best reactive resin bowling ball for beginners

What are reactive resin bowling balls? How do you choose the right one for your needs? What should you know before buying? Find out in this article.  In an oversaturated market of bowling balls, it can be difficult to find the best reactive resin ball for beginners. There’s a lot to consider and not all brands make good choices. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites below – these are all fantastic and great options if you’re looking for something new but aren’t sure where to start! They’ll help give you insight into what features might work best for your game so that when you go shopping, it will be much easier!

Reactive bowling balls are no doubt among the best additions you can add to your bowling arsenal. This bowling ball features increased traction on the lane, giving you better control, easier lengths, faster speeds, and a stronger back-end impact. 

Generally, when choosing a bowling ball, typical advice states that it should be approximately 10% of your body weight, but this decision entails so much more. That said, let’s dive into the best reactive bowling ball choices for every kind of bowler.

Top 6 Reactive Resin Bowling Ball

Comparison Table for Best Reactive Resin Bowling Ball for Beginners

Photo
Brunswick Rhino Black/Green/Orange, 12lbs
Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 15lb)
Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball, 16
Storm Hy Road Bowling Ball, 14-Pound
Storm Code Bowling Ball, Red, 15 lb
Brunswick Rhino Reactive Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball,...
Title
Brunswick Rhino Black/Green/Orange, 12lbs
Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 15lb)
Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball, 16
Storm Hy Road Bowling Ball, 14-Pound
Storm Code Bowling Ball, Red, 15 lb
Brunswick Rhino Reactive Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball,...
Color
Black, Red, Purple
Black, Aqua, Hot Pink, Dark Blue, Teal, Green, Purple, Red
Sky Blue, White, Red, Neon, Blue
Black
Solid Red, Red Pearl
Black, Blue, Black & Gold, Purple, Pink, White
Country Of Origin
Mexico
China
Mexico
Canada
United States
United States
Product Type
Sporting Goods
Sporting Goods
Bowling
Bowling
Sporting Goods
Sporting Goods
Item Weight
4.898 kgs
12 Pounds
8 Pounds
14 Pounds
12 Pounds
5.239 Kilograms
Path Cover Type
Pearl
Pearl
Pearl
Pearl
Higher Differential
R-16
Item Dimension
9.5 x 8.9 x 8.4 inches
9 x 9 x 9 inches
9.25 x 8.75 x 8.5 inches
9.1 x 9.1 x 8.7 inches
9.29 x 9.02 x 8.9 inches
21.59 L X 22.86 W X 22.86 H (Cm)
Photo
Brunswick Rhino Black/Green/Orange, 12lbs
Title
Brunswick Rhino Black/Green/Orange, 12lbs
Color
Black, Red, Purple
Country Of Origin
Mexico
Product Type
Sporting Goods
Item Weight
4.898 kgs
Path Cover Type
Pearl
Item Dimension
9.5 x 8.9 x 8.4 inches
Details
Photo
Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 15lb)
Title
Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 15lb)
Color
Black, Aqua, Hot Pink, Dark Blue, Teal, Green, Purple, Red
Country Of Origin
China
Product Type
Sporting Goods
Item Weight
12 Pounds
Path Cover Type
Pearl
Item Dimension
9 x 9 x 9 inches
Details
Photo
Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball, 16
Title
Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball, 16
Color
Sky Blue, White, Red, Neon, Blue
Country Of Origin
Mexico
Product Type
Bowling
Item Weight
8 Pounds
Path Cover Type
Pearl
Item Dimension
9.25 x 8.75 x 8.5 inches
Details
Photo
Storm Hy Road Bowling Ball, 14-Pound
Title
Storm Hy Road Bowling Ball, 14-Pound
Color
Black
Country Of Origin
Canada
Product Type
Bowling
Item Weight
14 Pounds
Path Cover Type
Pearl
Item Dimension
9.1 x 9.1 x 8.7 inches
Details
Photo
Storm Code Bowling Ball, Red, 15 lb
Title
Storm Code Bowling Ball, Red, 15 lb
Color
Solid Red, Red Pearl
Country Of Origin
United States
Product Type
Sporting Goods
Item Weight
12 Pounds
Path Cover Type
Higher Differential
Item Dimension
9.29 x 9.02 x 8.9 inches
Details
Photo
Brunswick Rhino Reactive Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball,...
Title
Brunswick Rhino Reactive Pre-Drilled Bowling Ball,...
Color
Black, Blue, Black & Gold, Purple, Pink, White
Country Of Origin
United States
Product Type
Sporting Goods
Item Weight
5.239 Kilograms
Path Cover Type
R-16
Item Dimension
21.59 L X 22.86 W X 22.86 H (Cm)
Details

6 Best Reactive Resin Bowling Ball for Beginners Reviews

01- Brunswick Rhino Reactive Bowling Ball

Brunswick established itself as a household name in the bowling industry because of its top-grade products, particularly its well-crafted urethane reactive bowling balls. 

