You may be a professional bowler or a beginner, the fact is urethane bowling balls are perfect for everyone.
Additionally, bowling balls are available in different materials, so you might not get the difference at a glance. But it is pretty sure that you’ve used one. However, it is toughness and durability that makes the bowling balls so special.
Meanwhile, if you are on the hunt to add a urethane bowling ball to your arsenal, this guide is for you. In this list, you will get to know about the 10 best urethane bowling balls and a guide to choosing the ideal one. So, let’s get bowling!
What Are Urethane Bowling Balls?
Urethane bowling balls are made of urethane. Urethane is a type of plastic with unique characteristics and performance on the lane. These bowling balls are popular in the bowling industry and have specific effects on your bowling.
Urethane bowling balls are not newer additions to bowling either, they were here before the fancy reactive resin coverstocks. Also, long-time bowlers prefer the familiarity of urethane bowling balls to any of these newer materials. It brings an old-school feel to the game; who doesn’t love nostalgia?
What makes the urethane balls so special? Let’s look at some of the key features:
- Smooth Hooking: Urethane bowling balls are known for their smooth and controlled hooking motion. They have a more predictable curve as they glide down the lane, making them perfect for beginners.
- Reduced Hook Potential: The Urethane coverstocks have less hook potential than their polyester or reactive hybrid counterparts. This helps bowlers have control and maintain precision even on dry lanes.
- Early Roll: With the head start on rolling, the urethane bowling balls can potentially do an early strike. Compared to other balls, the urethane’s early roll allows it to tackle different oil conditions on the lane.
- Controllability: Thanks to their smoother hook, urethane bowling balls are much easier to control. This is better for hitting spares and on rougher lane surfaces.
- Versatility: The Urethane balls can perform on many different lane conditions, from drier lanes to very oil-slicked floors. This flexibility makes them a favorite among experts and beginners alike.
- Durability: The bowling balls made with urethane are durable and long-lasting. Their sturdy nature means they have high abrasion resistance and retain their smoothness after wear and tear.
- Consistency: These bowling balls have impressive consistency in their performance, ball motion, and reaction. This helps maintain control and accuracy for the bowler, even when they’re beginners. Also contributes to its ability to specially turn spares.
- Minimal Oil Absorption: The coverstocks of the urethane bowling balls are also good at absorbing less oil compared to resin or hybrid reactive coverstocks. This helps the ball maintain its shape, performance, and reaction for a while.
Top 10 Urethane Bowling Balls Review
1. Storm Pitch Black Urethane Bowling Ball
Made with a cutting-edge Capacitor core and a killer urethane coverstock, the Pitch Black delivers control and predictability on the lanes, like you’re the only one playing!
Leave it to this baddie for durability, abrasion resistance, and consistency in any and all lane conditions. The pitch blackness is so opaque it eludes as the all-absorbing black hole when rolling down the lane.
What We Like
We love the instant strikes and spare turnovers with this one. A reduced hook potential and a great backend reaction are all you need to dominate the lanes, and it’s safe to say we’ve found that Pitch Black does the job!
You can’t go wrong with this shiny, solid black bowling ball, bowling style personified indeed!
What We Don’t Like
This ball is so black that even a single speck of a different colored substance will stand out. So it will get dirty easily.
2. Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball
The hammer purple pearl urethane is definitely where it’s at when it comes to a superior bowling ball that crushes on the lane!
A consistent and smooth arc transforms your spare conversions and pin accuracy. This urethane bowling ball glides effortlessly across any lane conditions, oil-slicked or dry. The purple pops in any setting, and it comes in sizes 12-16.
3. Storm Mix Urethane Bowling Ball
Created with a durable U1S first-gen urethane coverstock, this is the bowling ball that’s missing in your arsenal.
The Mix 3 piece core delivers and elevates predictability, and the coverstock backs the performance and consistency up by being super durable and long-lasting. Rolling in sizes 6-16, the Mix is a pretty blend of white and black glossy graphics you need in your kit!
What We Like
We love how beautifully it offers the hook motion and gives you the ability to turn spares like you were born to do it! It’s lightweight and easy to grip, making it great for beginner bowling balls. Also, it’s aesthetic!
What We Don’t Like
We would appreciate it if the ball came drilled from the manufacturer, as drilling it later on can hamper the ball’s performance and exterior. We also noticed a few scratches on the coverstock after a few sessions.
4. Hammer Black Widow Urethane Bowling Ball
The Black Widow from Hammer is an impressive bowling ball for many reasons. It is designed for consistency and strength in hooking, rolling, and backend reactions.
Pin-crushing has never been easier, and the urethane coverstock makes it long-lasting against any lane conditions. In sizes ranging from 12 to 16, this gas mask core is unbeatable in any lane. The orange spider graphic against the lustrous black is gorgeous and will get many heads turning.
