If you are a left-handed bowler trying to make a mark, you might encounter conditions favoring right-handed bowlers. You may have to adapt to their stance and release to compensate for how the ball moves. But your performance will be affected if you use a ball designed to keep right-handed players in mind.
However, you can improve your game significantly with the best bowling ball for left-handers. Meanwhile, If you are serious about improving your game, we want to help equip you with the perfect left-handed bowling ball choices.
So, don’t let stereotypes hold you back, and check out our suggestions with a complete checklist to choose one perfect left-hander bowling ball for yourself.
Top 11 Bowling Balls for Left-Handers
Apart from the engineering and material aspects of the ball, there are other important factors that you should consider before finalizing your purchase.
The geometric profile of the balls, like symmetricity and RG scores, helps you understand more about them and the lane conditions in which they are best suited. This can further help select left-handed balls for lanes and oil conditions.
The result will rely on understanding these conditions and the ball’s behavior. This makes the right ball the most critical asset to make or break your shot. Hence, the best bowling ball for left-handers depends on your skill level, the kind of lane you bowl on, and your personal preferences.
1. Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
The Brunswick Rhino is a good choice to consider for left-handed bowlers if you are looking for a round, high-performance, and aesthetically sleek bowling ball. It is very well-suited for bowlers who bowl on medium to heavy-oiled lanes.
The R-16 reactive coverstock is hybrid-engineered and meant for the best balance of control and hook potential. This is important for left-handed bowlers dealing with oilier lanes.
The traditional lightbulb core ensures smooth and controlled motion in generating an early hook. The 500 Siaair/Royal Compound/Royal Shine finish equips the ball with a smooth and predictable surface that helps it hook consistently.
With options ranging in weight from 10–16 pounds, most left-handed bowlers across skill levels can comfortably use the ball. It has a hook potential of 95, giving a good opportunity for a strong hook on the heaviest oil.
The ball offers a length of 160, making it ideal for bowlers needing a longer path before hooking.
The RG differential 0.030 helps for medium differential, which is ideal for most left-handed bowlers.
Overall, the Brunswick Rhino bowling ball is a good choice for left-handed bowlers desiring early hook and aggression.
What We Like
- Ideal for left-handed bowlers playing on heavy-oiled lanes
- Good entry-level option for intermediate bowlers and beginners
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Traditional bulb core design for better stability
What We Don’t Like
- Less suitable for left-handers who are beginners
- Requires resurfacing to keep the ball’s motion intact
2. Black Widow 2.0
The Black Widow 2.0 is an upper mid-performance bowling ball from Storm. It comes with a solid reactive coverstock with an asymmetric core. It makes a good choice for medium to heavy oil conditions.
The ball has an aggressive backend reaction, giving you more hook as it approaches the pins. It features the original iconic gas mask core shape and a carbon fiber outer core. The core shape enables large flare potential and versatile bowling styles.
The flare potential helps your ball get a strong grip when passing through the oiled lane. This maneuver makes Black Widow 2.0 a strong candidate for left-handed bowlers experimenting with various styles on different lanes.
The asymmetric core prevents the ball from over-hooking, a common problem for left-handed bowlers. It comes with solid reactive coverstock, which brings you the right balance of control and hook potential.
This can help left-handed bowlers in a big way since oilier lane sensitivity is a problem for them. The Black Widow 2.0 is a popular bowling ball among all skill levels. Many professional bowlers, like Jason Belmonte and Peter Weber, have used Black Widow for their games.
What We Like
- A great choice for left-handers
- Flare and versatile bowling style for left-handed players
- Good balance of strength and flexibility
- Affordable option
What We Don’t Like
- Can be too aggressive for some bowlers
- Requires more maintenance than other cores
3. Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball
The Roto Grip Winner bowling ball is a high-performance pearl ball for medium to heavy oil conditions. The combination of VTC-P18 pearl reactive coverstock and altered hotshot core helps provide traction, a strong hook, and a better back-end reaction.
The Winner is a versatile ball that can be used by left-handed bowlers of all skill levels. The 1500-grit polished factory finish helps the ball react smoothly under medium conditions.
The most interesting feature is its adjustability, which allows the coverstock to be scuffed in excess oil condition.
