As we all know, choosing the best bowling ball for hook isn’t just a case of “that one will do because it looks cool” there are many factors to take into consideration before you choose the right bowling ball for your style of play.
OK, I know you have to like the look of your bowling ball, that’s down to personal preference and in a way, the color or graphics on the bowling ball gives out a message, a sort of way of telling people this is me.
We are all looking to improve our average and rightly so, who doesn’t dream of a 10 bagger? 10-pin bowling is not only a fantastic sport to be involved in, but it’s a great way of getting exercise too, bowling balls pack some weight!
Balance, timing, wrist, and forearm strength, as well as body positioning, are all areas that you need to focus on to ensure that you give a smooth release of that bowling ball.
Perfecting your approach, bowling arm swing, and smooth delivery of the bowling ball is crucial if you want your game to improve. That said, it’s great when all that hard work pays off and we hit the target and see those pins falling… strike!
We’ve taken a look at the best bowling balls for hook, and reviewed them for you so that you can choose for yourself which one is best suited to your own individual playing style.
| Top Picks | Brand | Reaction | Full Review |
| Best for Heavy Oil | Columbia 300 Baller | Aggressive Overall Hook |  |
| Runner Up | MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball | Strong Mid Lane Motion |  |
| Best for Medium To Heavy Oil | Hammer The Sauce | Strong Mid Lane And Backend |  |
| Runner Up | Motiv Forge Fire | Fast Aggressive |  |
| Best For Beginners On Dry To Medium Oil | Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball | Strong Backend |  |
| Runner Up | Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball | Moderate Backend |  |
| Best for All Lane Types | Storm Phaze III | Strong Backend |  |
Click on a link below to jump to that section
- Best for Heavy Oil
- Runner Up – Heavy Oil
- Best for Medium to Heavy Oil
- Runner up – Medium to Heavy Oil
- Best For Beginners On Dry To Medium Oil
- Runner Up – Dry To Medium Oil
- Best for All Lane Types
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Bowling Balls for Hook Reviewed
Best for Heavy Oil: Columbia 300 Baller
Best for Heavy Oil
This new high performance bowling ball has it all, it combines new core and cover technology which makes for stable mid lane reaction but also gives more traction in the backend of the lane too.
At the heart of the Columbia 300 Baller there is the strong Big Time Core, this asymmetric core is designed to have its mass positioned on one plane.
Now it is kind of complicated trying to explain how this actually works, so I’ll try and keep it simple.
The reason for the mass being positioned on one plane is so that the mass creates the desired stable rotation while travelling along the middle part of the lane, then it re-orientates into an unstable rotation as the core undergoes precession (precession by the way is the change in the direction of the axis of the rotating object) at the back end, making the ball hook further down the lane.
Another new feature packed into this bowling ball is the ERT Hybrid coverstock, Making the coverstock more elastomeric means that it actually gives the bowling ball more hook potential and more consistent lane reaction as it travels along its path.
This bowling ball comes to you undrilled with a 500/2000 Abralon finish, this finish also helps to delay the hook transition which intern makes for a strong entry angle.
| Weight | 12 Lbs | 13 Lbs | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.60 | 2.53 | 2.54 | 2.52 | 2.53 |
| Differential | 0.039 | 0.055 | 0.052 | 0.052 | 0.044 |
| Mass Bias | N/A | N/A | 0.018 | 0.018 | 0.015 |
If you want a top quality bowling ball packed with the latest technology and one that is perfect for heavy oil lanes then this is definitely the one to go for, you won’t be disappointed.
| Specification Recap | |
| Color | Yellow/Red/Black |
| Reaction | Aggressive Overall Hook |
| Coverstock | ERT Hybrid |
| Factory Finish | 500/2000 Abralon |
| Core Type | Asymmetric |
| Core | Big Time |
| Best Lane Condition | Heavy Oil |
What We Like:
- High Performance Bowling Ball – Packed with new core and cover technology to help you get the best out of your game.
- Aggressive Hook – If you want an aggressive hook action, then you’ve got it with this bowling ball.
