Using the right bowling ball can significantly influence how well you play. With the right ball, you will get the right feel.
For advanced players in particular this is likely to require you to invest more money into finding the perfect ball.
This isn’t going to be the purchase of an average ball but instead one that is going to see you achieving shots that will leave your competitors in awe.
If you are looking to invest in one of the most expensive bowling balls on the market but aren’t quite sure where to begin with your search, we have done the hard work for you, selecting our top five picks of the best and most expensive bowling balls available.
Below we have included a handy buyer's guide containing all of our top tips to help you choose the best product that will have you racking in those spares and strikes in no time.
Top 5 Most Expensive Bowling Balls
OUR TOP PICK
If you are looking for excellent quality in return for your hefty investment, look no further than the Roto Grip Halo Bowling ball. This ball is available in multiple weights ranging from 12 pounds to 16 pounds, perfect in accommodating the capabilities and needs of different bowlers.
With a 2000 grip pad, an eye-catching design, and a Micro-Trax S-18 coverstock, this bowling ball is going to impress when used on oily lanes resulting in improved hook shots.
Designed with a new asymmetrical weight block core, the Roto Grip Halo really does stand out as a strong contender amongst its competitors.
This creates a highly reactive bowling ball with greater traction, making use in the oiliest of lanes easy work and accommodating the styles of every bowler.
Despite being one of the most expensive bowling balls available on the market, it boasts an attractive design that is likely to attract the attention of many of your fellow bowlers, this bowling ball is equipped with great strength for the maximum potential in every shot.
Pros
- Roto is renowned for producing high-quality bowling balls so you can be confident in your purchase.
- This ball performs very well when used on particularly oily lanes.
- Available in a range of different sizes, this bowling ball effectively caters to the demands of different bowlers.
- This is a great hook bowling ball.
- It features an aesthetically pleasing and durable design.
Cons
- Due to it being a particularly aggressive bowling ball, it may be particularly difficult for beginner bowlers to handle.
EDITORS CHOICE
The Hammer Black Widow is a customizable bowling ball that can be drilled with holes to specifically cater to your hand size.
Especially suited for advanced bowlers and professionals in particular, not only is this ball impressively designed, it is going to perform well too.
Courtesy of its sleek black eye-catching design, this bowling ball oozes a professional feel that is going to stand out amongst its competitors.
With a gas mask core, this ball emits strong angular precision which is further benefitted by its urethane coverstock which provides greater predictability and consistency.
Impressively, this ball is carbon fiber infused resulting in a tough and durably designed ball with increased strength for enhanced performance and longevity. For players looking for a ball with a great hook, the Hammer Black Widow isn't going to disappoint.
Pros
- This ball is available in multiple different weight options so you can select the best one for your needs.
- As an undrilled ball, it can be customized to suit your needs for the best comfort and performance.
- Impressively, this bowling ball has great hook potential.
- Durably designed, this bowling ball is likely to see you through many uses without becoming easily damaged.
- As a urethane ball, it is ideal for advanced players in particular.
Cons
- As this is an aggressive bowling ball, it may be an unsuitable option for beginners.
BEST VALUE
The latest in the line of Storm bowling balls is the Storm !Q Tour, however this edition boasts an eye-catching emerald color theme.
This ball has a C3 centripetal control core similar to the previous models produced by the brand. This provides you with smoother control within each shot largely because the ball revs up quickly.
Additionally, the coverstock of this ball is R2S Pearl Reactive which is likely to be the best available with improved durability that is likely to see you through many games without immediate deteriorations to the quality.
This bowling ball copes very well with a range of lane conditions. As a versatile ball, it glides with ease reacting quickly with a greater likeliness of the ball rolling out due to its lack of rotation at a faster pace.
Something we particularly like about this bowling ball is that it has been covered with a melon mint scent so you can enjoy a pleasant and fresh bowling experience with freshness in every shot.
Pros
- The pearl reactive coverstock creates a quick-reacting ball that copes well with a range of lane conditions.
- Although it provides greater control, it remains to be an angular bowling ball too.
