Bowling has been the most entertaining sport of choice to play for decades, dating way all the way back to the 1930s.
It has been the center of attraction for many as a relaxation sport due to the fun challenge it presents. One of the huge draws is that its participation is open to all, from children to highly skilled professionals.
For those who find great pleasure in this sport and want to build to a professional standard, the prices of bowling balls are a major consideration, as they can greatly affect the precision of play.
These determinants are based on various factors, including the weight, the cover stock, and the hook potential of the ball.
After determining all these factors, we have made this list of the 10 most expensive bowling balls for you. Check them out.
Top 10 Most Expensive Bowling Balls
Most bowling balls are not expensive, with many costing just a few dollars. However, some balls can cost a lot more depending on their quality.
The top 10 most expensive bowling balls are as follows:
1. Quantum Technologies Raven Bowling Ball
PRICE – $12,000
The Quantum Technologies Raven bowling ball is arguably the most expensive in history. At a shelf price of $12,000, it tops the list of our most costly bowling balls worldwide.
This vintage ball made by Quantum Technologies features the Quantum Technologies cover stock and weighs about 15 pounds and 15 ounces.
Some critics have been outspoken in comparing the quality to its considerable price. However, justifiable or not, it’s still a very rare vintage bowling ball.
2. Mike Kelley Bowling Ball
PRICE – $12,000
Our second on this list is the Mike Kelly Bowling ball, manufactured by the American artist Mike Kelly, costing a whopping sum of $12,000 on the shelf.
This ball comes with a specially packaged bag, shirt, and catalog with Kelly’s signature. Kelly was known for his fondness for pop art culture and toy designs, so the ball and its accompanying products are not short on style.
With prices almost as high as the Quantum Technologies bowling balls, this is a big investment, but Mike Kelly Bowling balls are still widely available on the market today.
3. Mikasa MG Acrylic Green Clear Bowling Ball
PRICE – $10,000
The third on our list is the Mikasa MG Acrylic Green Clear Bowling Ball made by the Mikasa Brand in Japan. This green-coated cover stock glass ball is said to be dated back to the 1970s with a considerable weight of 14 pounds.
Although the Mikasa Acrylic bowling ball is no longer in production, its quality and price have remained high and are estimated to cost $10,000 on the shelf.
4. Brunswick USA 1977 Block Letter LT-48 Rubber Bowling Ball
PRICE – $10,000
Our fourth most expensive bowling ball is the Brunswick USA 1977 Bowling ball made by the Anvilane and Pro Lane brands dating back as far as 1977.
This 16-pound ball is made of rubber, standing out with the vintage Brunswick logo, and comes in its classic black cover stock. It’s still considered among the vintage class of bowling balls and is available at an estimated shelf price of $10,000.
5. AMF Whiplash Red Pearl Bowling Ball
PRICE – $1,800
This pearly Red bowling ball is our fifth most expensive bowling ball in the world. This 16-pound beast was produced by the American Machine Foundry Co., and its production dates back to the 1980s.
With a characteristic cover stock design of the AMF logo and the Whiplash branding, its shelf price is estimated to be $1,800, making it the fifth most expensive bowling ball in the world today.
6. 2003 Elvis Bowling Ball
PRICE – $1,000
Taking the sixth place on our list is the Elvis Bowling ball branded by Brunswick in 2003. This beautifully designed bowling ball has a cover stock design of a double-sided Elvis painting and is customized with the king’s very own signature.
Although reports show that many of the balls were made, this design remains unique and rare, costing a whopping sum of $1000. The Elvis Bowling ball is not light-weight either, coming in at 15 pounds and 15 ounces in weight.
7. Hammer Black Widow Clear
PRICE – $500
This multi-layered 3D bowling ball with a web pattern and eye-catching effect between each layer is our seventh most expensive bowling ball.
Designed by Hammer in 2008, this bowling ball has found its way into the list of most expensive and weighs 15 pounds, with estimated costs of $500 on the shelf.
8. Coca-Cola Polar Bear Bowling Ball
PRICE – $500
Our eighth most expensive Bowling ball is the Coca-Cola Polar Bear Bowling Ball. This ball is designed and produced by the Coca-Cola Company and the viz-A-Ball.
Although it is unclear how many of these designs were made by the collaborators, this rare design features the Coke polar bear with a Coca-Cola bottle and the Coca-Cola branding.
At a shelf price, these classically designed bowling balls are estimated to cost $500, especially when they are unused and undrilled and weigh 8 pounds and 11 ounces
9. Hammer Black Solid Urethane Overseas Bowling Ball
PRICE – $180
This beautifully designed bowling ball made from urethane is our ninth most expensive bowling ball in the world.
Designed by Hammer in the 1980s, this unique piece with its specialized LED core design made waves across the bowling community and weighs about 12 pounds, with an estimated shelf price of $180.
10. Ebonite Choice Bowling Ball
PRICE – $90
The last on our list is the Ebonite Choice Bowling Ball, which comes with an asymmetrical core. This classic ball is a combination of the Mod-1 asymmetrical weight block and the GSV-1 Hybrid coverstock.
Branded and Designed by Ebonite, this amazing piece weighs 16 pounds and costs about $90 on the shelf today.
Conclusion
When choosing the right bowling ball, various factors must be considered, including weight, cover stock, and hook potential.
Although different bowling balls come at various prices, the game can be played leisurely or professionally, bringing the whole community together. Irrespective of the price, everyone gets a seat in the lane.
However, some prefer to approach it more seriously than others, with style, interests, skill, and expenses going into purchasing a standard and expensive bowling ball. So choose wisely, all you pros; the right ball could be the key to a consistent game.