Rushing your bowling ball game with friends, family or even a date is a lively and soothing sport—but to improve in this great activity getting your very own selective bowling ball is the crucial step to take. Now, for the fact, you must acknowledge the basic to in-depth factors that will help you make the decision of choosing the ball. As the core, cover stock, weight, grip, and a few other features relevant to any of the best bowling ball for beginners are essential to know—depending on the finest characteristics, we have carved out such models.
Editor's Pick Name Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball -Coverstock: Plastic/Polyester -Hook Potential: Low
-Finishing: High Gloss Polish
Based on the universality in grip, weight range, core, coverstock, and performance in different lanes, we have selected Brunswick Tzone Deep Space as the best bowling ball for beginners.
Table of Contents
Factors to Look into for the Best Bowling Ball for Beginners
Certain features that help in knowing which bowling ball would be suitable for prior gaming—these are;
Weight
The weight of the bowling ball plays a vital role in the leniency of the game—in general, the heavier the ball is, the better will be the shot. The suitable range of weight is;
- Male adults—14 to 15 lbs.
- Female adults—11 to 12 lbs.
- Kids—6 to 8 lbs. or less
How Much Weight is Optimum?
Selecting a ball that is a few pounds much heavier than the “house ball” one usually uses. Holding the ball would not require much strength so that the posture should be proper while throwing. Lighter balls convey less energy to the pins, thus, the probability for accuracy is much lesser.
Coverstock
The coverstock is the most outer covering part of the bowling ball. The material is responsible for the hooking capacity of the ball. The most inn for this time is “reactive“ cover-stock that has a tiny porous surface. This grips the lane and sharply hooks into the pins. As for the types of coverstock, there are three;
Pearl
The bowling ball consisting of pearl coverstocks have the following characteristics;
- They are smooth and usually shiny.
- They go further the lane downward before hooking.
- Typically follows an “angular” motion.
- They are much suitable for beginners.
- If little oil is present in the lane, the pearl coverstock ball glide over the front part.
- As being the smooth coverstock, it acquires a great extent of friction and hooks inward.
- They have less tendency to be missed from the outside as compared to other coverstocks.
Solid
These much consist of on-lane reaction, as;
- They are stronger.
- They hook earlier.
- Their motion is commonly referred to as “smooth” because of the early hook.
- Solid coverstocks might be hassling for beginners.
- This has a less violent hook while getting to the back-end of the lane.
Hybrids
As the name clears up, they are a hybrid of both—solid and pearls, the certain qualities are;
- They have a good balance of angularity (pearl) and smoothness (solid).
- They don’t acquire the unpredictable violent hook of pearl but also come later in hooking than the solid.
- They are quite amendable for beginners because of predictability.
Cores
The core of the bowling ball is the most inner part and has certain geometry. The geometry of the core is responsible for certain performance. The main sorts of the core are;
Pancake
The pancake is the traditional core of a bowling ball—it is integrated with a small disc, that gives it the name “pancake” actually looking like a round puck. The disc is settled on one portion of the ball, this counteracts the mass ratio lost because of drilling holes.
Symmetric
The symmetrical core is all the way around one axis. They are not necessarily the same around another—the bowling balls with the symmetrical core have marked on them (known as a pin). The marking denotes where the center of the symmetrical core is. By identifying this spot, the player can take advantage by laying out the ball properly.
Asymmetric
Asymmetrical cores have weight dependent on more than one spot as compared to the symmetrical core. For the versatile bowlers, who tend to throw a number of revolutions on their shots, they are much helpful and popular.
Grip
The way of inserting the fingers, thumb into the ball defines the grip. Different bowlers tend to comfort with their specific taste of grip. Any of the best bowling ball for beginners or advanced player mainly have two main types of grip, that are;
Fingertip Grip
The fingertip grip has placement of thumb in the ball—middle and ring finger go into the first knuckle. In this grip, there is an option of “inserts”, these are certainly the plugs, that go into the finger holes. These inserts come in different colors and shape to fit individuals.
Conventional Grip
The conventional grip attains the placement of the thumb in the ball but the middle & ring finger in about the second knuckle.
Pro Tip for the Grip
For the players who are leaning to hook—fingertips grips with or without the inserts would be suitable. On the other hand, if this is your first ball (plastic/polyester) then going for conventional grip will be much handy.
Polish/Finish
Although, this is conventional to the coverstock the more legit difference is—the polish or finish is just the outer coating, as the coverstock is the outer materialistic part of the bowling ball. As;
- More the ball is polished, the curve will come later.