- Drives Through The Pin – This ball grips the lane and it won’t deflect off the pin.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Runner Up: MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball
Runner Up
MOTIV Jackal Ghost Bowling Ball
The MOTIV Jackal Ghost bowling ball is rock solid and a proven performer. Favoured by many as their go to bowling ball, this ball is quite forgiving and perfect for you if you are speed dominant with a low rev rate.
This is our runner up best bowling ball for hook in the best for heavy oil section, outstanding build quality means that you can move your game up to the next level as you get used to your new best buddy.
The Coercion HFS cover stock which by the way is their most aggressive cover stock, the Jackal just loves heavy oil lanes.
Featuring loads of differential and a low RG the asymmetric design makes it a great choice for players that like a bowling ball to produce lots of track flare and that also like a bowling ball that is easy to rev.
| Weight | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.51 | 2.47 | 2.48 |
| Max Differential | 0.049 | 0.054 | 0.047 |
| Int Differential | 0.014 | 0.015 | 0.013 |
Giving fantastic mid lane performance thanks to the 3000 grit Lss finish, this Jackal Ghost bowling ball could just be your go-to bowling ball.
| Specification Recap | |
| Weight Block | Predator V2 |
| Coverstock | Coercion HFS Reactive |
| Finish | 3000 Grit LSS |
| Weight Range | 14, 15, 16 Lbs |
| Length | 12 |
| Backend | 17.5 |
| Hook | 61 |
| Flare Potential | 7″ plus |
| Best Lane Condition | Heavy Oil |
What We Like:
- High Quality Bowling Ball – Just what you would expect from MOTIV.
- Great Performance – Offers great mid lane performance with a strong backend hook.
- Loves To Be Pushed – Loves to be pushed out and perfect for heavy oil lanes.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best for Medium to Heavy Oil: Hammer The Sauce
Best for Medium to Heavy Oil
First off you have to agree that this bowling ball looks amazing with the red, black, and magenta styling colors.
Not only does this bowling ball look the part, but it also plays the part too when it comes to game time.
This bowling ball from Hammer is our recommendation for the best bowling ball for hook in the medium to heavy oil section.
Available in weight from 12 Lbs through to 16 Lbs, if you like the look of the Hammers Sauce then there will be one that is right for your game, that’s for sure.
Those of you that are familiar with Hammer bowling balls and their design structure may already know that this bowling ball features the density modified contrusion core that now conforms with the modern USBC rules.
The required density modification hasn’t had any adverse effects on the bowling balls performance, you still get fast-revving and a low radius of gyration that was found in the original design, but with the added bonus of knowing that this bowling ball conforms to the USBC rules.
Plenty of traction is created thanks to the 500/2000 Abralon sanded finish and the aggression solid CFI (carbon fiber infused) coverstock, in fact, this bowling ball has more traction than any coverstock on offer in the entire Hammer range.
That said, you know that this is a bowling ball for medium to heavy oil, what you can expect to get from this bowling ball is strong mid-lane traction, with a strong backend reaction.
| Weight | 12 Lbs | 13 Lbs | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.63 | 2.56 | 2.50 | 2.47 | 2.48 |
| Differential | 0.025 | 0.030 | 0.050 | 0.049 | 0.043 |
You get a great warranty period of 3 years with this Hammer bowling ball, and as always it is recommended that you take all undrilled bowling balls to a pro shop to get it drilled professionally to your own requirements.
| Specification Recap | |
| Color | Red/Black/Magenta |
| Reaction | Strong Midlane/Backend |
| Coverstock | Aggression Solid CFI |
| Finish | 500/2000 Abralon |
| Core | Modified Contrusion |
| Core Type | Symmetric |
| Mass Bias | N/A |
| Weight Range | 12 to 16 Lbs |
| Best Lane Condition | Medium to Heavy Oil |
What We Like:
- New Core Shape – Now this bowling ball conforms to the current USBC rules thanks to the modified core density.
- Looks Amazing – Great color combination and one that is sure to turn heads.
