Are you looking for the best spare bowling balls? Before that I want to tell you something.
I’ll honestly admit that I don’t like playing sports or ball games. That’s why I was far from excited when my friend bought me a bowling ball and told me to join him for regular bowling games. I almost said, “No thanks,” but I didn’t want to let my friend down. Well, I became an instant fan of spare bowling balls after my first bowling game with him!
The bowling ball that I received as a gift was cute. It was a sleek pink color with purple stars on it. There were many things that I loved about it. I did research online to see if my gift was standard for bowling balls and learned the following.
All spare bowling balls have three holes on top. That allows people to easily grip them with their thumb, index, and second fingers. It would help if you had this trait in any bowling ball because this gives you maximum control when throwing your hand back and throwing the ball down the alley. You’ll find that you’ll be much better able to hit the ten pins at the end of the path.
You need this type of spare bowling ball if you love to bowl, either professionally or for fun! I made my spare bowling ball out of polyurethane. There’s a reason for this. A ball that’s covered with this material will glide down the alley almost as if it was pre-programmed with one goal – to find the pins and successfully hit them!
Table of Contents
What is a Spare Bowling Ball?
It is a general perception that there is no difference between spare bowling balls except their design and color. I certainly did before I received my first one as a gift and started doing extensive research on it. Well, I found out that a spare bowling ball is the extra one use when you already pitched your main bowling ball and it didn’t hit the pins in the alley. In this sense, you can view it as a ‘second chance’ to allow you to accomplish your main goal of hitting as many of the pins as possible.
Product Qualities
I was impressed by my spare bowling ball. I found that it just ‘glided’ down the alleyway after I threw it. It was also amazing to see that it hit all of the pins on the first throw. According to my research, it can take as many four throws to hit all pins at the alley’s end in any lane regardless of the floor’s condition or several obstacles between pins and bowling ball. Having used my bowling ball, I couldn’t agree more! I found that quality spare bowling balls also had a 3-piece core design.
From my experience, that was crucial since it allowed me to throw the ball with great confidence and force. I was also amazed at the accuracy that the ball rolled. It was like a bird because it seemed to ‘know’ its target and it was ‘determined’ to hit that target perfectly and on the first throw. But there is more to the best spare bowling balls than just this.
My experience with the best spare bowling balls is that they are optimal for the user’s body. It will be hard for the player to pick a heavy spare bowling ball up. Conversely, if you use a spare bowling ball that is too light, you risk having the ball not gain enough traction to hit all of the pins with bulls-eye focus the first time around.
I liked my spare bowling ball because it allowed me to play with a seasoned bowling ball player’s confidence even though I played the game for the first time in my life. If you want to buy a spare bowling ball, you need one key trait; don’t buy a ball that lacks this.
Some good spare bowling balls that you should consider
I fell in love with the game of bowling after having used the spare bowling ball as a gift once. Bowling is not just a game. It’s a great stress releaser and a good way to spend an otherwise boring day, afternoon, or night. I strongly encourage you to buy this type of ball.
However, I realize that you don’t want to spend hours surfing the net searching for the best spare bowling ball. That is why I’ve devoted this section to the best spare bowling balls currently on the market. So sit back and enjoy the descriptions.
Comparison Table for Best Spare Bowling Balls
6 Best Spare Bowling Balls Product Review, Features
01- Brunswick T-Zone Deep Space Bowling Ball
It has three strategically placed finger holes that allow you to have maximum grip when handling and throwing the ball. It is designed with a slight curve and hooks potential. That is what seasoned bowling ballplayers want. However, it’s also a great bowling ball to use if you’re starting and want to enjoy some good fun in your neighborhood bowling alley.
Features
- It’s made out of strong and durable hybrid plastic and polymer.
- It will last for many years.
- The finish makes the colors shine with true beauty.
- It goes straight with great accuracy and little throwing effort on your part.
- Will turn average bowlers into real pros
- It’s a great ball if you want to learn to curve and hook.
- Comes in a variety of sizes and weights
- It’s ideal for any player.
- Rolls in a straight line
- It hits the bowling pins with perfect accuracy.
- It goes straight with great accuracy and little throwing effort on your part.
