If you want to kickstart your bowling career, you need to be able to bowl in all conditions, with whatever kit you have at the moment. You’re going to have to learn to slay on any lanes: wet or dry.
Sometimes you will come across bowling lanes that are not the usual oil-slick or slippery surfaces you normally see in bowling clubs, they’ll be dry and rough, so you’ll need to know how to work your way around it.
But you can’t do it with just any bowling ball! You’ll need bowling balls that glide across those dry surfaces just as well as any oil-slicked ones. So today we’ve got a list of the best bowling ball for dry lanes, check it out!
Top 10 Bowling Balls For Dry Lane
These bowling balls are made with many different things in mind, but under one very important aspect, versatility.
Meaning that these bowling balls are designed to swoosh across any lane condition, slippery or dry, for anyone with any skill level. Okay, we hear you. Now we’re going to stop rambling and give you the goods you’re here for.
1. Hammer Black Widow Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
The viz-a-ball has a durable polyester that delivers durability and precision as you guide it toward the pins.
A crown-factory polish finish means this bowling ball is going to glide through lanes, slippery or dry, striking with pinpoint accuracy.
What We Like
We love how lightweight and easy to hold this black widow ball is. The gray/white combo makes it look like a pearl as it glides under the light, truly a head turner!
As for performing on dry lanes, it is absolute greatness! We love how beautifully it hits the pesky corner pins and has the gas mask core which means it has great control and grip.
What We Don’t Like
The only gripe with this ball is that they’re gray+white, which means they’ll get dirty very quickly, but thankfully, the smooth cover stock makes it easy to clean.
2. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
This bowling ball is fitted with R-16 reactive coverstock, which gives the balance of easy length and a dynamic hook movement.
This also helps the glide across dry lanes smooth and quick. The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball comes in sizes from 10-16, and in 5 stunning and captivating designs.
What We Like
This ball is amazing for shooting spares with very little hook motion. It’s a great ball for beginners as it’s lightweight and quite easy to work with.
As for moving on dry lanes, it does glide swiftly without much traction. All 5 designs are very cool and will definitely make your kit stand out.
What We Don’t Like
The r-16 coverstock seems to only sound good on paper, because it scratches and chips off after just a few sessions. Also drilling it afterwards can create further cracks on the surface and bubbles under the cool graphic designs.
3. Ebonite Maxim Night Sky Bowling Ball
It’s like the night-sky in motion cutting through the bowling lane, the ebonite maxim bowling ball is a work of art.
Innovative bullet core technology delivers accurate pin action and makes gliding on lanes effortless. The crown polish adds a luster and enhances the glide-ability even on dry surfaces.
What We Like
It does slide across the lanes beautifully, rolling over dry patches with ease. Also we can’t get over how pretty it is! It sparkles under the light and when scrolling drifting the trail, it looks just like a gemstone gliding by.
You’re probably going to want to wear or carry something that says where to get this ball, because everybody’s going to ask you about it!
What We Don’t Like
The ball does not come pre-drilled, which can be a problem for some people. It chipped right after a few roll-outs, which is the last thing you’d expect from a pretty expensive purchase.
The chips were all on the sparkly accents, so the ball starts to look beat up without even some wear and tear.
4. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
Pyramid’s next bowling ball sensation is the path rising bowling ball, its symmetric core delivers medium flare for control and predictability even on drier lanes.
The path pearl reactive coverstock looks great and is durable. Coming in 9 stunning finishes and sizes 8-16 lbs, the pyramid defines any bowler’s peak of excellence.
What We Like
Love the all-angle roll action on this bad boy, it really does what it claims and dominates dry lane routes like it was made to do it!
It is easily one of the prettiest bowling balls you’ll lay your eyes on, and it is lightweight, so it’s great for beginners.
What We Don’t Like
You’ll have to drill it later on, so that can be a drawback. We also noticed some issues with the graphics which are not visible right away, not all the balls are as pristine as pictured, which can feel deceiving after paying a good amount of money.
