Finding the perfect match isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are countless options and a tremendous amount of factors that need to be considered. In this article, we will give you an in-depth review of the Hammer Gauntlet bowling ball to make that daunting task a little easier. Without further ado, let’s jump into the review.

1 Reviews

Hammer Gauntlet Bowling Ball- Orange/Black/Silver (13lbs)

• The Hammer gauntlet bowling ball was designed for heavy oil
• The ball is finished with 2000 Abralon pad which gives the ball a dull surface to pick up in the oil
• The new Hammer gauntlet bowling ball will change direction down lane quicker and harder than the scandal

Check Price on Amazon

The Features of Hammer Gauntlet

Asymmetrical core

The Hammer Gauntlet is an absolute powerhouse that offers tremendous performance on the alley. One of the reasons for this is it’s asymmetrical Gauntlet core, which has been developed by Hammer fairly recently.

The asymmetrical core makes this bowling ball rather aggressive on the lane, which would be great for players who want to perform sharp hooks both on the mid-lane and backend.

Needless to say, such a core would require quite a considerable skill level from the player. If you’ve been playing with simpler beginner balls and want to step up your game, do keep in mind that the Hammer Gauntlet is most likely going to be difficult for you to tame. However, if you do master its behavior, then you should be able to perform virtually any shot.

Semtex Hybrid Coverstock

The Semtex Hybrid coverstock is the second and arguably the most important component in the Gauntlet ball. The core has its own share of investment in the ball’s hooking potential, but it would be for nothing if not for the coverstock.

This ball is designed to perform on heavily oiled lanes as the coverstock gives it a dull surface that picks up the oil. And, most importantly, the coverstock significantly invests in the capability of this bowling ball to perform sharp and aggressive hooks on the mid-line and the backend.

Mid-high RG differential

The RG differential in this bowling ball is the thing that testifies to its mid and back-end aggressiveness.

Rated at 0.050, the differential of the Hammer Gauntlet bowling ball has a mid-high flare potential. We say mid-high because RG between 0.051 and 0.08 is usually considered high, and the 0.050 differential in this ball is just shy of being high!

Now, this ball definitely isn’t the most aggressive out there. And it doesn’t really need to be – who said that the best bowling ball out there is going to be the one that has the most hook potential? However, it has got plenty of hook potential to allow you to hit separated pins into a spare. And hitting strikes would also be easier with this ball!

Excellent Durability

The Gauntlet has carbon infusion on the core and on the coverstock, which makes it one of the most robust bowling balls available out there. While bowling balls aren’t the easiest nut to crack, the increased durability of the Hammer Gauntlet could make it a much longer-lasting investment.

3 weight options

The Hammer Gauntlet comes in three weight variants ranging from 13lbs to 15lbs, which should allow most of the people out there to use it comfortably. We’d like to see more weight options for this bowling ball though. Some other balls on the market come with as many as 10 weight options!

Beautiful Design

When it comes to looks, the Gauntlet is an absolute stunner. The design won’t impact the performance of this bowling ball in any way, but if you do care about the looks of your ball, then you’ll appreciate the aggressive color scheme of the Hammer Gauntlet. It accentuates the aggressive hooking potential of the ball, as well as makes it an eye-catcher.

Pros

• Sturdy looks
• Durable
• Solid build
• Suitable for advanced players
• Excellent hook potential
• Designed for oily lanes

Cons

• Not suitable for entry-level players
• Expensive
• Not suitable for dry lanes

Gauntlet Vs Gauntlet Fury Vs Scandal

Let’s take a closer look at some similar balls which are in the same league of Hammer Gauntlet –

$9.27 OFF

Hammer Gauntlet Fury Bowling Ball,...

(8)

$239.95

Check Price on Amazon

Hammer Scandal Pearl Bowling Ball,...

(11)

Check Price on Amazon

Hammer Gauntlet Bowling Ball- Orange/Black/Silver...

(1)

Check Price on Amazon

Final Verdict

The Hammer Gauntlet is not an average Joe, it’s a high-performance bowling ball that offers incredible performance. It would be an excellent choice if you are an advanced player who’s looking a great ball to hook.

The price of the Gauntlet is a bit on the steeper side, but, hey! Who bought gold with a nickel? This ball is an animal on the alley and it will smash the pins on every throw.

If you’re a beginner, then this ball definitely isn’t the right choice for you since it will be too difficult for you to master. You’ve yet to refine the basics of bowling, so the aggressiveness of this ball would just confuse you.

Overall, the Gauntlet is a masterpiece by Hammer that has an amazing flip down the lane. If you’re someone who finds oily lanes to their forte, then think no more and get your hands on this beast.

The post Hammer Gauntlet Bowling Ball Review appeared first on Real Hard Games.

Croquet is not a modern era game. It dates back to the 17th century. It’s a fun sport that requires you to hit plastic or wooden balls with a mallet through a hoop. It’s played on a grass field so you’ll get some quality time to spend with nature.

