Best Urethane Bowling Ball Reviews 2022: Recently Updated

Who doesn’t love a beautiful urethane bowling ball? From professionals to beginners, urethane has satisfied all types of bowlers with its extraordinary features and benefits. During the late 1970s and the early 1980s, bowling balls went through a great transformation, and then we were introduced to urethane bowling balls which is leading the bowling industry still to this day. Many competitive companies are now producing bowling balls with urethane for better durability and performance.

So, it’s very common to get confused about which one to buy to get the desired outcome. Hence, we broke down 5 of our favorite and best urethane bowling balls to make your purchase worthy.

Top Pick

Before that, If you want to know about our number 1 choice,  The Storm Pitch Black is in our #1 spot because of its versatility in lane conditions. Storm Pitch is a solid urethane bowling ball that’s going to be a huge hit in the market. If you’re looking for something that’s going to give you a lot of hook potential on the lane, but will still give you good control in the backend, then the Storm Pitch is most likely your best option.

Best Urethane Bowling Ball: Top 5 Reviews

Storm Mix Urethane Bowling Ball

Ever since Storm has released its new ‘Mix’ range, it has earned a great reputation in the bowling market. If you have played with their ‘Pitch’ range and enjoyed the urethane coverstock, you’re going to love the Storm Mix purple-silver bowling ball. This one is also covered with a urethane outer shell which already makes the ball packed with superiority.

The beautiful U1S Pearl urethane coverstock is polished along with a 3500 Grit Polished factory finish. Because of being a polished urethane ball, it will hook more on the dry lanes compared to those normal plastic spare balls. You can even use it as a strike ball on dry lane conditions. It will friction on the dry lanes well and this will result in better pin action.

On the inside, the Mix features a symmetrical Traditional 3-piece Core which enhances the predictability of the ball. Whether you’re a beginner using it as an entry-level ball, or a touring professional, who’s using it as the main spare converter- this ball has got your back. The ball rolling is easy to control. After release, the ball will hit hard, but control the front at the same time. You’ll experience an excellent midlane motion and a smooth and continuous backend motion.

If you’re someone who misses 80% of the potential spares, this Storm Mix will save the day! As this ball has low flare potential, it will go straight and hit your targeted pin just hard enough to ensure your spare score. If beginners try to hook using this ball, it’ll ensure a controllable breakpoint every time they roll it. So you can guess, no more open frame!

Pros:

•  Great for both beginner and high-performance level players
•  Beginners can use this urethane ball for straight strike shots
•  Controlled mid-lane reaction and strong backend motion
•  Extremely durable
•  Eyecatching color combination
•  Great for dry lanes
•  The friction won’t alter the strength
•  Promotes length
•  Comes in 6, 8, 10, 1216 Pounds which makes the ball suitable for beginners to pros.

Cons:

•  Pro players won’t enjoy its hook potential
•  Not suitable for oily lane conditions

Roto Grip Hot Cell Bowling Ball

Although the Roto Grip Hot Cell looks like an ordinary urethane bowling ball, its properties and high-performance will make your jaw drop. The high-flaring asymmetrical Nucleus core is paired with Radioactive Solid urethane that has a 1000 Grit sanded finish. The Nucleus core is considered and has been proven a ‘winner’ among the other incarnations of the Roto Cell line.

The urethane cover grabs the front of the lane easily and hooks early and then arcs into the pocket. Compared to other top-selling best urethane bowling balls, this one has a higher flare potential and it hooks more. As it can provide extra hook (229.2 as per perfect scale hook rating), you can surely play with it on medium to dry lane conditions. Nothing will blend out in difficult lane conditions than the Hot Cell. No oil-absorption, no worries!

Hot Cell is guaranteed to give you the finest continuation all the way to the end without the loss of power. Despite the friction, the ball will show aggressive backend motion and plenty of motion down lane. It reads the lane well and handles the breakdown even better. Moreover, it is very adaptive and versatile.

The ball also maintains a true roll breakpoint shape consistently. You can use it on shorter and flatter patterns. Don’t worry if you miss right or left, Hot Cell will generate recovery fantastically. This urethane ball will significantly minimize or possibly eliminate the negative aspects of your gameplay. Any advanced bowler will love this ball’s high performance immediately after the first shot.

