Bowling is an exciting and timeless sport that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. If you’re an avid bowler looking to improve your game, having the perfect bowling ball tailored to your style is essential. For tweener bowlers, those with a moderate hook and average ball speed, finding the right ball is crucial for achieving the perfect strike or picking up those difficult spares.
A tweener ball strikes the perfect balance between a straight and hook ball by giving you a controlled curve and the right amount of skid. Choosing a suitable ball for your specific playstyle can significantly impact your scores and overall experience at the alley. With numerous bowling ball options available, it’s vital to consider particular factors such as coverstock material, weight, and core type to find the ideal match for your needs.
Coverstock material plays a significant role in how your ball will react on the lane; a solid, reactive resin coverstock provides a smooth and predictable hook, while a pearl or hybrid coverstock offers more length with a sharper backend reaction. The ball’s weight is another crucial aspect, as it affects your comfort level and control during release. Selecting a ball that is neither too heavy nor too light for your strength and skill level is essential. Finally, pay attention to the ball’s core type, either symmetrical or asymmetrical. An asymmetrical core provides an even and controlled ball motion, while an asymmetrical core has a more aggressive hook potential.
Inkling the valuable aspects and the variety of these factors, we’ve done thorough research to identify and recommend the top bowling balls especially tailored for tweener bowlers. Our comprehensive guide will help you make the best decision, ultimately improving your game and ensuring an enjoyable lane experience.
Best Bowling Balls for Tweeners
We have compiled a list of the best bowling balls designed for tweeners, providing optimal performance and versatility.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid Bowling Ball 15 Pounds
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid is an excellent choice for tweeners seeking a reliable and responsive bowling ball to elevate their game.
Pros
- Battle-tested with reliable performance
- Crawls effectively into the user’s arsenal with a sharp backend reaction
- Uses the renowned Gas Mask core for consistent reaction and carry
Cons
- May require some adjustment due to its hybrid nature
- May not suit beginners or those with low ball speed
- The shiny strength could cause challenges in heavily oiled lanes
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid is a well-crafted bowling ball that has undergone extensive testing to ensure its suitability for tweeners. It incorporates the all-new HK22 base resin with the Aggression Hybrid additive package, adding more length and a sharper backend reaction compared to the Black Widow Ghost. This makes it an ideal addition to any bowler’s arsenal, offering a great balance of power and control.
One of the standout features of this bowling ball is the famous Gas Mask core. This special design allows the ball to maintain the iconic Black Widow reaction and carry, which many bowlers have come to know and appreciate. Moreover, the HK22 base material offers rich, impressive colors and super responsive backend reaction, ensuring a unique response shape for various bowlers.
While the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid promises exceptional performance on the lanes, there are a few potential drawbacks. For bowlers just getting started or those with a slower ball speed, it may take some time to adapt to the hybrid nature of this ball. The shiny strength could also pose challenges when playing on heavily oiled lanes. With its 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty and an excellent 4.8-star rating from 68 users, this bowling ball is undoubtedly worth considering for tweener bowlers looking to enhance their game.
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball Black/Silver 12 LB
This Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is suitable for all skill levels, offering a stylish and functional option for casual and serious bowlers alike.
Pros
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels
- Durable polyester coverstock, ideal for straight shots
- High-quality Pyramid build
Cons
- Custom drilling is required for finger holes.
- Not suitable for advanced bowling techniques
- It may need occasional adjustment with the use
The Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is designed to fit a wide range of bowlers, from children to adults, beginners to more experienced players. Its polyester coverstock ensures that it glides smoothly down the lane and allows for consistent straight shots. This makes it perfect for those who are just starting out in the sport or who prefer a more traditional approach to their game.
One drawback to consider is that the ball does not come with pre-drilled finger holes, so you will need to have them custom drilled at a pro shop. This may be seen as a positive for some bowlers, as it allows for customized fitting. However, it may add an extra step and cost for others. The Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is not designed for advanced bowling techniques like hook shots, so highly skilled bowlers may wish to look for a more versatile option.
In conclusion, the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball is an excellent choice for players of all skill levels looking for consistency and style on the lanes. Its durable polyester coverstock and high-quality construction promise reliable performance, while the sleek black and silver design ensures you’ll stand out at the bowling alley. Remember that finger holes will need to be drilled to your specifications, and advanced bowlers may want to search for a more specialized ball.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Bowling Ball 15 Pounds
We highly recommend this bowling ball for tweeners seeking an effective and powerful ball.
Pros
- Aggressive hook potential
- Durable and solid construction
- Suitable for various lane conditions
Cons
- It may require an adjustment period for beginners
- It might require professional drilling for a custom fit
- Heavier weight options may not suit all players
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 boasts an Aggression Solid coverstock, offering impressive hook potential for tweener bowlers. Perfect for those who want to see their ball move smoothly and powerfully across the lane, this ball ensures consistent performance.
Thanks to its solid reactive cover type and Gas Mask core, the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is designed for durability. Combining these components ensures that the ball maintains its performance and integrity even after many trips down the lane.
With a finish of 500, 1000, and 2000 Siaair, this bowling ball can easily tackle various lane conditions. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for league play and regular practice. However, beginners may need time to adjust to the powerful hook and heavier weight compared to other balls.
