Regardless of the lane conditions that you find yourself playing in whether this is oily or dry, it is super important to ensure that you select the ball that is compatible with the demands of the lane surface.
Finding a bowling ball that is specifically catered to heavy oiled lanes can be a little difficult.
The market offers a huge variety of bowling balls with some better suited to particular lane conditions more than others.
We have done the hard work for you and browsed the market for our top five picks of the best products available.
If you would benefit from some additional guidance before making your purchase, below we have included a handy buyer's guide outlining our top tips for choosing the best heavy oil bowling balls.
If you are in a hurry and don't have the time to continue reading we have selected our top pick for you below.
Top 5 Best Heavy Oil Bowling Balls
OUR TOP PICK
Best suited to medium and heavy oil lane conditions, the Hammer Scandal/S Bowling Ball performs well delivering strong mid-lane motion.
Constructed with a scandal symmetric core, low RG, and high differential, this ball provides more angular motion making it ideal for lanes with heavier volumes of oil.
With a hybrid reactive coverstock and a 500/2000 abralon finish, this is an aggressive bowling ball that delivers plenty of traction through heavily oiled lanes.
Additionally, this ball delivers a strong hooking motion, particularly when it reaches the middle lane pattern.
Courtesy of the multiple size options, you can select the most appropriate sized bowling ball according to your needs and preferences and what you would find easiest to control on heavily oiled bowling lanes.
Pros
- Backed with a 3-year warranty, there is help available should you be dissatisfied with your purchase.
- Performs particularly when it has reached the mid lane section.
- The coverstock and symmetrical core make this a strong bowling ball when used in heavily oiled lanes.
- Courtesy of the matted coverstock this ball has more traction when traveling down the bowling lane.
- As there are multiple size options available, you can select the appropriate sized ball for your needs.
Cons
- This ball is better suited to shorter length oil patterns.
EDITORS CHOICE
Made to withstand heavily oiled lane conditions, the Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball has a solid reactive coverstock that is ideal for professional standard bowlers in particular.
Progressing down the lane with a decent amount of energy gathering momentum upon impact with the pins.
The asymmetrical core and solid reactive coverstock create an aggressive bowling ball that is very versatile when it comes to using it in heavier oiled lanes.
This bowling ball has been designed with a 2000 grit pad that attacks heavily oiled lanes with ease. Impressively, this bowling ball has been created with durability in mind so it is sure to withstand these oily lane conditions without becoming easily damaged.
Additionally, this bowling ball is fully customizable coming undrilled. This enables you to have the holes specifically drilled according to the size of your fingers and your comfort when playing.
While some may view this as a minor inconvenience, it allows you to create a bowling ball that is compatible with your requirements.
Pros
- This bowling ball is ideal for intermediate and advanced level players.
- With multiple size options available you can select the most appropriate needs to accommodate your needs.
- The Roto Grip Halo has great hook potential.
- This is an aggressive bowling ball that copes well in heavy oiled lanes.
- The core delivers lots of energy making it an angular ball that is ideal for longer lane oil patterns.
Cons
- This is a pretty aggressive bowling ball that beginners may struggle to control.
BEST VALUE
The Storm Physix Bowling Ball has an atomic NRG hybrid reactive coverstock and 3000 grit finish which delivers excellent performance on heavily oiled lanes.
Boasting a high differential potential of 0.053 and a low RG rating of 2.48, this is a powerful bowling ball that has great hook potential. As an angular bowling ball, it is an ideal choice for advanced bowlers in particular who are looking for both power and performance.
Courtesy of its coverstock construction, this bowling ball is a versatile option that copes well in lightly oiled lanes too. It also delivers a powerful backend reaction with enhanced hook potential.
Pros
- The NRG Hybrid Reactive coverstock delivers impressive hook potential.
- This ball is an ideal choice for intermediate and advanced level players.
- As an angular bowling ball, it reacts well on oily lanes.
