If you have no time to browse through the entire review, our top pick for the best spare bowling ball is Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball.
You always finish behind other bowlers. And you don’t have luck with your strikes. Yet you want to improve your bowling performance. Investing in the best spare ball can help up your game.
That is the ball that matches your game style and skills and has manageable weight. When you make that investment, you won’t struggle with lane length, power, and accuracy in the shot.
The following bowling balls can help you graduate to the next level of bowling and thus improve your health. And the key to that superior performance is picking the best bowling ball for spares.
What is a Spare Bowling Ball?
A bowler aims to knock down all ten pins during the first shot attempt and thus make a strike. In the real world, most bowlers aren’t that lucky in doing so and hence must make a second shot.
A spare bowling ball delivers a more precise shot with less spin and knocks down the pins on the alley with ease.
Our Picks for the Best Spare Bowling Ball
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Brunswick T-Zone Arctic Blast Spare Bowling Ball
| 9.4 | Check Price View Details |
Runner Up | Storm Ice Storm Blue/White Spare Bowling Ball (15 lbs)
| 9.4 | Check Price View Details |
Best Value | Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball for Spare
| 9.4 | Check Price View Details |
Best for Beginners | Columbia 300 White Dot Blue/Black/Silver Spare Bowling Ball
| 9.4 | Check Price View Details |
Premium Pick | Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball for Spare
| 9.2 | Check Price View Details |
Best Budget | Brunswick TZone Galactic Sparkle Spare Bowling Ball
| 9.2 | Check Price View Details |
Best for Professionals | DV8 Zombie Spare Bowling Ball (15lbs)
| 9.2 | Check Price View Details |
Best for Simple Design | White Viz-A-Ball Spare Bowling Ball (12 lbs)
| 9.2 | Check Price View Details |
1. Best Overall: Brunswick T-Zone Arctic Blast Spare Bowling Ball
If you want to build confidence in bowling as a beginner, your choice of bowling ball will matter. One such product that can lay a solid foundation for a beginner in the game is Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball.
To start with, it's available in different sizes and colors. Thus, depending on the size of your hand and weight capacity, you'll find the best spare bowling ball for your level. From 9 different striking colors and sizes at your disposal, you can't miss a match that doesn't strain your fingers.
Its overall design gives it a low hook potential. The novice player with limited skills finds it easy to make straight-line shots using the Brunswick Tzone deep space. Although it targets beginners and spare ball use, its durability is outstanding. The Brunswick deep-space bowling ball has a polyester coverstock.
On a dry surface, the Brunswick bowling ball gives straight-line shots. However, on oily lanes, it tends to make a curved path. Except for a few complaints about its weight, Brunswick's deep space makes a good spare bowling ball.
Specifications: Item Weight: 6 lbs | RG: Min 2.696 and Max 2.715 | Differential: 0.019 | Hook Potential: 25 Low (Scale of 10 to 175)
- It supports straight-line shots
- Durable design
- Attractive finish
- Affordable price
- Slight heavy for some beginner bowlers
2. Runner Up: Storm Ice Storm Blue/White Spare Bowling Ball (15 lbs)
Besides being a reputable brand, Storm Ice Storm Blue/White satisfies the need of a beginner bowler or a pro as a spare bowling ball. When struggling to make straight shots down the lane, it offers help.
Its coverstock is a pearlized polyester material that supports a straight trajectory path and accuracy. At the same time, the Storm ice Storm ball uses the 3500-grit polish. The high grit polish means it skids and delivers in extended length without compromising precision in shots.
When you have Storm Ice Storm as the bowling ball for spares, you can take on any lane and still enjoy straight shooting of pins. Thanks to the three-piece pancake core and 3500 grit polish. Talk of a spare bowling ball that's dependable in pinpoint accuracy, and the Storm Ice Storm bowl ball stands out.
Specifications: Coverstock: Pearlized Polyester | Item weight: 15 lbs | RG: 2.71 | Differential: 0.005 | Flare Potential: 1 to 2 Inches (Low)
- Skids with minimal effort
- Long-lasting construction
- Backed by one-year warranty
- Compatible with all lanes
- Provides low hook
3. Premium Pick: Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball for Spare
When searching for the best spare bowling ball, the Pyramid path is a strong contender to consider. The manufacturer stocks bowling balls in a variety of striking colors and sizes. You are almost sure to find a ball of your favorite color.