It’s a super easy and fun game to play and anyone can master this game easily. It’s a great pastime or a way to bond with your family. For this review, we have selected ten best croquet sets that will make your time with your family and friends way more enjoyable. Without further ado, let’s jump into the review.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Croquet Set

Best Value for Money

GoSports Premium Croquet Set - Full Size for Adults & Kids

Best Budget Set

Maggift Six Player Croquet Set with Carrying Bag, 26-Inch

Best Premium Set

Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set, Maple Hardwood

Best Overall

Franklin Sports Expert 6 Player Croquet Set

Image

Features

9 wickets, 6 Players, 35" Handles, Carrying Case included

9 wickets, 6 players, 26’’ hardwood handles

9 wickets, 8 players, 28" or 32" Handles

9 wickets, 6 players, 36" wood mallet shafts

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Best Value for Money

Croquet Set

GoSports Premium Croquet Set - Full Size for Adults & Kids

Image

Features

9 wickets, 6 Players, 35" Handles, Carrying Case included

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Best Budget Set

Croquet Set

Maggift Six Player Croquet Set with Carrying Bag, 26-Inch

Image

Features

9 wickets, 6 players, 26’’ hardwood handles

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Best Premium Set

Croquet Set

Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set, Maple Hardwood

Image

Features

9 wickets, 8 players, 28" or 32" Handles

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Best Overall

Croquet Set

Franklin Sports Expert 6 Player Croquet Set

Image

Features

9 wickets, 6 players, 36" wood mallet shafts

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Reviews of the Best Croquet Sets

1. Crown Sporting Goods Croquet Set

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable croquet set then the Crown Sporting is your guy. It has a solid construction that can take the beating for years. And with proper care, it’ll be as good as new for many days. This set will add up to the fun at any family event, picnic, and parties.

The Crown Sporting features six 32” wooden mallets with rubber caps, 6 colored balls that are suited for all kinds of weather, nine vinyl coated steel wickets, and two hardwood stakes of 21”. It also includes a black zip-up carry bag where you can put all these equipment.

When it comes about durability the Crown Sporting Goods Croquet Set will give others a run for their money. If you’re looking for a croquet set that will give you years of service then this is what you need in your life. The mallets and the stakes are made with extremely sturdy material to keep it going for years.

The balls are polymer made. They weigh around 2 pounds each. The mallets and the balls on this set are quite heavy so they are not children-friendly.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Durable
• Sturdy construction
• Comes with a carry bag

Cons

• Not suitable for kids

2. GoSports Premium Croquet Set

The GoSports Premium Croquet Set does justice to its name and it’ll surely give you that premium feel you’re looking for. Even though croquet dates back to centuries with its own sets of rules and colors, the manufacturer of GoSports Premium Croquet Set introduced some new colors in this set which makes them stand out in the crowd.

It features includes six vibrant color mallets, six balls weighing 10oz each with the diameter of 3”, nine sturdy wickets and two end posts. The wickets are made with plastic coated wire. It’s a great outdoor croquet set that will increase the beauty of the yard to a great extent. This set also includes a handy storage bag so that you can easily carry it to the parks or to a picnic. The mallets fit perfectly in the bag even when fully assembled.

The mallets and handles are made with hardwood which gives it quite a vintage look as well as durability. The handles are also a bit longer than the regular handles which makes them a perfect fit for the taller people. They also include a grip on them so the player can have better control throughout the game.

Pros

• Vintage looks
• Durable built
• Affordable
• Handy carry bag included
• Comes with a rule book

Cons

• The head of mallet is a bit smaller than the regular ones

3. Franklin Sports Expert 6 Player Croquet Set

The Franklin Sports Expert 6 Player Croquet Set is not an average Joe. It’s an elegant set with a beautifully lacquered cherry finish that will blow your mind on the very first look.

This set is suitable for six people so it’s a great set to have some fun time with your loved ones. The best part of this set is that you can change the colors of the wooden stakes and the balls. It comes with six balls with 3.31” diameter each that are suitable for all types of weather condition.

It features six 9”x2.5” wooden mallet heads attached with 36” wooden mallet shaft. They have a brass coating which adds to the durability of this set. The custom knurled hardwood head along with the brass fittings helps it endure some serious beating during the game at ease.

This set also includes six 24” painted wood stakes and nine steel bent wire wickets. From the beginners to professionals, everyone can enjoy the goodness of this croquet set.

Pros

• Aesthetic looks with cherry finish
• Sturdy build
• Brass fittings add durability
• Suitable for all skill levels

Cons

• Slightly expensive

4. Maggift Six Player Croquet Set

You want to have a fun time with friends but don’t want to spend a ton on the croquet set? Well, then we have the solution for you. The Maggift Six Player Croquet Set is one of the most budget-friendly croquet set available in the market. Even though it’s super affordable, it does not compromise with quality.

This set includes 6×26’’ hardwood handles that offers superb durability for the price. The 6×8’’ hardwood mallets also come with an additional cap to provide extra protection during the vigorous games. It also includes 6 weather resistant balls so that you can enjoy the game outdoors without any trouble.

The wicket is super sturdy on this set. They come with a vinyl coating to prevent it against rusting. It’s a super light-weight six people croquet set that will enable you to have unlimited fun with your friends and family. This set comes with a carry bag so that you can take it outdoors with you. Overall, it has an excellent price to performance ratio.

Pros

• Affordable
• Solid build
• Additional carry bag
• Vinyl coating on wickets
• Durable

Cons

• Mallets are short in comparison with other sets we reviewed

5. Baden 6-player Champions Croquet Set

This croquet set does justice to its name and it’ll surely make you feel like a champion. It’s an ideal set to spend the leisure hours with friends or a fun day with the family on the backyard. This will take the fun of outdoor sports to a great new height.

