In order to get a better idea of the Spare bowling ball, you must know about the two terms that are commonly used in Bowling, “Strike” and “Spare”. The strike is a term that is used when you knock down all the pins in the first ball of a frame. On the other hand, the spare is used when you have missed some pins in the first throw and use the second ball to knock down all the pins in a frame.
The balls which are used for strike and spare are different and all the professional bowlers carry one or more strike balls and one spare ball. So, when you hear people talking about the ‘Spare bowling ball’, it means that they are referring to the ball which is used for knocking down all the pins in the second throw of a frame.
Why you need a Spare Ball
When you’re trying to knock all the pins down in the first ball of a frame, you must use a ball with high hook potential and more backend action because you need a lot of power to get a strike. However, sometimes in order to knock down all the pins in one go, you may face some tricky spares and splits. This is where you need a spare bowling ball to hit the remaining pins. Because you need finesse and precision to strike the remaining pins and a ball with high hook potential and more backend action isn’t suitable for such situations.
Instead of using a Strike ball, many bowlers use the lighter ball with low hook potential as they go in a straight trajectory and don’t react to the lane conditions. These spare balls are mostly made of plastic or polyester which is ideal if you’re aiming for accuracy and precision.
How to Pick a Right Spare Bowling Ball
Now that you know what a spare bowling ball is and why you need it, it’s time to tell you guys about the aspects that are important in choosing the right spare ball. Some of the aspects are given below.
Coverstock
Coverstock is the outer part of the bowling ball and has a major part in determining the different aspects of the bowling ball. For a spare bowling ball, you’re looking for a ball with a solid outer layer that doesn’t absorb oil from the lane. As you’re looking for a ball to move straight down the lane, the coverstock suitable for this is plastic or polyester. The balls with solid urethane coverstock are also a good choice for the spare bowling ball.
Core
Mainly, there are three types of cores in the bowling ball which includes pancake, symmetrical and asymmetrical. As you’re looking for a ball that provides more control when travelling down the lane, you should buy a ball that has a pancake or symmetrical core. Both these cores offer the bowlers more control and help in getting the desired precision and accuracy. The balls with asymmetrical cores provide more hook potential and curve a lot more as compared to balls with a pancake and symmetrical core.
Weight
There is no formula for choosing the right weight for the spare bowling ball as it varies from individual to individual. You should be going for the weight that is comfortable for you. Once you find out the ideal weight for your “Strike Ball”, you will be able to determine the right weight for the spare ball. We recommend that you should buy a spare ball that has the same weight or one pound lighter than your strike ball.
Durability
You must go for a spare ball that is scratch resistant and has better build quality. The ball that is cheap in quality tends to develop some cracks with consistent use. So, it’s better that you buy the ball from a reputable brand.
Budget
When you’re looking for a spare ball, you need to have a budget in mind. You cannot choose a ball that is of cheap quality. So, you must set a budget before buying your spare bowling ball.
Top 10 Spare Bowling Balls
In order to help you guys to make a better decision, we have created a list of the top 10 spare bowling balls that you can buy from various stores.
Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
This ball is used mostly by beginners to gain confidence as it has polyester coverstock and doesn’t get influenced due to different lane conditions. It moves straight when you throw the ball down the lane. So, these traits make this ball best for beginners and also for the advanced level players who are looking to buy a spare bowling ball.
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
The Pyramid Path bowling ball is quite high-performance and durable as well. The polyester coverstock and pancake core of the ball don’t allow it to curve and move straight on any surface of the lane. The ball is quite affordable and offers minimum traction on dry surfaces.
Ebonite Maxim Northern Lights Bowling Ball
Just like the balls that we have mentioned above, this ball also provides less hook potential and helps you to get straight shots. The ball is made up of both plastic and polyester which makes it a budget-friendly spare bowling ball.
Brunswick Lizard Eye Glow Viz-a-Ball
This ball has plastic coverstock which stops it from absorbing any oil from the lane surface. In dry conditions, this ball provides low traction which allows it to go straight down the lane without deflecting an inch. Due to these characteristics, it is one of the best spare bowling balls.
Elite Star Purple Pearl Bowling Ball
The purple pearl bowling ball has a polyester coverstock that makes it durable and cheaper as compared to other balls. The ball has a glossy finish that is ideal for a dry lane surface. All these characteristics make it a good option for the spare bowling ball.
Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball
This ball is great for new players who are just starting and learning to throw straight in the lane. Due to its polyester coverstock and pancake core, it travels down the lane in a straight motion. It is quite affordable and good for experienced players who are looking for a high-performance spare bowling ball.
DV8 Zombie Spare Viz-A-Ball
The DV8 is quite a convenient bowling ball for players who are looking to throw the ball straight and want to get high scores consistently. The plastic coverstock and symmetrical core give the bowler a lot of control which is perfect for the spare bowling ball.
Storm Ice Blue White Bowling Ball
This ball from Storm company is quite reliable and versatile due to its polyester pearl coverstock which keeps it shiny for a longer period and makes it durable. All these aspects of the ball allow it to travel straight down the lane surface and is a perfect spare ball.
Brunswick T-Zone Patriot Blaze Bowling Ball
Thanks to its high glass polish and smart design, the Brunswick T-Zoneis considered one of the best for throwing balls straight down the lane. It has polished plastic coverstock and provides a comfortable grip to the players.
Motiv Midnight Sniper Bowling Ball
This is a urethane covered ball and comes without any drills which means you have asked the expert to drill the ball according to your grip and bowling style. This high-quality ball provides accuracy and knocks down the spare pins smoothly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best spare bowling ball is quite important and you should invest some time in figuring out the best quality spare ball for your needs. The ball should be durable and is according to your style of play. We hope that this guide will help you in choosing the best spare bowling ball.