If you are a bowler, then you definitely love playing this excellent sport. Let’s face it, bowling is tons of fun.
When I get to the alley, it’s all about buckling up and having a great time with friends or family. In case you’re new to this fun stuff, you will probably need a spare bowling ball. Without it, you won’t be able to play properly.
With time, your primary bowling ball may become damaged to the point where you will need to use your spare one.
In this article, we have tested and reviewed a dozen options, and it was definitely a pleasure, although we are unable to deduce which one is the best. What we do know, though, is that all of the spare ball finalists are amazing and very worthy picks.
So, if you’re curious about how to choose the best spare bowling ball, keep reading, and we will guide you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball | Best Overall |  |
| Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball | Budget Pick |  |
| Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
Pros:
- Top of the line quality for ball-buying beginners
- Visible pyramid design makes up for lack of R2D2 or Star Wars references
- Ships with a nice carrying case
- Makes for a great gift as well
- Colored using a special process to resist scuffs and scratches
- Finished with a 1500-grit polish
- Versatile drilling options to enable different bowling styles
Cons:
- Pyramid paths can be challenging to slide
- It’s very easy to miss
- More weight on the end results in a lot of swing weight
The Pyramid Path Rising bowling ball would make a great ball for those just starting out with bowling or as a gift for someone newly interested in the bowling sport. The bright colors make for easy visibility and the ball is very stable and easy to roll.
However, because of the steep pyramid design, this ball can be prone to slide a bit too easily and go off the desired path. The trick here is to focus on finding the balance between the amount of weight and the balance point which will help make this ball a great all-around roll.
Because of the increased weight, the Pyramid Path is heavy to carry but delivers a great roll and can easily become a favorite among avid bowlers.
2. Storm Ice Blue/White 16 Pounds
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Comfortable to use
- Roto Grip product is very well known
- Style is eye-catching
- Perfect choice for recreational use
- Great choice for beginners
- Durable
- Affordable
- Weight is solid
- Features and design are eye-catching
Cons:
- May begin to peel a bit after frequent use
- Does require some maintenance
It can be very difficult for the average bowler to find a good quality set of balls. This is because of the sheer number of options that are available can be overwhelming and thus it is hard to know what to choose. We think that one of the best choices if you are shopping for a quality spare ball set is the Storm Ice Blue/White Pearl 16 pounds ball. Storm is a manufacturer which you can count on as the company is well-known for making quality bowling products for both the pro and amateur.
Overall, this is a very well-known product that will give you many years of service. It can be a bit pricey for some, but it is totally worth the investment and is surely a great choice for anyone who is looking for a leading quality spare ball.
3. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Easy to control
- Great overall value for money
- Durable and will last for a long time
- Features three drilled holes on each side of the ball for customized grip
- Can fit any hand
- Extremely consistent in the landings
- Many ball colors available
Cons:
- A little heavier than most balls on the market
- Smooth surface
The Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball is our top pick for a spare bowling ball. It is a great choice for beginners as it is easy to control and grip. So it’s not surprising why its popularity is on the rise among bowling players of all ages.
This bowling ball features three drilled holes located on each side of the ball. This gives you the opportunity to create a specialized grip that you prefer. It comes in a many different color options. Although it is a slower ball, it can still generate some serious power on the lane.
Some people complain about its weight. However, for a spare ball, it is not surprising that it is a little heavy.
4. Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball Peek-A-Boo Berry
Pros:
- Generous strike spot size
- Value for money
- Takes your bowling game to the next level
- Polyester coverstock -color combination look beautiful on the lanes
- Straight reaction on the lanes
Cons:
- The ball is medium-heavy rather than heavy-light
- The T-top finish is of lower quality in comparison to other balls
The Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball Peek-A-Boo Berry comes with a slick looking eye-catching color scheme that looks great when thrown down the lanes. Although the ball is advertised as a 6-pound ball, this is actually a medium-heavy rather than heavy-light ball.
The Maxim has a large easy to read color traction pin, so it's easy to read even in areas with low light. Because of the XLRG (Xtra-Long Radius Gravity) reactive plastic, the Ebonite Maxim is designed to give the player a continuous strong hold when the ball is thrown down the lane.
The Maxim is an outstanding ball to play with and is an excellent all-rounder. Of course, the ball is suitable for all skill-levels but advanced players will get the most value from this ball.
5. Brunswick Products Lizard Glow Viz-A Bowling Ball
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Durable and lightweight
- Funky ball design that looks excellent when being thrown down on the lane
- Right tool for the right job
My top pick for best spare bowling ball is the Brunswick Products Lizard Glow Viz-A Bowling Ball, in the color Black / Green. It is designed bearing kids and beginners in mind, but that does not mean that the ball can be used by experienced bowlers.
It is created in such a way that it has a lightweight core, with a skid-resistant full coverstock that is made of rubber. It has a weight of just 8 pounds and is about 5 pounds lighter than one of the heavier bowling balls in the same ball range.
The 11 inch diameter is a good size for someone who is a beginner, or who is less experienced at bowling. The overall length of this ball is 9.75 inches, with the length between the finger and thumb holes being 4.5 inches.
6. DV8 Zombie Spare Viz-A-Ball 12 pounds
Pros:
- Very affordable spare ball
- Highly durable
- Does not break easily
- Very bright color and style
- Heavy enough to ball doesn’t bounce as much
- Great performance
Cons:
- Paint may chip slightly when being thrown on the lane
- May be too heavy for some bowlers
- Large ovoid shape can cause it to veer off-course when thrown at medium speeds
Another top pick for the spare ball is the DV8 Viz-A-Ball Zombie Spare. This is a great ball that you can use when you’re having a bad game or when you want to add some excitement to your game.