The Rhino bowling ball, which is so much more than just attractive cover stock, is the ideal showcase of control and power to suit the preferences of most players. This is a great addition to your bowling arsenal, whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or somewhere in between. 

It is classified as an affordable Brunswick level ball with a light bulb core and a crown factory polished compound finish. Cost-effective and versatile, the Brunswick Rhino offers outstanding performance with a lower hook potential that suitably works across various lane conditions, making it a worthwhile investment for all types of bowlers.

Features:

  • Available in five different colour combinations
  • It comes with an R-16 coverstock and a pearl reactive cover type
  • Ball core has a light bulb shape, which is considered the most symmetrical and iconic type of core for building momentum
  • Each rhino bowling ball weighs 10 to 16 pounds
  • The radius of gyration (Rg) is 2.524 or 15 pounds.
  • Bowling ball glare potential or differential (diff) defines its overall hook
  • Reaction shape strength of 30
  • It comes with a 2-year warranty effective from the purchase date.
Pros
  • Many reactive cover stock color choices to choose from
  • Has asymmetrical core for superior pin action and release momentum
  • Average but workable hook potential
  • The radius of gyration and differential allows for better control of ball movement
  • Moderate ball weight to improve strength and prevent bounce
  • Reasonably priced
  • Ideal for mid-skilled and experience bowlers
Cons
  • Inconsistent hooking with unreliable angles
  • Not a good choice for heavily oiled lanes

 

02- Pyramid Path Rising Reactive Bowling Ball

The Path Rising collection from Pyramid is quite promising, to say the least since it’s one of the most recommended reactive bowling balls for beginners. It is made with top-grade material. This ball is available in various vibrantly attractive cover stock designs and is primarily designed for efficiency in both dry and slightly oiled lanes. 

While it doesn’t bank on having a great hook potential, it has a good reaction rate and consistent speed to help any entry-level player figure out their playing style.

Features:

  • Eight different color combinations
  • It comes with a path reactive pearl coverstock type with a factory polish finish of 1500 Abralon grit
  • Ball core is a New Era 139, asymmetrical core configuration for better momentum buildup and high hook potential
  • Versatile options for finger hole drilling
  • Each Path rising bowling ball weighs 8 to 16 pounds
  • The radius of gyration (RG) is 2.55, or 15 pounds
  • Has a durometer rating of 77 on the D-scale
  • It has a medium flare potential of 2 to 4.”
  • Has a rating of 181.30 on the perfect scale
Pros
  • Has a good number of choices for the cover stock designs
  • Pearl cover stock is durable, resistant to cracking and chipping, and has a workable efficiency on both dry to slightly oiled lanes
  • Designed for entry-level use and makes for a workable spare for experienced players
  • Smoother release with straight lengths
  • The symmetrical core allows for more drilling options to suit your preferences
  • A good choice for speed and consistency
Cons
  • Has an underwhelming hook
  • Underperforms on heavily oiled bowling lanes
  •  

03- Brunswick Twist Reactive Bowling Ball

Another reactive bowling ball from the renowned Brunswick brand is Twist which took the market by storm with its versatility and predictability. This is among several high-quality bowling balls that appeal to almost any user of a varied bowling experience. It is more conveniently lightweight than other bowling ball options in the market. 

It is available in several vibrant cover stock designs, with a surface that interacts best with lanes with a drier condition. Moreover, this is a favorable option for beginners because of the smoother release, easier lengths, and controllable reaction on the back-end. 

If you’re looking for a reactive bowling ball that can give you the best value without breaking the bank, this is the one for you.