Using its adjustability feature, you can fine-tune the ball’s reaction to lane conditions. The high differential allows increased flare potential, which enhances the ball’s stability over the oiled lane.
The Winner is designed for medium lane conditions, which can be extended towards other conditions by varying oil patterns.
The ball ranges from 12 to 16 pounds and can be used by a wide range of bowlers. It has approval from the USBC, making it eligible for tournament and league play.
What We Like
- Adjustability feature
- Designed for better traction
- Competitively priced, making it a good value for your money
What We Don’t Like
- May not be effective in dry lanes
- Requires more maintenance than other core types
4. Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
The Pyramid Path Rising is a mid-performance ball best suited for medium-dry lane conditions. It houses pearl reactive coverstock and a symmetric core for controlled hooked potential and backend motion.
The coverstock-blended additives allow mid-line tractions, which stand as the best feature of the Pyramid Path. The 1500-grit abralon polished factory finish helps in giving smooth arcing motion at the backend. This combination helps left-handed bowlers in conditions with high volume near the gutter.
The mid-lane bite provided by the coverstock reduces over-hooking on drier parts. Medium-dry lanes fail to maintain consistent ball reaction, which is toned down by a symmetric New Era 139 core, providing a good balance and stability profile to the ball.
Its PSA rating 181.30 puts the Pyramid Path Rising in the mid-performance category. This ball checks all the boxes for left-handed bowlers. It handles the oil patterns with its symmetric core quite well.
The affordable pricing option and weight range make it a dynamic choice for various players. The Path Rising is a good option for left-handed bowlers looking for mid-traction without compromising the backend motion.
What We Like
- Good slide, rotation, and roll action into the pins
- Perfect for beginners to intermediate players
- Symmetric core for excellent control and versatility
- Affordable pricing with good value.
What We Don’t Like
- May not provide backend kick on drier lane conditions.
- Limited to medium-dry lanes.
- No room for adjustment within the ball
5. Storm Super Soniq 15lb
The Super Soniq is a mid-category heavy-oil bowling ball that gives an early hook with consistency. It comprises a centripetal HD symmetrical core with a low RG rating and medium-high rating of 0.047 differential. This profile helps Super Soniq rev up fast and have excellent traction on the oil surface.
The NRG hybrid reactive cover combines the solid additives to provide the best aggressive and angular motion. The combination of this particular coverstock and core makes Super Soniq an ideal candidate for heavy and medium-heavy oil conditions.
The Super Soniq’s early and smooth motion helps prevent over-hooking on the backend. This can benefit left-handed players playing deeper inside the lane under high oil volumes. The angularity provides the much-needed back-end bite to reduce skidding.
The lower RG rating increases the rev rate to check oil resistance. The Super Soniq is a good choice for left-handed bowlers seeking transition patterns under wet/dry conditions.
What We Like
- Manages heavy oil conditions without over-hooking
- Predictable and good hook potential
What We Do Not Like
- Relies on high speed or rev rate for best performance
- Limited use on shorter and dry lane patterns
- May cause early roll if not optimally matched
6. Track Precision Bowling Ball
The Track Precision is a high-performance ball designed for medium to heavy oil conditions. The ball houses a durable prime pearl coverstock that aids in strong mid-lane traction and backend hook.
The presence of angular, asymmetric precision SD core enhances flare potential for extra revs. It offers over five inches of track flare potential in heavily oiled lanes. This helps in delivering earlier and more aggressive hooks for left-handed players.
The 500/1000 abralon factory finish aids precision and provides a smooth and stable reaction. The color scheme in bold blue/orange/white makes it stand out.
The Track brand has a good reputation for delivering high-quality bowling balls that can be used by players of all skill levels. It delivers a smooth and predictable roll with durability.
Overall, the track precision ball is a high-performance ball for left-handed bowlers who prefer medium to heavy oil conditions. It is a good choice for left-handed bowlers looking for a ball that will hook early and stay in the pocket.
What We Like
- Performs well on heavier oil
- Better angular backend motion
- Strong and durable coverstock
What We Don’t Like
- Performance gets affected on drier lanes
- Early hooks may not suit some players
7. Pyramid Antidote Solid Bowling Ball
The Antidote is designed for medium lanes with specific attention to heavier oil conditions. The ball houses the New Era 149 symmetric core, providing higher RG and differential than its predecessors.