Great Accuracy
Indeed, you can lightly throw this ball on the bowling alley floor, and voila! It will automatically beeline in a straight line towards the pins at the end of the alley. You will find that this trait is rare, even with those spare bowling balls that claim to be premium products.
Turn average bowlers into real pros
It hits the pins with amazing accuracy with little effort on the bowler’s part means that anyone can play easily with the game at the bowling alley.
Ideal for any player
This spare bowling ball is smart and will hit the ball on its own with little effort required on your part. That means you don’t have to worry about knowing the best angle or speed needed to throw the ball to achieve a bull’s eye target. All you have to do is throw the ball and let this brand do the rest. Many bowlers neglect the importance of the ball surface material and texture cover stock, responsible for approximately 80 percent of the on-lane ball reaction.
- Extremely cost-efficient.
- Reliable spare bowling option.
- Lightweight.
- It comes with a combination of double polyester cover stock and straight-line accuracy.
- Reliable ball for beginners and girls.
- It doesn’t come pre-drilled
- Loses its accuracy on heavy-oiled lanes
Why should you buy this?
I feel compelled to tell new bowlers is never let anyone bully you into taking a ball that’s heavier than you. Always start with a light ball, and if you are beginning, Brunswick Tzone deep space bowling ball is your ultimate deal. Even if you are experienced and looking for a spare ball that gives you accuracy and controls, you are in for a real treat in Brunswick Tzone deep space bowling ball.
02- Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
Pyramid bowling was found to keep up with the demands of accurate, high-quality bowling balls at reasonable prices back in 2011. Pyramid path bowling ball is the ultimate solution to your bowling problems because of its value, quality, and durability. You can now get the best quality at an affordable price. The brand is designed to provide equal opportunities to bowlers of all levels. It is a three-piece ball with a pancake weight block and comes in all weights. You choose what you can lift.
Features
- It offers a polished and classy appearance with the polyester cover stock
- It has a pancake weight block
- It has a limited reactivity to the backlights
- It comes in all weights
- It is a plastic cover stock bowling ball that is designed to have a low coefficient of friction on the lane
- It is designed to glide down the road with minimal hook
- It has several vibrant colors
- Ideal for beginners as well as for pro players
- It rolls in straight lines
- It also has trading hook potential for lane length
Pancake weight block
Pyramid path bowling ball has a pancake weight block core that provides superb control to beginners because of its uncomplicated trajectory patterns.
Vibrant colors
In addition to its brilliant performance, this ball comes with some exciting color variations that make it look charming.
Multiple weight options
It comes in different size variations from 6lbs to 16lbs, making it suitable for all age groups and different skill levels.
- Affordable price
- Good for dry lanes
- Charming looks
- Ten size variations
- Multicolor variants
- Unsuitable for heavy-oiled lanes
- Limited reactivity to backlight
Why should you buy this?
Most of the spare balls in the market are designed for the single purpose of being a spare ball that rolls in straight lines, light in weight, and useful for beginners only. But it’s not the case with your Pyramid path bowling ball, as it is as helpful and suitable for pro bowlers as it is for beginners. With multiple weight and color variants, it attracts various people of different ages and skillsets.
03- Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball, Black/Purple/Gold, 10-P
Ebonite maxim bowling ball is a budget-friendly bowling ball for the bowlers who prioritize their bowling game. It is a plastic spare bowling ball that happens to be the best in the market for its quality, durability, and exceptional accuracy. It’s a gem of a product at an extremely affordable price and at the same time suitable for people of all skill levels.
Features
- Multiple color variations
- It is a great option for recreation and entry-level bowlers
- It has a three-piece core
- It has a plastic/polyester cover stock
- It offers straight-line stability and accuracy
- Suitable for beginners as well as a clearing ball for pro bowlers
- It is a straight ball
- Comfortable in hands
- It has an ultraviolet glow that lights up late at night and backlight bowling
Three-piece core
Its three-piece core helps beginners control the ball easily. The three-piece center also provides little to no difference and makes the ball roll straight.
Multiple color variations
Different color codes provide variety to customers as well as make it look vibrant and charming.