- Better polishing helps the ball to build energy and to hook to a greater extent.
- As a beginner, the finishing doesn’t matter that much.
Top 7 Bowling Balls for Beginners
Image Name Price
Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
-Coverstock: Polyester
-Finishing: High Gloss
-Hook Potential: Low—25 Check Price
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
-Core: Symmetric
-Coverstock: Navigational Solid
-Weight: 12 to 16 lbs.Check Price
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
-Coverstock: Polyester
-Weight: 9 lbs.
-Core: PancakeCheck Price
Columbia 300 Messenger Pink/Purple Bowling Ball
-Coverstock: Super Flex
-Core: Dynamic
-Finish: 500/200 Abralon Check Price
Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
-Coverstock: Polyester
-Core: Pancake
-Finish: Ranged AbralonCheck Price
Brunswick T-Zone Glow Bowling Ball
-Coverstock: Polyester
-Finish: High Gloss
-Recommended Lane: AnyCheck Price
Brunswick Rhino Reactive Bowling Ball
-Lane: Medium Oil
-Backend Hook Motion
-Coverstock: Reactive ResinCheck Price
1. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Coverstock: Plastic/Polyester
- Finishing: High Gloss Polish
- Hook Potential: Low—25 (scale of 10-175)
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Recommended Lane: Medium/High Oil
- Professionally Drilled
The Brunswick Tzone consists of quality polishing that helps the bowler to convey more accurate shots. The players have claimed this model very efficient for dry lanes. This bowling ball does not have holes—the person needs to take it to the pro shop and get it drilled according to the hand/finger sizes.
Due to the deep finish, the curve after throwing the ball comes much later. The professional drilling over this bowling ball can actually make it “flip”, much of the plastic balls don’t. The model likewise works for medium to high oil lanes.
2. Pyramid Antidote Solid Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Core: Symmetric
- Coverstock: Navigational Solid
- Weight: 12 to 16 lbs.
- Abralon Grit Factory Polishing
- Recommended Lane: Medium
- Versatile Drilling Options
- Scale Rating: 201.6
The Pyramid Antidote consists of GPS navigational solid coverstock—giving the competent performance in medium oil conditions. The model provides a stronger, earlier, and smoother reaction. The hooking capacity of this bowling ball model is relatively high.
The core is composed of ceramic material rather than the typical metal thus, giving in the versatile range of weight from 12 to 16 lbs. The manufacturers enclose a sheet with every ball that details several different layouts for varying the bowling styles.
3. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Coverstock: Polyester
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Core: Pancake
- Finish: Factory Polishing
- Amendable for all Ages
- Perfect Scale Rating: 5.0
- Recommended Lane: Dry/Straight
The Pyramid Path Bowling Ball elegantly delivers high-performance shots in dry lanes. The breakpoint traveling of this bowling ball model is completely straight lanes. The structure consists of three pieces thus, making it fall in entry and intermediate levels.
The model is not predrilled, one stays feasible gets it drilled according to the finger size. It has a lower hooking capacity on hooking as it gives many straight shots with greater accuracy. The polyester coverstock is comprehensible to beginners because of plain and straight strikes.
4. Columbia 300 Messenger Pink/Purple Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Coverstock: Super Flex
- Core: Dynamic
- Finish: 500/200 Abralon Polish
- Recommended Lane: Light Oil
- USBC Approved
- Weight: 8 to 16 lbs.
- Reaction: Skid/Flip
The Columbia 300 Messanger consists of patent-pending Hyper-shock technology. The dynamic core gives the powerful shot even if the lighter weight category for beginners is selected. The bowling ball is USBC approved, so no hustle for finding the right model.
In the same construction manufacturers offer a weight range from 8 lbs. to 16 lbs. thus giving versatility to the player for advancement in-game. The reactive coverstock consists of a tiny porous surface that mainly causes the gripping over the lane.
5. Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Coverstock: Polyester
- Core: Pancake
- Finish: Ranged Abralon
- USBC Approved
- Weight: 6 to 15 lbs.
The Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet is highly commended because of its viable performance for novice players. The finishing is detailed with 800/1000/2000 Abralon with the Powerhouse factory finish polish.
The ball is integrated with a high-quality pancake core combining with polyester coverstock. The manufacturers provide a certain range of weight for the bowling ball from 9 to 15 lbs.—helping the player to get the suitable model.
6. Brunswick T-Zone Glow Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Coverstock: Plastic/Polyester
- Finish: High Gloss Polish
- Recommended Lane: Any
- Weight: 6 to 16 lbs.
