Wood and synthetic lanes are the two types of lanes used in the game of bowling. However, due to their high durability and less requirement of maintenance, synthetic lanes are becoming more common in modern days.
Different types of bowling lanes may look similar; however, they are quite different in their intrinsic characteristics. Synthetic lanes are harder compared to the traditional wood lanes. Additionally, both these lanes behave differently even in similar oil conditions. For this reason, you need to have different types of bowling balls to play on synthetic lanes. Here we will present the top 7 best bowling balls for synthetic lanes.
Top 7 Best Bowling Ball for Synthetic Lanes Reviewed
- Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball
- Hammer Black Widow Pink Bowling Ball
- Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
- Motiv Venom Shock Pearl Bowling Ball
- Storm Hy-Road Pearl Bowling Ball
- Ebonite Game Breaker 3 Pearl Bowling Ball
- Radical Conspiracy Pearl Bowling Ball
#1. Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball
[amazon fields=”B07DR1WG68″ value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]
Specifications
- Coverstock: ECA-XR Factory
- Core: Quantum Mushroom High RG Asym
- Finish: 1000 Siaair
The Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias Bowling Ball is one of the most feature-filled bowling balls for synthetic lanes. The cover stock of the bowling ball offers highly impressive performance as well as nice aesthetics features to the ball.
The ECA-XR Factory cover stock is developed using unique white pigment. The special pigment imparts extreme hook potential to the bowling ball. It also makes the bowling ball very attractive on the shelf as well as on the lanes.
The coverstock has another unique feature. Its volume is 3.5 times more than the normal bowling ball, providing strength to the ball and making it more durable. Additionally, the increased volume also imparts extreme hitting power to the ball. To add to the performance the 1000 Sairair polish allows for the right gripping required on the synthetic lanes. With the high-performing Quantum Mushroom High RG Asymmetrical core, the bowling ball offers great flare potential and back-end reaction to the ball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High hitting power due to increased volume | A little expensive |
| Very attractive and highly durable | |
| Impressive back-end reaction | |
| Outstanding hook potential | |
| Unique white pigment | |
#2. Hammer Black Widow Pink Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B07PV9F7FS” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Hammer Black Widow Pink Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: Aggression Pearl CFI
- Core: Gas Mask
- Finish: 500 / 1000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
The Aggression Pearl Carbon Fiber Infused coverstock of the Black Widow in Pink color is a unique blend. If the Black represents the aggression of the cover stock, the Pink symbolizes the elegance. This bowling ball from the house of Hammer is a killer on the synthetic lanes. And if the type of coverstock of the ball was not enough to show its power in the alley, the finish of 500/1000 Abralon adds much to its strength.
The Gas Mask asymmetrical core finally does the rest of the damage by providing extreme flare potential coupled with high back-end reaction. Overall, the ball offers a superb combination of strong hook and aggressive pin action.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy Carbon fiber Infused material | Not available in pre-drilled version |
| Effective backend reaction | |
| Ideal for heavy oil lanes | |
| Impressive pin action | |
| Strong hook potential | |
#3. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B01DUUDRFG” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: R-16 Reactive
- Core: Light Bulb Symmetrical
- Finish: 500-grit stair pad
The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball offers decent hook potential in varying lane conditions. For this reason, most of the bowlers have this bowling ball in their bowling kits. The ball has R-16 Reactive cover stock that imparts impressive hook potential. Also, the Light Bulb symmetrical weight block provides superb balance and control to the ball.
The low RG/low differential bowling ball does not offer high flare potential and therefore, the bowling ball is not quite aggressive on the lane. This allows you to score consistently in varying bowling conditions.
The bowling ball is USBC (United States Bowling Congress) certified that makes it compatible for any bowling game league. Availability in a weight range of 10-16lbs makes the ball suitable for adult men and women bowlers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive balance and control | Lacks strength |
| Effective pin carry and action | |
| Decent hook potential | |
| Impressive pin action | |
| USBC certified | |
#4. Motiv Venom Shock Pearl Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B07914KGP5″ value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Motive Venom Shock Pearl Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: Hexion MFP Pearl
- Core: Top Gear (Symmetrical)
- Finish: 5500 Grit LSP
The Motiv Venom Shock Pearl Bowling Ball is the ideal bowling ball for the bowlers who want less aggression on the lane. The blend of Hexicon MFP Pearl coverstock and the Top Gear Symmetrical core offers exactly the same characteristics to this ball.