On the outermost, it employs the reactive coverstock of 1500 grit finish. As a result, it awards the bowling ball a clean appearance and supports a sharp reaction. On the dry lane, the Pyramid path gives a superb performance, especially for straight bowlers.
The blend of new era 139 symmetrical core and path pearl reactive coverstock gives it high versatility. Interestingly, the Pyramid Path rising ball allows for a variety of drilling options. Hence, the ball serves as the best spare ball for bowlers of different skill levels.
Besides the attractiveness, its coverstock has a high impact resistance ability as the game demands. Out of the box, the bowling ball is undrilled. So, you can drill two or three holes that give you superior grip and control of the ball.
Specifications: Dimension: 9 x 9 x 9 Inches | Coverstock: Pearl Reactive | Item Weight: 8.8 lbs | Perfect Scale: 181.30 | RG: 2.54 | Differential: 0.032 | Flare Potential: 3 to 4 (Modern) | Lane Condition: Medium-dry Lane
- Available in a wide range of attractive colors and sizes
- Outstanding performance on medium lanes
- Suitable for bowlers of different levels
- Sturdy construction
- Poor performance on oily lanes
4. Budget Pick: Brunswick TZone Galactic Sparkle Spare Bowling Ball
Whether you are a kid or a bowler of a beginner level, the Brunswick T zone Sparkle ball is ideal. The light weight (6 lbs) makes the best spare ball for novice players. But besides the 6 lb ball, Brunswick also manufactures several other weights of 6 to 15 lbs. In other words, it satisfies the interests of both kids and adults.
On the outermost, Brunswick T zone galactic employs polyester coverstock. However, deep at the center, it uses the T zone symmetric core. The combination thus makes it the ball that's easy to control. So, a beginner will find it highly predictable in a straight ball motion.
As for appearance, the ball presents a galactic sparkle. Thus, during the game, it sparkles and adds fun to your game. Besides fitting kids, it serves as a right spare shooting ball. Its construction reflects sturdiness and quality. Therefore, Brunswick provides a one-year warranty on the product.
Considering that it's affordable and has polyester coverstock, the Brunswick T Zone Galactic makes the best bowling ball for spares.
Specifications: Dimension: 10 x 10 x 10 Inches | Coverstock: Plastic/Polyester | Item Weight: 6 lbs | RG: 2.696 | Differential: 0.019 | Hook Potential: 25 Low (10 to 175)
- Plenty of sizes to select
- Affordable cost
- Durable polyester material
- Few players complain that it's over-sparkling
5. Best Value: Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball for Spare
Some novice bowlers struggle to graduate to the intermediate level. Such a player requires a good spare bowling ball to improve confidence and skills.
The Columbia 300 White Dot Scarlet Bowling Ball is one example to consider. Both a beginner searching for the first bowler ball or a pro in need of a spare find it satisfies those needs.
Even the most selective player can find his match from the one-color options. Moreover, the manufacturer stocks the balls in varying weights: 6 to 15 lbs.
At the center, it employs a pancake core type. On the other hand, the coverstock is polyester. On top of the 800 abralon factory finish, the Columbia 300 white dot feels durable.
During the play, it gives a straight reaction and fits the light oil lane. And to crown the ball's quality, it's USBC certified. In addition to the appealing scarlet color, it boosts your confidence in the game. You can also find the ball in various finishes, such as 800, 100, and 2000 grits.
Specifications: Dimension: 10 x 10 x 10 Inches | Coverstock: Polyester | Item Weight: 12 lbs | RG: 2.716 | Differential: 0.019 | Lane Condition: Light Oil
- Appealing look
- Variety of weights
- Reliable and durable
- It's the ideal choice for novice bowlers
- Not the best choice for pro bowlers
6. Best For Beginners: Columbia 300 White Dot Blue/Black/Silver Spare Bowling Ball
Even from the appearance, the Bowlerstore Products Columbia 300 White Dot bowling ball looks remarkable. The blend of 3 striking colors of blue, silver, and black makes it stand out. At 6 lbs, it makes the right beginner ball for kids and novice players.
