Those who frequent bowling alleys know that veterans or experts of the sport usually bring at least two bowling balls. One is used for hook shots (known as the strike ball), while the other is used for straight shots (known as the spare ball). In this guide, we examine the latter and identify the best spare bowling balls in the market today.
If you would like to learn more about the factors to consider before getting a spare ball and our favorite choices, then continue reading our guide!
Why Have 2 Bowling Balls?
Most bowlers carry at least two bowling balls to serve two purposes, hook shots and straight shots.
Everyone wishes to get a strike in each of the 10 frames, but with only a little margin for error, you may end up with a remaining pin or two to knock down in your second roll/attempt. This is why there is a strict distinction between what is considered a strike ball and what is identified as the spare ball.
Strike Ball
The strike ball is the main ball used by bowlers for their first roll/attempt. The goal is to knock down all pins in one go.
Professionals typically use bowling balls crafted with reactive resin coverstock and a two-piece core (though a one-piece core is also used for more stability and balance).
A reactive resin coverstock bowling ball with a two-piece core allows the bowler to make find more opportunities for aggressive hook shots, which has the best likelihood of colliding with the pins at the pocket or sweet spot to garner a strike.
Spare Ball
For circumstances that do not end up in a strike, most bowlers would resort to their spare ball to get a precise hit on the remaining pin (or pins).
Usually, you will find that spare balls are made of polyester or urethane coverstock as these offer the least amount of friction and volatility, and are therefore easier to roll down the lane in a straight path/trajectory, resulting in what is known in bowling as straight shots.
Choosing the Right Spare Bowling Ball
There are several cool spare balls in the market today, ranging from cheap spare bowling balls to a somewhat decent or good spare bowling ball. The question that you should ask yourself before getting one for yourself is: "What makes a good spare ball?"
In this section, let us go through the most important factors to consider and find out when buying a spare bowling ball.
Coverstock
The best coverstock for a spare bowling ball would be polyester/plastic, with urethane coming in at a close second place.
Both types of coverstock are very durable and smooth to the touch, which means that there is minimal resistance and friction once the spare bowling ball goes down the lane. In other words, whichever direction you throw or release the spare bowling ball, that will be the path it will take up until it hits the pins.
Due to the coverstock material, urethane and plastic spare bowling balls also have little to no flare or hook potential, so if you are looking for a precise linear shot, these are the best spare bowling balls today.
If we were to pick one, however, we would ultimately find a plastic coverstock ball as the best spare ball for bowling.
Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider when getting a spare ball.
As a secondary ball, the spare ball should be similar or identical to the size and weight of your main ball or strike ball.
This is to avoid any inconsistencies in the set-up, stance, approach, and release of the ball.
It would be unnecessary to get a different size and weight spare bowling ball because you would then have to dedicate a separate set-up to throw it, requiring more hours of practice and training.
The best spare bowling ball for you is a ball that is identical in size and weight to your main or strike ball.
Core
The core of the spare bowling ball is also necessary. The core can either be a one-piece core that is symmetrical or asymmetrical. It can also be a two-piece core that is symmetrical or asymmetrical.
These different configurations dictate how aggressive the bowling ball is when thrown down the lane.
To find the best spare bowling ball, we recommend going with a symmetrical core that has an even weight distribution.
Grip
The way you grip the bowling ball is also something to consider when using a spare bowling ball.
For the main ball or strike ball, those who prefer hook shots utilize a fingertip grip (thumb fully inside the fingerhole while the middle and ring fingers are one-third inside the fingerholes). This is to create more leverage when releasing the ball.
For the spare ball, the shot should ideally be straight and observe a rigid trajectory, which is why the conventional grip is used (thumb fully inside the fingerhole while the middle and ring fingers are two-thirds inside the fingerholes). This allows for a more steady and natural throw, which aids in throwing a straight shot.
Drills/Fingerholes
The drills of house balls and pre-drilled balls will rarely ever be perfect for the size and length of your fingers. This is not the best if you aim to perform well.
This will not help with performance and consistency because you will not get a good grip and feel of the bowling ball, whether it is used as a strike bowling ball or a spare ball.
Fortunately, most bowling balls are not pre-drilled. You can have your spare bowling ball custom drilled to create a better fit and feel for the bowling ball.
The cost of custom drilling varies from shop to shop, but expect to shell out between $40 and $100 for the service.
Hook Potential and Flare Potential
Hook potential is the ability of your ball to create an angular movement pattern as it rolls down the lane.
Flare potential, on the other hand, is the capacity of your bowling ball to migrate or veer away from the intended path.
Both factors are important considerations, especially when you find yourself playing in medium to heavily-oiled lane conditions.
To keep things simple for identifying the best spare bowling ball, the best hook potential and flare potential should be minimal. It would even be preferred (if the ball would exclusively be used as a spare ball) that the ball has zero hook potential and flare potential.
Lane Conditions
As touched on lightly in the previous entry, lane conditions are also important to take note of.
Most bowling alleys heavily oil their lanes to minimize damage and increase longevity. Dropping or releasing bowling balls onto lanes requires high levels of surface durability.
This adds a significant level of difficulty, especially with regard to the execution of hook shots.
With regard to straight shots done by spare bowling balls, just take note of how hard or soft you throw your ball, as the tendency with heavily oiled lane conditions is for the ball to glide further than average.
Brand
The brand is also one of the best determining aspects in finding the best spare bowling ball.
Notable spare balls come from reputable bowling brands such as DV8 (DV8 Zombie Series) and Hammer Bowling (Hammer Black Widow Series), but there are several brands that can match the quality and performance of the abovementioned companies.