Straight-line stability and accuracy
It provides stability and accuracy to the bowlers in a straight line because of its no hook potential and three-piece core.
- Efficient price range
- Aesthetic looks
- Multiple color options
- Comfortable and durable
- Highly accurate
- No weight variants
- Not efficient on oiled lanes
Why should you buy this?
There are so many options available in the market for a spare ball, but if you prioritize style and looks on the lane, you will get your hands on Ebonite maxim 10-p. Not just because it gives you that attention you want in the routes, but it also gives you the accuracy you need for in a spare ball to boost up your scores in addition to that ultraviolet glow in the backlight that can attract many eyes towards your lane.
04- Storm Ice Blue/White
The Storm Ice Blue/White has a three-piece pancake core surrounded by a pearled polyester cover stock that will help beginners roll the ball straight down the lane and give that extra zip and accuracy to pro bowlers clear off their remaining pins as a spare ball. Its aesthetic looks will meltdown everyone whenever you roll it down the lane. It is surrounded under 3500 grit polish, giving it some extra length, but the storm didn’t compromise on the accuracy you want from a polyester ball. Whether you ball for fun or as a professional, durable ice storm is a cool option to have in your bag.
Features
- It has pearl polyester cover stock
- Finished with 3500-grit polish
- It has a traditional 3-piece core
- It is designed for all type of lanes
- It gives you an extra option of a strike ball as well
- It has a few tiny pit holes in the cover stock
- It rolls over straight on the lanes
- It comes in blue and white
- Its weight is 15 pounds
- A recommended option for two-handed bowlers
Designed for all type of lanes
Its ability to roll over the decision on dry and slippery lanes makes it a perfect option for beginners and professionals.
3500-grit polish
The storm increases the length of this ball by giving a finishing touch of 3500-grit polish. It also enhances the overall look of the ball.
The option of a strike ball
Its uniqueness lies in its ability to perform efficiently as a spare ball and strike ball because of its slight hook potential.
- Efficient on all type of lanes
- Not so expensive
- Rolls straight
- Durable
- Dual role of a spare and strike
- No weight variants
- Limited color options
Why should you buy this?
Primarily designed and built as a spare ball, Storm Ice gives you the dual option of a strike ball as well. Efficient on both dry and slippery lanes make it a unique and attractive choice for beginners and professionals. 3500-grit polish makes it look beautiful than ever before. You can sense that you will get your hands upon something very special with all these qualities at an undoubtedly affordable price.
05- DV8 Zombie Spare Viz-A-Ball
DV8 is an underrated brand because this Zombie spare ball is quite something to talk to. Unlike the zombies we could’ve imagine, it is quite friendly to its owner because of the services it provides you as a spare ball to clear off anything you may have left in the first place. Its aesthetic design of a zombie’s face is a treat for zombie fans. The colorful pattern used in the draw can draw the attention of anyone towards you. But it means nothing to a bowler if it’s not for its durability and performance in practice.
Features
- Beautiful zombie face drawing
- Trance like straight motion
- It has a two-year warranty
- It comes in red/yellow hybrid
- It has a traditional polyester cover stock
- Finished with high-gloss polish
- The weight of the ball is 15 pounds
- A perfect option for beginners and a spare for professionals
- Efficient on all type of lanes
- Aesthetic looks
Trance like straight motion
It generally puts everyone in a trance because of its aesthetic zombie face drawing and its utmost accuracy in moving straight down the lane.
High-gloss polish
A finishing touch of high-gloss polish gives it that extra shine and charm that helps it glow under the effects of the backlights of your bowling club.
Efficient on all type of lanes
Its efficiency and consistency on dry and heavy-oiled lanes make it somewhat a better option than most of the spare balls available in the market.
- Attractive drawing
- Comfortable grip
- Flawless surface
- Great weight
- Two-year warranty
- No weight variants
- Only one design
Why should you buy this?
Aesthetic drawing of a zombie, moving straight down the lane putting everyone in a trance, and clearing everything on its way, seems like a scene from a Hollywood movie. It’s the feeling that DV8 zombie spare ball provides you while playing a tense game of bowling. I know someone somewhere who hates that zombie look on the surface, but it’s not only the looks this ball stands out for. It’s undoubtedly its durability and performance on the lanes that make it a perfect option for a bowler to have it in the bag.
06- Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
Haven’t seen a ball that glows under the backlight? You will not always live with it because Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball glows not only under vibrant light but also in black. Yeah, it is exciting. If this is exciting enough, this ball comes with 360 degree limited edition graphics. Globe Viz-A-Ball is made of a high-quality polyester material which makes it durable. The actual design of the ball is drawn on the outer surface of the ball.
Features
- Glows under the effect of black light
- A perfect option for beginners and recreational bowlers
- It has a pancake style core
- It has a very low hook potential
- 360 degree limited edition graphics
- Suitable for most oiled lanes
- Superb spare ball for its disciplined trajectory
- Attractive looks
- It comes in different sizes.
Very low hook potential
It has a very low hook potential that limits its spin to make it useful as a spare ball for professionals and beginners.
Pancake style core
Its pan-cake style core helps manage its trajectory in a disciplined manner, ultimately resulting in efficient clearance of the spare pins.
360 degree limited edition graphics
Its 360-degree globe graphics makes it look beautiful and attractive and adds to its value along with its tremendous performance on the lane.
- Durable and accurate
- Attractive globe design
- Disciplined trajectory
- Versatile in performance
- Glowing nature
- It comes undrilled
- No color variations
Why should you buy this?
Aesthetic 360-degree globe graphics with a highly disciplined trajectory moving straight as an arrow towards your spare spins and smashing them like a missile surely gives you a joyful experience as well as high scores. The ability to glow under black lights makes it one attention seeker ball that offers you a lot of attention too on the lane. Highly dependable, versatile in performance, and accurate like a sniper bullet, surely you don’t want to miss this one ball to add in your artillery, that too in a very much affordable price.
Buying Guide: Best Spare Bowling Balls
We bring you an inventory of the simplest spare bowling balls of 2021 to form searching easier for you. There is a lot of decision offered. It seems slightly confusing once you may like that ball; to save lots of you from an important juncture in your game, you have to follow the 10% guideline (which refers back to the 1:10 ratio mentioned earlier aboutbowlingballs.com. Select one thing that comes in associate best weight. You’ll also provide importance to the styling of whether unaccustomed bowling player here is the alternatives that suit everybody.
Versatility
Versatility on each side makes this an excellent selection on our list. Teens, women, men with a slim physique all notice the 6lb variant to be straightforward to use. That includes a 3-piece core style. This can be a performance-oriented spare ball. The polyester cowl stock consists of a shiny end that appears stylish within the appearance phase. This one scores high with a bunch of color selections to select. That can be the most effective polyester ball that suits each strike vogue.
Stability
For spare shooting with consistent rolls, you need the best polyester ball. This feels strong for rolling with a lightweight polyester cover stock. Without being bulky, it goes the way. The stable cores are useful for all those troublesome lanes where you need good power. Core-based motion allows you to grasp your ball better. You can choose this spare. I developed a bad habit of missing stuff on the right side using my strike ball. It would always hook too much, but it would catch too little at other times.
Affordable
Without the shame of shelling the big bucks out, T-Zone is the kind of spare you can pick. The inexpensive price tag must not mislead you, for this is a reliable performer. A couple of ball practice sessions, and you can predict its trajectory quickly. The ball also delivers a strong grip with an appealing, radiant finish. Beginners and the pros during leis can all benefit from this ball.
Strong Grip
In the DV8 set, functional and reliable balls are simple to come by. The Zombie Spare is no different! The polyester cover stock helps weight reduction. This ball, relatively light, helps deliver straight shots. On the outside, non-reactive material holds the ball in a straight line. The ball also provides a strong grip with an appealing, radiant finish. During leisure matches and for consecutive rolls, beginners and the pros can profit from this ball. Every single time, flatter, straighter spares are easy to attain. The weight of the ball is distributed just right.
