Last updated on September 17th, 2021
Bowling can be a fun game to play with your friends and family. However, as a serious sport, it requires a lot of understanding of techniques. One such technique is choosing the best bowling balls.
If you have tried to pick the right bowling ball, you may know what a troublesome task it is. It is difficult to weigh all the factors, their pros, and cons, and finally decide to pick the right one.
This article is here to help you with all the troubles you may face while picking the best reactive bowling ball. Read on to find a well-curated list of the 9 best reactive bowling balls in 2023 and a handy buyer’s guide.
The List of Top 9 Best Reactive Bowling Balls in 2023
It can get quite overwhelming to find a reactive bowling ball that works fine in the conditions you prefer. It can get significantly tougher if hundreds, if not thousands, of bowling balls, flooding the market.
Hence, to help you find the ball that suits your playing style and level the most, we have curated this list. All of the reactive balls that follow are hand-picked to present only the best products available in the market.
Here follows the list of the top 9 reactive bowling balls in 2023:
1 Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball
If you are looking for a new twist on ball reaction, Brunswick Bowling Twist reactive ball will be an excellent choice. It is a part of the performance series by Brunswick. Its design bridges the space between T Zones and Rhinos.
After combining R-16 reactive with Twist Low Diff core, the ball brings about an easy length. It also has a controllable yet sturdy backend reaction. It can also perform well in drier lane conditions.
Brunswick Corporation manufactures it. They are a leading manufacturer and marketing company based in America.
The product weighs 8.75 pounds, and it can be an excellent upgrade from plastic balls. Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball is something that can appeal to people of all ages and skill levels.
Pros
- Suitable for all ages.
- The price level is moderate.
- Ideal for all skill levels.
- The ball is available in numerous colors.
- It employed R-16 reactive with twist low diff core.
- A reputed company manufactures it.
- Almost zero negative reviews on Amazon.
Cons
- Does not come with any warranty.
- This product does not come pre-drilled.
2 Storm Tropical Surge Bowling Ball
Storm Tropical Surge bowling ball is one of the best reactive balls in 2023. This ball has a high RG and low flaring core. It also offers more length as well as a higher level of torque.
The backend provided by this product is also great. However, the overall hook is low when compared to the other entry-level. It will allow for a solid recovery down the lane since it has an excellent squaring angle.
This ball has a 1500 grit polished box finish that can allow a smooth glide. You can easily say Storm Tropical Surge bowling ball is one of the best balls for dry conditions.
It offers excellent hitting power for balls with minimal dynamics. It is from Storm Bowling Products, a leading name in the bowling industry.
Pros
- Offers more length.
- The ball also offers more torque.
- Strong recovery down the lane.
- Best in dry conditions.
- It has excellent reviews online.
- The balls are available in six exciting colors.
- This ball has a great curve as well.
- Suitable for adults.
Cons
- Comes undrilled.
- The core and cover are a little too weak.
3 Hammer Black Widow 2.0
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 has a solid mid-lane hook as well as an excellent backend motion. It features the color theme of the original Black Widow and aggressive solid cover stock.
It is also sanded to 2000 SiaAir to contribute more traction on oils. This ball also gives a significant sweeping motion that can create a high angle and high scores. It works well in medium to heavy oil.
The outer layer is a combination of carbon fiber that can help the product last longer. It also has a 500, 1000, and 2000 SiaAir finishing. The core is of Gas Mask, and the core type is asymmetric.
Hammer Bowling manufactures this product. They specialize in bowling products.
Pros
- It has a gas mask core.
- The bowling ball is very durable.
- It has high power as well.
- The performance is upper mid-level.
- This product comes with a two-year warranty from the date of purchase.
- It also has an aggressive backend reaction.
- The ball comes in beautiful and chic black widow-themed colors and patterns.
Cons
- Not suitable for dry conditions.
4 Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball is an excellent choice for the best reactive bowling balls in 2023. It makes use of a traditional bulb core design with a low differential which is 0.030″, and a pearlized R-16 reactive cover stock.
It is an exceptional bowling ball to pick if you are a beginner and perfectly suitable for low to medium oil conditions.
The bowling ball is produced by Brunswick Corporation, an American Corporation that manufactures bowling goods alongside many other products since 1845.
The excellence in manufacturing provides an easy balance between control and power. It also offers better length, backend hook motion, and a controlled sensitivity to the conditions of the lane.
Pros
- It performs specifically on dry lanes.
- The overall length is high.
- The breakpoint control of this ball is better.
- It can be the perfect choice for beginners.
- The resin ball is very durable.
- It comes in numerous colors, such as red, green, silver, and black pearl.
Cons
- Terrible on oiled surfaces.