- The apple berry crisp fragrance makes this a pleasant bowling ball.
- This ball has an impressive breakpoint and backend reaction.
Cons
- Durability is a concern as this ball is prone to cracking when subject to frequent use.
RUNNER UP
The Brunswick Quantum Bias Bowling Ball combines an ECA-XR Coverstock with the Quantum Asymmetric Core to provide increased hook potential and an excellent entry angle and pin carry, that is specifically suited to oily lane conditions.
Made using white pigment, this bowling ball provides unique traction, which again leads to enhanced hook potential. Aside from this, the unique white design also makes this a sleek bowling ball that stands out amongst its competitors.
Durability has been incorporated into each aspect of this bowling ball and with 3.5 times more coverstock this bowling ball provides more strength and hitting power too.
With a 0.052 differential and 2.53 RG rating, this ball is going to perform very well when used in heavy oil lanes.
Pros
- There are multiple size options available allowing you to choose the most appropriate for your needs.
- This is a durable bowling ball with 3.5 times more coverstock.
- The traction additive provides greater traction.
- As an asymmetric ball, it reacts well to heavily oiled lanes.
- The additional length of this ball provides better pin action.
Cons
- As this ball is white it becomes dirty rather quickly.
RUNNER UP
As an angular asymmetric bowling ball, the Motiv Trident Nemesis responds quicker to friction making it an ideal choice for heavy oiled lanes.
There is no denying that this bowling ball has been constructed to enhance your performance when faced with these lane conditions.
The inclusion of Pearl Reactive Cover Technology and the Sidewinder Asymmetric Weight Block delivers powerful backend motion and continuation that is intended for medium to heavy oil lanes.
Not only is this bowling ball available in a range of size but it also features an appealing design that is bound to turn your competitor's heads at the bowling alley.
Additionally, this bowling ball has a 5500 grit LSP finish, so you can be assured that it is going to perform well.
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes from 12 to 16 lbs you can select the appropriate choice for your needs.
- With impressive backend motion, this bowling ball is ideal for heavy oiled lanes.
- As an angular asymmetric ball, it provides great shape in each shot.
- With a pleasing design, this bowling ball will capture the attention of your competitors.
- This is a versatile bowling ball that is compatible with a range of bowling styles.
Cons
- Some bowlers may not like the shinier appearance of this bowling ball.
Best Heavy Oil Bowling Balls Buying Guide
Before buying your bowling ball, there are many factors that you will need to consider. Adhering to these factors will ensure that you select the right bowling ball for your needs.
Bowling on heavily oiled lanes requires a specific type of bowling ball as this will allow you to achieve the best shots.
Your equipment is going to be highly influential upon how well you perform. You don't want to be playing a game only to be disappointed in how your ball reacts to the lane conditions.
We have outlined each of these factors for you below and also our top tips for choosing the best ball.
The Coverstock Material
If you are going to be bowling on heavily oiled lanes, you will need a ball with a strong and reactive coverstock.
A matt finish is also preferable. Reactive resin is likely to be the best option in this case as it is going to absorb the oil and this is of course needed if you should happen to find yourself playing in these heavily oiled lane conditions.
Ultimately, as the bowler, you are then provided with more power and greater emphasis on your hook potential. A urethane ball is also a great choice when it comes to heavily oiled lanes as they have a tougher exterior which is less susceptible to absorbing the oil.
They also tend to react well with the lane maintaining more of a secure grip as they progress down the lane.
The Weight
The weight of your bowling ball plays a central role throughout the game. A bowling ball should be on the heavier side, but of course, you should still be able to hold it.
If your bowling ball is too light, it is going to struggle to travel in a stable direction when you have released it down the lane. This is because it doesn't have enough weight behind it to guide it in a particular direction.
However, a bowling ball that is too heavy is going to provide greater difficulties when it comes to releasing and controlling the ball. Essentially a ball that is either too light or too heavy is going to largely influence your performance.