Intensity
A steady straight shot would be fine. Reasonably priced for smooth rolls, this is a moderate-weight ball. Except on dry lanes, it doesn’t show traction. It then ends with about the same intensity as you give. That helps all the left-out pins to fine-tune your concentration and sweep. Like most others in the segment, the ball comes without finger holes. To suit your needs, you can easily have them drilled. Available in various sizes or weight options, the spare is easy to control. With most of the strike patterns, shots feel dead straight and precise. The ball rolls smoothly across all types of lanes, regardless of how you throw it.
How can I Improve my Spare Shooting!
You are already a professional, sophisticated bowler if you score between 170 and 190. You must boost your spare shooting to increase your scores above your current average.
Of course, to boost scores, it helps to become adept at hitting the pocket regularly, but spare shooting is the most underestimated element bowlers averaging less than 200.
When committing to developing your spare shooting technique, there are many things to remember.
Perhaps one you can reject is the quickest way you can improve your spare shooting. Take a bowling lesson!
Spend a bit of cash to use an experienced instructor’s services and ask for two basic tasks – tuning your game and working on spare shooting.
Do not leave the instructor’s session until a sound system has been built to conform to any spare combination left on the pin deck.
Any of the existing methods can still be efficient for common spares. If you develop new ways to line up and target challenging spares that you are not using now, the chances of improving your spare shooting will increase further.
What Are the Best Type of Grips to Have on a Spare Bowling Ball
The USBC specifications include physical weight requirements (about 16 pounds (7.3 kg)), diameter (8,500 inches (21.59 cm)-8,595 inches (21.83 cm)), surface strength, surface roughness, limitations of hole drilling (example: a single Balance hole including the thumb hole for “two-handed” bowlers[2]), equilibrium, plug limitations, and external (structural and commercial) markings, as well as dynamic performance characteristics criteria such as gyration radius (RG; 2.46-2.80), RG differential ( ⁇ 0.06) and friction coefficient ( ⁇ 0.32)[3] To avoid their modification, the USBC prohibited competition effective August 1st, 2020.
Recently, I have seen more reports about how someone needs to prevent a plastic ball from hooking.
How to Throw a Spare Ball in Bowling with a Polyester Ball
Bowlers are trying to put some super polish on it or some exotic ball layout that will cause it to go straight regardless of how it’s thrown or the lane’s state or the old chestnut, “What plastic ball has the hardest rating?”
Can’t someone stop the ball from cranking, break back the wrist and roll it end-to-end? Have you got to fire ten pins?
If you think about it, if the lanes are dry, then the plastic ball hooks are dry. They are using certain hook monsters while the others don’t hook enough to fire strikes on the same lanes.
Best Spare Bowling Balls: Frequently Asked Question
How heavy should your spare ball be?
I just want to get a spare plastic ball, but I’m not sure how heavy it would be. I’m tossing 15 and 16 pound balls here. A guy that I saw the other day had a 12-pound spare ball. The people in my league aren’t all hardcore and stuff, so they usually throw their strike ball at spares. I kind of want to get one.
Is it better to use a heavy or light bowling ball?
As much of the ball’s inertia is transmitted to the pins, a heavy bowling ball enhances your hitting power, which then relays this energy to the other pins to give you a greater ability to strike. Bear in mind that the ball on its way can only hit four pins.
Lighter balls weigh less and, thus, do not roll with as much effect. Following the 10% rule is continually the proper manner of discovering the perfect weight of your bowling ball. They may not have as much inertia, which means that several pins will not be struck. Consequently, when you rely on these bowling balls, you will suffer a disadvantage when gaming. But this heavy ball is better than a medium ball.
How do you bowl on extremely dry lanes?
As the amount of oil on the lanes greatly impacts how bowling’s ball will respond, the optimal strategy is highly dependent on lane conditions.
In general, a dry lane caused more friction between the ball and the surface and compared to a path with more oil added. That can cause a much bigger hook.
Do I need a spare ball?
For exercise, bowlers don’t just bring an extra ball around. With some spin, the majority of serious bowlers will roll their first shot. For a more accurate second throw that does not look away from any pins left in the alley, the spare ball is then used.
Getting greater precision helps you to pick up spares with greater accuracy, which means that having a dedicated spare ball that gives you that precision and allows you to pick up more spares can, in turn, boost your game in the long run.