It comes with six Cottonwood croquet mallets with a colorful soft grip that allows you to have better control during the game. It includes six beautifully colored poly-resin croquet balls. The poly-resin material makes the balls very durable and save them from any wear and tear even after days of play.

This set also includes nine 14” extremely durable steel wickets and two 24” hardwood scoring posts. The cherry on top is that it comes with a rulebook which you can take a peek at any time you face conflicts during the game.

You also get a weatherproof travel bag with this set so that you can carry it around easily. On top of that, you’ll also get a 90 days satisfaction warranty. Hence, if you’re dissatisfied with the performance of this croquet set, you can return it to the seller within the given period.

Pros

• Sturdy build
• Rule book included
• Comes with a carry bag
• 90 days satisfaction warranty

Cons

• Slightly pricy

6. Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Set

The Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Set is a high-performance top quality croquet set that’s one of the best in the market. It will surely give you a deluxe experience making your investment worthwhile. It’s handcrafted by the finest Amish craftsmen in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania who ensure that it’ll provide incredible durability for years.

The finesse of this entire set will astonish you the very moment you get your hands on it. This set comes with eight Maple mallets that are made with utmost care. The mallets are also hand-painted with the corresponding color of the balls. There two rings on the mallet head that are made with polished brass to increase the durability of it.

It includes handles with two different height of 28″ and 32″ so that people of all ages and height can enjoy this croquet set. This also comes with super durable and lightweight plastic balls and metallic balls that will last you for years.

This Deluxe set also comes with a wooden holder that doesn’t only add to its durability but also makes it more sophisticated looking. Overall, it’s the best quality croquet set money can buy and the experience you’ll get will be totally worth the investment.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Made with the finest material
• Solid build
• Sturdy looks
• The holder provides a storage option

Cons

• Very expensive

7. Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set

The Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set is another superb creation by Baden that offers superior quality at a very reasonable price. It’s a six-player croquet set that comes with six hardwood mallets of 27 inches. The size of the mallets makes it very suitable for the kids. So, if you’re looking for a way to have some fun time with your kids then the Baden Deluxe would be the perfect croquet set for you.

This set includes six multi-colored balls made with poly-resin. The poly-resin layer makes them extremely durable and they can survive through an intense game without any damaging effects. It also includes nine 8.25” steel wickets.

This set also comes with two sturdy posts and an official croquet rule book to help you throughout the game. It also offers a nylon carry bag so you don’t have to worry anymore about carrying the croquet set to the playground anymore because this has got you covered.

You also get to avail the 90 days satisfaction guarantee offer and return this to the seller if you’re dissatisfied. So, get ready to have some fun this summer with your family and we can assure you that this croquet set will not let you down.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• 90 days guarantee
• Includes a carry bag
• An official croquet rule book

Cons

• The handle size is shorter compared to others

8. Bud Light Trademark Global Croquet Set

The Bud Light Trademark Global Croquet Set is an excellent croquet set that will make your time outdoors a very fun and memorable experience. It’s suitable for both adults and children so if you want to spend some quality time with your children then the Bud Light Trademark Global Croquet Set would an excellent choice for you.

This croquet set is made with solid wood which gives it a very durable and sturdy finish. The vintage finish of it will win your heart at the very first look. It comes with six super long-lasting mallets with 26” handle and 1.85” diameter heads.

There is also 2 solid 18″ long wood post along with nine vinyl-coated u-shaped wickets. The vinyl coating protects it against rusting, therefore, making it last for ages. It offers wooden made balls with a diameter of 3″ each. These balls have a protective coating which makes them last through all sorts of weather conditions.

Pros

• Made with durable material
• Vintage looks
• Strong carry bag
• Suitable for both children and adults
• Affordable

Cons

• The handle size is not suitable for tall people

9. Harvil Complete Six-Player Croquet Set

The Harvil Complete Six-Player Croquet Set another superb six players croquet set that offers limitless fun with a fraction of a price. It has six color strong mallets with a handle of 30” and a head made with chip-resistant bamboo.

This set comes with six polymer made balls with beautiful shades of blue, green, red, purple, orange, and yellow. The balls have a solid build which prevents the mallets from chipping and ensures smooth rolling of the ball. There are also nine heavy-duty steel wickets that come with this ball along with two 24″ stake posts.

Most companies don’t put much emphasis on the carry bag. However, the Harvil Six Player croquet set will surprise you with its superior quality carry bag. This carry bag has compartments for easy storage of the equipment. The bag is also very well built with superior quality which will offer exceptional durability throughout the years.

Pros

• Colorful aesthetic looks
• Budget-friendly
• Durable material
• Vinyl coating to prevent rusting
• Sturdy carry bag

Cons

• The handle is not suitable for young children

10. Uber Games 9 Wicket Croquet Sets

The Uber Games 9 Wicket Croquet Sets is a four-player set that is a great option for the players who are serious about the game. It’s a high-quality sophisticated croquet set that offers exceptional durability even with rough gaming sessions.

The best part of this croquet set is that it comes with two different sizes of mallets so that makes it suitable for both adults and the children. It comes with two 38″ mallets with 3″x9″ super durable hardwood head that will help you ace the game even during intense competition. You also get two other mallets with a height of 34″.