- Hook Potential: 25 (scale of 10 -175)
The Brunswick Tzone Glow comes in pre-drilled holes—the manufacturers have set the scales of drilling holes according to the age, but if the player has certain specificities, he can customize the ring size. The aesthetic polyester coverstock is helpful in giving lenient shots for beginners.
The lower hook potential of this model (25, on The Perfect Scale—10 to 175) allows the player to learn straight throws in the first. The deep gloss polishing ensures robust gripping in almost any recommended lane. The pre-drilled holes are accompanied by the weight range, the ring size increases as the weight (i.e., adult ring size 10 for 12 lbs. or ring size 13 for 16 lbs.)
7. Brunswick Rhino Reactive PRE-DRILLED Bowling Ball
Hot Features
- Recommended Lane: Medium Oil
- Backend Hook Motion
- Coverstock: Reactive Resin
- Core: Traditional Light Bulb
- Weight: 6 to 16 lbs.
- Reactive Finishing
The Brunswick Rhino Reactive Bowling Ball is integrated with reactive finishing of steps 500 Siaair/Royal Compound with Royal Shine. The weight range is wide from 6 lbs. to 16 lbs.—as the model is pre-drilled, there are different ring sizes from women 8-11 to men over 13. The ring sizes are likewise customizable according to the feedback.
The model is amended with the R-16 formula that produces easy length and backend hook motion with facing extreme sensitivity to dry and oily parts of the lane. The lightweight ball engineering gives the player a consistent ball reaction characteristic across the weight range.
How to Hook a Bowling Ball?
Levels of Bowling Ball
Entry Level
The entry-level bowling balls are amended for the players just getting started. As the characteristics for this sort are;
- They are mainly composed of plastic or polyester.
- These balls have less friction on the lane.
- They travel much straightly.
- The best bowling ball for beginners helps build refined shots, consistency, and self-esteem over the game.
Intermediate
After getting rough with the entry-level bowling balls, the intermediate bowls give the challenge to the game. As;
- They are mainly composed of urethane.
- Bowling with this level includes hooking.
- They are good for a dry and medium lane.
Advanced
As the practice and level upgrades—the advanced bowling balls are used by the pro-players. They have the following features;
- Due to their composition, they are also called reactive resin balls.
- Typically, they are the most expensive.
- These give the most powerful strikes.
- Reactive balls are mostly geared toward various sorts of lanes.
How to Play the Bowling Ball?
Whether if you are just getting started with your bowling ball or already know how to strike—some gaming know-hows and etiquettes will help you to do much better. These are;
Understanding the Bowling Lane
Bowling lane is the line close to the head of the bowler, that has the size of;
- 60 feet (18.3 meters) from the foul line.
There are gutters that decide the player’s lane direction is out or into the lane, if the ball is into the line (usually of 15-meter length approach) and is gone directly into the pin then it would be okay and if not, then the player will be considered out of the play.
Understandings the Bowling Pins
At every frame’s beginning, triangular shape ten pins are arranged at the end of the bowling. Points are awarded according to the location of the pin.
Arrangement and Hitting the Pins
The pins are arranged in four rows as;
- First row—one pin
- Second row–two pins
- Third row—three pins
- Fourth row—four pins
At each hitting of a pin, there is one point awarded to the bowler.
Learning the Lingo
To blend with the game properly—the terms used in bowling ball are;
- Strike: At first try, knocking down the pins.
- Split: It splits the pins non adjacently on hitting at headpin.
- Spare: Besides the first failure, knocking down the pins at second.
- Turkey: Striking three pins in a row.
- Open frame: The balls left after the bowler’s play.
The decorum of the Bowling Game
In this game, two turns are given to the bowler, if in the first turn the bowler hits all the balls then the player will be given an extra turn. One frame consists of ten pins to which the bowler tries to knock all the pins present thereby rolling the ball twice in each term.
Scoring
The scoring of the bowling game is based on the hitting of pins. This can be interpreted as;
Points for Hitting Pins
In case of spare, one extra turn is awarded to the bowler. The bowler gets extra ten points in the next turn if he hits the spare—for example; if in the next turn they hit five pins then the points of the bowler will be 15. On to the further turn, hitting further three pins will get him a total of 18 points in that round.
Totaling
In each strike, there are 12 rows giving 10 points to the bowler in each turn. If the ball hits the last frame, they get two more turns—In case of these turns’ if the bowler hit strikes properly then a total of 300 points will be given.
Equipment Needed to Play the Bowling Ball
The equipment needed for the bowling ball is;
- Bowling ball: Known as house balls.