- Not for nuanced pin attacks.
- This bowling ball is not suitable for an advanced player.
5 Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball
Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball is a reactive bowling ball that has high performance. Although the ball is made out of plastic, it is sturdy and rolls straight like other kinds of balls.
It can be your strike ball since it can perform well in dry lanes and lanes full of oil. However, the performance is better in dry lanes, even if it is extreme.
Unlike other plastic balls, it is not just good at going straight. The cover stock is from high-quality plastic, and the finish is of high polish.
Ebonite International manufactures ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball. The company provides dependable value for the consumers.
This product also provides consistency in its performance for a long time. It is one of the most versatile balls that is available in the market.
Pros
- It is inexpensive.
- The product is durable.
- It is also very versatile.
- It is available in multiple colors, such as purple and silver.
- The performance is excellent in dry conditions.
Cons
- It is not the best for beginners.
- The product is from plastic; however, it is of high quality.
6 Storm Axiom Pearl Bowling Ball
Storm Axiom Pearl Bowling Ball is a premium quality ball that features a new formulation known as the NeX pearl Reactive. It has a 1500 grit polished box finish that gives a surface that contributes to better performance.
The symmetrical orbital wight block is the original axiom. It is what features the NeX Pearl Reactive. The core type of this reactive bowling ball is proportional.
It is available in various vibrant colors ranging from cobalt, graphite to a candy apple. Also, it has a peppermint fragrance that can step up your senses while bowling. This bowling ball is tenacious and powerful.
The core is lightweight, and the flare potential mid-high. The weight block in this bowling ball is symmetrical.
This unisex bowling ball is suitable for adults. Storm Bowling manufactures it alongside numerous high-quality and long-lasting bowling products.
Pros
- Durable bowling ball.
- The bowling ball has a high-quality finishing.
- The product also has peppermint fragments.
- The ball performs well on all surfaces.
- Available in various colors.
- One of the best choices for adults.
Cons
- Pretty expensive when compared to other products with similar features.
7 Brunswick T zone Bowling Ball
Brunswick Tzone Deep Space bowling ball is a reputed ball among bowlers of various experience levels. This bowling ball can be a great choice to start playing bowling.
However, it can be used by experts and people at the intermediate level as well. It has a low hook potential as well as a symmetrical core. It will provide an unparallel lane length.
They are great on dry surfaces, and they lose their accuracy if the texture is oily with inconsistent patterns. It is available in various vividly crafted stellar designs. They are an arctic blast, deep space, green envy, gold envy, indigo swirl, pink bliss, and scarlet shadow.
The T Zone Bullet Core allows an extra level of control while setting up straight-line spare shots. It also an easy ball to pick up and handle.
Pros
- Suitable for beginners, mid-level, and pros.
- This bowling ball provides a high level of control.
- Available in numerous beautiful patterns.
- The bowling ball is best on a dry surface.
- Easy to handle.
- The bowling ball has low hook potential.
- It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Highly durable as well.
Cons
- It has low reactivity.
8 Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is a good choice because it is one of the best reactive bowling balls in 2023. This product has a highly reactive pancake core which offers better controllability. It is well suitable for beginners.
This product comes with several size variations that range from 6 pounds to 16 pounds. It will give an option for everyone. For example, children can choose the lightest ones while an advanced player can pick up the heavier ones.
It is also available in various color choices from aqua-silver, orange-black, silver-black, emerald-acid yellow, and hot pink-black. This bowling ball has the unique feature of glowing under blacklights.
This product is a bestseller on the Amazon store. It has polyester cover stocks that provide durability for the product. It is from Pyramid Store, a manufacturer that delivers excellent bowling products.
Pros
- This bowling ball is suitable for beginners.
- Advanced-level players can also use it as a spare ball.
- It has about 10 variants in terms of weight.
- The product is also durable.
- It is ideal on dry lanes.
- This ball glows under blacklight.
- It comes with 2 years warranty.
Cons
- It lacks hook potential.
- It is suitable for oily lanes.
9 Motiv Jackal Legacy
It is an excellent combination of the new Coercion MXC Solid Reactive cover stock and the asymmetrical Predator V2 weight block. The new cover stock increases the total hook potential of the bowling ball in providing high performance and potential.
Motiv Jackal Legacy is strong and sturdy with the 2000 excellent sanded box finishing. Although it has a great flare, it has sharper down-lane motion. It works flawlessly in all sorts of conditions, in extremely oily as well as dry conditions.
It is powerful enough to provide smooth motion and traction on a heavily oiled surface. The shape also provides controllability which will also contribute to its stability in unfriendly surfaces.
Motiv Bowling manufactures it. They produce premium quality bowling balls, bowling apparel, and accessories for athletes.