It includes four super sturdy wooden croquet balls that weigh around 12oz each. Even though the balls are wooden, they are quite lightweight and long-lasting. The balls come in vibrant shades of red, black, blue and yellow.

Even though the price of this set is on the steeper but it is justified as it also offers some incredible accessories such as corner flags, hardwood center pegs etc. It includes nine steel wickets that can work through all sorts of weather conditions.

Pros

• Two different sizes of mallets
• Suitable for both kids and adults
• Superior construction
• Durable material

Cons

• Expensive

A complete Buying Guide for Croquet: Important Factors to Consider

The surface of the ground

Croquet is a versatile game and it gives you the flexibility to play it o various kinds of grounds. However, the surface has some impacts on your game and your performance may vary from surface to surface.

Croquet is a fun game that’s mostly played with family and friends in the back yard. So, the condition of your yard has an important part to play in this aspect. The length of your backyard grass has an impact on the game. If your yard is not properly manicured, the player will have a hard time keeping control over the ball. Artificial surfaces have become quite common these days as they enable the players to enjoy the game even in varying weather condition. Here the grass is more uniform therefore it enables the player to land on a more accurate shot.

Golf croquet is played on a surface similar to a golf field. In this kind of surface, the grass it short hence the ball is able to move further and they also enable you to land on a more accurate hit.

Age of the Player          

Before buying the croquet set, you need to consider the age of the player. If you’re buying the set for the whole family then a lawn croquet set will be an ideal choice as these contain lightweight hoops, balls, and mallets which makes it suitable for people of all ages.

Number of Players

The game tends to vary with the number of players involved. Generally, there are four to six players in each game. You have also seen already that most sets usually come in a four-player or six player configuration. However, if you own a four-player set but there six or more people, you can always take turns and enjoy the game with everyone.

Style of the Game

Croquet has both formal and informal style of gameplay. In a formal game, you need to have your own mallet. However, in an informal setting, you have no such restriction. You can exchange and trade your mallets during the game.

Another fun part of an informal game is that it enables you to decide your own rules of the game. The rules are quite negotiable and you can even change them according to your liking.

Skills of the Player

The lawn croquet sets are also a great addition to the collection of the beginners who don’t want to start off their journey with a heavy set. This set will enable them to play more comfortably and help to enhance their skills as well.

On the other hand, for the advanced and skilled players, we recommend getting a set with mallets that weigh up about 1.4 kg. Advanced croquet sets tend to weigh more and they include high-quality mallets with a sixteen-ounce ball. These sets are popular among the skilled players because they offer better precision and higher accuracy level. Therefore, it enables them to have fun and excitement throughout the game.

Balls

One of the most important features of a croquet set is its balls. The balls come in a variety of vibrant colors ranging from range, green, yellow, black, red, or blue. The colors usually correspond to the mallet that comes with the set.

The weight of the ball tends to vary to some extent. Professionals or advanced players use balls that weigh sixteen ounces. However, beginners can adjust the weight of the ball to fit their playing style. This option enables the people of all ages to enjoy the goodness of the game.

Mallet

A mallet is a long stick that has a round head attached at the bottom of the stick and it’s used to hit the ball. The mallets are the most prominent part of a croquet set. This is something that you need to hold for hours and it needs to be durable as it has to withstand some pretty serious hits during the game.

The number of mallets varies depending on the purpose of the game. The weight of the mallets varies with the material used to make them. Wooden mallets are usually made with tawa, ash or hickory woods. There are also mallets available that are made with carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aluminum.

The beginner-friendly mallets tend to weigh less otherwise the player will have trouble hitting a long shot and the advanced players use the heavier ones. The weight of the mallet ranges from two pounds ten ounces to three pounds four ounces. The lightest mallets are made with carbon fiber and the wooden made mallets are the heaviest.

The length of the shaft is another critical feature to decide. The shape of the shaft sometimes varies depending on the player’s playing style and comfort. Many players prefer octagonal or hexagonal shaft over the round ones as it provides them with better control. Most of the modern mallets have a square shaft instead of a round one.

Using a rigid shaft will give you a better a control on the mallet when you try to stop a shot. Mallets with a larger surface area are preferred by the beginner as it reduces the probability of hitting the mallets head. On the contrary, mallets with a smaller surface area are preferred by the experienced players.

Stakes

Stakes are the targets that you aim for during the game. They have the colors of the balls on them which navigates you to hit them with the ball. It’s important that your croquet set is durable and sturdy enough to take the continuous hits otherwise your entire investment would be a waste. Wooden or metallic stakes are better options as they offer better durability.

Wickets

The balls are passed through the wicket which is tunnel-shaped equipment. Points are allocated for every wicket passed and the person with the most wickets become the winner.

Wickets are usually made with plastic, wood, steel or wire hoops. Among them, the wired hoop wickets are the least durable. However, the other material provides a good amount of longevity and works well throughout the years.

The material of the wicket needs to be sturdy because they are hit with both the ball and mallet. So, a wicket made with lousy material with eventually wear off quickly.

Final Thoughts

People tend to avoid outdoor activities nowadays and they’re more into indoor activities. Croquet is a fun and versatile game that is not bound to any age limit. From kids to adults, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It doesn’t have any critical rules and it can be enjoyed over snacks and cola with your loved ones in the backyard. It’s a great way to exercise as well as bond with your closed ones.