Why do bowlers use a plastic bowling ball for spares?
Most of the individuals I’ve seen use a plastic ball to fire corner pins they throw from (left/me using one to shoot 4s, 7s, etc. right to shoot 6s, 10s, etc.).
Using my strike ball, I formed a bad habit of missing things on the right side. Often, it would hook too much; other times, it would hook too little. I had it in my mind that I had to “throw it slow” to pick up the 6 or 10 and “make it hook across the pattern” and have it end up in the gutter.
Why do bowlers use a plastic bowling ball for spares?
Reactive resin is one of the most popular cover stock materials for a strike ball. It provides an aggressive look that can lead to maximum energy at the pins and a greater likelihood of throwing a strike.
If you want to be good at bowling, it’s crucial to pick up spares consistently. To do so, you’ll need a ball that you can count on to react the way you want it to, regardless of lane conditions. By perfecting your spare game, you can keep your scores relatively high even if you don’t make every strike.
What Are The Best Type Of Grips To Have On A Spare Bowling Ball?
Bowling is a deceptively easy sport. It’s just, in theory, tossing a ball down an aisle to knock over some pins. In execution, however? Well, it’s a lot more difficult than it sounds, and whether you win often comes down to seemingly minor details, such as your grip on the ball.
Standard or Conventional Grip
That is the most common grip, the one you’ve probably used before, and that most bowlers use when their game begins or continues to evolve. Here is how you should do it.
Insert the thumb up to the knuckle in the lower hole.
Insert your middle and ring fingers, past your second knuckle, full into the other holes.
Fingertip Grip
You should switch up to the fingertip grip after you feel comfortable with the basic conventional grip. Put your thumb down the bottom hole to do this one, but just place your ring finger and middle finger in the holes up to your first knuckle.
Semi-Fingertip Grip
If you’ve got the fundamentals down pat, step your game up by perfecting the semi-fingertip grip. Insert your thumb into the lower hole of the knuckle to do this grip, and then insert your middle and ring fingers into the other holes only to the point between the first and second knuckles.
My Recommendation
A critical one is a hunt for the best spare bowling ball you can find. It will pay big dividends for your bowling game to find a spare bowling ball that fits your shot and your particular style, complementing your primary bowling ball with the combination of lane length and strength.
Many beginning bowlers are not aware that the difference between an okay bowler and a good bowler will help find the best spare bowling ball. But it’s an honest fact; your game could be woefully incomplete without the right spare bowling ball and could leave you lagging behind the rest of the bowlers in your league.
- Product Type: Sporting Goods
- Item Package Dimensions: 20.828 L X 21.59 W X 22.86 H (Cm)
- Country Of Origin: Mexico
- Item Package Weight: 3.402 kgs
Conclusion
There will be at least two or three bowling balls for your typical league bowler, one or two balls for a hit, and one spare ball. A “strike ball” is the main ball you’d use on your first throw, and you catch your trusty spare ball when the strike doesn’t happen to help you pick up those tough spares.
Since lane conditions differ and alter, it’s super advantageous to have a ball that responds the same regardless of the amount of oil on the lane. For instance, if you’re a rightist and leave the ten-pin standing on your first roll, you wouldn’t want to use your strike ball because it will hook if a plastic\polyester ball is used (AKA a spare ball). You may be more descriptive instead. Since bowling leaves very little space for error, it is a must to pick up your spares.
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Carl works as a charted account by day, and sports enthusiast and amateur fiction writer by the weekend. He was a multi-sport athlete in his school days and played Division 3 lacrosse in college. He is a gear freak and is always looking for an excuse to upgrade his sports equipment. When not working or playing, he likes to hike and explore the countryside. Carl is a certified basketball athlete by the Basketball Association of America and has participated National Basketball League in 2016. He played for Akron Goodyear Wingfoot’s.
Moreover, Carl is also a badminton expert and he is playing it since 2006 when he was at standard 8. He has won several badminton championships and one remarkable is the Yonex USA International 2015. Also, he is an expert in Bowling.
Carl is the Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Indoor Games Zone. He shares his expertise on basketball, badminton, and bowling on our website to help people get the best tips and products they are searching for.
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Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
