, Pyramid's offerings have been of good quality and value. We also like the 1500 grit finish as it gives us leeway to perform well in any type of lane patterns and conditions.
If you're still confused when choosing from all the best reactive resin bowling balls, at least now you would now know what to look for and which balls to compare to with this guide..