What We Like
The hook on this is just *chef’s kiss*! It crushes pins and converts spare like it was programmed to do just that; so impressive! We also love how drilling it later on didn’t affect the performance of the ball afterward. Also, it’s a very attractive ball, so get ready to be bombarded with questions about where you got it from.
What We Don’t Like
The ball seemed to chip after a few plays, and eventually, an entire chunk of the bowling ball came off. This was unexpected, and we weren’t playing in very rough conditions either. We now think this bowling ball is better suited for occasional or recreational bowlers.
5. Storm Fever Pitch Urethane Bowling Ball
Reach fever pitch scores in the alley with the Storm Fever Pitch Urethane Bowling Ball!
The Tour Block core allows the ball to turn spares and crush pins like never before! A strong backend reaction combined with the reduced hook potential is how you become invincible on any lane surface. And the color is orange-hot, so it is striking in your pitch and pops on the lane.
What We Like
We love how smoothly it glides along the lane and also the surprisingly strong backend reaction; you can’t help but pull an absolute bullseye! It is great even after drilling and doesn’t compromise performance and consistency anywhere. Also, who doesn’t love a pop of orange? We know we do!
What We Don’t Like
We did notice a few scratches on the surface after a few sessions, and you don’t really want to see scratches on the bright orange background.
6. Motiv Tank Blue Urethane Bowling Ball
This bad boy is built to take on a load of all types of lane conditions. Whether you’re rolling out on a smooth, oil-slick, and slippery surface or a lane with rough and dry patches and annoying friction, the Motiv Tank Blue will glide like you’ve never seen.
The urethane bowling ball comes in sizes 14-16 and a bright blue that looks stellar in your kit and on the lane.
What We Like
We love the pin-crushing action on this bowling ball. It’s not like we’ve seen many others. It’s also brilliant in converting spares and maintaining a clear, straight trajectory toward the pocket. It is lightweight and is a great contender for a beginner’s bowling ball. We love the blue too!
What We Don’t Like
We noticed some big cracks along the surface after a few sessions, and it also got super dirty easily. You’ll need to buff and polish frequently. We also noticed that this particular finish attracts a lot of dust, and the blue shows it right off.
7. Hammer Black Widow Pink Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball
From the great legacy of Hammer’s Black Widow range, the pink pearl truly stands out! The urethane coverstock delivers durability and supreme smoothness and glide along the lanes.
Also, the gas mask core ensures a predictable and consistent ball motion on any lane conditions, medium to high to light to even dry. Also, the pink is perfect for the recent Barbiecore aesthetic, so you’ll be right on trend with it!
What We Like
The strong backend reaction is what’s most impressive about this bowling ball. It is also so smooth when it’s rolling down the lane, you’ll be awestruck just watching its beautiful motion, along with your opponents. The pink is edgy, and the urethane finish tells us it is going to be in it for the long haul.
What We Don’t Like
The pink will sadly display cracks and scratches more than other colors, so you need to watch out for that. We did notice a long scratch along the lining, and it was very well-pronounced, so yeah, that’s a bummer.
8. Storm Fast Pitch Urethane Bowling Ball
The fast pitch is loyal to its title because it is fast! With a fantastic hook motion and killer backend reaction, this ball reigns supreme on any lane!
This is Storm’s most versatile urethane bowling ball release to date, and it truly lives up to that claim! Roll it out on any lane surface, medium to high to light to close to bone-dry conditions, the Fast Pitch is going to turn those spares out. Also, it looks incredible with its navy blue shade and neon green text.
What We Like
Fast Pitch is right! This ball swooshes through the lanes to crush those pins and even those pesky corners. The hook potential is great and very good for beginners. We also enjoy the backend reaction the fast pitch delivers, making it predictable and consistent.
What We Don’t Like
It does scratch quite a bit after a few sessions, so you need to be aware of that. With the dark navy blue background, the scratches are pretty visible.
9. Motiv Tank Purple Urethane Bowling Ball
The Tank Purple’s special urethane coverstock offers amazing traction on any lane surface, from light to medium to high oil conditions, to even dry surfaces.
Like its blue relative, the tank purple also delivers control and predictability for beginners to pro bowlers, and the Flux core just ties it all together with its brilliant consistency and pin-crushing prowess. Also, this determines that purple is the best color for bowling balls!
What We Like
We love when products stand true to their claim because the Tank Purple certainly blew our minds away with its excellent glide ability and motion on light to even pretty dry lane conditions. Also, it’s a super pretty ball!
What We Don’t Like
It did rack up quite a few scratches following a few sessions.
10. Brunswick U Motion Urethane Bowling Ball
A ball for the champions, Brunswick’s U motion is an easy favorite for pros and beginners alike. Although tagged as an advanced-level ball, its ease and familiarity make it a breeze for even the first-time bowler.
