Purchasing straight bowler bowling balls is never a decision to joke with. You do not only have to save the cash but also read widely to know which type of ball you need. Yes, I know there are countless balls in the market. However, not every ball will work for your situation. Mind you, a ball crafted for dry conditions will not move even an inch in the wet lanes.
Did I sound too serious?
If you think so, know the matter at hand is too delicate. However, you don’t have to be scared of this article at your disposal. It highlights not only expert straight bowlers’ balls but also a well-detailed buyer’s guide. Read through to know about the best bowling ball for straight bowlers.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a hook and a straight shot?
Differentiating between a hooking ball and a straight ball is the first step to becoming a straight bowler. A hooking ball has a hook potential, which makes it hook after the skidding phase.
While the straight ball lacks these abilities, consequently, it moves in a straight line until it meets the target. Now everything is crystal clear, let us look at the best straight bowling balls.
5 Best Bowling Ball for Straight Bowlers Reviews
A ball that has a lightweight is quite easy to control its reactions. That fantastic feature is among what qualifiers this ball to appear in this list. It weighs only 6 pounds. Consequently, you can influence its nature of motion.
Also, while looking for a ball for professional straight bowlers, you will disqualify a ball with enhanced hooking potential. What qualifies this ball is that it has extremely low RG. Correspondingly, its hooking capabilities are quite small.
Moreover, you wouldn’t miss checking on the construction of the cover stock. This ball has a plastic cover stock. Plastic materials are known to have higher traction for enhanced mobility. Thus you can consider your ball to have faultless movements
What about the durability of this ball? That question can be answered by checking the construction of the outer case and the inner core. Saying that the center of this ball is sturdy, is an understatement. Besides, a plastic cover stock is known to bear all the rough handlings.
Versatility is also featured in this ball. Definitely, you wouldn’t require a ball that comes with tones of limitations. You can consider this ball to move in both slightly wet and dry lanes. Is that not amazing? Besides, due to the construction of the core, you will not be limited to the drilling designs.
- A highly versatile ball that moves in both dry and wet lanes
- Its cover stock is quite firm for longevity
- A lightweight ball hence its controls are quite straightforward
- The ball does not come with a carrying bag
I am currently in a dilemma on which feature I should start with. For everything on this ball is matchless. But I have to get the ball rolling. Let’s start with the core construction. It has an asymmetric design which makes the ball to have incredible motions on the lanes
If you have witnessed a reactive pearl cover stock in motion, then you wouldn’t think of any other cover stock. That is what makes this ball typical for the professionals’ straight bowlers. Having a pearl reactive cover stock, it moves on wet lanes effortlessly.
Moreover, for an intense payer, you will require a more firm ball. The type of your shot should withstand intense frictions and still provide the necessary coefficient to keep it moving. With a reactive pearl outer case, you wouldn’t question the durability of this ball.
Besides, this ball has the most exquisite finish of Abralon. It has 1500 grits, which helps in conserving energy, which results in excellent back end reactions. Moreover, being of Abralon type, you will rarely have to polish this ball. Hence, you can consider it to have the cheapest maintenance.
- A mid-sized ball hence can be sued as a beginner and even when you will be an expert
- Its reactive pearl cover stock has higher traction for fantastic motions
- It has an Abralon finish which is known to conserve energy for better back end reactions
- Its movements on dry lanes are limited
Have you ever experienced a ball that requires polishing after a few days? If yes, you can attest to how nuisance it can be. I had to ensure you don’t have to bear such problems. This maxim ball has a high polish which you can trust to last longer
That is not all; this ball has a plastic cover stock. Hence it can withstand long playing sessions. The RG is kept as low as possible. Consequently, its hooking capabilities are quite minimal. Thus you can expect it to move straight down the lane
The construction of its core also does not lag. It has a three-piece design, which makes the ball roll amazingly on the paths. Moreover, this design allows you to enjoy multiple drilling designs.
However, this ball weighs 13 pounds. Hence, if you are a beginner, it would be problematic to control it. However, if you are an expert, that will be a bonus. Also, it only moves on dry lanes only.
The finish of this ball features brilliant crafting. Thus it takes forever before fading away. Besides, its grits are highly enhanced to provide sufficient traction for movement. Hence, moreover, being an affordable ball, its maintenance is quite economical.
