Bowling Gear We Stand Behind, Picks You Can Trust
Since 1984, Bowling World has been helping bowlers of every skill level find the right gear to improve their game. Now, we’re tapping into the knowledge and experience of our team across 60+ pro shop locations to highlight the very best products in the sport.
Through Bowling World Select, we recognize the standout bowling gear like balls, shoes, bags, and accessories that our staff know and trust from years on the lanes and in the shops. These picks represent the gear we’d recommend to our own teammates and customers alike—the proven performers that deliver consistency, quality, and value where it matters most.
Bowling Ball of the Year [2025]
In a year packed with standout bowling ball launches, the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 rose above them all to claim our top honor — Bowling Ball of the Year. When our staff tested and compared every major release, the Tour V1 consistently delivered what bowlers crave most: a strong, reliable, and versatile motion that performs on virtually any condition. And let’s be honest — when it comes to the Black Widow name, Hammer has never let bowlers down.
What really set the Tour V1 apart was how often it became the go-to choice. It handled transition with ease, read the lane predictably, and still packed that signature Widow hitting power that turns heads. Whether it was league night or a demanding tournament block, it performed every time. For its proven performance, versatility, and the continuation of one of bowling’s most trusted lineups, our team proudly named the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 the Bowling World Select: Bowling Ball of the Year 2025.
Honorable Mention: Hammer Special Effect
Top Double Roller
When choosing our Top Double Ball Roller for 2025, our staff set out to find the ideal mix of durability, functionality, and value—and the KR Strikeforce Cruiser Double Roller line checked every box. Designed with KR’s reliable build quality and smart features, the Cruiser offers bowlers a secure, easy way to transport two bowling balls along with shoes and accessories. It’s become a favorite among league players and frequent bowlers who appreciate dependable gear without a premium price tag.
What stood out most to our staff was how much the Cruiser delivers for the cost. While many double rollers in this category come with higher price points, the Cruiser line keeps things affordable without cutting corners. It rolls smoothly, protects your equipment, and offers the storage and comfort bowlers actually need. For its unbeatable blend of performance and value, our team named the KR Strikeforce Cruiser Double Roller line the Best Double Ball Roller of 2025—a bag that proves quality and practicality can go hand in hand.
Honorable Mention: Hammer Gauntlet
Best Value Bowling Shoes
The Dexter Pro BOA line earned our staff’s pick for Best Value Shoe of 2025, standing out as the perfect mix of innovation, comfort, and affordability. Designed for bowlers who want performance without the premium price tag, the Pro BOA combines Dexter’s proven quality with a sleek athletic look and modern technology. The BOA® Fit System replaces traditional laces with a precision dial for a snug, custom fit every time—making it quick and effortless to get ready for your next frame.
Offered in several color options for both men and women, the Pro BOA line lets bowlers choose a style that fits their look while enjoying the dependable performance Dexter is known for. These shoes provide consistent slide, strong support, and lasting comfort—ideal for everything from casual nights out to weekly league competition. With its smart design, reliable performance, and accessible price, the Dexter Pro BOA delivers true value where it matters most, earning its title as Best Value Shoe of 2025.
Honorable Mention: Brunswick Command
Top Interchangeable Thumb
The JoPo Twist earned our staff’s vote for Top Interchangeable Thumb of 2025, thanks to its smart engineering and dependability on the lanes. Designed to give bowlers both consistency and flexibility, it features a patented twist-and-lock system that makes changing inserts fast, simple, and rock-solid secure. No slipping, no surprises—just a confident feel every time you throw. For bowlers who fine-tune their fit or adjust between conditions, the JoPo Twist stands out as the most practical and trusted option out there.
What impressed our team most was how well the JoPo Twist balances innovation with everyday usability. It’s rugged enough to handle the power of competitive bowlers yet intuitive enough for any league player to use with confidence. The system’s reliability, smooth performance, and easy installation have made it a staple in pro shops and bowling bags alike. For its combination of strength, simplicity, and consistency, the JoPo Twist was a unanimous choice as our Top Interchangeable Thumb of 2025.
Honorable Mention: VISE IT
All Bowling World Select winners can be identified with the badge 'Award Winner'
All 2025 Award Winners
Bowling Ball Award Winners
Top Overall Bowling Ball: Hammer BW Tour V1
Top Solid Bowling Ball: Hammer Special Effect
Top Hybrid Bowling Ball: Brunswick Hypnotize
Top Pearl Bowling Ball: Ebonite GB5 Pearl
Top Entry-Level Bowling Ball: Hammer Bubblegum Vibe
Best Value Bowling Ball: Hammer Bubblegum Vibe
Best Benchmark Bowling Ball: Hammer Hammerhead
Best Tournament Bowling Ball: Hammer BW Tour V1
Bowling Bag Award Winners
Top Single Ball Tote: Brunswick Blast
Top Single Ball Roller: KR Cruiser
Top Double Ball Tote: Brunswick Edge
Top Double Ball Roller: KR Cruiser
Top Triple Ball Tote: Hammer Dye-Sub
Top Triple Ball Roller: Hammer Carbon Shield
Top Quad Ball Roller: KR Royal Flush
Top Backpack: Hammer Tactical BP
Bowling Shoe Award Winners
Top Mens Athletic: Brunswick Fanatic
Top Womens Athletic: Dexter Raquel LX
Top Mens Performance: Dexter SST 8 line
Top Womens Performance: Dexter SST 8 line
Best Lightweight Option: KR Flyer Lite
Most Comfortable: Hammer Power Diesel
Most Durable: Hammer Power Diesel
Best Value Shoe: Dexter Pro BOA line
Bowling Accs Award Winners
Top Ball Cleaner: Brunswick Big B
Best New Accessory: Hammer BW Rubber Shammy
Most "Giftable" Accs: Shammy
Top Wrist Support: Brunswick Shot Repeater
Top Protection Tape: VISE Hada Patch
Most Overlooked: Ball Cleaner
Top Interchangeable Thumb: JoPo
Top Sanding Product: CTD TruCut
You don’t have to search far to find this year’s standouts—we’ve gathered all of our 2025 Bowling World Select Award winners in one place. From top entry-level choices to high-performance tournament favorites, you can explore every ball that earned our staff’s vote by clicking the button below and shopping the full collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bowling World Select?
Bowling World Select is our team-driven recognition program where our IBPSIA certified pro shop professionals across all 65+ locations vote on and highlight the top-performing products in bowling. These are the balls, shoes, bags, and accessories our staff know and trust most.
How are the winners chosen?
Winners are selected through employee voting, feedback from pro shop operators, and insights from our staff’s firsthand experience with products on the lanes and in the shops.
How often are Bowling World Select awards announced?
Awards are currently planned to be updated once a year, with new categories and products added as the bowling industry evolves.
Are Bowling World Select winners based on sales numbers?
Not directly. While customer popularity is a factor, these awards focus on the knowledge and expertise of our staff, highlighting gear that consistently performs and earns our trust.
Do Bowling World Select winners ever change?
Absolutely. As new technology is released and gear improves, our team may recognize new products each year that set the bar for performance, comfort, and value.