- The C3 Centripetal control core creates a workable and forgiving ball with smoothness in each shot.
- This bowling ball benefits from greater length in each shot.
- As a scented bowling ball, you can enjoy a pleasant bowling experience.
Cons
- Some may find this ball a little weak depending on their shot and approach.
RUNNER UP
The Hammer Sauce bowling ball has been constructed with a contusion core and solid CFI coverstock for enhanced power and speed maximizing your potential within each shot that you take.
Impressively, the Hammer the Sauce Bowling ball delivers strength with a smoother role coping well with oily lanes in particular. As a carbon fiber ball, it benefits from enhanced strength and durability.
The cheapest of this bowling ball weighs a solid 16 lbs which some players may find particularly heavy to work with, however, there are different weights available if you would prefer a bowling ball with a more comfortable feel. It is simply necessary to note that this is going to come at a higher price.
Suited for medium to heavily oiled lanes, this is a reactive bowling ball with a strong mid-lane and backend reaction. Impressively, this bowling ball is equipped with an abalone cover too.
Pros
- Despite being classified as an expensive bowling ball, the Hammer Sauce retails at a cheaper price than our previous picks.
- Backed with a three-year warranty, there is help available should you experience any issues with this bowling ball.
- Impressively this ball is USBC approved.
- The solid CFI coverstock delivers improved power and speed within each shot.
- Courtesy of its durable design, this bowling ball is likely to see you through many uses without any damages occurring or deteriorations to the quality.
Cons
- This may not be the best choice for bowlers who often play in dryer lane conditions as it struggles more to achieve accurate shots.
RUNNER UP
The MOTIV Jackson Ghost Bowling Ball makes its presence in the lanes known through its eye-catching design which mirrors its excellent performance on the lanes.
Being one of the newest releases in the impressive range of pre-existing MOTIV bowling balls, this bowling ball features many impressive features that is going to result in greater performance.
Utilizing the high differential predator V" asymmetrical core design and low RG, this bowling ball benefits from enhanced hook potential and improved continuation within each shot.
Courtesy of the asymmetric core, this bowling ball produces a greater amount of track flare.
Constructed with a Coercion HFS coverstock, this bowling ball pushes the boundaries in defining the properties possessed by an aggressive bowling ball. For this reason, the MOTIV Jackal ghost benefits from increased friction, coping well in oily lanes while delivering some sharp and violent hooks as a result.
Pros
- This ball has an impressive amount of continuation at the back of the lane.
- Impressively designed, this bowling ball is likely to attract the attention of contenders making it a stand out option.
- Available in multiple different weights, you can select your bowling ball depending on your needs.
- A strong bowling ball that has a strong backend too.
- It performs impressively well even when confronted with heavy oil lane conditions.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this ball may not be the most durable option as it is prone to damaging following harsh contact with the lane.
Most Expensive Bowling Balls Buying Guide
Before investing in your bowling ball, it is important to ensure that you are fully aware of the features and design elements that you should be focussing on. After all, you may be confident in your game but it is crucial to ensure that you are confident in your purchase too.
We have highlighted some factors that we would recommend you considering below as this will ensure that you are fully equipped with all of the knowledge that is needed to select the bowling ball that is suitable for your needs.
The Cost
Of course, our focus throughout this guide has been to find the best bowling balls available that retail within a higher price range.
Bowling balls of this kind can retail at prices over $100. As mentioned previously, you are likely to be an advanced or professional bowler if you are looking to make such a significant investment into your bowling ball.
For beginners, we wouldn't recommend delving straight into the deep end and outwardly spending this amount on your first bowling ball.
This primarily being because if you are completely unfamiliar with bowling and have never tried it on more of a serious undertaking previously, you may find that you don't enjoy it as much as you expected and for this reason, an expensive bowling ball may become a wasted investment.
On the other hand, for advanced players, you are highly likely to see a significant improvement in your game if you splash out a little more and purchase a more expensive bowling ball.
The Quality
When spending a larger amount on your bowling ball you expect it to be excellent quality. Those made using poor quality materials are likely to deteriorate more rapidly than those made from durable, more expensive materials.