5. Brunswick Bowling Twist Reactive Ball
With this core combination and a proven cover, this bowling ball redefines performance and durability in one.
With an affordable price tag, the Brunswick twist reactive ball caters to those wanting great value without compromising quality.
Drilling is up to you. You can add drilling services so the ball comes to you pre-drilled or drill it afterwards.
What We Like
Okay, now this ball blew us away when we tested it on dry lanes! It hooked so incredibly well across the dry surface and just glided like the lanes were slick.
The ball generates a killer rotation that’s bound to hit corner spares on one roll. It looks very cool in your kit and is also impressively lightweight. This ball is great for beginners and pro-bowlers alike.
What We Don’t Like
Unfortunately, this ball cracked after a few roll-outs, we thought we got too excited over it gliding smoothly on dry lanes, but that wasn’t the case.
You might want to get it drilled by Brunswick before getting it shipped, because you never want to crack it when drilling it post-delivery.
6. Hammer Purple Hammer Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball
It’s in the name! The Hammer purple hammer pearl urethane offers consistent and smooth arc motion that makes it a superstar on the lane.
Speaking of lanes, the urethane coverstock delivers an unmatched glide even on dry lanes. The hammer purple pearl bowling ball comes in sizes 12-16.
What We Like
Like the previous contender on the list, this ball has a great hook motion, on all lane conditions from slipper to mildly dry.
We love how easily you can customize your motions and techniques and this ball adapts to those changes. The purple is solid, so it kind of looks like a giant, shiny grape rolling under the light. We loved it!
What We Don’t Like
Unlike the previous contender, this one disappointed us on dry lanes, although it did perform well on almost dry surfaces, it performed poorly on plain dry lanes.
While the color is great, some people might not like how in your face the shade is. And also this ball also chipped on us and when that shiny, bright purple chips off, it doesn’t look as great.
7. Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball
A bowling ball that’s as cool as its name, the phaze II has an innovative core that delivers great all-angular strikes and versatility. The core and coverstock fuse together to provide the best glide on any lane surface, even on dry.
The pearl reactive coverstock creates a symphony of motion on lanes that leaves opponents awe-struck. It comes in sizes 12-16 and a stunning blend of shades of red, purple, and blue.
What We Like
This glides beautifully on all lane conditions as claimed. On dry lanes, the core seems to generate a strong hook motion that twists the ball and lets it slide down the platform like it was slicked with oil.
We’re very impressed with the consistency and control it delivers on such lanes. It is truly a great beginner’s ball, also for a seasoned pro, because you can hardly miss with this bad boy.
What We Don’t Like
The ball seems to have a strong smell which can be due to chemicals that does hit you hard. It does dissipate after a while, so be aware of it when purchasing.
8. Pyramid Pathogen X Bowling Ball
This is a bowling ball that encompasses cutting-edge tech and durability all in one. The Pathogen X’s symmetric core gives it the ability to cut through any lanes, wet, slippery, or dry.
Coupled with the GPS navigational pearl coverstock, the Pathogen X has incredible agility and glides on the lanes.
It comes in sizes 12-16 and a killer orange pearl color.
What We Like
We’re blown away by how much control you have over the Pathogen X ball! It is very versatile and smooth on dry patches and delivers consistent rolling along the lanes. It also has a great ability to strike corner spares. And let’s face it, it looks very good in any kit.
What We Don’t Like
The ball is quite heavy, which you wouldn’t expect from bowling balls with a similar core and coverstock combo. The luster can also wear off if you’re putting through very dry lanes, it gets dirty pretty quickly too.
9. Radical Counter Attack Pearl Bowling Ball
The modified light bulb core combines stability and predictability and with the pearlized coverstock, this ball takes flight effortlessly, offering impressive glides across any lane surfaces.
It offers sizes from 12-16 and is available in a beautiful scarlet red color that helps you stand out in your games.
What We Like
This does exactly what it says! The radical counterattack ball has an excellent glide across dry lanes.