- It is an entirely straight ball without any hooking potential
- With the plastic cover stock, you can expect to last longer
- Its inner core design highly escalates the nature of its movements
- The finish lasts longer before fading, hence, economical in maintenance
- It is a heavyweight ball thus you may experience problems while controlling
- Meant for dry lane conditions only
The construction of the outer case is quite critical when it comes to bowling balls. It does determine not only the lane conditions but also the durability of the ball. This ball has a polyester cover stock. Consequently, you can expect it to live for an extended period. To its lanes, it can only move on dry lanes
Also, the weight of the ball is a crucial feature you can’t miss on checking. The lighter the ball is, the more accessible the controls are. Luckily, this ball weighs only 6 pounds. Consequently, you got the luxury of exercising control over its movements.
The polish of this ball is matchless. Having a high polish, you can expect it to last longer before polishing again. Further, this type of polish offers amazing tractions on the lane. Thus, besides, being affordable it is quite economical
Nonetheless, what qualifies this ball to be a choice of every straight bowler is its RG. It has an RG of 0.000. Consequently, it completely lacks hooking capabilities. Automatically, it will run d0wn the lane without hooking.
Still, when working with a limited budget, you are likely to get compromised construction. By now, you can agree that this ball has a higher functionality. To add, it is quite affordable if you are dealing with a limited budget.
- Moves straight the lane entirely due to lack of hooking potential
- The cover stock is quite sturdy hence a long-living ball
- Due to its lightweight, it is quite easy to control
- If it could move on wet lanes, it would be better
The construction of the outer case is quite critical when it comes to bowling balls. It does determine not only the lane conditions but also the durability of the ball. This ball has a polyester cover stock. Consequently, you can expect it to live for an extended period. To its lanes, it can only move on dry lanes
Also, the weight of the ball is a crucial feature you can’t miss on checking. The lighter the ball is, the more accessible the controls are. Luckily, this ball weighs only 6 pounds. Consequently, you got the luxury of exercising control over its movements.
The polish of this ball is matchless. Having a high polish, you can expect it to last longer before polishing again. Further, this type of polish offers amazing tractions on the lane. Thus, besides, being affordable it is quite economical
Nonetheless, what qualifies this ball to be a choice of every straight bowler is its RG. It has an RG of 0.000. Consequently, it completely lacks hooking capabilities. Automatically, it will run d0wn the lane without hooking.
Still, when working with a limited budget, you are likely to get compromised construction. By now, you can agree that this ball has a higher functionality. To add, it is quite affordable if you are dealing with a limited budget.
- It is a lightweight ball. Hence, it has the most comfortable controls
- Due to the fantastic tractions, it has smooth motions
- Its cover stock is quite sturdy for longevity
- It has slight hooking capabilities
Bowling Ball for Straight Bowlers Buying Guide
Besides having a list of the best bowling ball for straight bowlers, you are likely to face some problems in making decisions. Like, which is the best cover stock for you? Will a urethane outer case move in a wet lane? Don’t miss out on this section for you will be able to get the best ball for your favorite sport easily
Straight Shot
A plastic coverstock ball is undoubtedly the most efficient and the best bowling ball for a straight bowler or shot. Coverstock is a bowling jargon on a bowling ball for the cover material. There are several and various balls for straight shots like urethane and polyester coverstocks that are used for consecutive shots.
Cover stock
What is the cover stock?
It refers to the outer case of the bowling ball, which is in direct contact with the lanes. Cover stocks have different construction, which equips them for movement in separate lanes.
First, there is urethane construction. This type of cover stock can only move in dry lanes. However, due to the immense innovation’s some of the urethane cover stocks receive treatments to move in wet lanes. Though, they are regarded as the most durable outer cases.
However, if you need highly aggressive balls, you should consider reactive resin cover stocks. They also have a tacky feeling, which results in strong back-end reactions. When it comes to polyester or plastic cover stocks, they are the least aggressive. However, they are most recommendable for straight bowlers.
Polyester cover stock
Over the dry lane surface, the polyester cover stock provides and ensures excellent control. Plus, it is highly durable. Furthermore, its pancake core expands predictability in the alley.
Weight
Weight or the size of the bowling ball is another key feature that you should regard. Having an overweight ball, you will experience less control over the bowling ball. Bowling balls have a weight range of 6 to 16 pounds.
If you are a beginner, then you should consider a lightweight ball. Such balls will allow you to exercise more control over the ball. However, for the experts who are not bothered by control, they can get a heavyweight ball.
Inner core
It is the most central and the heaviest part of a bowling ball. Mainly, it is constructed from metal oxide material with different shapes. The inner core design influences the motion of the ball. They are two types of inner core constructions, namely: symmetric core and asymmetric core.