The coverstock offers decent hook potential with the symmetrical core providing superb control and balance. The latest technology used in making the cover stock allows it to change the friction with the changing lane conditions. And for this reason, these bowling balls are highly suitable for the synthetic as well as the wooden lanes. The 5000 Grit LSP makes these balls ideal for dry to medium oil lane conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for dry and medium oil conditions | Not suitable for beginners |
| Highly adaptable Coverstock | |
| Impressive graphics | |
| High durability | |
#5. Storm Hy-Road Pearl Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B00DPL1L9U” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Storm Hy-Road Pearl Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: R2S Solid Reactive
- Core: Inverted Fe² Technology
- Finish:1500 Grit Polished
The Storm Hy-Road Pearl is yet another gem for the Synthetic bowling lanes. The R2S Solid Reactive coverstock offers the increased friction required on the synthetic lanes and gives it high hook potential. The sturdy Inverted Fe² Technology Core makes the ball even more powerful by offering high flare potential and impressive pin-carry.
The ball can very accurately read the mid-lane while moving steadily towards the far end with a superb angularity to cause maximum damage on the deck. The ball offers a great learning opportunity to the entry-level bowlers while its strong hook-potential makes it the favorite bowling ball for the pros.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for medium-heavy oil surfaces | Lacks consistency |
| Strong hook potential | |
| Superb mid-lane read | |
| Sturdy and durable | |
#6. Ebonite Game Breaker 3 Pearl
[amazon fields=”B07FPQTW5T” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Ebonite Game Breaker 3 Pearl” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: GB 12.7 Pearl
- Core: Enhanced V2
- Finish: 500 / 1000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
The Ebonite Game Breaker is one of the most consistent and predictable bowling balls for the synthetic lanes. The ball is ideal for beginners to perfect their bowling skills. Also, the ball is equally effective for the pros due to its high-performance features.
The ball with GB12.7 Pearl and 500/1000 Abralon finish allows for the right gripping with the lane while rolling. Moreover, the ball also has a moderate hook potential. The enhanced V2 core was developed specifically to enhance the performance of the bowling ball. The ball offers precisely the same by offering great flare potential and back-end reaction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good length on the front lane | Require great care during drilling to avoid cracking |
| Impressive continuation | |
| Decent hook potential | |
| Superb aesthetics | |
#7. Radical Conspiracy Pearl Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B07NDLP8SX” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“bowling balls for synthetic lanes” image_alt = “Radical Conspiracy Pearl Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specifications
- Coverstock: Forged 2 Pearl
- Core: Conspiracy
- Finish: 500 Siaair / Crown Factory Compound
The Forged Pearl coverstock and conspiracy core offer one of the most unique blends of high-performing cover stock and core. The ball offers impressive length and angularity down the lane and causes unpredictable damages in the deck.
The bowling ball has massive hitting power. However, despite the power, the ball does not lose balance and control and offers very consistent performance in varying lane conditions. Overall, the bowling ball provides strong hook potential and superb continuation with highly impressive pin action at the far end.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High flare potential and back-end reaction | Hooks a little late |
| Impressive front lane length | |
| Effective traction and grip | |
| Extreme hitting power | |
Top Pick- The Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias Bowling Ball
Selecting the best among the best is always the hardest task. However, DV8 Quantum Bias Bowling Ball makes it a shade easier by offering multiple features in the bowling ball. The cover stock of a bowling ball contributes to about 60-70% of the performance. The Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias knows the fact pretty well and puts a lot of focus in offering one of the best bowling ball cover stocks. The unique design feature of the bowling ball makes it the ideal rolling sphere for the Synthetic lanes.
The unique white pigment used in making the cover stock offers the ball multiple properties. The high hook potential and great aesthetics are a few of those features. In addition to the white pigment, the volume of the cover stock is 3.5 times the normal coverstocks. This unique feature gives it extreme hitting power and at the same time offers it very high durability.
Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Best Bowling Balls for Synthetic Lanes
Playing on a synthetic lane is a different bowling ball game and has some specific requirements. After short listing a few bowling balls from the above reviews now is the time for you to select the best among them. So, don’t wait. Go through the detailed buying guide presented below to know the major factors to consider when buying the best bowling ball for the synthetic lanes that suit your specific style.
Coverstock
Synthetic lanes are harder than the wood lanes and thus offer less friction to the bowling ball. So, if you want to play your favorite hook shots you need to get a ball with high friction coverstock.