We have reviewed ten best croquet sets available out there to make your experience worthwhile. The buying guide is there to give you some insights so that you can make the best decision. So, go out there, get the perfect croquet set for you and spend some crazy fun time with your friends and family.

The post Best Croquet Set Reviews and Buyer’s Guide (2019) appeared first on Real Hard Games.

It’s important that you make a proper swing in order to hook the ball. Hooking is generated by the combination of two forces called revolution and side rotation. Learning to hook is very essential in order to score big on the game. Throwing a hook increases your potential to land on a strike. Even though your shot is not precise, it’s easier to get a strike with a hook ball as the ball spins more with a hook ball.

Get Your Hands on a Great Bowling Ball

Investing in a good bowling ball with good hook potential is a must if you want to ace the game. If you have been playing with a house ball all these time then it’s high time you invest on your own bowling ball.

House balls have a grip style called conventional grip. Here, you need to put your second knuckle in all the way which makes it a lot harder to hook the ball. Hence, the first and foremost thing you need to do is to invest in a bowling ball which you can get drilled according to your playing style and the curvature of your hand.

How to Hook a Bowling Ball: Few Basics to Master the Skill

Start with Confidence!

Bowlers often tend to create forced spins with the wrist by rotating the arm sideways across the body. Well, this is something you should absolutely avoid. Rather than generating a hook, this will make the ball harder to control on the lane and even swerve the ball off the lane.

You should put most of your weight on your left foot.  The ball should be held somewhat near the chest height and you to lean enough to the right so that you don’t end up hitting the ball with your leg as you throw it.

Determine your Aim

Visualize an imaginary line across the lane. Keep your feet close together to maintain alignment. Determine the starting position in your head. As you approach towards your target, keep your left foot on the center dot and aim somewhere between the second and third arrows from the right.

There are several factors such as the lane condition, oil content, the bowling ball you’re using play a vital part in deciding your aim. However, this aim pattern is a standard one that will help you get away with most of the conditions.

Get your Grip on

As we already mentioned that conventional grips are not good for hooking so get your ball drilled to fit your hand. Put two of your knuckles on the finger hole and release the thumb as soon as you take your final step. Your index finger and middle finger will shape your shot, if you leave the thumb for too long on the ball, it will make it harder to control.

Time to Lift the Finger

After removing the thumb from the ball, the entire weight of the ball will be shifted on your index and middle finger. As you remove the fingers from the ball, you should turn them counter-clockwise if you’re a righty and turn them clockwise if you’re a lefty.

The Four Step Approach to Create Spin on the Ball

This approach is very crucial in creating a spin on the ball. First, you’ll need to take one foot in front of your body and the other one behind. The right foot should step forward as the arm pushes the ball down.

The second step is to make a swing and move your left foot forward. Move your arms down towards the ankle ball and move your hand up at the ceiling. The arm should go up half a circle. Then move your left foot forward as the ball arcs down. Eventually, the ball should end up beside the right calf.

In the next position, the right foot should move forward as the ball arcs back to the highest point of the swing of about your shoulder height.

For the fourth step, as the ball goes down, your right foot should slide sideways in the back of the left leg. Be careful about your timing as an early timing will lead the ball get on the foul before your foot gets in and a late timing will occur when your foot gets in there way before the swing takes place.

For the final step, your left leg should be planted in front of your knees and should be bent on a 45-degree angle and keep your spine at 15 degrees.

To Sum up

Landing on a perfect hook requires practice. You may not become a pro overnight but with continuous practice, you can master it easily. Also, having the right bowling ball is really important. So, get your hands on a bowling ball designed for hook and rock the lane this season.

The post How to Spin a Bowling Ball in order to Hook appeared first on Real Hard Games.

Be noted that everyone’s arsenal is going to be different as the arsenal reflects your style which makes you favor one type of bowling ball over the other. You may need some aggressive balls in your collection or some weaker ones. It all depends on the playing style.

It’s high time you build a bowling arsenal in order to rock the alley in all sorts of conditions. However, it’s essential that you make smart choices before buying the next bowling ball because getting another ball that has the same configuration as the previous one is nothing but a waste of money and resource.

But, Before Everything, You Need to Ask Yourself Some Questions

1. What is your playing style?
2. What’s your preferred lane condition?
3. Do you have a high rev rate or a low one?
4. Do you like to hook or more into straight shots?

You need to ask yourself these questions before landing on a decision as these factors have a vital impact on the performance. So, it would an absolute disaster if you end up getting a ball with a completely different configuration than the preferred one.

There are many top-notch brands out there who manufacture high-performance bowling balls. Bear in mind that money doesn’t always ensure quality. If a ball costs a lot, it’s not necessary it will offer extraordinary performance.

The very first strategy that you need to follow before making your decision is to do proper research and develop some unique strategies regarding your purchase. The strategy you need to build up is to find a bowling ball that matches with the lane condition of your preference.

Suppose, you mostly play on heavy oily lane condition. So, if you get a ball with polyester coverstock for regular use, it would be an absolute blunder. Rather find a ball that offers a short skid length potential and has a strong roll on the frontend.

Choosing the right length and hook potential is very crucial for deciding on your next purchase. For example, if you already have a bowling ball that’s suitable for oily lane condition with the perfect length potential but you have figured out that the ball doesn’t hook much. Well, in such cases what you can do is to get a ball that has the same length potential but offers a high back end hook potential.

