If you are a professional bowler or intend to be one, you must be pretty well aware that a high-performance bowling ball is an investment that will surely pay you back in time. But many bowlers often amuse, if the high-quality bowling ball will necessarily be expensive? Or the other way round. Will the most expensive bowling ball be the most high-performing excellent quality ball?
Well, not necessarily the most expensive, however, a high-quality bowling ball will definitely have a high price range. A lot of quality stuff and efforts go into developing and making a high-performance bowling ball that adds to the cost of the bowling ball.
That said, not all bowlers need to buy an expensive bowling ball. However, those who are nearing the advanced level or have achieved that skill level definitely need one or two balls to get their best hook shots on the heavy oil conditions.
So, if you are one of those passionate bowlers, you will surely like to know about the top 10 most expensive bowling balls presently making waves in the field of bowling.
Top 10 Most Expensive Bowling Balls Reviewed
- Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball
- Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball
- Storm Crux Prime Bowling Ball
- MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball
- Storm Code Red Bowling Ball
- Hammer Gauntlet Fury Bowling Ball
- Storm Bowling Intense Fire Ball
- Columbia 300 Lit Pearl Bowling Ball
- Brunswick Tenacity Bowling Ball- Black/Silver/Purple Pearl
- Brunswick Magnitude 055 Bowling Ball- Black/Orange/Red
#1. Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball
[amazon fields=”B07DR1WG68″ value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Brunswick DV8 Bowling Quantum Bias Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]
Specification
- Coverstock: ECA-XR Factory
- Core: Quantum Mushroom High
- Finish: 1000 Siaair
The Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias is one of the most appealing bowling balls accessible today. In any case, being alluring isn’t the main element that the bowling ball has. The ball likewise has an exceptionally amazing exhibition on heavy lane surfaces.
The ball comprises the unique ECA-XR Factory cover stock that gives the ball a solid hook potential. It is the uncommon white shade pigment utilized in making the cover stock that imparts such a solid hook potential to the ball. In addition, the same white pigment also gives such an exceptionally appealing appearance to the bowling ball.
Notwithstanding that, the cover stock of the bowling ball has 3.5 times more volume compared to other bowling balls. This enhances its hitting power quite considerably. The expanded volume of the spread stock likewise gives high toughness to the ball. The 1000 Siaair polish further improves the exhibition on the lanes.
Additionally, the high RG Quantum Asymmetrical weight block offers superb flare potential while further enhancing the already strong hook of the bowling ball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced hitting power with increased cover stock volume | Loses control on dry lane surfaces |
| Unique white pigment cover stock | |
| Extremely high flare potential | |
| Exceptionally appealing | |
#2. Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball
Specification
- Coverstock: MicroTrax-S18
- Core: Centrum asymmetrical core
- Finish: 2000 Grit Pad finish
The blend of MicroTrax-S18 Solid Reactive Cover Stock with Centrum asymmetrical core executes its act in style on the heavy oil lane conditions. It is an aggressive ball that shows a lot of discipline in the front part of the lane. However, it is devastating at the far end through its super aggression. The ball with the 2000 Grit Pad Finish only adds guts to the ball to face the deck pins standing together displaying ultimate unity at the other end.
One of the most sought after bowling balls for the professionals, the Roto Grip has one of the most impressive flare potentials. The bowling ball is sturdy and the build material makes it a highly durable sphere of the bowling alley. The bowling ball makes some good contacts with the lane surface and gets an impressive grip before rolling on the surface.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely effective on long patterns | Cover stock not so sturdy |
| Impressive aesthetics | |
| Excellent grip | |
| Ideal for pros | |
#3. Storm Crux Prime Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B07MKDF24T” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Storm Crux Prime Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: SPEC Solid Reactive
- Core: Catalyst (Asymmetrical)
- Finish: 2000-grit Abalone
The Storm listened to its customers’ voice and once again gifted them with their favorite Catalyst core. The core has a lot of steam and when its power combines with the SPEC Solid Reactive cover stock, you can only expect magic on the lane. And that is precisely what the entire bowling ball performs- the miracle.
The impressive angle of the asymmetrical core designed using vertical-cavity technology is a class apart. It is wrapped inside the SPEC (Storm Performance Enhanced Coverstock) which is specially designed to enhance the performance of the cover stock. The 2000 Grit Abralon finish further enhances the bowling performance on the heavy oil lane surfaces.
The bowling ball has more endurance against the friction and the oil that it confronts with each shot. The Storm Crux Prime is highly durable.
