For bowlers, choosing the right bowling ball can be a lengthy process. With so many bowling balls on the market, it’s hard to determine which ones are going to be winners. We polled our staff and determined the top bowling balls from the past year based on their responses.
Summary (TL;DR)
Here’s our picks for the top bowling balls from the past year. Continue reading for more information:
- Best Overall: Hammer 3D Offset Attack
- Best ‘Heavy Oil’ Ball: Hammer Envy
- Best ‘Benchmark’ Ball: C300 Cuda PowerCOR
- Best ‘Light Oil’ Ball: Hammer Ocean Vibe
- Best ‘House Shot’ Ball: Hammer 3D Offset Attack
- Best ‘Sport Shot’ Ball: C300 Top Speed
- Best Ball for 1st Time Buyer: Hammer Raw Series
- Recommended for Rev Dominant Bowlers: Track Sensor
- Recommended for Speed Dominant Bowlers: Track Paragon
- Recommended for Speed/Rev Matched Bowlers: Radical Rattler
Best Overall Ball
In February of 2022, Hammer brought back one of their most popular balls, the 3D Offset. It quickly made a name for itself as one of the most successful recent releases from Hammer. Fast forward to November and the introduction of the 3D Offset Attack. A high-end pearl, reactive featuring the HK22 coverstock wrapped around the High Rev Offset core. This ball brings versatility and reliability to the Hammer line. Out of the box it comes with a Crown Factory Compound finish that can easily be adjusted to fit your desired ball reaction.
2nd Choice: Ebonite The One Remix
Best ‘Heavy Oil’ Ball
When looking for a ball to cut through heavy oil, look no further than the Hammer Envy. The top pick amongst our polled staff, the Envy was designed to be the strongest Hammer ball ever created. Finished at 1500 SIAAIR, the Envy Solid coverstock utilizes one of the duller surfaces out of box.
2nd Choice: Track Paragon
Best ‘Benchmark’ Ball
This question saw the least amount of separation at the top. There were several balls that our team members loved and could rank as the top benchmark ball. In the end, the CudaPowerCOR finished on top.
2nd Choice: Track Stealth
Best ‘Light Oil’ Ball
The best light oil ball on our list this year is the latest in the Vibe series, the Ocean Vibe. Vibe's have been a top choice in this category for years, and the Ocean Vibe is no different. At an affordable price point, this is a great option for a first time buyer looking for a step above entry-level.
2nd Choice: Track Sensor
Best House Shot (League) Ball
Our top overall pick, the 3D Offset Attack is also our top selection for league bowlers. This category looked at balls for the Typical House Shot (THS). These balls can get it done week in and week out and can probably make it through 3 games of league the proper adjustments.
2nd Choice: Track Legion Solid
Best Sport Shot (Tournament) Ball
With a somewheat surprising pick, the C300 Top Speed edged out Hammer's Purple Pearl Urethane as the top tournament ball from the past year. It's important to note that this category is a little vague considering not all sport shots are the same, and to be successful with your tournament bowling you'll need to build a complete arsenal that can tackle all lane conditions. With that said, the Top Speed is your high-end asym pearl that might be a little too much for the THS depending on your bowling style. If that's the case, put it to test on a sport shot and see what this ball can do.
2nd Choice: Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane
Best Ball for 1st Time Buyer
This was the easiest choice from our polled team members. Almost everyone agrees, the best ball for 1st time buyers is the Hammer Raw. This series includes 4 different color choices; 1 solid, 1 hybrid, and 2 pearls. These are perfect choices for the new bowler looking to buy their 1st ball, as well as the experienced bowler looking for a lower end ball at a great price. This is a ‘value’ ball which implies that the performance is absolutely still there. This ball may be less than $100, but it is still in the same league as some higher priced balls.
Hammer Raw – Black (Solid)
Hammer Raw – Orange/Black (Hybrid)
Hammer Raw – Blue/Silver/White (Pearl)
Hammer Raw – Purple/Pink/Silver (Pearl)
2nd Choice: Brunswick Rhino
Recommended for Rev Dominant Bowlers
Rev dominant bowlers need a bowling ball that can get down lane. The Track Sensor, with its DR-6 pearl coverstock can do just that. The Sensor was strategically designed to handle medium to drier conditions and to fit just below the Kinetic Black Ice. For rev dominant bowlers, the Sensor could potentially see the lane with any conditions.
2nd Choice: C300 Top Speed
Recommended for Speed Dominant Bowlers
Speed dominant bowlers, as opposed to rev dominant, need a ball that can get started early. In this category we had a tie between the Track Paragon and the Hammer Envy. Both great choices for a high end solid that hooks early and often. The Paragon solid can be paired with the Paragon Hybrid for a two-ball combo that can get through all 3 games in a typical league night.
2nd Choice: Hammer Envy
Recommended for Rev/Speed Matched Bowlers
The Radical Rattler was the top choice for rev/speed matched bowlers. This is a versatile ball that can be used by most bowlers on a variety of lanes conditions. The SHARP Solid coverstock is wrapped around the symmetric Rattler core.
2nd Choice: Hammer 3D Offset Attack
Additional Resources
Use these additional articles to help narrow down your selection when buying a bowling ball:
How to Choose: Your 1st Bowling Ball
How to Choose: Your Next Bowling Ball