Get Some Insights about Your Speed Rate

You need to figure out what sort of a player you are. Your speed and rev rate is a crucial determinant of your playing style. For example, if you’re an even player you should have a speed rate of about 18mph and a rev rate of 350 RPM.

Again, a speed dominant player generally has speed around 19mph with a rev rate of 300 RPM. Therefore, if you pick a ball that doesn’t match with your preferred rev and speed, it wouldn’t be a worthy investment. Your benchmark ball should be the one that has a smooth and predictable surface and which can be used on medium lane conditions.

Bring Some Changes

Many prominent bowling ball manufacturers such as Storm, Ebonite, Columbia, Brunswick – they have put immense emphasis on the core and the coverstock material so that the overall combination will help you to take your performance up a notch.

The arsenal should contain balls with different sorts of finish so that you can ace the game in all sort of conditions. If you’re a high-speed player, you can use the sanded surface balls on heavy oil lanes.

Select The Benchmark

There’s no perfect bowling ball but you need to work out your way to make it the perfect one. The strategy to select best bowling ball requires knowledge about several factors such as your release style, axis tilt, rev rate etc.

Narrowing down your options may seem hard at the beginning. But, if you consider some simple steps, you can complete the task easily. If you are confused about favorite bowling ball then try to visualize the motion of your most encountered lane condition. This will help you understand which type of ball will provide you with the best result on the lane.

If you already have a bowling ball that offers skid on the lane then you need a ball with an aggressive coverstock. A reactive resin coverstock is quite an aggressive one that will help to reduce the over skidding of the ball. Also, if you own a ball that reacts before reaching on the mid lane then get a ball that delivers greater length potential.

An aggressive coverstock wouldn’t be an ideal choice. A coverstock with less aggression will give you a smooth glide in the front ends so that you can avoid an early ball motion. They’ll enable you to have a clear transition in the mid lane, also a clear back end reaction from the break point to the pocket.

The hook potential of the ball also an important feature that you need to consider in your next purchase.

Five Must-Have Bowling Balls in your Arsenal

1. The First Ball: Urethane Coverstock

One of the first kind of bowling balls you should make sure you have is a urethane bowling ball. These kind of bowling balls are extremely good for shorter patterns or where the lanes are very flat. The surface of the urethane bowling ball plays a very vital part in the performance.

We recommend you to have a ball with a surface of 500-grit polish as this kind of surface will provide you a lot of traction and earlier hook. You can also have urethane polish which will offer equally good performance. The Roto Grip Hot Cell is a superb ball that will meet all these requirements. It offers excellent performance on a shorter or medium pattern and you can keep it as a spare ball.

2. The Second Ball: Strong & Aggressive

The second ball we recommend you to get is should be strong and aggressive. Generally, these kinds of balls have an asymmetric core that has superb traction on oily lane condition. They come with superb hook potential that will give you the performance you need on a heavily oiled lane. Our pick for this segment is the Quantum Bias.

Again, the surface is very important for these kinds of bowling balls as well. Having a thousand grit Abrasion finish is the right kind of surface that will give you the traction you’re looking for.

3. The Third Kind: Continuous Ball

The third kind of a bowling ball that you should have in your arsenal is a continuous ball. These kinds of balls make a continuous movement towards the pins. One of our top picks for such kind is the Storm Hy-Road X.

It comes with a 5000-grit finish which makes it a superb addition to your arsenal if you’re going to play in leagues and most of the environments you may run into. Hence, there will be a point when a bowling ball like this will help you deliver a monstrous performance on the lane.

4. The Fourth Ball: Get Some Angle

Next up you need a ball that has some surface on it but it will provide some angle down the lane. We recommend you to go for a ball that has 3000-grit finish so that you can get some angle on medium to heavy oil lane condition. The Radical Conspiracy is a great bowling ball that is an excellent fit for this criteria.

5. The Fifth Ball: Massive Angle Down the Lane

For the final pick, it’s time to choose the angular ball. These kinds of balls are great for house shots, medium to lighter oil conditions. These are essential to make the aggressive move on the back of the lane. Our favorite pick for this section is the Roto Grip Idol. Having a 5000-grit finish that will make a massive angle down the lane at ease.

Let’s check out Tommy Jones‘ Arsenal –

Take Care of Your Investment

There’s this common complaint by the bowlers that the ball doesn’t hook anymore and they don’t provide the same reaction like before. One of the main reasons for such mishaps is poor maintenance.

Dirt and oil start to build up on top of the coverstock during the games. This dirt and oil eventually decreases the performance of the ball over time. As the oil sinks in the coverstock, it has a hard time gripping the lane and ends up losing its hook potential.

If you play on an oily lane then wipe the ball after every shot. Make a habit of cleaning the ball before putting it back in the bag with a cleaner and towel. Try to use a microfiber towel for this job. You can just hold the towel on your hand and spin it around. This process will help to remove the excess oil before it starts to get soaked in the ball.

If you don’t want to use chemicals on the ball then you can also use a homemade cleaner to keep it clean. Use equal parts Simple Green, Rubbing Alcohol, Water, and shake ‘em well. Voila! You got yourself your DIY bowling ball cleaner.

You can also give the ball an intensive cleaning. However, this process has mixed reviews and it is a bit risky to do it at your own risk.