Not only does the bowling ball have super high-performance features but it also has some exceptional design features. The bowling ball has an extremely impressive appearance that makes it attractive on the shelf as well in the alley.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Performance-enhancing SPEC cover stock | Not suitable for light oil lane conditions |
| Extremely high-performing Catalyst Core | |
| Bold color patterns | |
| Very easy to handle | |
#4. MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B01MRXBO0W” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: Coercion HFS Solid
- Core: Predator V2
- Finish: 3000 Grit LSS Factory Finish
The Motiv Jackal Ghost has no other motive than to ruin the deck with its discreet hitting power. The bowling ball has the Predator V2 core. The asymmetrical low RG/high differential core facilitates generating high revolutions. Additionally, it also allows for a very impressive track flare.
The Coercion HFS Solid cover stock has a superbly strong hook potential with an aggressive backend reaction. The bowling ball has a finish of 3000 Grit LSS Factory finish that supports the already high-level performance of the ball on a variety of bowling surfaces.
The combination of the highly functional weight block and feature-filled cover stock allows the bowling ball to have accurate mid-lane read. Additionally, it gets flawless continuity until the other end of the bowling lane.
The ball is not only a top-rated performer in the alley but also has highly attractive design features. The unique print of Jackal over the highly impressive purple and dark color base offers an extremely appealing appearance to the sphere. Whether on the shelf or the lane, the bowling ball attracts the participants and the spectators alike.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for heavy oil lane conditions | Not suitable for light oil lane conditions |
| Ideal for the advance bowler | |
| Excellent hook potential | |
| More revolution | |
#5. Storm Code Red Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B071HFD6BN” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Storm Code Red Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: R2S Hybrid Reactive
- Core: RAD4
- Finish: 1500-grit Polished
The Storm Code Red alerts the far end with its ferocious movements on the lane. The high RG, high differential RAD4 core discreetly moves forward wrapped inside the R2S hybrid reactive cover stock. The blend itself is extremely damaging and the 1500-Grit polish finish simply adds to the power of the beast on heavy oil lanes.
The bowling ball has a super smooth front lane travel followed by the mid-lane intensity that ends with the ball destroying most of the deck pins standing at the other end with an unpredictable sharp backend reaction.
Apart from the flawless execution of its power on the lane, the bowling ball has numerous fans of its amazingly good looks. Moreover, like all other Storm bowling balls, Code Red also is an extraordinary durable model from the house of Storm.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect ball for intermediates | Not impressive hook potential |
| Pleasing Cinnamon scent | |
| Superb backend reaction | |
| Impressive looks | |
#6. Hammer Gauntlet Fury Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B0767QD28Z” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Hammer Gauntlet Fury Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: Semtex CFI
- Core: Gauntlet asymmetric
- Finish: 1000 Grit Abralon
The Hammer Gauntlet Fury Bowling Ball is one of the best performing bowling balls on varying lane conditions. However, it performs the best in the medium and heavy oil lane conditions.
The Carbon Fiber Infused Semtex cover stock offers extraordinary hook potential to the ball. Additionally, being sturdy, it offers the ball with extremely high durability. The 1000 Grit Abralon finish takes care of the reaction down the lane.
The Gauntlet asymmetric weight block offers a very intense backend mid-lane reaction. Additionally, it allows the ball to have an angular backend motion at the far end of the lane. With the powerful hitting power of Hammer, the Gauntlet Fury leaves no pin unturned even on the safest of decks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for medium and heavy oil conditions | Not quite impressive on dry lanes |
| Extremely durable CFI material | |
| Impressive hook potential | |
| Extremely aggressive | |
#7. Storm Bowling Intense Fire Ball
[amazon fields=”B07D3YLBQK” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Storm Bowling Intense Fire Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: R3S Hybrid
- Core: RAD-E asymmetrical
- Finish: 1500 grit polished finish
The Storm Bowling Intense Fire Ball is a tremendously powerful bowling ball that has unsatiating energy. The RAD-E symmetrical core speaks everything about the bowling ball. The Radial Acceleration Disk (RAD) is an innovative dual density disc technology that has proven performance in the earlier Storm bowling ball versions. Moreover, ‘E’ depicts the energy that has the potential to hit the biggest obstacles on its way to the deck.
The R3S Hybrid cover stock offers a more intense and strong backend reaction. The effective cover stock has the asymmetrical core that adds to the hook potential of the bowling ball while also providing high flare potential on different surfaces.
The bowling ball has very impressive pin-carry- thanks to the extra length and powerful movements on the down lane. The grit pad provided with the cover stock allows for better finish and polish.
