Bowling is a sport enjoyed by people all around the world. Not only is it a popular activity for fun-fueled family outings, but it’s also a great way to team build at work, as well as the perfect setting for a date!
When you're just getting started, it's perfectly fine to use the alley balls you find on the racks, it won't cost you anything and you’ll have the chance to get the hang of how to throw a good shot.
However, if you wish to take your hobby a little more seriously, the most natural step to improving your average and raising your technique is to get a trusty bowling ball of your own.
The best bowling balls to compliment a beginner to the intermediate player is one that will be able to deliver a quality performance you can count on so that you don’t have to worry about switching balls or styles mid-game.
With all this in mind, we’ve spent some time scouring the internet and selecting the top five best bowling balls for beginner to intermediate players, as well as including a helpful buying guide. So, without further ado, here’s our list of the very best bowling balls available for you to purchase today.
In a hurry? Impress your bowling buddies with our top pick:
When it comes to a bowling ball designed to improve consistency in your delivery and release, the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball is the leading contender.
Not only is it suitable for a beginner to the intermediate bowler, but it also features plenty of performance-enhancing features that will help to improve your technique both instantly and over time.
Here’s why the T Zone Deep Space Bowling Ball is our winner:
- The symmetric T Zone bullet core provides fantastic lane length as well as a higher amount of control than other types of balls, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate players
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that you can really put it to the test
- Extremely durable and able to hold up against all kinds of external factors which could cause less durable balls to crack, break or chip
- Able to travel down dry lanes with superior length and accuracy
OUR TOP PICK
If you’re a beginner-intermediate player and you’d like a ball that improves your consistency overall, as well making it easier to zero in on single-pin spares and find the right mark while converting a split, you’ll love the Brunswick Tzone Ball.
Not only does Brunswick have a fantastic reputation among bowlers of all different experience levels, but the Deep Space bowling ball is well known for being an ideal ‘entry-level’ go-to of many. It features a combination of a durable polyester cover stock and straight-line accuracy, giving developing players a distinct advantage when it comes to hitting the pin pocket with consistency, even if your technique is still far from where you would like it to be.
If you’re a new player, you won’t need a ball that is heavy since it can affect your performance, especially when just starting out. It is super light, making it easy to maneuver and control, while also keeping you safe from injuries as you won’t be running the risk of overexerting yourself.
Plus, this bowling ball has a symmetric core which is particularly beneficial to those who are still learning how to play as it means that you can control the ball and predict how it is going to travel down in the lane. The core’s shape also allows for a balanced weight distribution, which allows it to move at a good speed while also offering a great trajectory.
Additionally, it features a swirl design that makes it unique and different from other balls. You can get it in different colors depending on your personal preference. It also comes with a warranty for at least one year! All in all, its consistency, straight motion trajectory, hooking ability, and affordable price point make it a bowling ball worthy of your consideration.
Pros
- Affordable, durable and long-lasting
- Specifically made with beginners in mind
- Lightweight and fast
- Has an excellent straight motion trajectory
Cons
- Due to the polyester cover stock, it will not perform well in medium-heavy and heavy oil lane conditions
EDITORS CHOICE
Designed to offer bowlers the best in durability and price, the Pyramid Path is another beginner to an intermediate friendly ball that will help you achieve a consistent performance this season.
If you’re a beginner bowler lacking in experience or an intermediate player looking for a leg up, the Pyramid Path is equipped with a clever pancake weight block core that is able to offer superb controllability and precision.
If you’re wondering what that is, a pancake core is one of the most minimalist cores available in bowling balls, they don’t require players to have an understanding of unpredictable trajectory patterns (which would be needed with more complex symmetrical or asymmetrical cores).
Rather, the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball will allow you to focus less on calculating the best angle, speed and throwing style, and focus more on getting the hang of the game and honing your technique, all the while having fun and enjoying yourself.
In addition to this, the polyester coverstock helps it perform extremely well on dry lanes and it’s excellent for throwing straight shots. The latter is especially important in a bowling ball for a beginner since mastering straight shots is the first thing you need to do.
Pros
- No hook potential, which means that this ball will help you to focus on shooting straight shots
- The polyester coverstock is durable and will ensure that the ball serves you until you’re ready to make an upgrade
- Affordable
Cons
- As this ball lacks hook potential, more experience intermediate players may find this Pyramid ball to be too basic for them
BEST VALUE
If you are looking for an entry-level bowling ball or a ball that isn’t going to react strongly to the dry or oily parts of the lane, as well as allowing you to hook the ball, then the Brunswick Rhino might be the choice for you!
The Rhino Bowling Ball combines power with just the right amount of control thanks to its R-16 reactive coverstock and light bulb core. Thanks to these two features, you’ll be able to easily send the rhino bowling ball along the lane without any challenges and a super smooth trajectory.
The light bulb shape of the core is able to enhance the movement of the ball by giving it an excellent pin action, which helps to increase your odds of scoring and make more strikes. The coverstock is made using a superior coverstock material which increases its durability and makes it suitable for dry and oily lane situations! This versatility sets it apart from other bowling balls.
Not only that, but this bowling ball also handles friction with ease, counteracting it in order to increase hook potential. It allows you to aim with precision and reduce the chances of the ball skewing to the right or left.
Pros
- Lightbulb design and reactive coverstock enhances movement and allows you to aim with more precision
- Offers hook potential and resists friction, making it ideal for beginners-intermediate wanting to incorporate a hook into their game
- Long-Lasting and durable
Cons
- Total beginners may struggle to navigate and control the hook
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking to purchase your very first bowling ball, the Columbia 300 White Dot will give you the durability and trust that you need, it's even a great choice for intermediate players looking to invest in a spare ball.