Pros:

•  Offers intact strength throughout the travel
•  Reads lane fast
•  Durable
•  The vibrant and bright hot red color is attractive
•  Even and smooth
•  Provides enough length
•  Can be used by both beginners and pro players
•  Consistency in ball motion and breakpoint

Cons:

•  Lacks power for strikes if used for pro bowlers
•  Beginners will need time to adapt to it 

Motiv Tank Blitz Bowling Ball

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Take your game to a whole new level with the Tank Blitz by Motiv. After Motiv successfully ruled the bowling market with their Covert Tank, they took Tank Blitz to the next stage with its microcell polymer technology. The new Frixion™+ Microcell Polymer coverstock makes the ball hook early. While developing the Frixion™+ cover Motiv boosted up its oil-absorption capabilities so you can roll it on medium oil lanes hassle-free.

To complement the urethane coverstock, low RG (2.48) and low Differential (0.034”) were needed. Hence, the symmetrical Gear core was used to make the ball a high-performance bowling ball. Because of the low differential, the Tank Blitz can produce a stronger, and better continuation. 

According to the perfect scale hook rating, the ball has medium to high hook potential, 199.8. Once unleashed, the ball will react to the lane just the way a urethane ball should. You’ll observe its decent mid-lane roll and then a smooth arc (breakpoint shape) to the pockets.

The sanded solid red exterior has a 2000 Grit LSS finish that generates excellent ball motion and pin-hitting power. Unlike traditional urethane, this ball won’t create carry down. Whether you’re competitive bowlers playing in tournaments or average bowlers who are looking for a performance level bowling ball, Tank Blitz is the one for smooth backend motion down lane.  

Pros:

•  Durable and strong urethane coverstock
•  Suitable for all kinds of players
•  Nice hook ability and reaction
•  Compatible for medium lane
•  Attractive bright red color
•  Consistency in backend motion and breakpoint
•  Available in various weights

Cons:

•  A little expensive
•  Can’t be used in dry or heavy lane conditions

Brunswick U-Motion Bowling Ball

The U-Motion is another masterpiece bowling ball by Brunswick. Do you know it took months of research and testing to finally make it one of the best urethane bowling balls in the market? The solid urethane matte coverstock is finished at a 500/1000 Siaair Micro Pad to enhance the ball’s predictability.

So, why is this ball a must-have to your arsenal? Well, this new urethane ball is very controllable on the front part of the lane. But the ball’s motion doesn’t hamper its hitting power. U-Motion keeps the energy saved for the backend drive through the pins. Although it is recommended to use on dry lane conditions, you can still get a controllable reaction on wet lanes as well.

Besides the top-notch urethane coverstock, this ball has a symmetrical U-Motion core paired with a high RG and low differential that gives you a consistent and smooth roll every time you release it on the lanes. The flare potential is also pretty good. U-Motion got most of its recognition for being highly adaptive to changes in the surface. If you want to move the predictable breakpoint a little forward or backward, you can definitely do that by breaking out the pads or polish.

Some urethane balls may seem critical to play with at the beginning. But this Brunswick bowling ball is very easy to adapt to. You’ll see the magic in your gameplay as soon as you start throwing it on the lanes. So impress your bowling buddies with your new attractive U-Motion urethane bowling ball.

Pros:

•  Smooth lane travel
•  Deep dark purple color will add a sleek vibe to your game
•  You can hook with this ball easily for strikes
•  Suitable for both advanced and pro bowlers
•  Consistency in backend motion and breakpoint
•  Available in various weights
•  Matte finish on dry lanes won’t alter its strength
•  Durable and strong
•  No over or underreaction

Cons:

•  Not for heavy oil lane conditions

900 Global Honey Badger Urethane Bowling Ball

See the pins fly in the air with the ultimate 900 Global Honey Badger Urethane (HBU) bowling ball! Whether you’re a speed dominant player, or rev/speed matched player the HBU ball is about to be on your wishlist. First and foremost, Honey Badger has the S20 Urethane coverstock just like the Boo-Yah ones. The matte coverstock is finished at 1000 Grit Abralon so that it can tear through tough conditions or shorter patterns.