However, Bowlerstore stocks the Columbia 300 white ball in 9 different weights. That means even the regular player can find the best spare bowling ball from the collection. Just like other reputable brands, it boasts polyester coverstock.
The polyester material awards low hook and high accuracy on a straight shot path. So even if you are a bowler with high revolution, it will help you deliver straight bowls on targets. The bullet core and a one-year warranty suggest its top quality.
Specifications: Dimension: 10 x 10 x 10 Inches | Coverstock: Polyester | Item Weight: 6 lbs
- Uses bullet core
- Backed by one -year warranty
- Affordable price
- Available in three eye-catching colors
- You'll have to incur additional drilling cost
7. Best for Professionals: DV8 Zombie Spare Bowling Ball (15lbs)
The one-eye zombie coverstock picture adds beauty to the DV8 bowling ball for zombie movie fanatics. Further, the dominating black color exaggerates the sinister theme. Beyond the flashy look, the ball is durable and easy to use.
As for the coverstock, it employs non-reactive polyester material and a high-performance core. Such features enable the DV8 zombie bowling ball to deliver straight and precise shots. Moreover, the Zombie bowling ball offers a high revolution. That equips it for appreciable hook and oily lane performance.
Its moderate weight of 15 lbs makes it an asset for both professional and entry-level bowlers. Thus, if you need the best spare bowling ball for diverse lane conditions, the DV8 Zombie bowling ball makes a viable choice. Many bowlers admire its aggressive performance and ease of control.
On the cover material, the ball, to a higher degree, is black. Even after rolling it several times, the dust that sticks on it won't shout out. One of its key disadvantages stems from the coverstock image. Although zombie lovers will admire it, the limited color design options leave out non-zombie players.
Specifications: Item Weight: 15 lbs | Hook Potential: 25 | RG: 2.715 to 2.696 | Differential: 0.019 | Flare Potential: Low
- Aggressive performance on lanes
- An alluring look for zombie fans
- It has a pattern that offers a good grip
- Outstanding hook potential
- It offers a slight challenge for left-handed players
8. Best for Simple Design: White Viz-A-Ball Spare Bowling Ball (12 lbs)
Beginners or those searching for spare balls will find the White Viz-A-Ball Bowling ball a strong contender for their cash. On the outside, it employs a polished plastic coverstock that's durable. At the innermost part, it has a symmetric core.
The symmetric core and plastic coverstock qualify it as a beginner or spare ball. You can thus find registering basic straight performance while using White Viz-A-ball easier than before. By using a symmetric core and polished finish, Brunswick makes the bowling ball ideal for dry lanes.
If you prefer the best spare bowling ball with limited graphics, the White Viz-A ball doesn't disappoint.
Specifications: Dimension: 10 x 10 x 10 Inches | Coverstock: Polyester | Item Weight: 12 lbs | RG: 2.696 | Differential: 0.019 | Hook Potential: Low | Flare Potential: 1 (Low)
- Simple design with minimal graphics
- Outstanding performance on dry lanes
- Eye-catching appearance
- High-quality polyester material
- Easy to get dirty due to its white color
How to Choose the Right Spare Bowling Ball
Choosing the best spare bowling ball shouldn’t stress you. Find below a few vital points to guide you in your selection:
Prioritize Reputable Brands
Don’t buy your spare bowling ball from any brand you come across. Instead, you need to pick your choice from famous companies that have been in the niche for a long period. The chances of landing a low-quality product from big companies are very slim.
If you are new in the game, you can consult experienced bowlers or your instructor for advice. Also, famous brands usually have a warranty. And that’s a big plus when looking for a good spare bowling ball.
Get the Weight Right
Weight determines your efficiency when making the spare shot. Ideally, the ball should neither be too light nor too heavy. The spare bowling ball of optimum weight feels easy to bowl, control and make precious shots down the lane.
Remember, you won’t need to inject a greater amount of force on the best spare ball. But when it’s very light, you lose control over the ball. As a rule of thumb, most bowlers agree to a spare ball that’s about a pound lighter than the striking bowling ball.