The coverstock makes it lightweight and easy to work with. It cuts through lanes very smoothly and looks beautiful rolling along the lanes in its stark red shade.
What We Don’t Like
This ball chipped off after a few sessions, and with the stunning red shade chipping off, it does not look as pretty.
10. DV8 Alley Cat Bowling Ball
The DV8 Alley bowling ball has a symmetric RG core that delivers power and control.
What sets the Alley cat apart is its ability to glide seamlessly across any lane like a cat pussyfooting through any dark alley. The alley cat comes in 12-16 lbs sizes and 7 incredibly funky colorways.
What We Like
The alley cat hits with consistency and precision, even the corner spares can’t get away from this feisty feline.
It remarkably strolls through dry lanes and does not make a fuss on any rough patches. And it goes without saying, but we are in love with the colorways! You might as well display it on a shelf!
What We Don’t Like
It doesn’t come pre-drilled, which can be an issue for some people. Also, look out for the strong odor when unwrapping at first, it does dissipate after a while.
Checklist For Best Dry Lane Balls Shopping
Now that you have your list ready, you want a checklist before you go dry lane ball shopping. Make sure the ball you’re eyeing checks every box off before you go ahead and spend that cash.
Weight
You want a ball that has a weight that allows you to control different movements and techniques. Also, avoid strain during a long bowling session.
Coverstock Material
For dry lanes, you want a coverstock that is hard and durable. These materials help reduce friction and hooking on dry lanes.
Hook Potential
A low hook potential will offer a straighter route and better control, so you can hit your mark every time.
Core
You want a symmetric core, as they offer a stable and predictable motion, best for gliding on less oily or just plain dry lanes.
Aesthetics
Let’s face it, you want a cool-looking ball! So we’ve made sure to include in our list bowling balls that not only perform great but also look fantastic.
Price
Set a budget and compare prices to find the best value for what you want. You want a bowling ball that strikes that perfect balance between performance and affordability.
How Do You Make Angle Adjustments on Dry Lanes?
Buying a great bowling ball alone is not going to solve your problems of performing on dry lanes. You need to brush up on your techniques of bowling so the ball delivers what it’s supposed to,
Changing Your Release
Aim for a direct release with less hook potential, which will help the ball skid through the dry spots and maintain a straight path to the pocket.
Alignment
Start towards the center of the lane and aim slightly farther down the lane so the ball can swish through the dry lane.
Ball Change
You want a ball with less hook potential, a spare ball works great for dry lanes. This reduces the ball’s interaction with the dry spot and aims it toward the pocket.
Change Your Ball’s Speed
Increase your ball’s speed on the dry lane to let it skid more, so you have better control and a predictable trajectory.
Combine
Experiment with all the techniques given to find which works best to let your ball go into the pocket, gliding through the dry lanes.
FAQs
Is Urethane Bowling Ball Good For Dry Lanes?
Yes, a urethane bowling ball is better for dry lanes than a resin or polyester ball. This is because urethane does not absorb much oil and reduces friction.
What Causes Bowling Lanes to Become Dry?
A number of reasons cause bowling lanes to become dry, they are:
- The lanes are used a lot
- Excessive cleaning
What Does Medium-To-Dry Mean In Bowling?
Ans: In bowling, this means that there is a moderate amount of oil in the middle part of the line, but the outside edges are dry or have oil.
How Do You Bowl On Extremely Dry Lanes?
On extremely dry lanes, try bowling with a spare ball, in a straighter trajectory with less hooking and increasing the ball’s speed.
Do Bowling Balls Hook More On Dry Lanes?
Yes, a dry lane will create more friction between the ball and the surface. This causes the bowling balls to hook more on dry lanes.
Conclusion
And we’ve bowled to the end of this epic bowling ball guide! We hope you find this useful and informative enough to make sure you buy the best bowling ball to use on dry lanes.
Share with your fellow bowler family and friends and let them in on all things bowling on dry lanes. Happy bowling!