• Tape all the finger holes properly so that no water can get it.
• Fill a bucket with hot water, preferably around 130-140 degree Fahrenheit.
• Add few drops of liquid soap or dish wash
• Soak the ball for about 20 minutes and give it some occasional spin.
• Dry the ball using a microfiber towel

Taking proper care of the bowling ball will increase its performance as well as keep it as new for years.

Final Verdict

To sum up, bowlers wanting to build an arsenal need to have the equipment to match dry, medium and oily lane conditions. Bowling balls with low flare and tamer coverstock are a great choice for dry lanes. On the other hand, for oily environments, sanded surface or higher flare layouts are the best options.

Try to bring variation to your collection. Having two bowling balls with the same configuration will be just a waste of money. So, do proper research before making the investment and take proper care of the balls so you can get the best out of them.

The post How to Build an Effective Bowling Ball Arsenal: Our 5 Balls Arsenal appeared first on Real Hard Games.

If you’re in search of a great bowling ball then you’ve come to the right place. Finding the perfect one is quite a daunting task, especially if you’re an entry level player. Also, it’s quite hard for the skilled players to make the ultimate purchase decision as there’s a pool of good bowling balls available in the market.

Strom creates bowling balls to meet the needs of all sorts of bowlers. They have a versatile range of products for both beginners as well as skilled professionals. There are many elite professional players who swear by Storm’s bowling balls. In this review, we have gathered the best Storm bowling balls. Let’s jump into the review.

Our Top Picks of Storm Bowling Balls

Title

Storm PhysiX

Storm Hy-Road X

Storm Intense Fire

Storm Soniq

Storm Drive

Image

Fragrance

Apple Berry Crisp

Blackberry

Lava Spice

Gingerbread Smores

Citrus Mint

Released

October 2018

October 2018

June 2018

February 2018

February 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Title

Storm PhysiX

Image

Fragrance

Apple Berry Crisp

Released

October 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Title

Storm Hy-Road X

Image

Fragrance

Blackberry

Released

October 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Title

Storm Intense Fire

Image

Fragrance

Lava Spice

Released

June 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Title

Storm Soniq

Image

Fragrance

Gingerbread Smores

Released

February 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Title

Storm Drive

Image

Fragrance

Citrus Mint

Released

February 2018

Check Price

Check Price on Amazon

Best Storm Bowling Balls Reviewed

Storm PhysiX

Strom PhysiX is one of Storm’s finest creations and it will certainly help you take the game to next level. The PhysiX is one of the new additions to Storm’s premium collection that vows to deliver superior performance.

This bowling ball uses Storm’s revolutionary Atomic asymmetrical core design wrapped in NRG Hybrid Reactive cover that comes along with 3000 Abralon finish.  The asymmetric cores are known to provide a large amount of track flare, hence, it’s ideal for advanced players who want to develop their skills more.

The Storm PhysiX provides fast rev up with super aggressive movement down the lane. This ball is great for oily lanes as they don’t have much friction, therefore, it glides like butter through an oily lane. It can easily cut through the oil and provide more traction.

It’s available in 5 different size variants ranging from 12 pounds to 16 pounds. The lighter variants are excellent for intermediate players who’re trying to improve their performance and the heavier ones are a perfect match for professional players.

The price of the PhysiX is a bit on the steeper side but have you ever bought gold with a nickel? It has excellent hooking potential along with durability that surely does justice to the price tag.

Pros

• Premium finish
• Great hooking potential
• Good for advanced level players
• Different size variants
• Attractive looks

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners

Storm Hy-Road X

Storm Hy-Road X is an upgraded version of the original Storm Hy-Road that took the bowling world by storm. This majestic beauty is created keeping in mind the modern bowling scenario so that it can offer both power and reaction simultaneously.

It comes with an Inverted Fe2 Technology core which is common in other Hy-Road balls. The core is wrapped with R2X coverstock with a 1500 grit polished finish which offers way more aggression and power than its predecessors with perfect reaction time.

It has a low RG of 2.57 with 0.046 differential. This low RG and differential enable the ball to have less flare and more length. This Hy-Road X comes in 5 size variants from 12 pounds to 16 pounds so that nobody has to miss the awesomeness of this beast of a ball.

The Hy-Road X not only has great specs but has killer looks too. This ball is great for medium to light oil condition. The 1500 grit polish finish will offer you a predictable read off the pattern.

It doesn’t come pre-drilled which gives you the flexibility to drill it to fit your hand as well as your playing style.  The Hy-Road X has a moderate price tag that does justice to the performance it provides. Overall, it’s a great bowling ball for the advanced players as well as the beginners who are trying to develop more skills.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• 5 size options
• Eye-catching looks
• Low RG and differential

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy oil lanes

Storm Intense Bowling Ball

If you want to add intensity to your game then Storm Intense the answer also, if you’re a Code series fan then this would be the ultimate choice for you. It offers incredible reaction and it glides like butter through the front and mid lane even during strong angular motions.

The Storm intense has a Rad-E asymmetrical core with R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock with 1500 grit polish finish. The asymmetric core helps to provide a large amount of track flare even when there’s long pin-to-PAP distance. It offers massive power that will have an intense impact on the pins.

It also features a low RG of 2.49″ with a total differential of 0.050″, and an intermediate differential of 0.017″. It has 5 size variants ranging from 12lbs to 16lbs. This ball is designed for professionals as it has impressive hooking potential. It works extremely well on heavy oil and medium oil lanes. If you play at the Leagues then this ball will be your ultimate companion in this season.