The GPS navigational solid coverstock blends solid reactive resin, providing better hook potential. The ball motion on a lane can be altered using small tweaks on the surface for a wider range of lanes.
The ball provides easy length with sharper moves off the spot. It combines strong mid-traction and forceful continuation through the pins. The most impressive feature is the ample length because of the factory polish 2000-grit finish.
It can provide predictable breakpoints regardless of the oil intensity. The ball packs a swift response, a defined hook, and a brilliant continuation that can manage various conditions.
The antidote is polished to a 2000-grit finish, giving it a better slide-through oil. It is a good option for left-handed bowlers looking for a more versatile bowling motion.
What We Like
- Provides excellent mid-lane and backend traction
- High flare for better consistency
- Stable motion through the pins
What We Don’t Like
- Requires an accurate match between speed and rev rate
- Quick response time demands good timing
8. Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball
One of the best features of Storm Phaze II is the aggressive TX-16 reactive solid coverstock. This coverstock gives terrific results with amazing traction and high hook potential across different oil conditions.
It comes with a 3000-grit finish, which glides through the deep oil patterns and preserves the equilibrium by not skidding past the breaking point. The robust TX-16 reactive coverstock brings aggression and power to the lanes.
The ball’s performance is further enhanced by its fast-revving symmetrical core. It lives up to the hype, counting it as a powerful option for heavy oil conditions.
The TX-16 covers bite hard in the middle lane to drop sluggish reactions in extreme lane conditions. Its lower RG rating of 2.48 helps maximize the rev rate with a quick-rolling reaction.
Phaze II shows incredible surface adjustment under versatile conditions. The box finish and grit help in maintaining a strong reaction.
The ball, under slower speed, generates a smoother arc with extra rev, making the quick, powerful motion more definitive. Phaze II shines on heavy oil lanes and can be a potent tool for left-handed bowlers.
What We Like
- Comes with a strong core and reactive coverstock
- Offers the desired predictable moves
- Easily performs under different lane conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively expensive
- Can struggle on dry lanes
9. Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball
The Bowlerstore Clear skull bowling ball has managed to keep its unique identity as it comes without any drill holes. You have to look for the right arena to drill the right pattern for better fittings in your hand.
The ball is made of clear plastic with a core and coverstock visible to the naked eye. The ball features a skull design through visible plastic. The ball is meant for amateur and entry-level practice sessions.
The undrilled ball is an advantage for left-handed bowlers. They can customize the drill pattern based on their fit. The clear skull bowling ball catches your attention with its unique visual aesthetics that are quite unusual for a bowling ball.
This eye-catching ball is perfect for left-handed bowlers looking for durability and casual bowling. Out of the box, the clear skull is a smooth performer with great controllable reaction, just like a conventional plastic spare ball.
The Skull requires expert handling in drier conditions to avoid grabbing too early. Its smooth roll makes the control easier for accurate spares or straight shots.
What We Like
- A good option for casual bowling
- Unique transparent cover stock with skull design
- Low pricing
What We Don’t Like
- Available only in 14 lbs and 15 lbs
10. Storm Ice Storm Bowling Ball
The Storm Ice ball is designed for all lane conditions. It boasts a traditional three-piece core combined with pearl polyester coverstock. The three-piece core is designed to deliver a smooth and predictable roll.
Because it has low RG (radius of gyration), there is a chance for an early hook, unlike with a high RG core. This makes it the right choice for left-handed bowlers looking for balls that are easy to control.
The Ice Storm is a great choice for bowlers expecting strong performance under a decent budget. It gives an excellent trajectory that raises its lane behavior. The Ice Storm performs surprisingly well on drier lanes.
The Ice Storm glides straight thanks to its high polish 3500-grit factory finish. The ball combines an eye-catching aesthetic with good predictability performance.
The three-piece pancake core underneath the Ice Storm delivers the classic control to your throw. The ball retains energy and drives through the pins, usually observed in reactive resin balls.
What We Like
- High polish finish
- Performs well on drier lanes
- Eye-catching blue-and-white color scheme
- Affordable pricing
What We Don’t Like
- Less durable
- Not suitable for heavy-oiled lanes
- Goes well as a spare
11. Motiv Jackal Legacy Bowling Ball
The Jackal Legacy is a high-performance bowling ball designed for heavy oil conditions. It consists of Predator V2 core and Coercion MXC Solid Reactive coverstock, which helps traction and continuation.