The bowling ball inherits the high durability of the Storm ball. Additionally, the ball comes in extremely impressive Ultramarine/Persimmon/Black color patterns. The superb looks make it one of the most adorable ellipses in the stores and extremely elegant beast in the alley.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Innovative technology in core designing | Difficult to control curves |
| Superb performance on the mid-lane | |
| Highly effective cover stock | |
| Highly appealing looks | |
#8. Columbia 300 Lit Pearl Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B079WQS1T9″ value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Columbia 300 Lit Pearl Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: Reflex XS Pearl
- Core: Lit Asymmetric
- Finish: 1000 Grit Abralon and Polished with factory finish
The Columbia 300 Lit Pearl Bowling Ball is a fascinating high-performance bowling ball. The bowling ball has a Reflex XS Pearl cover stock that offers very strong hook potential to the ball. The Lit Asymmetric core helps further in enhancing the hook and also offer more length to the bowling ball. The bowling ball, in addition, has a very aggressive backend reaction making it one of the most effective bowling balls in its category.
The Hypershock technology used in building the weight block allows the ball to hold energy after hitting the pins. The held energy is later utilized in striking off the remaining pins on the deck.
The combination of a strong hook and the hyper shock technology makes this bowling ball a deadly rolling sphere on any lane conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypershock technology for maximum deck damage | Appears dirty pretty easily |
| Perfect for heavy oil lane conditions | |
| Very impressive pin carry | |
| Powerful smashing | |
#9. Brunswick Tenacity Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B078SZGLG1″ value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Brunswick Tenacity Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: UR (Ultra Responsive)
- Core: Tenacity
- Finish: 500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
Your grit and determination will give you success in any of your life endeavors. Brunswick has been the pioneers in the field of bowling and knows perfectly well the importance of having that tenacity. And hence they bring out one of the most adorable the Brunswick Tenacity Bowling Ball.
The bowling ball has Ultra Responsive (US) cover stock. Wrapped inside the cover stock is the high-performing Tenacity core. The two blends perfectly well to produce some of the most extraordinary shots on varying lane surfaces. The bowling ball offers more length on the front part of the lane. After passing through the mid-lane it takes a big down-lane movement to strike the deck with its extreme hitting power.
The low RG core offers high flare potential to the bowling ball. It performs the best on heavy oil lane surfaces. The Ultra Responsive has the energy retaining ability after hitting the first pin. The energy thus held is utilized in smashing the remaining deck pins.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth front lane motion | Not strong hook potential |
| Impressive flare potential | |
| Ideal for medium oil lanes | |
| Energy retention ability | |
#10. Brunswick Magnitude 055 Bowling Ball
[amazon fields=”B07664CGYG” value=”thumb” image_size=“medium” image_align=”center” image_title =“most expensive bowling balls” image_alt = “Brunswick Magnitude 055 Bowling Ball” image_width=“250” image_height=“250”/]Specification
- Coverstock: Relativity Traction Solid
- Core: Magnitude 055 High Diff
- Finish:500/1,500 Siaair Micro Pad
The Relativity Traction Solid cover stock and Magnitude 055 High Diff Core offer very impressive performance in the alley. The bowling ball has a strong hook potential and is ideal for multiple lane conditions. The added advantage with the bowling ball is that it provides superb control on the track.
The bowling ball glides pretty smoothly through the front part of the lane. It further moves in the mid-lane displaying reasonable aggression and gathers enough power to demonstrate impressive pin action at the far end. The pin carry of the ball is outstanding on the heavy oil lane conditions.
Brunswick has used its innovative DynamiCore technology to develop the high Diff Magnitude 055 core. The blue color of the weight block can be seen while drilling the bowling ball. The combination of Black/Orange/Red colors makes it a highly sought after bowling ball for the bowlers who give high importance to the aesthetics along with the performance features of the ball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong hook potential in varying oil conditions | Lacks versatility |
| Powerful DynamiCore technology | |
| Attractive appearance | |
| Impressive length | |
Top Pick- The Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias Bowling Ball
Selecting the best ball in the most expensive bowling ball category is a daunting task as each one of them offers excellent features and exhibit outstanding performance in varying conditions. However, after a thorough analysis of each of their different features, we selected Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias Bowling Ball as our top pick for the most expensive bowling ball.
The most impressive and unique feature of the bowling ball is its cover stock. The special white pigment and extra volume used in making the ECA-XR cover stock imparts this bowling ball various advantages. The strong hook potential, excessive hitting power, durability, and excellent looks are a few of them. The high-performing cover stock pairs with the all-powerful Quantum core to exhibit superlative execution on multiple lane conditions. Overall, the Brunswick DV8 Quantum Bias is an excellent blend of supreme performance and superb aesthetics.
Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Most Expensive Bowling Ball
So, these were the top 10 most expensive bowling balls in our list. All these balls have some or the other factor that makes them superior to other expensive bowling balls. Here are a few of those factors that you should consider when buying especially an expensive bowling ball.