It is recommended that you opt for a bowling ball that equals around 10% of your body weight. Elsewise you may prefer to try out a range of different weighted bowling balls before deciding which one you find easier to handle and use.
The Core
A bowling ball with an asymmetrical core is a favorable option when it comes to bowling in heavily oiled lanes. This is because it provides the same reaction and aggression as the coverstock which is going to help you to improve your scores when you are faced with these lane conditions.
If you opt for a bowling ball with a reactive coverstock, you may find a symmetrical core more preferential in allowing you to achieve your desired shots and allowing you to remain in control of the ball.
A bowling ball with a symmetrical core is a little more advanced, however you will find that most heavy oiled bowling balls are angular with an asymmetrical core.
The Quality
As with any purchase, you expect it to be made to excellent quality. After frequent contact with the bowling lane the bowling ball is of course going to deteriorate in quality and it is necessary to expect there to be a reduction in how well it performs over time.
There are steps that you can implement to help maintain the quality of your bowling ball. Of course, a bowling ball that is frequently used in heavier oiled lanes needs to be absorbent otherwise the oil is just going to collect and settle on the surface of the ball.
It is worth cleaning your ball following use as this will prevent it from deteriorating in quality at a fast pace.
The Cost
As with any purchase that you make, it is beneficial to have a budget in mind which enables you to adhere your purchase to your specified price range.
Bowling balls can be a rather costly investment, hence why it is important to select the best bowling ball for your needs.
Urethane and resin balls in particular are known to be the most expensive bowling balls. It is often the case that the price of the bowling ball equates to how well it is going to perform on the bowling alley.
If you don't wish to spend a lot on your bowling ball, there are some affordable options available.
It is important to ensure that you don't compromise the quality of the bowling ball for affordability. For more professional and advanced players, you may prefer to invest in an expensive bowling ball as this is likely to reflect in the higher scores that you achieve.
The Design
Although this factor may not be a priority for all bowlers, for some it plays an influential role in the purchase.
You will find that many balls feature unique and fun designs that make them an eye-catching addition to the bowling alley and they are sure to attract the attention of your competitors.
The Durability
If your bowling ball is going to be subject to frequent use then it needs to be durably constructed.
Many weaker bowling balls are prone to cracking after frequent and harsher contact with the bowling lane and so your ball may begin to hinder your performance if this is the case.
A strong and durable bowling ball is likely to see you through many uses without deteriorating in quality at a fast pace.
Drilled or Undrilled
You will find that the majority of bowling balls come undrilled which means that they need to be taken to a professional who offers this service.
This allows you to customize the ball and have the holes drilled in the position that you find the most comfortable as this will allow you to play to your greatest potential.
Your Skill Level
Most bowling balls are catered to a specific type of player, whether this is beginner, intermediate or advanced.
It is important to select the bowling ball that compliments your skill level and requirements as this will enable you to play more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the conditions of a bowling ball lane?
There are a few ways of determining the conditions of the bowling ball lane. The first sign is visible on the ball itself and is likely to be in the form of an oil ring.
It is also necessary to assess how your ball reacts to the lane as this will give clearer indications regarding the lane conditions.
Why is oil used on bowling lanes?
Oil serves an important purpose in a game of bowling.
Not only does oil protect the lane from damage after contact with your bowling ball, but it also helps to control the hook of your bowling ball, helping you to achieve strikes with greater consistency.
How do I get oil out of my bowling ball?
Of course, using a bowling ball on a heavy oiled lane means that it is going to collect oil on its surface over time. It is important to take the necessary steps to avoid this build up of oil affecting the quality of the bowling ball.
To get rid of this oil, you can put the ball into water to soak, occasionally spinning it to allow the oil to dissipate into the water. After doing so you can then remove the ball from the water and dry it using a microfiber cloth.
You may choose to repeat this process if oil still appears on the surface of your bowling ball.
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