- This Bowling Ball Delivers – Fast revving and low RG makes this a great choice of bowling ball, strong mid-lane traction with a strong backend reaction.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Runner Up: Motiv Forge Fire
Runner Up
The MOTIV Forge Fire is our runner up in the medium to heavy oil section, but this may just be the bowling ball that is perfect for you.
What we have here is the new version of the MOTIV Forge Fire, so what’s new? Let’s take a look.
Well, to start with we’ve got a new infusion Hybrid reactive coverstock, this shell was previously used on the RipCord, but now, new to the Forge Fire and combined with a lower radius of gyration and a much higher differential than the original model using the Detonator core, you have a force to be reckoned with.
This really is a great combination because now what you have is an angular cover combined with a fast-spinning, high differential core. This means that this bowling ball can create angle even in high oil conditions.
If you are speed dominant then with the Forge Fire you will be able to create angle when friction develops. Thanks to the larger core speed dominant players will now be able see the shapes that players have that use high RG cores.
If you are a rev dominant player and like to create angle, then you’ll be able to do just that earlier in the block and also when oil conditions are high.
This bowling ball is also suitable for balanced players, you guys and girls can expect the best results in medium to heavy oil patterns where you want to create an angle, but can’t ball down into skid flip balls.
| Weight | 12 Lbs | 13 Lbs | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.62 | 2.55 | 2.49 | 2.47 | 2.47 |
| Max Differential | 0.032 | 0.045 | 0.054 | 0.055 | 0.054 |
This really is a great choice of bowling ball and certainly one to have in your collection, it’s great for speed dominant, rev dominant and balanced bowlers alike.
| Specification Recap | |
| Weight Block | Detonator |
| Coverstock | Infusion Hybrid Reactive |
| Finish | 4000 Grit LSS |
| Weight Range | 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Lbs |
| Length | 16 |
| Backend | 17.5 |
| Hook | 56 |
| Flare Potential | 5″ plus |
| Best Lane Condition | Medium to Heavy Oil |
What We Like:
- Good Weight Range – Available in 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Lb versions.
- High Friction Response – This new version of the Forge Fire has a higher friction response than the original model.
- Great For Different Playing Styles – Speed dominant, rev dominant, and balanced players will love this bowling ball.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best For Beginners On Dry To Medium Oil: Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
Best For Beginners On Dry To Medium Oil
The Brunswick Rhino bowling ball is our recommendation here for the best bowling ball for hook on dry to medium oil.
This bowling ball has a low price and yet offers real value for money, it’s the perfect choice for first-time reactive ball players.
If you are new to the bowling game and want to give it a go with a bowling ball that isn’t going to put a big dent in your bank balance, then this is a great option to go for. It’s affordable, so even if you are just an occasional player and just want to own your own bowling ball then it really is worth going for the Brunswick Rhino.
First off you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to weight and color options, available bowling ball weight ranges from 10 Lbs through to 16 Lbs and as for choosing a color combination then you’ve got lots of choices so there is bound to be one that you’ll like.
Offering balance and control this bowling ball will give you consistent performance, it really is an all-purpose, versatile bowling ball that produces a strong and continuous arc when bowled without extreme sensitivity when used on dry or oily parts of the bowling lane.
| Weight | 10 Lbs | 11 Lbs | 12 Lbs | 13 Lbs | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.800 | 2.769 | 2.579 | 2.558 | 2.540 | 2.524 | 2.511 |
| Differential | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 |
This entry-level Brunswick Rhino bowling ball is at the lower end of the price range when it comes to bowling balls but that’s not an indication that this bowling ball should be dismissed.
| Specifications | |
| Core | Light Bulb |
| Coverstock | R-16 |
| Cover Type | Pearl Reactive |
| Finish | 500 Siaair / Crown Factory Compound and Polish |
| Best Lane Condition | Dry To Medium Oil |
What We Like:
- Affordable Bowling Ball – Great value for money bowling, perfect for new players that don’t want to spend too much on their first bowling ball.
- Dependable Performance – Produces a strong and continuous arc.
- Lots Of Choices – From weight size to color options, you have a lot of options to choose from, there’s bound to one that you’ll like.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Runner Up: Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
Runner Up
Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
This is the runner up bowling ball for players new to the bowling game.