There are three most widely used coverstocks; Plastic/Polyester, Urethane, and Reactive resin Out of them Plastic coverstocks are the smoothest of all and thus are not quite suitable for these types of lanes. It simply won’t offer the friction required to have the basic grip on the lane while rolling.
Urethane coverstocks are still a better option for these lanes. However, the best coverstocks for the synthetic lanes are Reactive Resin types. And among the three Reactive Resin coverstocks, Pearl Reactive will offer less friction compared to the other two. So, Hybrid and Solid Reactive coverstocks are the best choice to get the highest friction. They will offer optimum hook potential, backend reaction, and pin carry.
Core
The selection of the core will be more or less similar to the wooden lanes and will depend more on your style of game and the skill level than the type of lane. However, the core that is allowing more flare and hooks potential will be preferred over others for synthetic lanes.
A Pancake core will not be pretty suitable in such a case. You can select between a Symmetrical and Asymmetrical core depending on the level of control and balance that you want to have in your shots.
If you want more control and less aggression, go for the Symmetrical cores and choose the Asymmetrical core if you want more violent movements on the lane. For the maximum action, you should select Asymmetrical cores with high intermediate differential.
Weight
Weight is a common factor that must be considered while choosing any type of bowling ball. The weight of the ball can make a big difference in your performance in the competitions. A lighter ball may not be able to generate enough speed to travel down the lane. Also, they may not have the required hitting power to strike off the pins.
On the other hand, too heavy a ball can be harder to control and may also cause early fatigue and high strains to your wrists leading to injuries. However, the heavier balls have the advantage of attaining good speed and generating huge hitting power to cause desired damage on the other end.
That said it is best to select the ball in proportion to your body weight. The basic guideline is to select the ball with weight equal to one-tenth of your body weight. Using the guideline, you can try throwing a few balls around this weight and choose the weight which offers you maximum comfort with optimum hitting power.
Durability
High durability of a bowling ball makes it more cost-effective in the long run as compared to the cheaper balls that break-down early. Having a durable ball is important for any type of lanes. However, its importance increases with the Synthetic lanes as these lanes have a hard surface. Better quality material is required to impart high durability to the balls to be used on synthetic lanes.
Aesthetics
This subjective factor is significant for some bowlers, however, holds no importance for many other bowlers. Depending on the importance you give to the factor of appearance, you can select the ball of your favorite color, design, and pattern.
Cost
There is a wide range of bowling balls available at different price points. However, balls for synthetic turfs are more expensive than many other types of balls. For instance, a bowling ball for a straight bowler will require plastic coverstock and symmetrical core, which will be less expensive as compare to the Reactive Resin coverstocks required for the Synthetic lanes.
That said if you still want the most affordable bowling ball for these lanes, you should only look for the core performance features of the ball. You should avoid looking for the features that are ornamental and do not add any value to the performance of the ball.
Conclusion
Finding out the best bowling ball for the synthetic lanes is not so difficult if you specifically know your requirements. It becomes even easier if you have narrowed down the selection to a few top-quality bowling balls.
The purpose of reviewing the bowling balls for synthetic lanes is to share with you the best bowling balls in the category. These reviews include the best bowling balls for bowlers with varying styles. Hopefully, the reviews and the buyer’s guide were helpful in identifying the best bowling ball suitable for your specific game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is synthetic bowling lanes made of?
A: Apparently, synthetic lanes look similar to the wooden lanes but they are not. Synthetic lanes are of course designed in a way that they look like the wooden lanes. They are made using different materials. A typical synthetic lane is constructed by spreading fine particles of Aluminum Oxide over the Melamine Resin compound. To provide strength and durability to the lane they use hardened resin compound with highly abrasive aluminum oxide.
Q: Are all bowling lanes now-a-days synthetic?
A: No. Though synthetic lanes are gaining a lot of popularity in recent times, there are still many alley owners that have traditional wooden lanes. However, due to their high durability and lower maintenance requirements, most of the bowling alley owners are installing synthetic lanes in their alleys.
Q: What are the advantages of synthetic bowling lanes?
A: High durability of the synthetic lanes coupled with lower maintenance needs considerably reduces the operating cost of running the alley. These two factors are encouraging bowling centers to put up synthetic lanes in their alleys.
Q: What other types of bowling lanes are there?
A: There are two broader categories; Wooden and Synthetic lanes. However, there is the third type of lanes also. It has a wooden base with the top made with a synthetic material to give high durability to the lane.
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