The predator V2 asymmetric core is a reliable, high-performance, versatile core that delivers a consistent hook with stability. The Coercion™ MXC Solid Reactive coverstock is one of the most durable coverstocks on the market.
The 2000-grit LSS finish brings a polished surface with a smooth and predictable roll. The ball’s weight ranges from 12 to 16 pounds, which makes Jackal Legacy the right choice for bowlers.
The HV3 coverstock guides the high-traction formula and digs into the lane for superior control of saturated contents. The grit finish further aids in enhanced backend-focused motion.
The Jackal easily handles the deepest inside lines with coverstock-generated high flaring for superior striking power. The backend profile 70 implies the ball can hook more in the back.
The flare range 7 means better flare when the ball rolls down the lane. Overall, Jackal Legacy is high on handling the heaviest oil conditions.
What We Like
- A great choice for speed-dominant bowlers
- Strong and consistent hook
- Good traction and continuation
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for dry lanes
- Can be difficult for some bowlers to control
Checklist for Buying Bowling Balls for Left-Handers
There is always room for improvement. It’s important to analyze and explore a wide range of bowling ball features and their implications on your performance, especially if you are left-handed. The following are some of the features to remember when selecting the right bowling ball.
Coverstock Materials
Coverstock material houses the drill hole and accentuates the ball motion. The basic interaction with the ball begins with the way your fingers and wrist fit into the drill hole.
The quality of drill holes depends on the material used in the coverstock blend; hence, it is important to go with the right coverstock material.
They come in hybrid, pearl, and solid material coverstock. Hybrid coverstocks are popular among professionals for stability and balance of control.
Drill Holes
Drill holes are the most critical aspect of a bowling ball. The ball cannot be retained in the previous state if anything goes wrong. Hence, it’s important to get expert suggestions in getting the right drill pattern, depending if you are a left- or right-handed bowler.
Both have different drill hole patterns and release mechanisms. The pattern design varies for different individuals.
It is advisable to try different balls having different cores and coverstock to get a sense of handling the ball and the way they interact with drill holes.
Weight Factor
This is completely subjective. The weight of the ball increases as skill and professional level increases.
An individual can hold a heavier ball with the right drill hole pattern, while he may not be able to lift a lighter ball with a bad drill hole pattern. A good rule of thumb is to choose a ball that is 10% of your body weight.
Aesthetics
A good surface finish compensates for both visual and better surface interaction in lanes, while the ball’s color could reflect your personal taste.
It’s always important to look for patterns that can help track the lane path and understand the rotation pattern of the ball when moving through the lane.
A color that gels well with the lane will hardly reveal any pattern for future inference. It’s important to go for patterns that can help improve your game.
Thickness
Left-handed bowlers impart more torque on the ball, affecting the coverstock’s performance and age. A coverstock with uniform thickness can eradicate such delamination.
FAQ
Do left-handed bowlers have an advantage?
No, there is a common assumption that lefties exploit the oily lane region that remains untouched because of right-handed players. This may give a slight advantage but doesn’t make any huge difference. In reality, left-handed players face a number of ball, lane, and equipment limitations that right-handed players do not.
Who is the best left-handed bowler?
Earl Anthony is considered to be the best left-handed bowler of all time, with 44 PBA titles and four major championships. At present, Jason Belmonte is considered the best left-handed bowler known for his powerful bowling style. He has won 29 PBA titles with four major championships.
How do you spin a left-handed bowling ball?
There are different methods to spin a left-handed bowling ball, the most common one is the thumb-in method. This involves inserting your thumb into the ball, followed by curling your wrist inward when releasing it. The method will cause the ball to spin clockwise as it travels down the lane.
Conclusion
Left-handed players should experiment and pay close attention to factors like coverstock, core design, and surface finish. These factors will help find the best bowling ball for them.
For heavy oil conditions, the Brunswick Rhino, Motiv Jackal Legacy, and Black Widow 2.0 offer strong backend ball movement without over-hooking. On the other hand, Roto Grip Winner and Pyramid Path Rising offer stable control with balanced motion.