It might not be a familiar name but it does offer real bang for your buck and also gives a consistent level of performance.
This entry-level bowling ball from Pyramid is really worth thinking about if you are new to the sport of bowling. It is in the lower price range for bowling balls but still manages to produce very decent results when used.
As with our winning choice of best for beginners bowling ball on dry to medium oil, you have got plenty of options to choose from.
Weight range options available are 8 Lbs, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Lbs, with a wide variety of color styles to choose from too, again you really are spoilt for choice.
| Weight Example | 15 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.55 |
| Differential | 0.032 |
You really can’t go far wrong with this starter bowling ball, it will help you to get into the bowling world and through its consistent performance, it will help you to gain bowling experience.
| Specifications | |
| Core Type | Symmetric |
| Coverstock | Path Reactive Pearl |
| Cover Type | Pearl Reactive Resin |
| Finish | Polished |
| Flare Potential | 2-4″ Medium |
| Best Lane Condition | Dry To Medium Oil |
What We Like:
- Great Value For Money – Real bang for your buck, just what you want when starting out in the bowling world.
- Consistent Performance – You know what to expect with this entry-level bowling ball, great for getting into the sport of bowling.
- Lots Of Choices – From weight size to color style, you have lots of options to choose from.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best for All Lane Types: Storm Phaze III
Best for All Lane Types
If you are looking for a bowling ball that is suitable for use on all lane types, then this is the one to go for.
This never before seen combination of core and cover bowling ball from Storm could just be the only bowling ball you will ever need to buy.
The R3S Hybrid and velocity core combination provides a low RG with high differential and is suited to all playing conditions.
We all know that we like to have a backup ball, just for that occasion when… and it may not be to everyone’s liking to just have one bowling ball in your bag. But if you want one bowling ball that will cover you for any lane condition then this is the one to have in your collection.
| Weight | 12 Lbs | 13 Lbs | 14 Lbs | 15 Lbs | 16 Lbs |
| Radius Of Gyration | 2.65 | 2.59 | 2.53 | 2.48 | 2.48 |
| Differential | 0.035 | 0.045 | 0.050 | 0.051 | 0.051 |
Offering real possibilities when it comes to different oil lanes, all with the same bowling ball, do you need anything else?
| Specification | |
| Color | Obsidian/Jade/Orchid |
| Coverstock | R3S Hybrid Reactive |
| Weight Block | Velocity Core |
| Finish | 1500 Grit Polished |
| Flare Potential | 4-6″ High |
| Fragrance | Grapevine |
What We Like:
- New Concept – Not seen before this combination of core and cover bowling ball is a new concept.
- Great Quality – Great quality and favoured by many as their only bowling ball.
- Decent Price – Considering that this bowling ball is good for all lane conditions then you are getting great value for money.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bowl straight or hook?
Bowling straight does have its limitations, and often results in puzzling results. Say for instance you bowl straight and hit the head pin slap bang in the centre of it, some times it will fly off at a strange angle missing every other pin, and sometimes it will collect others on its way.
With hook bowling, which is the most favored style, you tend to have more control as to where you want the bowling ball to hit by using the hook and in doing so you have a more consistent chance of taking out more pins more often.
What weight ball do most Pro Bowlers use?
The majority of professional male bowlers throw a 15 Lb bowling ball, The 16 pounder used to be the bowling ball of choice for many years but nowadays the 15 Lb ball is usually the professional males first choice bowling ball.
Female professional bowlers on average favour the 14 Lb bowling ball, but that doesn’t mean that it is unusual to see a 13 or a 15 pounder being pushed out.
How fast should you throw a bowling ball?
The answer to this question is really down to personal preference and playing style. We know that you have to get the bowling ball down the lane with enough force to take out the pins, but some people like to push that ball out at a slower speed than others.
If you are looking for general guidance to help you out until you find a speed that is suited to your own individual style, then start by aiming to achieve a speed of around 18 MPH.
Are you allowed to bowl with 2 hands?
Yes, you are allowed to use 2 hands when bowling, in fact, it was once frowned upon but now it is becoming very popular with some of the best bowlers in the world.
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