Last updated on August 23rd, 2021
The type of bowling lane on which you plan to play would significantly affect your overall game. For instance, if you’re planning to bowl on a dry bowling lane but don’t have the right bowling ball for the same, you might not be able to score a great score, let alone win.
Therefore, it’s crucial to select the best bowling ball for dry lanes if you plan to play there and win the game. A bowling ball that can reduce the friction between itself and the lane’s surface is best suited for dry bowling lanes.
However, before selecting the best bowling ball for dry lanes, let us first look at the different types of lanes depending on their surface material and surface coating that influence bowling.
Different Types Of Bowling Lanes
There are primarily three types of bowling lanes depending on the material that companies use for their construction. They are Wooden Lane, Synthetic Lane, and Guardian Lane.
1. Wooden Bowling Lane
The Wooden Bowling Lane is also known as the ‘traditional bowling lane.’ The lane is made up of soft pine and has the highest friction compared to the other lanes.
In the beginning, the use of pine in the lane results in the bowling ball reaching its hook potential itself, making it difficult for beginners and slightly experienced to bowl on it.
2. Synthetic Bowling Lane
The majority of the bowling clubs and alleys use Synthetic Bowling Lane. The lane comprises a hard surface material that provides it with less friction.
The lesser amount of friction allows the bowling ball to reach its hook potential towards the middle of the lane and get backend motion.
3. Guardian Bowling Lane
The Guardian Bowling Lane is made up of the softest material and provides the highest amount of friction. The higher amount of friction would result in the bowling ball changing its direction quickly towards the starting itself.
Therefore, you should opt for a bowling ball with a hard or aggressive cover stock to put a limit on the bowling ball’s hook potential.
Now that you’re aware of the different types of bowling lanes as per their surface material, let us look at the two different kinds of lanes according to the amount of oil applied on the lane for its protection.
1. Wet Bowling Lane
A Wet Bowling Line refers to a bowling lane with a decent amount of oil applied to it. The wet bowling lane allows the bowling ball to skid or slide for a long time and delays the time required to reach its hook potential.
It can serve as an advantage, provided that just the required amount of oil is applied. However, if the amount of oil used is more than needed, it would make the bowling ball turn towards a particular direction rather than going in a straight direction.
2. Dry Bowling Lane
A Dry Bowling Lane refers to a bowling lane with a minimal amount of oil applied all over it, making it the opposite of a wet bowling lane. The amount of oil used in it is enough to protect the bowling lane from scratches and dents caused by aggressive bowling balls.
Due to the less oil and more friction, the lane offers a high hook potential to the bowling ball. The high hook potential can be difficult to master if you don’t use the correct bowling ball and technique.
Now that you’re aware of the differences between the different types of lanes and how they affect the bowling ball, let us look at the various ways to help you bowling on a dry bowling lane with ease.
How Do You Effectively Bowl On A Dry Lane?
Whether you’re a professional bowler or a newbie, it’s normal to face some problems while bowling on an extremely dry bowling lane. However, the following are some tips that you can consider if you’re planning to bowl on a dry lane and wish to improve your overall bowling score.
- Increase your bowling speed: The more incredible bowling ball speed will allow it to roll in a straight line for a more extended period as it would prevent it from losing its balance.
- Use a smooth cover stock: The smooth cover stock like plastic and ply-urethane would help decrease the friction and allow the bowling ball to roll smoothly.
- Don’t move your fingers while bowling: While bowling, try to avoid twisting or moving your fingers in the bowling ball’s finger holes as it would alter the natural flow of the bowling ball.
Select The Best Bowling Ball For Dry Lanes
Selecting the right and best bowling ball for dry lanes can be a difficult task if you’re not aware of which type of bowling ball is best suited for it. We have mentioned some points below that would help you select the best bowling ball for dry lanes as per your comfort and requirements.
1. Type Of Cover Stock
Bowling balls that have a glossy finishing on polishing are best suited for dry bowling lanes. The bowling balls with a smooth cover stock can easily slide on the dry or rough bowling lane, reducing friction.
Therefore, if you intend to try bowling on a dry bowing lane, you should try using bowling balls with a cover stock of plastic or urethane.
2. Weight
The weight of a bowling ball contributes highly to how comfortably you would roll it on a lane. For instance, if a bowling ball is too heavy for you to pick up and move, there will be higher chances of the bowling ball diverting away from its path.
Therefore, while bowling on a dry lane, it’s suggested to opt for a bowling ball that weighs less than 10% of your body weight. It’ll allow you to roll the bowling ball with ease in a swift motion, which would result in it covering more distance in less time.