- Wrist guards: To achieve consistent throws and to prevent the ball from collapsing.
- Finger tapes: To have a grip on the ball and to prevent injury during playing bowling.
- Powder: To hold and grip the ball in the hands.
- Ankle, wrist, and elbow bend: To lower the chances of injuries.
- Microfiber cloth or towel: To dry hands after each turn.
Holding the Ball Properly
The placement of the best bowling ball for beginners is much important for progress in the game. The Middle and ring are placed on the top two holes of the ball and the thumb is placed at the bottom hole. The ball should be head in the right spot and in the right bowling lane. It must be s placed at 10:00 o’clock position for right-handed players, and 2:00 o’clock position for left-handed bowlers.
Setting up the Posture
While playing the following things should be taken under consideration; shoulders positioned towards the target and tilted, knees bent, ball arm straight, and slide foot in front of the other foot and opposite to the bowler’s playing hand.
Aiming the Ball
There are series of dots on the bowling lane of 6 feet to hit the target. You have to focus on your marks and the bowl rolling table, not on the pins. Any of the best bowling ball for beginners will have certain recommendations of specific lanes i.e., dry, oily, etc. make sure to check the compatibility. You can bowl left, right, or in the center while keeping your bowling ball away from the gutter.
Releasing the Ball
To release the ball, you have to balance your body straight forward, hand position under the ball, and having a non-twisting approach towards the body. Keeping your eye on the aiming target release the ball to moving and rotating forward towards the target.
Counting Score Throughout the Game
The scores are put in the score sheet or on the computer chart in which spare is marked by a sign ”/ “ and strike by “X”. First-line represents the first ball on the upper left side and the second ball at the second-line respective.
Finishing Close to The Foul Line
The optimal line is at the distance of 6 inches between the delivery line—always try to finish close to the foul line.
Bowling Etiquettes
The etiquettes of bowling are;
- Reading the rules given at the alley (different spots have certain limitations).
- Wearing bowling shoes.
- Start bowling only when the cycle on the machine is finished.
- Playing at the adjacent lane.
- Keep in the foul line.
- Always bowl down the lane and on your own lane.
- Avoid distracting bowlers.
- Asking for permission when using other player’s balls.
- Keeping your score accurate.
- Choosing the best bowling ball according to your game conditions (dry/oily).
- Keeping yourself ready for your turn.
Wiping the Hands After the Turn is Over
To prevent the ball from slipping, wipe and dry the hands after each turn by using cloth or rosin which makes the ball tawdry and less slippery.
Conclusion
Getting bowling ball experience in the right manner requires the selection of a suitable ball model. in order to achieve the handiest strikes with the best bowling ball for beginners, the player must acknowledge certain features of the ball. mainly including—the weight, coverstock (pearl, solid, or hybrid), core (symmetrical or asymmetrical), grip, and the polishing extent over the bowling ball. As per the universality, we have concluded the certain best bowling ball for beginners on the list. the article likewise tells you the proper way of how to play the bowling ball.
FAQs
What is the Best Bowling Ball for Beginners?
The Brunswick Tzone Deep is considered the best bowling ball for beginners—as the bowling ball can put in “hook” if the holes are a bit more exotic than usual. the deep end polishing likewise helps in conveying more accurate shots.
What weight of bowling ball should I use?
The most known rule about the weight of the bowling ball is that it should be around 10% of the player’s body mass. Well, since the player has no greater weight than 165 lbs. larger weights and for those who have much stronger body might have to choose a weight according to their posture.
What are the dimensions of the bowling lane?
The distance from the foul line to the line closest to the bowler is 18.3 meters (60 ft.) the approach area is 4.6 meters (15 ft.) that ends at the foul line. The width of the lane is 42 inches.
How many holes are recommended in the bowling ball?
According to the International Bowling Federation (IBF) depending on the feasibility of the player—any of the best bowling ball for beginners or for advanced players can have up to a maximum of 12 holes on the bowling balls. As the statistics of players, most of them consider 3 holes as the essential number.
Data Source
- https://www.wikihow.com/Bowl
- https://www.slps.org/cms/lib/MO01001157/Centricity/Domain/5547/Bowling.pdf
- https://www.myactivesg.com/Sports/Bowling/Training-Method/Bowling-for-Beginners/How-to-make-a-bowling-ball-curl
- https://wiki2.org/en/Bowling
- https://beginnerbowlingtips.com/blog
- https://www.bowl.com/Welcome/Welcome_Home/Throw_a_Great_Hook/