Urethane Bowling Balls Vs. Reactive Resin Bowling Balls

Summers do not summer without regular trips to the bowling alley. Nothing hits the spot like bowling alley food, but that is not the only reason we consider it the best sport ever. 

All bowling fans have one thing in common: their confusion about the whole urethane bowling ball vs. reactive resin ball debate.

Let’s be factual; we can’t stand in a bowling alley and stop everyone’s turn to ask the workers what a urethane bowling ball is. 

In that vein, we have created this guide to help elaborate on that so you can impress your friends with your bowling knowledge. 

What is a Urethane Bowling Ball?

The answer to this question is simpler than 2+2 equals 4. Urethane balls are bowling balls made of urethane! 

All football and baseball fans are free to disagree, but only the real bowling fanatics know the thrill of holding a bowling ball and watching as it destroys everything. By everything, we mean sweeping off all the pins in one go! 

The kind of bowling ball you choose greatly affects the shot you make. So it is quite possible that you have been playing with the wrong ball all along. 

Instead of beating yourself up about not improving in bowling, it is time to learn more about bowling balls. And no, it is not as boring as it sounds, we promise!

If we talk honestly, all bowling balls look the same. The only noticeable difference is their color and, of course, weight. 

Some are just too heavy for us to make a shot with, so we push them at the back and continue searching for the light ones. But is there a distinction beyond this? 

Different bowling alleys have different kinds of balls, even if we cannot see obvious differences. 

Urethane bowling balls are the most obvious and popular choice in local bowling alleys. But what are they? Urethane bowling balls landed on the market back in the 1980s and were an instant success. 

Bowlers back then loved them, and now we all love them too. They are a lot more durable than the plastic ones but not as advanced when compared to the other varieties. 

Despite that, they are an excellent fit for professional bowlers and those learning to be one.

You can expect more friction from a urethane bowling ball, which eventually boosts its angle clash with the pits. Using a plastic ball would never guarantee this entry. 

The relatively higher friction also allows better pin action, making the ball hook best on dry or medium lanes. Oily lanes are not their friends. 

So, if you are looking for a ball that gives you the right amount of control over its reaction, motion, and breakpoint, urethane balls make an excellent choice. They are much more durable because of their hard exterior, which is all one looks for in a bowling ball. 

Whatever the conditions, you can count on a urethane ball to perform its best. Since they are not oil lovers, they can effortlessly glide on a lane in the trajectory of your choice, retaining the strength of your throw through their power. 

But you don’t necessarily have to look for a bone-dry lane for the urethane ball to work its magic; a medium-oiled lane also works fine. Their versatility is one of the reasons we, and all professional and intermediate bowlers, love using them. 

If you are pretty new to this exciting sport, you may need some time to learn the hooking of these balls. You may want to try out plastic or resin balls for better shots and go for these once you get better. Just don’t give up! 

What is a Reactive Resin Bowling Ball?

Reactive resin balls are bowling balls made of reactive resin. What is reactive resin, you may ask? It is material made through a number of boring and scientific processes we are not interested in, and you don’t need to either! 

Reactive resin bowling balls are great, but they do not stand a chance regarding the durability of urethane or plastic balls. But wait! That is not enough reason to discard them. 

Reactive resin bowling balls have exceptional hook potential, great pin action, and higher friction than standard balls. Because they glide across lanes without much friction, they can be quite hard to control. 

In essence, the characteristics of the lane you choose can greatly affect the working of these balls. Their low friction makes them more sensitive to operator mistakes as well.

So you should not beat yourself up if you fail to control them on the first try; they are a hard nut to crack! 

But if you are an advanced bowling fanatic who loves an abundance of hook ability, you can be friends with reactive resin bowling balls. 

Going for balls with a higher hook ability can change your game’s face if you know its basics. Bowlers who choose reactive resin balls distinguish themselves with their power and hooking, all with low friction. 

However, it is important to note that a resin ball is less durable than a urethane or plastic one. It is also more expensive and relatively heavier. Their particular characteristics may make them harder to like, which is why only selected bowlers opt for them. 

Urethane Bowling Ball vs Reactive Resin Bowling Ball: Which One Is Better?

It is now time for the big question: Who would win if you pitted a urethane bowling ball against a reactive resin one? We are ready for the competition, and so are you. 

Let’s find out! 

Hooking Ability 

The first testing criterion to choose the better ball between urethane and resin is hooking ability. If you are not a fan and do not want your ball to hook, the reactive resin bowl is not your cup of tea. 

Urethane balls hook less and are more suitable for beginners and professionals alike. 

But if a higher hooking ability straightens out your game, we recommend the resin ball. You can enhance your average with its higher on-point pin action and leave the bowling alley happy. 

Durability 

The next thing on the list is durability because why shouldn’t we look at the strength of a ball we quite literally throw at pins? Urethane balls win this round with their higher strength and durability. 

Because these balls are made of a urethane mesh, they are more robust and harder to crack. Reactive resin balls can crack at the wrong angle, so beware when playing with them. 

Weight 

The weight of bowling balls matters greatly because how would you make a nice shot if you cannot even swing the ball properly? 

Reactive resin balls are heavier than urethane ones simply because they are made up of overlapping resin slabs. These also increase their density, making urethane balls the lighter option. 

Performance 

If you ask us what the most important thing in this competition is, we would point to performance. How else can we choose the best between urethane and reactive resin bowling balls? 

Urethane balls are the undisputed winner when it comes to flexibility and control. But they cannot beat reactive resin balls in better pin action and higher hook potential. 

Summing Up 

So, who do you think should be crowned the winner? We agree the answer is a challenge. 

Both urethane and reactive resin bowling balls have their merits and demerits. If you are a beginner, urethane balls will best fit you because of their high friction characteristics. 

We hope this guide cleared your bowling confusion and motivated you to pick up a bowling ball as soon as possible! 

Don’t get swayed by others, and use your knowledge to choose the best ball for you! 

Frequently Asked Questions