The urethane coverstock transforms the ball motion into one that only guarantees the crushing and converting of pins. Dominating on any lane conditions, this stunning black bowling ball is one of Brunswick’s best yet! The U motion comes in beginner-friendly sizes of 12-16.
What We Like
Brunswick sure has one heck of a superhit with this one. The U motion is precise, predictable, and consistent, with a pin accuracy that easily puts the others to shame.
What We Don’t Like
We’ve mentioned this several times in this guide, but a solid black ball will show up any defects or scratches more easily than other colors. And it’s not different for the U Motion, so be mindful when buying an opaque black bowling ball.
The Difference Between Urethane And Reactive Resin Bowling Balls
You know how important coverstock material on bowling balls is for a bowler. So whether the perfect bowling ball is made of a urethane coverstock or a resin coverstock, each material contributes differently to several aspects of a bowling ball, allowing it to perform the way it does on the lanes.
Enough rambling; now, let’s examine the differences between urethane and reactive resin bowling balls.
| Features | Urethane Bowling Balls | Reactive Resin Bowling Ball |
| Hook Potential | Smooth and controlled | Sharper and higher |
| Coverstock | Minimal reaction with lane oil | Stronger reaction with lane oil |
| Lane Conditions | Well-suited to different lanes, medium to dry | Perform best on medium to heavy oil conditions |
| Ball Motion | Smoother and predictable | Dynamic and angular |
| Versatility | Various playing styles and lane conditions | Various playing styles but specific lane conditions |
| Trajectory | Spare shots for straight-line accuracy | They have strong backend reactions and can control their hook |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly | Expensive |
Checklist for Choosing a Urethane Bowling Ball
So, you’ve got out choices of the best bowling balls. But what if you want to buy one for yourself? No worries! We thought about that and prepared this checklist to choose the best-blowing balls. Check it out.
Weight
Select a urethane bowling ball that goes along with your comfortable and appropriate weight, usually ranging from 10-16 pounds. You want a weight that feels good in your hands and doesn’t strain your arms out after long sessions.
Core Design
Core symmetry is important. Symmetrical cores offer predictability, while asymmetrical cores give more versatility and angular action.
Finish
Ball finishes are also very important. Matte finishes are good for drier lanes, while polished finishes are great for all types of lane conditions.
RG and Differential
RG stands for Radius of Gyration. You want a ball with lower RG values, and lower RG-valued urethane bowling balls provide early roll and control, and higher differentials give the bowler more control.
Brand
Research reputable brands and list their best sellers (or look at this one!) Look at reviews, testimonials, and tutorials online. With an established brand, you will pick one that provides durability and performance.
Coverstock
For urethane bowling balls, their coverstock will be mostly composed of urethane. There are different blends and formulations, so look for one that meets your requirements best.
Hook Potential
Urethane bowling balls have controlled hook potential. Choose one that matches your skill and with the best-expected ball reaction.
Lane Conditions
Consider the lane conditions that you play on most often. As discussed, urethane balls are great in different lane conditions, from medium to light to dry.
Your Bowling Style
You want the urethane bowling ball to match your bowling style. Choose the ball that aligns with your hook potential and movements.
Price
Set a budget and explore urethane bowling balls in that range. Remember that urethane bowling balls are a lot more affordable than others.
Personal Preferences
Consider your personal preferences, color, design, brand loyalty, bowling style, and other attributes, then pick one ball that lines up with all that.
FAQs
Why Should I Buy a Urethane Bowling Ball?
If you want controlled and predictable motion, the urethane bowling balls are ideal. Also, these balls are versatile enough to perform on different lane conditions and converting spares. Also, those balls are great for beginner and advanced bowling balls.
What Is A Urethane Bowling Ball Good For?
The urethane bowling balls have been in the market for a long, and they have the best potential of all bowling balls. Here’s why a urethane bowling ball is specifically good for:
- For controlled and predictable motion,
- Versatile for different lane conditions
- fantastic for converting spares
- great as both a beginner and advanced bowling ball
What Kind Of Lane Conditions Is Urethane Bowling Ball Good For?
Urethane bowling balls are versatile and great for different lane conditions, from medium to light oil surfaces, to even drier lane conditions.
Why Is The PBA Banning Urethane Bowling Balls?
Not all urethane bowling balls were banned. Urethane bowling balls older than two years were banned and considered illegal by the PBA.
Do Urethane Bowling Balls Absorb Oil?
Urethane bowling balls do absorb oil. However, these balls are praised for their minimal oil absorption on the lanes.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of this guide for the best urethane bowling ball for all bowlers!
We hope you found this enlightening and helpful enough to inform your buying decisions. Share with your fellow bowling enthusiasts and let them pick their urethane bowling ball soulmate to wrap up their kit. Happy bowling!