3. Core Type
Since dry bowling lanes allow the bowling ball to reach the hook potential at an early stage, you should try looking for a bowling ball whose core helps delay the time required by the bowling ball to reach its hook potential.
Out of the two primary cores, bowling balls with a Symmetrical core tend to provide a downward hook motion as the differential ratio between the top and bottom part of its core is less than 5%. In addition to it, it also allows you to control the motion of the bowling ball.
4. Price and Durability
If you’re a beginner bowler looking for a bowling ball for a dry lane, then symmetrical bowling balls with a urethane cover stock are available at a lower price than asymmetrical bowling balls but are less durable.
However, suppose you’re a professional bowler and have excellent command over your bowling ball. In that case, you can opt for the one with an asymmetrical core that costs comparatively higher but is more durable.
After going through the points mentioned above, that would help you select the best bowling ball for dry lanes, let us go through some of the best bowling balls available in the market that perform best when used on a dry bowling lane.
Best 5 Bowling Balls For Dry Lanes
Certain characters in a bowling ball, such as its core and cover stock, allow it to perform significantly on a dry lane. After conducting extensive research while keeping those factors in mind, we have shortlisted five of the best bowling balls for dry lanes.
1 Storm Mix Urethane Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball
You should put your search for an already drilled bowling ball that can be used comfortably on a dry lane on hold as you’ve come across this pre-drilled bowling ball by the Storm bowling brand. The bowling ball is manufactured in the United States of America and has a symmetrical core.
If you’re a low rev bowler, you might like using the Storm Mix Urethane bowling ball as it includes a three-piece symmetrical core that makes it a spare bowling making. Moreover, the high rev or professional players would allow you to predict its direction and motion.
In addition to it, the bowling ball has a U1S Pearl Urethane cover stock that has a factory finish polishing on it. The smooth cover stock would allow you to roll the ball cover a long distance in a straight direction on an extremely dry bowling lane despite being thrown with a slow speed.
The mixed urethane cover stock ensures that the bowling ball is durable enough to last for an extended period. Moreover, the bowling ball by Storm is available in five different pre-drilled sizes depending on the bowling ball’s weight.
If you cannot find the perfect size for you, you can ask the company to drill it as per your size, and they’ll deliver you the customized bowling ball. However, you can’t return or exchange the bowling ball once you’ve received it.
Pros
- Pre-drilled bowling ball
- Mix urethane cover
- Three-piece core
- Work well on dry bowling lanes
- Factory finish polish
- Offers customizable drilling
Cons
- It can’t be exchanged or returned
2 Storm Pitch Black Solid Urethane Bowling Ball
If you’re looking for a bowling ball with a solid color and minimal design pattern, then you should consider using this urethane bowling ball provided by Storm. The bowling ball is available in a solid, pitch-black color providing it a goth look.
This bowling ball will roll smoothly on a dry bowling lane as it has a cover stock made up of urethane. The urethane would help the bowling ball slide on the rough surface of the dry lane, reducing the friction between itself and the surface.
You might want to try this urethane bowling ball by Storm as it has a capacitor that allows it to roll in a straight direction for a more extended period. Moreover, the core would also allow you to control the motion and direction of the bowling bowl despite having a solid delivery.
In addition to it, the bowling ball is durable and will consistently perform as you’ll be in charge of handling the bowling ball by modifying its flare potential with the help of your bowling technique.
Moreover, the bowling ball is available in various sizes, allowing everyone to select the one that fits them irrespective of their rev rate. However, the bowling ball is available in an undrilled form, and getting it drilled would cost an additional sum of money.
Pros
- Urethane cover stock
- Durable and consistent performance
- Minimal design
- Provides you with control
- Low hook potential
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Expensive as compared to others
- An additional cost of getting it drilled
3 Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
The Pyramid bowling ball brand started making its name in 2011, and it has been leading the bowling industry ever since. It is because of the versatile features in their bowling balls, making them suitable for almost every bowler, irrespective of their skills and level.
If you’re in search of a bowling ball that can roll comfortably on a dry as well as slightly oily or wet lane, you might want to consider this bowling ball. The bowling ball has a pearl reactive cover stock and a factory finish polish to roll smoothly.
The Path Rising bowling ball by Pyramid has a symmetrical core that allows the bowling ball to have a medium hook potential, making it suitable for a medium-dry lane. In addition to the hook potential, the ball has a backend motion that you can control with ease.
Apart from all the features mentioned above, the bowling ball is available in various sizes and seven beautiful colors and patterns such as black and silver, teal and silver, red and blue, etc.