Features:

  • Available in five different color combinations
  • It comes with an R-16 coverstock and a pearl reactive cover type
  • Ball core is the trademark Twist Low Diff, which generates less flare and a more stable movement
  • Each Twist bowling ball weighs 8 to 16 pounds
  • The radius of gyration (RG) is 2.591, or 15 pounds
  • Reaction shape strength of 25
  • It comes with a 2-year warranty effective from the purchase date
Pros
  • It has a low differential core for stable lengths and smooth hook arcs
  • Many reactive coverstock colour choices to choose from
  • The best option for consistent speed and straight lengths
  • The radius of gyration and differential allows for better control of ball movement
  • Pearl coverstock is durable and effective in dry lanes
  • One of the most affordable reactive bowling balls in the market
  • Ideal for beginners and entry-level players
Cons
  • It might be too mild of a reactive ball on the professional level
  • Underwhelming hook potential but long straight lengths

04- Storm HyRoad Reactive Bowling Ball

The storm is one of the leading brands for bowling balls, and we can chalk it up to their high-tech and innovative designs. The HyRoad reactive bowling ball is a great example of their top products under the Thunder line, and it was designed with inverted Fe2 or Ferrous Ion technology. 

This steadily boosts its radius gyration and differential, improving its power, speed, and overall performance. One key thing that sets this product apart from the rest in this list is that it has no core – only an asymmetrical weight block.

Features:

  • It comes with an R-2X solid reactive resin for cover stock, with a factory finish of 1500 polished grit
  • The core consists of an asymmetric weight block made with inverted Fe2 tch
  • Each Hy Road bowling ball weighs 12 to 16 pounds
  • Ball interacts best in medium to well-oiled bowling lanes
  • Has a durometer rating of 74-76 on the D-scale
  • Has controllable breakpoint shape with a high hook potential of 5 – 6”
  • The radius of gyration (RG) is 2.65, or 12 pounds.
Pros
  • A great choice for professional bowling players
  • Works as a benchmark ball
  • Better control, precision, and response to friction
  • Effective for use in oiled bowling lanes
  • Quicker and more explosive back end impact with stronger energy transfer to pins
  • It has a thicker and more durable shell because it doesn’t have a core
Cons
  • Not the best choice for beginners
  • Requires drilling locally

05- Storm Code Red Reactive Bowling Ball

The innovative prowess of the Storm brand has led to the creation of what we consider as the endgame pinnacle, and that is the Code Red reactive bowling ball. 

While most balls promise length and speed, this is the best choice for a mid-lane focal point, with a powerful back-end reaction and a controlled change of pace. This bowling ball unique is the lightweight core that makes it aggressively reactive while rectifying any possible off throws with an effective torque. 

Then again, a bit of maintenance is required for the coverstock to retain its solidity and reactivity. This is easily the ideal choice for professionals in the industry, given that it has the best feature list for the price.

Features:

  • It comes in the 2-toned red solid and red pearl
  • Crafted with the RAD4 or radial acceleration disk asymmetric core for precise torque and higher differential
  • Coverstock is an R2s hybrid with a factory finish of 1500 Abralon grit
  • High flare potential and differential of 0.058
  • It has a breakpoint shape that works best for control and mid-lane reading
  • Durometer rating of 73-75 at the D-scale
  • The radius of gyration (RG) is 2.50, or 12 pounds.
  • It comes with a hook rating of 234.90 on a perfect scale
  • Released under the Premier product line
  • It comes with a 1-year warranty effective from the purchase date.
Pros
  • This is the ideal choice for most professional bowlers
  • Great precision, control, and traction, especially on heavily oiled lanes
  • Excellent hook potential with better angular reactions
  • High energy at the back of the lane for stronger impact
  • Its RAF4 core is a powerhouse of well-oiled lanes and is efficient for back-end energy buildup
  • Easily rectifies and off throws with sharper angles mid-lane
Cons
  • Not recommended for drier bowling lanes
  • Fairly expensive for most players

06- Brunswick Rhino Pre-drilled Reactive Bowling Ball

Given the challenge of choosing the right reactive bowling ball for your game, this version of the Brunswick Rhino solves the issue of where finger holes should be drilled. Aside from that, this dry lane powerhouse is a great first choice for beginners since it comes in various cover stock designs and sizes to suit every player. 

Unlike most balls that work best in drier conditions, this versatile bowling ball retains its effectiveness even in light to medium-oiled lanes. With an outstanding back-end motion and a powerful impact to look forward to, the pre-drilled Brunswick Rhino promises an impressive pin reaction after a smooth and easy length.