Weight
This factor is common for all types of bowling balls. However, as the most expensive ball will be your main strike ball, you need to be very particular about the weight of these balls else you may lose control of your most important shots in the alley.
The criterion to select the right weight of the bowling ball is pretty simple. Choose the ball that is one-tenth of your body weight. However, if you are going to get the finger holes drilled in your bowling ball add 1 lb to the ball weight to take the leverage of the control you get after the drilling.
These, however, are the theoretical guidelines. As a professional bowler, to finalize the weight of the bowling ball you need to be practical. So, you should try out a few shots with different balls in the alley and finalize the weight that gives you maximum comfort while throwing the ball.
Cover Stock
Cover stock is one of the major factors that add cost to a bowling ball. A ball with plastic cover stock is the cheapest bowling ball while the reactive resin cover stock is generally the most expensive option.
The high cost of the ball is duly compensated by the superb hook potential of the ball. These balls can precisely read heavy-oil lane conditions and provide high traction and have the high possibility to get the strong pin action. They have superb oil absorption ability and do not skid on heavy oil lane conditions.
Urethane cover stocks are perfect if you are at the intermediate level of the game. Furthermore, the fourth type is Proactive or Particle balls which have a bumpy surface. These balls offer extreme hook potential and are pretty violent on the lane. So, you need to be in the most advanced league of bowlers to use these balls. If not, you will spend most of the time struggling to control them on the lane.
Core
Another important factor that influences the cost of a bowling ball is the weight block hidden inside the cover stock. There are 3 different types of cores- Pancake, Symmetrical, and Asymmetrical.
Bowling ball with symmetrical core offers decent flare potential and a flowing hook with a flatter back end finish. The Asymmetrical core, because of its non-uniform weight distribution, offers a strong and sharp hook, has high flare potential. Additionally, it has an aggressive back end.
The Pancake type can be considered as another type of symmetrical core. It too offers less flare and hook potential but has better control compared to the symmetrical core.
Finger Holes
Your shopping of a bowling ball is not over until you get it drilled as per your style and hand measurement in a pro-shop. Now, when you go for drilling you have two options of grip type to choose from. One is the conventional grip and the other is fingertip grip.
For the conventional grip type, the ball is drilled to the depth that allows you to insert your middle and ring fingers only up to the second knuckles when the thumb is fully inserted in the thumb hole. However, in the fingertip grip type, you can insert fingers up to the first knuckles while inserting the thumb in a similar way as in the conventional type of grip.
Aesthetics
The game of bowling is one of glamour and style. Unique design and good aesthetics of bowling ball get you a psychological advantage in the alley as most of the bowlers give it high importance. And if you are going for the most expensive bowling ball, you ought to get an elegant and stylish ball. You can select your favorite color, pattern, and design among the available variety and get a few psychological points over your competition even before starting the actual game.
Conclusion
So, this was it- the most impressive list of top 10 most expensive bowling balls with the 5 most important factors to consider for buying an expensive bowling ball. Hopefully, it provides you enough information to finalize the best high-cost bowling ball for your professional bowling needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are some of the bowling balls so expensive?
A: To make high-performance bowling balls, it requires a lot of effort in designing and developing the ball, and finalizing the cover stock and core materials. The high-caliber materials used in making these excellent quality balls are very costly. Furthermore, assembling the core of varying densities need expertise and thus adds to the making cost. A lot of consideration is also given to the durability and aesthetics of the bowling ball. All these factors make these balls expensive. However, considering the high-performance they offer in the game it is worthwhile for a professional bowler to invest in these balls.
Q: Is it worthwhile for a beginner to buy an expensive bowling ball?
A: Expensive bowling balls are designed to be used to get the high traction, strong hook and flare potential and aggressive back-end reaction in the heavy oil lane conditions. Beginners may find these balls pretty difficult to control on the lane. They will get distracted with the bowling ball abrupt movements and will not be able to concentrate to learn the basic skills of the game. So, it is not the cost of these balls but the special characteristics that limit the suitability of these balls for the beginners.
Q: Can I use an expensive bowling ball as a spare ball?
A: You don’t need to invest so much on your spare bowling ball. Your spare ball will usually be made of plastic or urethane that does not offer high hook potential and aggression to the ball. The basic purpose of using a spare ball is to throw straight shots after you have missed hitting the pins during your main strike. You use your spare ball when you want to play safe and want to strike at least a few pins with certainty.
Q: What is a reactive resin bowling ball?
A: A reactive resin ball is essentially made with polyurethane added with resin particles. Resin enhances the porosity of the bowling ball and allows it to generate more traction with the surface. Due to their high porosity, they also can absorb the oil of the lane surface and do not let the ball skid on the lane. These balls offer high hook potential and aggressive back-end.
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