Some players also use a spare ball whose weight is slightly less than 10 percent of their total body weight.
Don’t Compromise Durability
Overall settle on a ball that can withstand several games without degrading in quality prematurely. That is a ball that won’t chip, scratch, or crack easily after a few games. Sticking to one spare ball that’s durable and registered consistently makes it easy to make precise shots on target.
Coverstock Material
The coverstock refers to the outermost covering of the bowling ball and has a significant influence over performance. Remember, the best bowling ball for spares should make a straight shot down the lane.
For that reason, go for a coverstock that’s of plastic/polyester. Such a surface is solid and non-porous. Accordingly, it has less friction. That means it’s more likely to roll straight than make a curve. Controlling such a ball to hit a particular pin is easy.
Type of Core
Just like coverstock, the core also determines the motion pattern of a spare ball. And since we are striving to make straight shots, the symmetrical core wins.
When you gain control over the ball, it becomes simple to make a spare shot. On the other hand, an asymmetrical core is ideal when you want the bowling ball to hook or curve.
Budget
Lastly, have a set budget for the best plastic bowling ball. Then, shop around for the brands that offer spare balls within your budget. Compare the quality of each ball and then make an informed choice.
Why Do Bowlers Want a Plastic or Polyester Bowling Ball for Spares?
Bowlers want plastic or polyester bowling balls since such balls give superior performance on all types of lanes. Bowling is a sport that requires extreme accuracy on target pins.
Plastic or polyester bowling balls have solid surfaces that are not porous. That means the oil on the lanes registers little to no effect on the type of trajectory path they make.
Thus, regardless of the lane, the plastic or polyester balls travel on a straight path, thus helping register high accuracy on the alley pins.
FAQs on Best Spare Bowling Balls
1. What Bowling Ball Should You Use for Spares?
The best bowling ball to use for spares should have high accuracy in delivering straight shots on the remaining pins. For that reason, it must have a solid cover, a symmetrical core, and a weight you can control without struggle.
2. How Heavy Should a Spare Bowling Ball Be?
The ideal weight for a spare bowling ball depends on your weight. A large number of players choose the best spare bowling ball of approximately 10 percent of their weight. However, most adults are comfortable with at most 16 lbs. In other words, a spare ball that’s one or two pounds lighter than the strike ball will do.
3. Do Pros Use a Spare Ball?
If you don’t manage a strike, a spare ball comes to your rescue. So yes, even professionals use a spare bowling ball. It makes knocking down the remaining pins (with precision) on the alley easier and thus earns more marks.
Some of the most common spare balls used by pros include Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball, Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball, and Storm Ice Storm Blue/White.
4. Is a Spare Better Than a Strike?
To determine whether a spare is better than a strike, you need to know what the two terms mean and how you earn points in each case.
When you knock down all the pins (10) in the first attempt of a frame, we call it a strike. If you fail on the first attempt but succeed on the second attempt, it’s a spare.
You calculate points in a spare by adding 10 to the number of pins you’ve knocked down on the first attempt of the frame that follows.
On the other hand, a strike means 10 points plus the total number of pins you’ve knocked down in the entire succeeding frame.
5. What are the Best Types of Grips for Bowling?
The best type of grips for bowling depends on your skill level and play style. No one type of grip works out perfectly for everyone. But, many bowlers regard the conventional thumb-in grip, single-handed thumb-out grip, and two-hand thumb grip as very common.
6. How to Improve Your Bowling Performance With a Spare Ball?
Very few players have mastered the skill of making consecutive strikes in a row. However, a spare ball makes it relatively easy to knock down particular pins on a straight path. In the end, you add a few points, such as 10, 20, or 30, to your overall points. And thus enjoy improved bowling performance.
What’s the Best Spare Bowling Ball?
No one bowling ball can serve the interest of everyone. We all differ in body weight, skill level, and game style.
After considering all factors, our winner for the best bowling ball for spares is Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball. Its durable plastic/polyester coverstock, low hook potential, and diverse color options are admirable.
But we know you understand your game style and skill level better than we do. So feel free to comb through the post and settle on the bowling ball of your choice.