If you plan to purchase spare balls from a brand not mentioned in our guide, we recommend that you do your research and find relevant information regarding the company's history and the user reviews of the spare balls themselves to get a better understanding of what you will be getting.
Pricing
Those looking for the best spare bowling ball may not necessarily have the greatest budget for it, and this is not a cause for great concern.
Most spare balls are at significantly lower price points than their reactive resin counterparts.
If you are on a budget, find a spare ball that is of good quality and is manufactured by a reputable brand.
Top 6 Spare Bowling Balls
1. DV8 Zombie Spare Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
For those looking for the best horror-themed (or zombie-themed) bowling ball that is perfect for straight shots, the DV8 Zombie Spare Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball is your perfect match.
The DV8 Zombie is made of polyester coverstock and a high-gloss polish finish. The precision in design is not something you would expect out of a spare ball at this price point, so the value you find in this is top-notch.
Unlike the zombie horde on TV shows and movies, the DV8 Zombie is something you can tame, especially when throwing straight shots down the lane.
2. Hammer Black Widow Spare Bowling Ball
If you are a fan of the Black Widow spider, then the Hammer Black Widow Spare Bowling Ball should scratch that itch. If you are not a fan and would just like to spook or intimidate your bowling opponents, then this would suffice as well.
The Hammer Black Widow is a product made in the United States that sports a polyester coverstock. The Black Widow image is embedded into the bowling ball's exterior so expect the design to hold up for years to come.
Those stubborn corner pins will not stand a chance against the Hammer Black Widow.
3. Brunswick Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
Moving away from scary themes, we present you with the globe-inspired Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball from Brunswick.
The limited edition design also boasts a special reflective glow when used under black light conditions.
For the recreational or casual bowler, this polyester coverstock bowling ball is an excellent match for you.
It also comes in a wide range of weight options, from the 6-pound weight to the 16-pound weight, so this ball is ideal for any age or skill level.
4. Storm Ice Bowling Ball
If you are looking for a clear bowling ball that sports a relaxing blue color and white logo, then the Storm Ice Bowling Ball should be on top of your list.
This ball sports a pearl polyester coverstock and presents a polished finish. Inside, you will find a traditional three-piece core, allowing for good stability and balance.
This ball will provide you with pinpoint accuracy even at maximum lengths.
As far as clear bowling balls go, this is the most applicable for straight or spare shots.
5. Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball
If you want to bowl in style without breaking the bank, then go with one of the most popular polyester coverstock bowling balls in the world, the Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball.
For beginners and casuals who still want to bring their A-game, this plastic coverstock spare ball offers the best value for money.
Expect a high level of precision, longevity, and quality from this product, making it suitable for any bowling enthusiast.
6. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Brunswick is not done yet. Last but not least on our list is the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball.
Manufactured and assembled in Mexico, this bowling ball is meant for pinpoint accuracy and legendary durability.
This is perfect for beginners, straight bowlers, or experts who are in need of one of the best spare bowling balls on the market.
This bowling ball comes in several weight configurations, from 6-pound weight to 16-pound weight, accommodating all kinds of age groups and strength/athleticism levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we end our guide, let us walk through a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding bowling.
1. What balls do pro bowlers use?
Pro bowlers usually use a set of two balls: a strike/main ball and a spare ball. The main ball is mainly a reactive resin (pearl, solid, or hybrid) coverstock and is used during the first roll/attempt and provides the greatest chances of garnering a strike.
If there are pins still standing after the first roll, the spare ball, mainly built with plastic, polyester, or urethane, is utilized to knock down the remaining pins.
2. Do bowling alleys clean the balls?
Expect a certain degree of cleaning and maintenance when it comes to house balls or bowling alley balls, but do not expect the greatest level of care.
Most bowling alleys still practice standard sanitation and disinfection practices but this form of maintenance often incurs lapses. To be safe, bring your own set of balls the next time you visit your local bowling alley and use a bowling ball cleaner to do it yourself.
3. Why do bowlers have two balls?
Bowlers have two balls because one is used for hook shots while the other is used for straight/linear shots. The strike/main ball is used for hooking and is typically the best way to secure a strike.
On the other hand, the spare ball is used for straight bowling or straight/linear shots and is utilized for better accuracy and linear motion. Of the two types of bowling methods, the straight shot method is the safest and most predictable.
4. What bowling ball hits hardest?
The bowling ball that hits hardest is one that is heavy, made of an asymmetrical core, and crafted with reactive resin (pearl, hybrid, or solid) coverstock due to the aggressive nature and angular momentum caused.
An asymmetrical core allows for more hooking techniques and is more susceptible to flaring, allowing for a wider angle and farther breakpoint, which are two of the most important things to look out for with hook shots. The reactive resin coverstock helps generate more surface grip or friction and is, therefore, more sensitive to lane conditions and the strength of the bowler's throw or release.
In addition, a heavier ball generates more momentum and velocity and can cause the best pin carry effect, increasing the chances of knocking down more (if not all) pins than average.
Verdict: Our Top Pick!
As for our personal favorite spare ball, we have to go with none other than the Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball.
The design is top-notch and can last for several years due to how it was printed on the ball.
The performance deserves high praise as well. This has been our go-to spare ball for the past couple of months (granted we are not professionals in bowling).
If you are looking for a value-for-money spare ball from a reputable bowling ball brand/manufacturer, then the Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball is our best recommendation for you.
In Summary
Spare balls may be treated as secondary or backup balls, with some even claiming that they are not required. Do not let this discourage you from getting one for yourself.
Having a good quality spare ball for the purpose of lining up a straight shot will not only help you perform and practice better, it will also help you get significantly better scores in bowling!
If you are in search of the best spare bowling balls, then this guide should be more than enough to help you find the perfect one.