The Columbia 300 White Dot is a strong, ‘heavy hitter’ ball that has been designed to work best across dry lanes. Due to this, it’s a reliable first choice (or backup for those looking for a spare) that will ensure consistently straight and powerful shots that won’t hook.
In addition to this, the Columbia 300 White Dot sports features a very durable polyester coverstock that hits hard and is able to last for many games before needing to be replaced, while its pancake weight block core offers excellent controllability and precision.
Not only is the Columbia 300 White Dot Bowling Ball one of the most popular choices out there, but it is also one of the most affordable! This makes it a great selection for a beginner player looking for a reasonably priced bowling ball that will help them to shoot straight, work on their technique and withstand any misthrows or mistakes as you learn the ropes. Plus, after your technique increases, this ball will graduate with you and come in handy whenever you want to hit a specific pin or go for a strike.
Pros
- Simple design makes it ideal for novice players looking to work on their consistency
- Pancake core helps you to make more straight and accurate shots
- Affordable
Cons
- Not designed for hook shots
RUNNER UP
Offering the best of both worlds, the Storm Tropical Breeze Bowling Ball is a responsive entry-level bowling ball that offers enough versatility to be used in friendly league or tournament competitions as you progress.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate bowler that would like to invest in a bowling ball that will help them to correct inconsistencies, all the while allowing you to hone your technique as you begin to enter competitions, this ball is for you.
The reactive pearl coverstock allows for solid and straight throws in dry and medium-dry conditions, but beginners, in particular, will appreciate just how easy it is to throw this ball straight and keep it tracked towards the pin pocket, allowing you to raise your average and enjoy a more successful game, over and over again.
Additionally, the reactive pearl coverstock and high-RG core combo hit extremely hard and continue through the pins in very impressive fashion, meaning that this ball will grow with you and serve as a powerful weapon when playing competitively. Plus, as you get more daring and want to work more with a hook, this ball will allow you to try out this advanced style of play, all the while ensuring accurate shots and precise delivery.
Pros
- Featuring a proven reactor reactive coverstock, this ball performs very well in dry and medium-dry conditions
- Ideal for beginners looking to train and progress to the next level, or for intermediates looking to try out competitive bowling
- Inverted lightbulb shape core is fast, powerful and promotes a straight trajectory
Cons
- The coverstock on this ball is not made to handle a lot of oil and some find that it can slip off the lane, lowering control significantly
Best Bowling Balls for Beginner to Intermediate Buying Guide
Weight
The weight of a bowling ball is very important and plays a vital role in how well a person is able to control their ball. Bowling balls that are lightweight are easy to move but can sometimes tend to be more a little more difficult to control, as they can easily go off course due to their lower weight.
Heavier balls, on the other hand, cause you to exert more energy as you swing. They do, however, do a very good job staying the course once they have been bowled. If you’re unsure of what might be the best weight for you, why not try out holding a few different weights at your local bowling alley, or going for a lightweight option and then slowly building the weight up as your experience increases?
Grip
The grip of a ball greatly affects the way a bowler is able to handle the ball and how powerful and accurate the shot will be. A good grip also ensures that you’ll have more confidence. There are two types of grips that bowlers can choose from:
The fingertip grip: this style allows the thumb to fit fully into the ball, with the middle and ring finger to around the knuckle. This is a good grip for intermediate bowlers who are ready to learn how to hook their ball.
The conventional grip: this is the most common style. It essentially means that the bowler’s thumb can go all the way into the ball along with the ring and middle fingers. This is a perfect option for beginners because this style focuses less on hooking the ball and more on promoting a more direct, fast, and straight shot.
Ball Type
As we are sure you already know, deciding which ball to go for is one of the hardest choices to make, especially if you’re a beginner or intermediate player. Generally, beginners who haven’t spent too much time bowling should go for a ball that is designed to be thrown straight. Ideally, they should also have a polyester or plastic coverstock as these are more lightweight and easier to work with as you train.
On the other hand, intermediate bowlers who are ready to graduate from their beginner bowling ball and want something that is going to allow for a bit more control over the trajectory can opt for a ball that is a little more advanced. We recommend going for a bowling ball that still promotes a straight shot (so you don’t compromise on control) while also providing a hook potential, to allow you to get used to curving the ball.
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is the best bowling ball for a beginner?
When it comes to selecting a bowling ball, there really is no ‘one size fits all’ ball, there’s also no right or wrong, either. However, the right beginner bowling ball for you is going to have to be compatible with the alley you plan on bowling in, as well as complimenting your individual style of play and abilities.
The amount of oil your local bowling alley has is the first step. If your alley uses a medium or high amount of oil, you should keep your eye out for a more reactive ball that can counteract the chances of slipping or sliding. However, if your local lanes are drier, you can play with a polyester ball just fine as they offer great friction-resistance.
After you’ve figured out the amount of oil your alley uses on their lanes, the next step you’ll want to take is to find out which ball is going to be able to cater to your individual strengths and weaknesses. Whether you need a ball that’s going to help you throw faster, or you’re looking for a ball that is going to help you throw straighter shots, the bowling all you choose should enhance your technique, rather than negatively impact
What size bowling ball should I use?
The size of a bowling ball is universal! This means that you only have one size to pick from. Bowing manufacturers around the world stick with a standard diameter size of 8.5 inches, however, sometimes this is altered slightly depending on the brand. However, the weight of a bowling ball always varies, so this is something to keep in mind before making a purchase.
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I’m Lia and I love playing games. I started this site to share things with friends and they encouraged me to post more and now I’m trying to share things with the world – indoor and outdoor sports, and board and bar games. I write about things like Bocce, Croquet, Billiards, Darts and other fun ways to enjoy time with your friends and family!