The Honey Badger is designed to create more length and a stronger change of direction down lane. Moreover, the new S20 urethane coverstock has 2.57 medium RG, 0.041 medium differential, and the Asymmetric Grapnel core shape collaborate to deliver you the most angular motion that any other urethane ball.

What makes the Honey Badger an ideal urethane bowling ball is its big skid (a.k.a. snap) ball motion on dry lane conditions. Also, this ball has medium flare potential. If you’re a high rev player and want to lower your speed when throwing the ball, this bowling ball will do a great job as it never overreacts. As mentioned, you can use it on the fresh house-shots where there isn’t much oil. But what’s impressive is you can try it on shorter oil patterns where you want to blend out your free hook from the front lane to the end lane and the pins. 

Surprisingly, the ball creates necessary friction doesn’t lose power during its travel. It holds down the energy and keeps it intact till it hit the bowling pins. If you enjoyed playing with Boo-Yah, you’re gonna love Honey Badger for being cleaner through the fronts and a stronger backend reaction. So, add a beautiful Honey Badger to your arsenal today!

Pros:

•  Superior angularity
•  Controllable breakpoint and change in direction
•  Hits pins with fully stored power
•  Smooth movement all the way
•  Suitable for beginners who are looking for more hook
•  Available in various weights
•  Matte finish on dry lanes won’t alter its strength
•  Durable and strong
•  No over or underreaction

Cons:

•  Not suitable for heavy oil patterns

When to use a urethane bowling ball?

Normally the reason you’re going to use a urethane bowling ball over other bowling balls when you’re playing on a very short oil pattern where the oil only extends about halfway down the lane. Well, when that happens you don’t want your bowling ball to react too violently or hook very hard down lane. If you feel like you’re losing control of the light lanes with your reactive resin bowling balls, you might consider switching to a urethane bowling ball. Besides, if you’re experiencing a lower performance or a drop in your normal consistency levels, you should go for one of these balls.

What urethane bowling ball will do is ensure earlier rolling, less hook, and smoother travel all the way. Another reason to use a urethane bowling ball if you’re a slow ball speed player that likes to stay on the right and not too left on the lane to enjoy a controllable ball speed with power. High rev bowlers who like to stay on the right will also love playing with urethane balls because the reactions won’t be too aggressive. These balls also work amazingly when an oiled lane starts to dry up at the front.

How long do urethane bowling balls last?

In general, urethane bowling balls last for five to ten years. But the life span can be more than ten years or less than five years, and that depends upon your use. Sadly, the outer layer/finish of the coverstock won’t last that long. As you play more, the outer layer remains more on the exposure to oil. Also, it absorbs shock, hit, and frictions, etc. So the polish wears off. But the solid urethane will last you for a pretty long time. You can re-polish to make the best out of it. With effective maintenance, you can make a ball last longer than it is supposed to. Although we always tell bowlers that if they notice any change in performance, switch to a new and better bowling ball.

Is urethane bowling ball good for dry lanes?

Plastic and polyurethane coverstock works best for dry lanes. It’s because these balls cause less friction on dry lane conditions. Urethane balls also don’t lose their energy during their smooth uninterrupted travel down lane. Do keep in mind that the core affects the ball’s movement as well. With the right weight-blocks, urethane balls will secure a predictable and precise movement and hit the pins with sufficient force. Therefore, urethane coverstocks are indeed good for dry lanes.

Do urethane bowling balls absorb oil?

Urethane bowling ball contributes to its carry down more than they absorb oil from the lanes. As we know most plastic balls are porous, so are urethane bowling balls. Because of being porous, they absorb oil but only in a very small amount. This absorbed oil does not impact the ball’s performance, not the lane. Companies are now making bowling balls that do not absorb any oil from the lane. So keep up your gameplay with a first-quality urethane bowling ball without worrying about the oil-absorption. 

Conclusion

Playing in dry condition may seem skeptical for many bowlers. But before you go for shinier bowling balls to play on heavy oil patterns, play with a perfect urethane bowling ball. This is not to boost up your level fast, but it’s the right and smart choice if you plan to play better in the future. Beginners love urethane as it can improve their overall performance of bowling. On the other hand, pro bowlers love them for a more controlled and slower shot. Hence, the best urethane bowling balls are always versatile and never disappoints anyone.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API