However, the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is not available in a drilled form, and drilling requires special attention as it provides multiple drilling options where you can choose.
Pros
- Symmetrical core
- Pearl reactive cover stock
- Suitable for medium-dry lane
- Factory finish polish
- Provides backend motion and control
- Available in different sizes and patterns
Cons
- Needs special attention while drilling
- Medium hook potential
4 Brunswick T-zone Deep Space Bowling Ball
You might want to try the bowling ball provided by Brunswick as it’s one of the most trusted bowling brands. The T-zone Deep Space Bowling Ball provided by Brunswick has plastic or polyester cover stock and a high gloss polish finishing.
The plastic cover, along with the glossy finishing, allows the bowling ball to glide through the dry lanes with ease as it helps reduce the friction between the surface of the lane and the bowling ball.
If you’re a low rev player or even a high-rev bowler, you should try using Brunswick’s T-zone Deep Space bowling ball as it has a low hook potential. The low hook potential would make the bowling ball travel in a straight direction while simultaneously providing you control over the bowling ball.
Moreover, the bowling ball by Brunswick is available in multiple color patterns and sizes so that you can choose the one that matches your body strength. The gloss polish on the bowling ball provides it with a unique aesthetic.
However, you’ll be required to spend an additional amount of money on the bowling ball to get it drilled. You should take the bowling ball to the nearest bowling club and ask them to drill the bowling ball per your finger size to provide a perfect fit.
Pros
- Plastic or polyester cover stock
- High gloss finish
- Suitable for use on a dry bowling lane
- Low hook potential
- Provides you control
- Available in multiple sizes and color patterns
Cons
- Additional cost for drilling the bowling ball
5 Moxy Bowling Ball By Bowler Store
You might want to give the Moxy bowling a try as it has a cover stock made up of polyester material. The polyester cover stock would allow it to roll on a dry lane with ease as it would quickly reduce the friction between itself and the surface of the dry lane.
If you’re someone who is still learning to bowl and don’t roll your bowling ball at a particular angle, you can start by using this bowling ball as its smooth surface would allow you to roll it in a straight direction.
Whereas, if you’re a professional bowler with a high rev rate, you can also use the bowling ball to practice and check how you would perform on a dry bowling lane. In addition to it, the bowling ball is available in seven different sizes, allowing you to choose the size as per your comfort zone.
Most importantly, the Moxy bowling ball by Bowler store is quite durable and won’t lose its shine even after continuous and prolonged use. Moreover, the Moxy logo on the bowling ball is not printed on the bowling ball but embedded on it, securing the bowling ball’s aesthetics.
However, the bowling ball is expensive compared to other bowling balls and is available in an undrilled form.
Pros
- Polyester cover stock
- Low hook potential
- Durable
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Expensive when compared to others
- It comes in an undrilled form
Final Verdict
Out of the various bowling balls mentioned above, each having its own set of pros and cons, the Storm Mix Urethane Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball stood out from the rest and can be considered the best bowling ball for dry lanes.
The bowling ball’s core comprises three different parts and is still symmetrical, providing low hook potential. Moreover, the urethane cover, along with an additional layer of polishing, makes it roll on dry lanes way better than other bowling balls.
You don’t need to get the bowling ball drilled as it’s available in a pre-drilled form. Moreover, you can still get the bowling ball drilled as per your finger size. The majority of the bowling brands do not provide this option.
Also, the bowling ball provided by Storm is available within an affordable price range and in a variety of aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the FAQs that would help clear your doubts. It would also allow you to know more about the dry bowling lanes and the bowling balls that would work best on it.
1. How To Identify A Dry Bowling Lane?
You can confirm whether bowling is dry or not by rolling your bowling ball a couple of times and conduct the ‘open your shoulder’ test of the bowling lane in front of you.
If you bowl with your right hand, shift a little to the left from your original bowling position, and then try bowling. If you notice that the bowling ball is going out and reaching its hooking potential soon, it can be called a dry bowling lane.
The lane would be a dry bowling lane because if a lane has less oil on it, it’ll allow the bowling ball to hook faster and go out of direction quickly.
2. Is Symmetrical Bowling Ball Better Than Asymmetrical Bowling Ball For A Dry Bowling Lane?
It depends on whether you’re a low rev player or a professional bowler. For example, suppose you’re a professional bowler. In that case, you can use an asymmetrical bowling ball as you most probably can modify its usage as per the different types of bowling lanes.
If you’re still learning bowling, there are chances that you might have a low rev rate and thus low speed. So, using a symmetrical bowling bowl would allow you to cover a long distance in a straight direction because of its low hook potential and ability to reduce friction.