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is an excellent choice for tweeners looking for a powerful and versatile bowling ball. It’s aggressive hook potential and durable design make it a worthwhile addition to any bowler’s arsenal.
Hammer Bowling Ball 15 Blue/Silver/White
This Hammer Bowling Ball is a great choice for tweeners who want a unique and performance-driven option to enhance their game.
Pros
- Performance: Lower Mid
- Unique design and appearance
- Versatile weight options (10-16 pounds)
Cons
- Requires time to get comfortable with
- It may not be suitable for all lane conditions.
- The price might be considered high for some.
The Hammer Bowling Ball stands out from the rest, as it offers a unique design and performance, perfect for tweeners who are looking for something different. This eye-catching, solid Juiced cover Ball is not only attractive but also delivers consistent performance, making it an excellent addition to a bowler’s arsenal.
The Raw Hammer series has been developed with performance and being unique in mind. This particular bowling ball is created to enhance the game of the Hammerheads while also offering new bowlers a trusted performance option. It features a Pearl Reactive cover type and the Raw Hammer core, which provides a lower mid-performance level, ideal for those looking to advance their game.
We appreciate that this bowling ball offers a wide range of weight options, reaching from 10 to 16 pounds. This feature ensures that there’s an ideal weight for every bowler, no matter their preference or skill level. However, it’s important to note that this ball may take some time to get the feel of completely and could potentially limit its performance in diverse lane conditions. Overall, the Hammer Bowling Ball 15 Blue/Silver/White could be an excellent selection for tweeners who seek a reliable yet distinctive bowling ball.
Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball 12 Red/Blk/Gld Pearl
We believe the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball is an excellent choice for tweeners seeking a reliable and beginner-friendly option.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly ball
- Eye-catching design
- Good value for the price
Cons
- May not offer advanced features for experienced players
- Subsurface bubbles affect the aesthetic quality.
- Might require regular maintenance
The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball 12 Red/Blk/Gld Pearl is a popular choice among tweeners. Its beginner-friendly design and functionality make it perfect for those who are just starting to explore the world of bowling. The ball offers a decent grip and rolls smoothly down the lane, providing a satisfying experience for first-time bowlers.
In addition to its performance, the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball features an eye-catching red, black, and gold pearl design that will surely be a conversation starter among fellow bowlers. With its unique appearance, this ball will stand out on the lanes and become easily recognizable to its owner.
However, despite its many positives, there are a few downsides to this particular bowling ball. Advanced players seeking more features and better performance may find the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball somewhat limiting in terms of hook potential or overall control. In addition, some customers have reported subsurface bubbles in the ball’s exterior, affecting its overall appearance and making it appear less high-quality than expected. Lastly, this ball may require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure it retains its best performance over time.
In conclusion, the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball 12 Red/Blk/Gld Pearl is a solid choice for tweeners who are new to bowling or for those looking for a visually appealing ball at an affordable price. While it may not be the best option for experienced players seeking advanced features, it offers plenty of advantages for its target audience and is certainly worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best bowling ball for tweeners, there are several factors to consider in order to make an informed decision. Let’s discuss these crucial aspects to help you choose the perfect bowling ball.
Coverstock material
The coverstock is the outer surface of the bowling ball and greatly influences its performance on the lane. There are mainly three types of coverstock materials: plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. For tweeners, reactive resin or urethane materials are recommended as they offer a good balance of control and hook potential.
Read more on Coverstock here: What is Coverstock on a Bowling Ball?
Weight and Size
It is essential to select the appropriate weight and size of the bowling ball. The weight of the ball should be comfortable for you to handle without causing any strain. Generally, a good guideline is to choose a ball that is roughly 10% of your body weight. The ideal size is one that fits snugly in your hand, allowing you to have a strong grip on the ball.
Read more on weight here: What Weight Bowling Ball Should I Use?
Hook potential and RG
Two crucial factors affecting the movement and hook potential of the ball are the differential and radius of gyration (RG). A higher differential often leads to a stronger hook, while a lower RG complements a smoother and more controlled curve. Tweeners usually perform well with moderate differential and RG values, as they provide a balanced hook potential.
Here is an in-depth article on the subject: What is RG and Differential in a Bowling Ball?
Finish and Surface Texture
The finish of the ball is another important aspect to consider. Choosing a polished or sanded ball depends on your preferences and the lane conditions. A polished ball can glide more smoothly on the lane, while a sanded ball tends to grip the lane better. Based on your bowling style, you’ll want to find the optimal surface texture for better performance.
We hope that by taking into account these crucial aspects, you’ll be able to find the perfect bowling ball for your unique tweener style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bowling ball weight for a tweener?
The ideal weight for a tweener bowling ball is one that allows for control and comfort during release. Typically, this falls between 14 to 15 pounds for most adult bowlers. However, individual preferences may vary, and it’s essential to find the weight that works best for you.
Which bowling brand suits tweeners?
Several bowling ball brands cater to tweeners, such as Storm, Brunswick, and Roto Grip. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences and the desired ball performance. We recommend trying out different brands and finding a ball that offers the most effective combination of hook potential, control, and hitting power for your style.
Recommended tweener layout?
A recommended layout for tweeners is the pin above the ring finger layout, with the mass bias located close to the thumb. This layout offers a balance between control and hook potential, allowing tweeners to effectively play multiple angles on the lane.
