If you’re new to the sport of bowling, you’re probably wondering, “What are bowling balls made of?” These days, there are three main types of bowling ball, Reactive, Polyurethane and Composite. Let’s look at what each one is made of and why it matters. You’ll be amazed at what you can get for your money! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one for your needs!
Reactive bowling balls
Reactive bowling balls are the latest trend in the sport of bowling, and the advantages of these balls over their plastic counterparts are evident. These balls can withstand higher levels of abuse than traditional bowling balls, and they don’t require much maintenance. They can be made from plastic or urethane, which makes them both durable and low-maintenance. Before buying reactive bowling balls, it’s important to understand what makes them unique and how they improve your game.
Reactive coverstocks are composite materials made from similar and different types of materials. These coverstocks can add an extra “tacky” feeling to the ball, extending lane traction up to 3 inches. They are available in polished, sanded, and rubbing compound buffed finishes. The resulting reaction can vary the degree of surface friction on a lane. Some bowling balls are not suitable for all lanes, so it’s important to determine your personal needs before purchasing a reactive ball.
Reactive resin balls come in different shapes and sizes. The most popular one is the Brunswick Rhino. Its back-end reaction is weak and its hook potential is low. The Brunswick Rhino is another example of a reactive resin ball. It’s best to use these balls in medium oil conditions and avoid it during deep patterns. They will give you a better grip on the lane, but are generally not recommended for novice bowlers.
Reactive balls absorb oil. They can be cleaned in a hot water bath to remove dirt and oil. After the soaking is completed, the balls should be rubbed with a dry cloth and polished with a shining polish. It should be allowed to dry for a few hours. However, it’s recommended that reactive balls be kept in a warm place to prevent them from becoming dirty. If possible, they should be used in drier conditions and have lower hook potential.
The design of reactive bowling balls has evolved over the years. The early versions had a simple symmetrical shape, and the modern version contains a large density, dynamic weight block. Most of the manufacturers have adopted a two-piece construction, which allows them to adjust the density and differentials of the coverstock without sacrificing a good ball’s dynamic properties. The advantage of this construction is that it’s easier to cast and assemble reactive balls with lower costs.
Urethane bowling balls
If you’re interested in buying an urethane bowling ball, you’ve come to the right place. The top brands include Hammer and Storm Bowling Products. A total of 386 consumers have provided their honest feedback for Hammer’s urethane bowling ball, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Regardless of the size and weight of your bowling ball, you should buy the one that’s approximately 10% of your body weight. This makes it easier to control.
The most significant difference between reactive and urethane balls is the amount of resin used in them. While reactive resin balls are made from urethane, modern urethane balls usually contain less resin to preserve the unique motion of urethane balls. This makes urethane bowling balls an excellent choice for lanes with moderate oil content. If your lanes are very dry, however, you might want to consider plastic balls.
While modern urethane balls are wrapped around high performance weight blocks, they tend to hook more than older balls. For example, the Brunswick True Motion bowling ball features the same urethane formulation as the original 80s balls, but a symmetric Magnitude 035 core creates a bigger hook. Urethane balls have a tendency to hook more than traditional balls, so it’s worth knowing which ones will work for you.
Another notable difference between undrilled and drilled urethane bowling balls is RG. Drilled balls have holes punched in the core, whereas undrilled balls do not. Drilled balls are more responsive, and have better accuracy. In addition, the Rev-Control Urethane features a new core and power plus control pearl urethane coverstock. Its 2,000 grit Abralon finish also makes it a better choice for heavy oil.
While urethane bowling balls don’t absorb oil, they can pick up some dirt from the lanes. To remove this oil, you can use a high quality oil cleaner or a cloth soaked in alcohol. You should avoid rubbing alcohol directly on the lane. It can also be cleaned with a good bowling ball oil cleaner. You should clean urethane balls every two weeks. This will help them last longer.
Polyurethane bowling balls
The DMX Pearl Urethane coverstock of the Motiv Sniper bowling ball is treated with a 4000 Grit LSS factory finish. The Halogen core gives the Motiv Sniper its superior hook. The urethane bowling ball is best suited to dry/medium lane conditions and can be used for spare shots in any oil pattern. This material offers better hook in medium to dry lane conditions.
It is possible to find three different versions of the same ball. This allows you to choose the one that best suits your playing style. Early and Smooth bowling balls are classic urethane balls with a symmetrical core. Both features are based on the original urethane formulas from the 80s. Early and Smooth also feature a symmetrical LED core, which gives them a slightly different shape than True Motion.
The Columbia 300 line is sold through distributors and pro shops worldwide. It is perceived as a leader in quality and performance. It also manufactures private label bowling balls, and has exclusive distributorships in several key markets. Polyurethane balls are generally more expensive than plastic/polymer balls, but they are still a good choice for many bowlers. The US Bowling Congress requires that all bowling balls meet certain standards for consistency of size and bounce.
The Storm Mix urethane bowling ball is a strong, dry-lane powerhouse. Its coverstock is the strongest in Storm’s line and offers better reactive performance. The Storm Pitch Black is also available in a solid urethane coverstock, and it is a great choice for advanced bowlers. This ball generates an easy hook if you know how to use it. There are several other types of urethane bowling balls that you may be interested in purchasing.
The urethane bowling ball offers exceptional hook potential, controllability, and friction. Its unique properties make it ideal for all types of bowling. However, the cost is slightly higher than urethane bowling balls. Those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a ball that may be overly sensitive to lane conditions might want to consider reactive bowling balls. These bowling balls are not a good choice for beginners as they tend to deflect and are not as predictable as urethane bowling balls.
Composite bowling balls
When choosing a bowling ball, you need to choose the one with the right features and specifications. There are different kinds of composite bowling balls available. For example, a Brunswick Nirvana bowling ball is designed for medium to oily lanes and has a coverstock called Enhanced Composite Segmentation. This technology expands soft segments in the polymer chain for improved friction, wider sweet spot, and higher refresh rate. These features are what make these balls stand out.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a composite bowling ball. One of the most important things is the cover stock material. This material should be durable and resistant to water and sunlight. Also, remember that composite balls are a bit more expensive than ordinary balls. But the material used to make them is of good quality. That way, you can be assured of their long-term use. The material used to make them is also durable and rust-resistant.
Reactive resin balls are better for long-term performance. The resin has more hook than polyester and requires less upkeep than its counterpart. Reactive resin balls are also more expensive than the plastic ones. But they’re great for beginner and intermediate bowlers. They offer higher hook potential and friction generation than their plastic counterparts. If you’re a serious competitor, you can consider a composite ball for your next game. It’s worth the extra money.
If you’re looking for an affordable, durable spare ball, a plastic ball may be the best choice. For players who play more than once a week, a urethane ball might be the best option. A composite ball can be easily repaired and thrown again if damaged. So, if you’re in the market for a replacement ball, consider purchasing a composite one. You won’t regret it.
Particle coverstock balls are no longer made, but they have the same characteristics as reactive resin balls. These balls have microscopic pieces that reach through the oily lane conditioner to make responsive contact with the lane surface. Nevertheless, particle coverstock balls aren’t a good option for players who prefer a more responsive ball. A composite ball is a good option for competitive bowlers who use a heavy ball.