The Different Types Of Bowling Balls: Things to Know (2023)

Have you ever come to a bowling shop and wondered what types of bowling balls are? To spend more time listening to the introduction of each bowling ball from the seller, we often search for various types of bowling, but sometimes we got confused because the market has plenty of options for us. 

So how to differentiate bowling balls? The various varieties of bowling balls on the market are each made for a certain bowling style or lane condition. 

Here are some typical bowling ball varieties:

Plastic bowling balls:

Children, beginners, and those in need of a nice spare bowling ball should all use plastic bowling balls since they are inexpensive and convenient. There is a plastic bowling ball available for you, regardless of where you are in the world or which bowling ball brands you favor. 

Plastic bowling balls offer a different amount of control and straight-line security for beginning bowlers compared to the most recent wave of reactive resin bowling balls. A plastic ball’s surface constricts the pores of a reactive ball. Therefore, in deep oil situations or lengthy oil patterns with intricate transitions, a plastic ball is rarely the solution.

Related Read: How do you choose the right bowling ball? 

Urethane bowling balls:

The urethane bowling ball is a highly attractive option for experts and casual students. The coverstock is more resilient since it is constructed of urethane. The friction between the bowling lane’s surface and the coverstock is enhanced and better. Because they deflect less often, urethane bowling balls also tend to give greater pin action. Due to the higher friction of urethane bowling balls, the modest deflection rate begins to operate. Compared to plastic balls, this also results in a larger hook potential.

Reactive resin bowling balls:

A reactive bowling ball is a particular kind of ball with an outside layer made of a chemical that improves the ball’s lane grip. As a result, the bowler has better control and may fine-tune their technique. Resin and urethane are used to create reactive bowling balls. The resin improves the ball’s grip on the lane, while the urethane gives it a tough outside shell. Reactive balls are among the most well-liked ball kinds on the market because of the special characteristics that result from this mix of materials.

Particle bowling balls:

Bowling balls with particle coverstock are known as particle bowling balls. When a bowling ball is tossed into the bowling lane to knock the pins, the outer layer of the ball that makes contact with the lane is known as the coverstock material.

The fact that particle bowling balls are sometimes referred to as snow tires with chains suggests that they are highly robust and frictional in their approach. These balls sink into the lane and have a lot of bump and roughness to them.

Hybrid bowling balls: 

The mid-lane reaction of a solid coverstock and the rear-end reaction of a pearl coverstock are both offered by hybrid coverstocks. 

In medium oil conditions, hybrid balls will offer you the front-end glide you’re looking for and react to the pocket at the breaking point comparable to pearl reactive ball coverstocks.

Specialty bowling balls: 

A colorful and entertaining-looking bowling ball may be regarded as a “specialty” bowling ball by novice or social and leisure bowlers.

The fact that these balls will maintain a nice line as they move down the lane without hooking wildly makes them beneficial for shooting spares even if they are not designed to provide a high-performance ball reaction. For recreational bowlers who have honed a hook delivery style, they are also useful on extremely dry lanes.

Comparison between Urethane bowling balls and Reactive resin bowling balls:

Because these two are the most common balls and a lot of people consider which one is better, here are the key distinctions: 

  • Bowling balls made of urethane last longer than those made of reactive resin.
  • Reactive Resin Balls are tailored for athletes with particular needs, whereas.
  • Urethane Balls give a constant performance for every player.
  • Urethane bowling balls are a little lighter than reactive resin bowling balls. Reactive resin balls gradually become heavier due to the increasing hook potential. For any ball with a higher hook potential, the same rules apply.
  • Reactive Resin Balls have a higher rate of high performance and a superior hook potential.
  • Resin bowling balls greatly outperform urethane bowling balls in terms of friction and pin motion.
  • Urethane balls are the winners in the flexibility and control department. Before being correctly managed, reactive resin balls require specific practice.
  • Reactive Resin Balls are difficult to deflect. To keep a consistent speed and control of the lane, players need months of practice.
  • Reactive resin balls have superior qualities. As a result, they cost more than urethane bowling balls. A reactive Resin Ball is not at all the best option for novices.

Relevance:

  1. What are the Different Types of Bowling Balls? : https://www.sportsnhobbies.org/what-are-the-different-types-of-bowling-balls.htm
  2. Types of Bowling Balls: https://www.starsandstrikes.com/blog/types-of-bowling-balls/
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