The Viz-A-Ball is certainly eye-catching with a larger-than-life look that will draw a crowd. It works great for practice and for spares, so it’s a ball you can also use to explain to and show your friends the basics of bowling.
The Viz-A-Ball features a green rubbery shell. On the shell is a bright skull with fiery red eyes and plenty of bones being drawn across the sidesof the ball. The ball also comes with a 12-pack decorated with images of zombies and other ghouls. Sounds like a bowling scare, doesn't it?
7. Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb
Pros:
- Provides great performance
- Non-slip surface
- Reputable brand of bowling balls
Cons:
- Is more costly in comparison to other balls in the range
- This bowling ball is quite heavy
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is a popular spare ball that is used in many homes across the country.
These balls have a nicely balanced red and black color scheme that is based on the Black Widow Spider. You are bound to enjoy this purchase as this is one bowling ball that bowlers are in love with.
As far as the ball goes, it's pretty perfect for a spare ball. It's designed to get the job done right as a spare ball. The ball will make straight rolls and is designed for use on medium to heavy oil conditions.
Motiv Allegiant Sniper 13lb- Orange/Black
Pros:
- High-quality and durable material
- Combines new technology and hollow-point core
- Long-lasting sticky and tacky material
- Accurate for spare shots
- Overall great look
Cons:
- Design falls short in comparison to other bowling balls
- No customer reviews to back up the product
8. Hammer OTB Black Widow Black Spare Bowling Ball 6lbs
Pros:
- Great spare ball
- Great for recreational players
- Great color scheme
- Smooth roll
- Ligh weight
- Image embedded into the ball and doesn't wear off over time
Cons:
- May be too light weight for advanced bowlers
- More costly
The Hammer OTB Black Widow Spare Bowling Ball is a black and red, durable replacement bowling ball. The black widow image look amazing being embedded into this ball and the image will instantly turn heads on your next visit to the lanes. Best of all, it can be purchased at a reasonable price for this type of high quality spare ball. This is a great accessory for any recreational bowler looking to improve their game.
9. Storm Clear Bowling Ball Clear Bowling Ball White/Navy
Pros:
- 3 piece pancake core
- Great ball speed with control
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Durability Issues- comparatively low durability
- Originates from China
The Storm Clear Bowling Ball Clear Bowling Ball is a great all rounder ball that is ideal for both beginners and the occasional players.
This ball is softer than most, which keeps it from flying down the lane too quickly. It provides great touch and predictability for a low price.
You get a lot of performance for very little money, and you can practice and compete with virtually no difference in performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I look for in a spare bowling ball?
Spare bowling balls come in a similar variety of sizes, weights, lengths, and graphics as primary bowling balls. As you’d expect, a spare ball should also be fairly durable if it’s going to be used on a regular basis. The best spare bowling balls for you will depend on your skill level, experience, and playing style. The severity of the spare usually has to do with the conditions in which the spare will be rolled. If you set up your spare delivery, you can usually predict where it will finish. Some people can put the ball very close to where they want it to fall; others are not so skilled.
What is the best bowling ball on the market right now?
I’ve seen a few bowling ball reviews, but, since nobody likes to walk around with a bowling ball in their hand, I know that they were probably all just a bunch of opinions. I have done some research and the Brunswick Products Lizard Glow Viz-A Bowling Ball seems to be a great ball for most people.
In my opinion, most of the top rated bowling balls are almost identical, so it’s really all about what you feel comfortable with and whether you are comfortable with the ball weight.
What brand of bowling ball is the best?
When looking at a list of the best bowling balls, you will see that there are quite a few balls available from different brands. While picking the best brand may depend on your individual needs and preferences, there are several factors that are common amongst all the best brands.
First, they are constructed from high-quality materials. This is of utmost importance as it will contribute towards getting the best performance and durability from your bowling ball. Another thing to consider is the best rated brands. You can find a good brand if the brand is endorsed by professional players and large associations. This is especially important if you are a beginner who is looking for guidance on which ball to choose.
Another important factor when purchasing a bowling ball is the amount of customization you can have. Most of the best brands offer you numerous choices to pick the sizes and coatings that suit your playing style best. This makes the right choice a lot easier.
How heavy should a spare ball be?
Depending on the surface from which the ball was struck and the ball’s initial speed, a spare ball may have to travel even further for a successful strike. So, the ideal weight for a spare ball will depend on the nature of your specific bowling surface.
Since most spare balls are between 8 and 16 pounds in weight, I would suggest starting at the low end of this range. A good place to start is an 8-pound ball. The expensive bowling balls used by professionals are much lighter than these.
Also keep in mind what personal preference you have for spare ball weight. For beginners, 8 pounds is good because they’ll be able to control it well, but 14-pound spare balls can help even experienced bowlers enhance their spare rate.
Conclusion
No matter how long you’ve been bowling for, it’s always good to have a spare ball by your side. Whether you are just a beginner or a pro and just want a ball to play with a friend, it’s good to have one or two extras. When we began looking for the best spare bowling balls, as yourself what is the main feature that you look for in any spare ball?
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball | Best Overall | |
| Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball | Budget Pick | |
| Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb | Upgrade Pick | |