A bowling ball that becomes easily damaged and dented following contact with the lane is likely to result in a much more immediate need for a replacement bowling ball.
The Weight
Another factor that you will need to consider is the weight of the bowling ball that you select. This can differ between the balls with some offering a variety of weights per model and others being available in a single specific weight.
To evaluate the weight of the bowling ball that you require you will need to consider your weight as you will need to be able to use the ball easily and this applies to lifting and throwing it.
It is recommended that you select a ball that is roughly around 10% of your body weight for beginner bowlers and approximately 15 lbs bowling balls for professional and advanced bowlers.
You may develop a preference for a particular weight ball. While some may find heavier bowling balls easier to use, others may find a slightly lighter bowling ball easier to work with.
It is important to ensure that you select the bowling ball that you can use easily as this is going to result in improved performance and better shots.
The Material
There isn't one specific material that all bowling balls on the market are made from. The material of your bowling ball is going to be highly influential upon the shots that you achieve whether this is straight or curved shots.
Bowling balls are almost always designed with durability in mind. Polyester balls tend to be the most popular choice among beginners as they are ideal for achieving straight shots.
For players wanting to achieve more curved shots, you are likely to benefit from a slicker and sturdier ball, however, it is necessary to expect this style of ball to be more expensive than a polyester bowling ball.
The Coverstock Type
The Coverstock refers to the exterior material surrounding the bowling ball which makes direct contact with the bowling lane. It is responsible for the most reaction with the lane and there are six different types to choose from.
A plastic coverstock is the least aggressive and tends to be the best for straight shots, spare shooting, or dry lane conditions.
A Urethane coverstock tends to be the most popular option available performing well in more lane conditions than a plastic ball. This type of bowling ball reacts well with dry and medium lane conditions.
Reactive Resin is very similar to a urethane formation. Due to their tacky feel, they tend to create greater reaction in the bowling lane. A reactive coverstock bowling ball tends to be the most commonly sought after by players.
There are many other coverstock types available and it is important to select the coverstock formation that is going to benefit your game.
The Custom Holes
While you will find some bowling balls are pre-drilled with different sized holes, the majority will be intended for customization.
This means that the balls do not have predrilled holes and can be customized to suit the specific size of your fingers making it much more comfortable to hold while providing you with greater control.
Many pro bowling shops provide this service and will drill the holes in the exact locations of the ball that you wish at the exact size that you require.
The Lane Conditions
It is important to consider the conditions of the lanes that you are most likely to be playing in. The oiliness of the lane can affect the hook and spin of the bowling ball ultimately impacting the shots that you achieve.
An oily lane is going to encourage the ball to travel straight rather than hooking. Likewise, a lane without oil is going to result in the ball hooking. A plastic or urethane ball is going to glide down a dry bowling lane with greater ease.
If you are playing on an oily lane you will benefit from a ball with greater friction such as reactive resin.
The Hook
The hook can vary between the balls. It determines how the ball rolls in a curving pattern at a better angle which is ultimately going to help you to achieve a strike. It is important to implement the correct technique to achieve the best hook potential from your bowling ball.
It isn't the most simple process to tackle and so it is important to develop your technique to achieve the greatest results from your shot. Once you have familiarized yourself with the feel of your bowling ball, you are likely to experience an improvement in your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do professional bowling balls cost?
The price of a professional bowling ball can vary within the price range of $150 to $250, however, as they have been designed and constructed for professional playing, a bowling ball of this kind is likely to see you through many uses.
A professional bowling ball is largely recommended for advanced bowlers who are well skilled within the game.
Are expensive bowling balls worth it?
If you are looking for a bowling ball that is going to improve your game, you are likely to find that you will benefit from investing in a pricier option.
Bowling balls that retail with more expensive price tags are more likely to help you achieve the smoothest and best runs.
What types of bowling balls are the most expensive?
The materials that are used in the construction of bowling balls is highly influential on the cost. Typically, urethane and resin urethane are the most expensive options hence why bowling balls made using these materials retail within a higher price range.
However, you are likely to see great results in terms of performance and scores.
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