The symmetrical cores have a smaller differential, which results in a low flare. Consequently, they have the smoothest and the most controllable motions. On the other hand, the asymmetrical cores have huger differentials, which result in a higher flare potential. Consequently, their motions are slightly strained.
Lane condition
If you ever go wrong when purchasing a bowling ball, let it not be on the lane conditions. Getting a ball that is meant for wet lanes while you have a dry lane will keep you blaming the manufacturer, yet you are the one who messed up. The cover stocks determine the lane conditions of the ball.
Plastic or polyester cover stocks are meant for dry lanes. When it comes to the urethane cover stocks, they can move on both dry and slightly wet lanes. However, the reactive resin is solely met for the wet lanes.
Medium Oil Lane
Medium Oil Lanes are the types that are used for various purposes. Different styles of bowlers perform well in these oil lanes. On the other hand, light oil lanes need a maximum of 20 milliliters of mineral oil that does not accommodate all kinds of players.
Hooking potential
If you are a beginner, you might be wondering what hook potential refers to? Just a moment and I will be clearing everything for you. Hook potential refers to the ability of the ball to hook immediately; it leaves the skidding phase.
Should the straight bowler’s balls have the hook potential? The answer is no. Their type of balls should move in a straight line down the lane. Thus for our case, you should consider with the least hooking potential or make things better without any hooking capabilities.
Drilling
Generally, most bowling balls come undrilled; therefore, you will have to take it to an expert to get the finger holes done. However, that is not a problem. The jargon comes in when you have limited drilling options. Wherefrom earth does the limitation come from?
Remember, we talked about the inner core construction? If you do, that is fantastic. The inner core positioning and shape determine the styles of drilling options that you can enjoy. Symmetric cores are known to be more versatile.
Tips for straight bowling balls
This guide would not be complete if I didn’t reveal some straight bowling tips.
- Hook potential in a bowl should not be your worry. In fact, you don’t require it.
- When getting the finger holes drilled, ensure that an expert does it. You can’t afford to underestimate the chaos of big or too small holes.
- Perfect size, no compromising. The huge to start off the game tomorrow should not let you pick the wrong size. Keep searching. The wait is better.
- Lastly, aggressive balls will space you a lot of trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hook a straight bowling ball?
Yes, you can hook a straight bowling ball. Straight bowlers are often confused about this but if you follow some easy tricks, you can do it. Mostly, beginners are fond of straight bowling. Advanced bowlers also use straight balls as spare balls for dislodging deck pins.
Where do you aim when bowling a straight ball?
When you plan to throw a straight ball, you have to aim towards the pocket. For pin information, the pocket is the key! If you are a right-handed bowler, check the spot behind the headpin and the front of the pin three. If you are a left-handed one, you have to go for the back of the headpin and front of the pin two. The pocket is there and that should be your aim. When you hit the pocket, the pins will turn against each other hitting each other to fall.
Do Pro Bowlers throw straight?
Just because a bowler can hook the ball doesn’t mean they are pro. Bowlers of this age go through all the techniques of throwing balls and so, curving the ball isn’t everything! Yes, most of the Pro bowlers curve the ball so that they can give the ball a better angle. However, you will always see that in the finals, there are four to five bowlers that have a different bowling style. From moderate hooks to huge hooks to straight balls, this is why you must learn all of them.
How can I be a good straight bowler?
If you want to throw a perfectly straight shot, you have to hold the ball correctly, Keep the bowling hand underneath the bowling ball. It should be exactly underneath it and the wrist should be straight. Even when you are doing the backswing, the hand must be straight. You have to swing the bowling arm out and then back. When the ball will come forward, you have to release it. You must release it onto the lane when it comes to the ankle. In this whole procedure, you must keep the hand straight and the palm should be up.
Are heavier bowling balls better?
Some people will tell you that “the heavier the better” is a myth, but for bowling balls, it works! In this case, heavy balls can transfer more of their inertia to the pins. As a result, it relay to the other pins. When you afford more energy to the pins, you will have more chances of getting a strike! However, keep in mind that the weight of the ball has an impact on the swing and release too. If it is too heavy, it will be tough for you to hit the ball harder. So, we recommend getting the one that you are comfortable with!
Verdict
What is the difference between hooking Bowling balls and straight balls? What should I consider while purchasing a straight ball? Which type of balls will move in dry or wet cover stocks? Now, can you answer the questions that I have highlighted clearly and precisely? If not, this article is for you.
It gives a clear difference between hooking and straight balls. Further, it highlights the best bowling ball for straight bowlers. Having been in this profession for a decade now, I will also give you some tips to start your career. Read through also to get a well-detailed buyers guide.