When it comes about looks, the Storm Intense is pretty decent looking. It comes in a combination of several green shades, however, there is no color variation which can be a bummer for the picky bowlers out there.

Pros

• Suitable for advanced level players
• Low RG and diff
• Asymmetrical core
• Different size variant

Cons

• No color option available

Storm Soniq Bowling Ball

The Storm Soniq is one of the most versatile bowling balls available in the market that will take your game to the next level. The Soniq was one of the most hyped releases by Storm due to their huge success of the IQ lines.

The Soniq has Centripetal HD symmetric core that’s wrapped in R2S Pearl Reactive coverstock. The Centripetal HD is an absolute beast. It’s one of the densest cores Storm ever produced pushing the RG all the way down to 2.47 and a differential of 0.047. It’s a super heavy rolling ball that needs the high differential that the high differential provides.

One of the key features of this ball is the high controlling consistency along with a phenomenal reaction. As soon as the Soniq hits the lane it keeps revving and rolling due to its R2S coverstock. If you’re a straighter player then this ball is not an ideal choice for you as it has top-notch hooking potential that makes it a perfect fit for the advanced players.

The Soniq is specifically designed for a lower rev or higher speed game. It comes in five different sizes ranging from 12lbs to 16lbs which makes it suitable for players with different styles and body structure.

Pros

• Centripetal HD core
• R2S coverstock
• Several size options
• Aesthetic looks

Cons

• Expensive

Storm Drive Bowling Ball

The Storm Drive is the Holy Grail for skilled players who are in a dire need of a good bowling ball to enhance the performance. The Storm Drive has Dual-Drive symmetrical core shape wrapped with the new R2S cover.

This ball has extremely smooth movement and it picks up nicely in the mid lane. It doesn’t snap too hard on the back which makes it very controllable as well as predictable. This symmetrical cover provides massive hit rate that will result in a strike with very little effort.

The Storm Drive offers superb reaction rate hence this is great for anyone who has a decent rev rate. It comes in five size options from 12lbs to 16lbs to meet the needs of all sorts of bowlers. It comes out of the box with 3000 Abarlon grit finish that moves like butter on the alley.

It has fantastic hooking potential therefore, it’s very suitable for the advanced players as well as the intermediate level players who’re looking for an equipment to up their game. The price might seem a bit on the steeper side, but if you consider the performance it provides, it’s quite worth the splurge.

Pros

• Dual-drive core
• Ideal for skilled players
• Great hooking potential
• High reaction

Cons

• Expensive
• Not suitable for dry lanes

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Now that you know about the top rated Storm bowling balls, there are a few more things you need to consider before making the ultimate purchase decision.

Material

The material of the ball has an overwhelming effect on your overall performance. A bowling ball made with lousy material will eventually jeopardize your entire performance. The material used for the outer layer of the ball is known as the coverstock.

A coverstock is generally made with polyester, urethane or with reactive resin. Polyester covers are harder compared to the other two hence offer better durability. Bowling balls with polyester coverstock are more suitable for entry-level players.

On the other hand, urethane or resin covers features a softer layer and they work extremely well on oily lanes. Oily lanes are generally a pro player thing, so consider and compare the material of the bowling ball with your performance to make the ultimate purchase decision.

Weight

It’s not necessarily true that a bowling ball that weighs more does a better job on the alley. There are merits and demerits for both heavy ones and lighter ones. If the ball is too heavy then it’ll make you tired after only a few throws. On the other hand, if it’s too light then it might swerve off the lane.

Most bowling balls come in several size variants. So, pick the weight that will not make you tired and help you deliver a phenomenal performance.

Drill

Most bowling balls don’t come pre-drilled and need to be drilled after the purchase. This feature has both pros and cons. The pro is it enables the player to drill the ball to fit his/her hand and the playing style.

On the contrary, drilling requires some additional cost. So, if you have a tight budget, a pre-drilled ball will be the ideal choice for you.

Hook

Hook is the term used in bowling that refers to the curve the ball makes. The hook potential of the ball depends largely on the coverstock, core, finger hole position and the polish of the coverstock. Not all bowling ball deliver the same hooking potential.

Bowling balls that have polyester coverstock are suitable for straight shooters and the ones with urethane or resin coverstock have greater hook potential. If you’re an entry-level player then you probably haven’t started curving the ball.

If the coverstock has a wider surface, the ball will hook more. Also, if the friction on the surface is less, the ball will also hook less and roll in a straighter way.

Price

Price is an inevitable part of every purchase decision. Bowling balls don’t come cheap rather many of them come with a hefty price tag. We recommend you to start your journey with a budget-friendly ball and then upgrade to a better one once you develop more skills.

Final Words

Bowling is indeed a fun activity across all age, gender and skill level. Strom creates top quality bowling balls and we have selected the best among them. The ones that we picked are more suitable for advanced players and the intermediate level players who want to take their performance up a notch. Check our another article for beginners friendly bowling balls.

Many of them have quite a steep price tag but we assure you that they would offer an excellent price to performance ratio. So, get your hands on the one that’s suits you the best and be ready to rule this bowling season like a boss!

The post Best Storm Bowling Balls Reviews 2019: Which One to Buy? appeared first on Real Hard Games.