Features:

  • Available in five different color combinations
  • It comes with an R-16 reactive coverstock with a 500 Siaair finish of Royal Compound Shine
  • Ball core has a light bulb shape which is considered the most symmetrical and iconic type of core for building momentum
  • Moderate hook potential
  • Each Rhino bowling ball weighs 10 to 16 pounds
  • The radius of gyration (RG) is 2.554 max and 2.524 min or 15 pounds
  • Reaction shape strength of 30
  • It comes with a 2-year warranty effective from the purchase date.
Pros
  • It already has the best features of the Brunswick Rhino but in a pre-drilled bowling ball
  • A more cost-effective choice
  • An attractive selection of cover stock designs to choose from
  • Superior core power and cover stock quality
  • Highly recommended to beginners for its predictability and controllability
  • It can be a great spare for professional players
Cons
  • Not the best choice for heavily oiled bowling lanes
  • Not for those who prefer custom and locally drilled finger holes

Buyers Guide on Best Reactive Resin Bowling Ball for Beginners

While selecting a bowling ball, can be challenging and confusing for the first time. You need to remain at least 10% of the professional guideline. At the time of buying, many queries pop up regarding brand quality, price, performance quality, especially the hooks, etc. To find answers for them seem tough at times. The same happened to me as well, as a beginner, I used to spend a lot on bowling balls, and it was a difficult task for me to select the best bowling balls for a hook. This buyer’s guide will help the beginners overcome their doubts about selecting the bowling ball for themselves. For complete satisfaction, they need to consider a few features while buying the bowling ball. They are as follows:

Material

It is an important feature to look for, as cover stock is the outer part of the bowling ball, and it plays approximately 60-70% crucial in the alley. The more it has friction and a strong grip mechanism, the more it becomes easy to through them on the surfaces. Different types of materials are being used in bowling balls, such as plastic, which is relatively cheaper than the resins, and people who are new to this game shall look for plastic covers. 

About 80% of people overview the importance of the cover stocks. They don’t even know about the importance of them on the lane reactions. The polyhedron used in the cover stocks of the reactive bowling makes it usable on any difficult surfaces, especially the ones which include oil. They have rough surface applicability as well. In 2008, a study published by USBC that many factors that affect the cover stock needs to be considered. 

Weight 

The weight is another factor to consider as if the bowling ball is too heavy to lift. It won’t be easy to play with it. There are speculations regarding the bowling ball’s exact weight as some people say it shall be around 10% of body weight, which is up to 16 pounds lbs. for both men and women. If the weight is light, then controlling and adjusting the bowling ball becomes way easier, and the person’s performance enhances. In short, the weight of the bowling ball should be at least 10% of the person’s body weight.

Finger Position

It is a key factor to mention, as when buying the bowling ball, you need to make finger holes on the ball according to your finger’s adjustments. Measurements depend on person to person; on that basis, the drilling will be completed on the bowling style through a hammer. For the drilling of the holes, there are two different types available Conventional and fingertip holes. In Conventional, index and middle fingers along with the thumb get a proper fitting. While, in the fingertip, there is more focus on the fingers, not on the thumb. 

Design

Bowling balls come in different colors, sizes, and patterns, although they are not a premium factor to mention but have due importance to those who thrive for proper designing. It is why there are plenty of bowling balls with various designs available in the market, and the buyer needs to search for his desired bowling ball design. 

Reasonable

There are many bowling balls with a variety of price ranges. The problem arises when high priced bowling ball has all the durability and versatility covered compared to the lowered priced ball. The buyer needs to buy that bowling ball, which has a long durability factor and versatility to work on every surface. 

What is a Reactive Resin Bowling Ball?

Reactive resin bowling ball is one of the bowling types, which has quite differentiated property from other balls. In a reactive ball, polyurethane cover stock is used, which provides more friction to the ball and helps adapt to the different surfaces easily, especially the oil-filled surfaces. Due to this engineering, the player gets additional angle, speed, and rotation on the ball, even on difficult surfaces, which eventually helps them aim the target easily, hence increases scoring opportunities for reactive resin ball. Professional players tend to look for solid reactive resin balls to maintain their superiority. 

Advantages or Disadvantages of a Reactive Resin Bowling Ball 

A reactive resin bowling ball’s advantages are that it can easily absorb different surfaces’ oils and provide a stable performance—other than that, the hooking technology improvised in it helps increase the aim of a person. 

Besides, this has the engineering of different addictive’s that works according to the situations and is ideal for the beginners as they can boost their skills by playing through this ball. Some are for complex surfaces, and other is for an increasing power boost. 

As for the disadvantages, the reactive resin is aggressive, which means they have additional curves to the ball; for a person who prefers to throw a ball straight for them, it will get tricky to manage. The reactive resin has a soft mechanism of cover stocks than others; hence, their durability is not strong and can easily wrap up. So, it will require regular maintenance to make it withstand for a longer time.  

