What Are the Benefits of a Reactive Bowling Ball?

Having your own bowling bowl can have a tremendous effect on your ability to score well and consistently. There are a number of balls to choose from. Some are dependent on the style with which you throw the ball and others on what you want the ball to do in certain lane conditions. There are basically four types of bowling balls: plastic (polyester), urethane, reactive and particle. Reactive balls are, by far, the most popular among bowlers.

  1. Bowling Ball Types

    • Most recreational bowlers are familiar with plastic balls. These are very inexpensive, and typically the balls available for use at bowling alleys. Polyurethane-covered balls were the next to come along. Manufacturers found that the urethane ball was able to employ some grip on the lanes, and a bowler could spin the ball to create a hooking action.
      Reactive-resin-covered balls were the next incarnation. These balls are designed to perform in particular ways through the oily part of the alley and at the drier, back end.
      Finally, particle balls hit the market. These balls tend to be very aggressive in their reaction on dry areas and are typically used only for very oily conditions.

    Function

    • The reactive bowling ball has resin particles added to the urethane stock cover. The resin is added so that the ball has more hook potential. As it turns out, the resin also causes the ball to hydroplane over the oily portions of the lane. This combination results in a more dramatic back end reaction of the ball, which means more powerful striking.

    Size

    • Reactive balls are available in all sizes typically offered by ball manufacturers. The variance allowed in bowling balls is only to the weight of the ball. Generally, a 15- or 16-lb. is chosen. Lighter balls do not carrying enough weight to drive through the pins and create the optimal strike.

    Types

    • Reactive balls can be purchased in a variety of styles and encompass a broad price range. Depending on the amount of resin in the ball, it can be manufactured to have a more or less aggressive hook.

    Potential

    • Although a reactive ball will tend to hook on its own, as most are weighted to do so, there is a lot to be said about the way the ball is drilled and thrown. Most bowlers who have an aggressive hook have their balls drilled in a "fingertip" fashion. This means that just the fingertips of the two middle fingers and the thumb are used to throw the ball. This grip encourages more lift and results in additional spin.
      Many people believe that they can purchase a reactive ball and go right out and throw a big hook like a pro bowler. Of course, as with all sports, practice and skill is required to get the most out of the equipment.

    Warning

    • Reactive balls are designed to perform a certain way on a certain lane condition. Because you will not typically find repeating conditions, even at the same bowling alley, there is a lot to be said for having a lot of practice with your ball and being able to make adjustments based on the conditions of the lane, dry or oily. It is not uncommon for very good bowlers to carry multiple bowling balls to account for differing lane conditions or changing conditions as games progress.