Difference Between a Plastic Bowling Ball & a Reactive Bowling Ball

Every bowling enthusiast worth his salt knows that reactive resin bowling balls are too much to handle for beginners, while plastic ones are conducive to inexperienced releases. Of the four common types of bowling balls, these two differ in the hook generated. Every bowling ball has a distinctive core structure made of dense materials. Depending on the shape of the heavy core, different parts of the ball come in contact with the bowling lane, generating different types of curves in their trajectory.

  1. The level of aptitude of the user

    • Usually, amateurs prefer bowling balls that do not deviate too much along the lane. For this purpose, plastic balls are most efficient; with their glossy finish they generate very little friction. Reactive resin bowling balls show a lot more hook. It takes an expert bowler to estimate the amount of deviation a reactive bowling ball will show. Most house balls, due to the number of recreational bowlers and the economical prices, are plastic balls.

    Limit

    • Plastic balls may be easy to master, but they will not help you improve after you have acquired a certain level of skill. This type of ball repels the oil (on oily lanes) instead of absorbing it; as a result, they tend to skid on some conditions. It is difficult to induce hook in plastic balls, so you cannot expect regular strikes with this cover stock. Reactive balls contain little resin particles embedded in the urethane cover stocks. These particles stick to the tracks, making them skid on oily conditions and stick on dry lanes. Thus reactive balls can be used by a limited number of bowlers.

    Cost

    • The cost of balls can range from $50 to $300 in case of plastic ones. They are more cost-effective to purchase if you are just beginning your bowling stint. Recreational bowlers can easily buy plastic bowling balls instead of using much used and abused house balls. Reactive resin balls, due to the elaborate chemistry of the cover stocks, are expensive, starting from $100 to several hundreds. Only after gaining confidence in their skills do bowlers opt for this type of ball.

    Condition of Lanes

    • The skill of a true bowling competitor lies in judging the condition of the lane and choosing balls according to it. On an oily plane, glossy plastic balls hook too little, if at all. A reactive ball will definitely hook and curve along an oily lane. Again, on a dry lane, a reactive ball will hook too much and miss its target. Gloss balls, like plastic balls, are more useful in these cases. Due to the tendency to skid on oil and hook on dry lanes, reactive balls exert greater backend force on the pins than plastic balls.