Pros
- It has a firm cover.
- This bowling ball is durable.
- It has Block Predator V6.
- The finishing is of 2000 grit LSS.
- These are high-performance bowling balls.
- It has excellent traction.
- Suitable for a heavily oiled surface.
- Available in various sizes.
Cons
- It is not suitable for dry surfaces.
- Only one color is available.
How to choose the best reactive bowling balls?
Like any product, there are several factors to consider while buying a reactive bowling ball. The things to consider to choose the best reactive bowling balls are as follows.
Cover stock
The cover stock of a reactive bowling ball contributes to approximately 60-70% of the performance during bowling. It is why it’s one of the most important factors to consider before buying a reactive bowling ball.
The three leading cover stocks are urethane, reactive resin, and polyester. Modern bowling requires more aggression, so bowling ball manufacturers started adding resin additives into urethane bowling balls.
There are three kinds of reactive resin cover stocks: solid, pearl, and hybrid. Reactive solid types are the highest in reactivity amongst the three types. Various styles of bowlers like one type over the other.
The cover stock surface finish
Cover stocks can either have a smooth or rough surface finish. Various bowling balls have different surface finishes depending on the lane. One can modify the surface finish of the ball with the help of polishing or sanding paper.
Rough surfaces tend to offer more hook potential and hook much earlier. Smooth surfaces generally hook a lot lesser and tend to hook at the far end of the bowling lane.
Reactive balls need to have a rough surface. Hence, ensure the ball you choose has enough friction. Abrasive pads can help in increasing the friction of the surface of the ball.
The type of core of the bowling ball
The core of the bowling ball is fundamental and can boost your performance at the bowling game. The core of the ball gives weight to the ball and is called a weight block. There are three kinds of cores of a bowling ball: symmetrical, pancake, and asymmetrical.
The pancake core is the least aggressive of the three types. The asymmetrical core is the most reactive one of the three.
The symmetrical core gives you moderate aggression.
The weight of the reactive bowling ball
The bowling ball you choose should ideally be one-tenth of the weight of the player. Although there are standard weights of bowling balls for men and women, we suggest that you select the ball according to which one is more comfortable for you.
The positions of the finger hole in the bowling ball
They will drill the finger hole in a reactive bowling ball as per the player. They will take your hand measurement, and after observing your bowling style, they will drill the hole into it. Several shops are into doing this for bowling balls.
There are mainly two kinds of holes: the conventional grip and the fingertip grip.
The appearance of the reactive bowling ball
The appearance of the ball may or may not be of much importance to you. It changes from person to person.
However, bowling ball manufacturers understand the glamorous game and design the balls accordingly. It will be great to select the reactive bowling ball, which has the color and style of your liking.
The affordability of the reactive bowling ball
When thinking about the affordability of the bowling ball, you need to think about the cost, durability, and maintenance of the ball. If you are low on the budget, you need to select a bowling ball that gives your performance a boost and ignore how it looks.
What are the advantages of reactive bowling balls?
The Hook
A reactive-type bowling ball has a higher potential to hook when you compare it to a regular bowling ball.
The margin of error
Since a reactive bowling ball has an extra grip on the lanes, it creates a much tighter rotational spin. A tighter rotational spin causes there to be greater power as it hits the bowling pins. The greater power increases the bowler’s margin of error.
The bowler need not hit a precise location for a strike; the bowler can be rewarded with a strike even if they miss it.
Considerations
If you are used to using a urethane ball, you might find it difficult to bowl with a reactive bowling ball at first. If there is enough hook created with a urethane ball, the same throw and release can cause many hooks with a reactive bowling ball.
Too many hooks with the bowling ball may lead to pocket splits. It can happen because the ball may tend to go much deeper into the pocket than is required.
What’s the best way to use reactive bowling balls?
As the name itself says, it is a bowling ball that is reactive. You will have to have total control of the bowling balls when you release them on the lane. You have to keep your hand steady while releasing it.
You also need to observe how the ball is behaving when on the lane. Adjust your grip and release to control the left and right movements of the ball. Remember to respond and not react while using a reactive bowling ball.
Summing Up
Reactive bowling balls became popular during the 1990s. This kind of bowling ball has been one of the popular choices for amateur and professional players looking to gain extra power over their strike ball.
There are so many materials that you can use for the cover stock of a bowling ball. Every material has its advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most significant advantages of using a reactive bowling ball is its excellent back-end hook that can convert poor throws to strikes that can majorly help boost any bowler’s average.
When you understand what a reactive bowling ball is, choose one and its advantages, you can use it better.
We have listed the best reactive bowling balls in the market, which should shorten your time searching for them.