If you are wondering what bowling ball is used in “heavy oil,” it is often the top-shelf, premium ball you will see at the shop.
However, will the most expensive ball work for heavy oil? It just depends on the oil pattern’s length.
While heavy oil means a thick layer of oil on the lane if the pattern is long, that same heavy oil would be more spread out.
But, if the pattern is short and the oil lays heavily on a wide area, it can be quite a problem.
Without further ado, let’s dive into a few balls that can help you tackle a thickly-oiled pattern.
Top 4 Bowling Balls for Heavy Oil
One thing that I believe is crucial to remember, is that heavy oil is not long.
In a long pattern, the heavy oil is bound to thin out as it travels down the lane. If it doesn’t have much oil volume on top of being long, you wouldn’t need a ball geared toward heavier oil for that.
But, if you still want one, it would be a ball with a stronger core, but not a stronger cover.
However, if a short pattern is heavily oiled, you will need a specific type of ball, and your focus needs to be on the coverstock.
This would be a duller ball, with a strong coverstock, which may or may not be completely solid/pure, because some of the hybrids are also quite strong these days.
And, the ball will also probably be asymmetric. Now, on to the balls; here are the top four heavy oil bowling balls.
1. Motiv Jackal Ambush Bowling Ball
Coverstock: Leverage Solid Reactive
Core: Predator V2
Finish: 1000 Grit LSS
RG: 2.47
Differential: 0.054
If you are looking for a dedicated heavy oil ball, look no further than the Motiv Jackal Ambush. With its Leverage Solid Reactive coverstock, it’s a beast on the lane. Gripping the pattern hard, it gives incredible traction, even on heavy oil.
The ball’s core makes sure you get a strong hook and smooth backend motion. So if you encounter a short, heavily-oiled pattern, its 1000 Grit LSS finish makes your deliveries consistent and helps you maintain control.
What makes Motiv Jackal Ambush special is its ability to dig into the oil quickly. Its ability to read the mid-lane ensures you get a smooth yet powerful motion.
With this ball, you get a strong, continuous motion that sees the delivery through till the end.
2. Storm SuperNova Bowling Ball
Coverstock: NeX Solid Reactive
Core: Ignition Core
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.052
While a dedicated heavy oil ball is great to have in your collection, if you want something slightly more versatile while still being quite powerful, Storm SuperNova will give you exactly that.
The ball’s NeX Solid Reactive coverstock performs strongly on the mid-lane and you get a more controlled shot at the back end. It was made for putting through oil, its 2000 Grit Abralon finish giving it more of a ‘bite’ to grip the lane hard.
However, its Ignition Core adds enough punch to keep things more interesting ensuring that the ball doesn’t lose energy before hitting the pins. It can perform in a better range of oil patterns, from medium to heavy.
The ball’s other features give it a balanced and smooth, yet strong motion.
This ability to retain energy without over-hooking is what makes the Storm SuperNova, super stable on high-volume oil, making sure you stay confident about your delivery until the end.
3. 900 Global Reality Bowling Ball
Coverstock: S84 Response Solid
Core: Altered Reality
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.052
If you want a ball that reads the lane early, without burning up its power too soon, consider buying 900 Global Reality.
This standout ball offers incredible traction, all thanks to its S84 Response Solid coverstock.
But a heavy coverstock doesn’t mean the action ends too quickly for this ball. Its Altered Reality cores ensure the power is carried smoothly to provide good backend performance.
With a 2.49 RG and a 0.052 differential, this heavy ball works well for both long and short heavy oil patterns.
If you aren’t expecting flexibility from this ball, be prepared to get surprised. Its asymmetric core ensures that you can play it at various angles, always ensuring strong backend motion.
4. Storm Proton PhysiX Bowling Ball
Coverstock: NeX Solid Reactive
Core: Atomic Core
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.053
Not surprising to see Storm bring in another game-changer. If you want a ball that can truly dominate a heavy oil lane, Strom Proton PhysiX is the ball for you.
I found the NeX Solid Reactive coverstock performing really well with this ball as it did with SuperNova, but don’t be surprised if it feels like a completely different ball; because it is!
Short, heavily oiled patterns are its area to cover. But what makes it truly special is its Atomic Core. This gives the ball a continuous hook that doesn’t disappoint and slams you right into that strike.
The pins are bound to fall, and so would your opponents, because this ball’s dominance in heavy oil is unmatched.
What makes it special is that it can create a strong arc that is consistent down the lane.
Its finish allows it to read the mid-lane effectively, and its low RG core revs up quickly, which is exactly what you need to make a stance on that thick layer of oil.
The Atomic Core is asymmetric and plays a huge role in how the ball performs, from the entry angle to its journey down the backend.
You are getting a powerful ball that grips the lane, but its dynamic core ensures a smooth pass and a powerful reaction.
Do You Really Need a Dedicated Ball for Heavy Oil?
Whether you need a heavy oil ball really depends on the kind of bowling you engage in.
For me, having a dedicated ball means having a tool for the more serious competition where the patterns are definitely tougher.
If you frequently engage in more pro bowling, having a dedicated ball for heavy oil will help a lot.
But, if you want to grow your bowling skills or mostly partake in easy friendly matches with friends, you don’t need to have one. But, owning one definitely amps up your arsenal!
Final Thoughts
Having a dedicated heavy oil ball means you will not screw up if faced with a thicker layer of grease on that lane.
Any of the balls on this list can help you dominate the heavy oil patterns, especially the shorter ones.
However, the one you choose really depends on what you need.
If you want to splurge, you can go ahead and buy one or two of the ones recommended but you can always choose just one, especially when you have a specific type of lane condition you want to tackle.
If you want a ball completely meant for just heavy oil, opt for Motiv Jackal Ambush. If you want more versatility, the Storms can be really amazing choices.
For a longer oil pattern, opt for the 900 Global Reality bowling ball, to ensure you always hit that strike!