How Do You Throw a Reactive Resin Bowling Ball? 

A reactive resin bowling ball is different from a plastic bowling ball, and to throw it, and you need to do it properly. First of all, holding the ball shall be tight; secondly, an immaculate release shall be done; otherwise, it will swing more than expected due to the urethane it contains. Thirdly, while throwing, it maximizes the ball speed because it is heavier than usual bowling balls, requiring a different throwing strategy. 

Difference between Urethane and a Reactive Resin Bowling Ball

The difference lies in the factor that the urethane bowling ball is made of urethane, while the reactive resin bowling ball is made up of an upgraded version of urethane. In reactive resin balls, there is higher friction in comparison to the urethane ball. If we compare urethane vs. reactive resin bowling balls, according to the pricing and durability, then the urethane bowling ball stands higher than the reactive resin bowling ball. Urethane not only has lower prices but can be used for long years, while on the other hand, reactive bowling ball has poor cover stock quality. 

How to clean your Bowling Balls and Keep them in Top Shape? 

For the cleaning of bowling balls, it can be either done in homemade or in the shop. For homemade cleaning, liquid, gel, water sprays, or alcohol should be used, and they shall be applied on the bowling ball as the dirt on it will be eliminated by it and then wipe it. Even though oil will not be completely ridden off from home mode cleaning, the shop should be approached as they have specialized techniques to clean them. 

For top shape maintenance, regular removal of oil through a towel shall be practiced. Playing shots as continuous cleaning by a towel will clean oil if attached to them, if any, and provide a smooth experience for the player.

Best Reactive Resin Bowling Ball for Beginners: Frequently Asked Question

How long does reactive bowling last? 

The polyurethane usage has increased the bowling ball’s striking power, but this reactive bowling lasts for at least five to 10 years. It becomes worn out and requires daily maintenance to survive; otherwise, it will diminish the main reason they have less durability rate. 

Does a heavier bowling ball hook more? 

Yes, the heavier bowling ballhas morehook potential. Due to its heavyweight, the ball’s speed decreases; besides, it provides extra angle support through which the ball’s hooking becomes easier lightweight bowling balls has better hooking opportunity. 

What was the first reactive resin bowling ball?

The Xcalibur was the first reactive resin bowling ball, manufactured in the year 1992 by Steve Cooper. It helped Dalco win the PBA tour through Xcalibur, and it shows the potential strength of reactive resin bowling ball compared to other balls. The response on the surfaces was amazing, and due to that, the competition was won by Delco. 

Why are urethane bowling balls suitable for beginners? 

Urethane bowling balls are suitable for beginners because they have high friction adaptability, which works efficiently on different surfaces and results in a comfortable experience for beginners. It is difficult for a new person to score easily, but urethane somehow provides exciting results. 

Does urethane bowling ball absorb oil? 

As a urethane bowling ball is more strongly manufactured and performs well in drier conditions, it does not absorb oil from the surface; if found rarely, then a minimal amount of oil can absorb but not more than that, so in short, it does not absorb oil. 

Is a urethane bowling ball good for dry lanes? 

The urethane bowling ball provides the highest friction facility, which the dry lanes require, making them the best contenders for dry lanes. The engineering of core structuring in urethane balls allows for smooth movements. In dry lanes, balls that offer friction and easy movements are best for it, and urethane has both features. 

What are urethane bowling balls? 

In the construction of a bowling ball, its main component is its outer layer, also called cover stocks. Cover stocks in many varieties and one of the varieties is urethane. The urethane provides a high quality of friction, hooking, and adaptability compares to the other types. 

What is the right way of using a reactive bowling ball? 

A reactive resin bowling ball is different from a plastic bowling ball, and for using it, one needs to do it properly:

  • The ball should be held tightly.
  • An immaculate release shall be done; otherwise, the ball will swing more than expected due to the urethane it contains.
  • While throwing, it maximizes the ball speed because it is heavier than usual bowling balls, requiring a different throwing strategy.

These are all the right way of using a reactive bowling ball. 

Conclusion

Taking your pick from this selection of reactive bowling balls can be difficult, but it’s important to consider how the features suit your level of expertise. 

That said, our best pick for beginners is the Pre-drilled Brunswick Rhino since it already has the finger hole drilling concern covered. On the other hand, our best choice for professionals is easily the Storm Code Red reactive bowling ball. We hope this guide has been helpful!

Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API