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How Many Bowling Balls Do You Actually Need? (Hint: It’s More Than One)
You’ve seen them. The guys who roll into the alley with a six-ball roller bag that looks like it could survive a plane crash. You, with your one trusty ball, might be wondering, “Is all that really necessary?”
Well, if you’re serious about getting better at this game, the answer is yes. You need more than one ball. But you probably don’t need six. For most league bowlers, a three-ball arsenal is the sweet spot. It’s enough to handle just about any lane condition you’ll run into, without having to take out a second mortgage.
Let’s talk about why you need more than one ball, what those three balls should be, and how to build your arsenal without breaking the bank.
Why Your One-Ball Wonder Isn’t Cutting It Anymore
That ball you love so much? It’s great on a fresh house shot. But what happens when the lanes start to break down in the third game? Or when you go to a different center for a tournament and the oil pattern is completely different? All of a sudden, your hook monster is either sliding past the breakpoint or hooking at your feet.
Expecting one ball to work on every lane condition is like expecting one golf club to work for every shot. It’s just not realistic. The oil on the lanes is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt. That’s where an arsenal comes in.
We had a guy, Mike, who was a solid 178-average bowler with one ball. He came in, we set him up with a three-ball arsenal, and his average jumped to 196. Same guy, same skill, just the right tools for the job
The Three-Ball Arsenal: Your Foundation for Success
So, what are these three magical balls? It’s pretty simple, really.
Ball #1: Your Go-To (The Benchmark Ball)
This is your workhorse. It’s the ball you’ll throw most of the time. It should be predictable, controllable, and versatile. It’s not going to be the strongest ball in your bag, and it’s not going to be the weakest. It’s just… right. For most people, this is a solid reactive or a hybrid.
When to use it: When you’re not sure what the lanes are doing, this is the ball you pull out first. It’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What we like: The Storm IQ Tour ($189.95 + drilling) is a classic for a reason. The Brunswick Quantum Bias ($179.95 + drilling) and the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 ($199.95 + drilling) are also great options.
Ball #2: The Heavy Oil Beast (The Strong Ball)
This is the ball you pull out when there’s a ton of oil on the lanes and your benchmark ball is just sliding. It’s going to have an aggressive coverstock and it’s going to want to hook early. It’s your four-wheel drive for the slick stuff.
When to use it: On fresh oil, in centers that are known for being oily, or early in your league session before the lanes start to transition.
What we like: The Storm Phaze II ($199.95 + drilling) is a monster. The Motiv Jackal Legacy ($209.95 + drilling) and the Roto Grip UFO Alert ($189.95 + drilling) are also great choices.
Ball #3: The Spare-Shooting Machine (The Plastic Ball)
This is the most important ball in your bag. I’m not kidding. You’re going to throw this ball at every single-pin spare you leave. It’s made of plastic, so it goes straight. It doesn’t hook. It doesn’t care about the oil pattern. It just goes where you throw it.
When to use it: For every spare, especially the corner pins. You’ll be amazed at how many more spares you pick up when you’re not trying to hook the ball at them.
What we like: The Brunswick T-Zone ($69.95 + drilling) is cheap and it works. The Storm Ice ($79.95 + drilling) and the Motiv Sniper ($89.95 + drilling) are also great.
Building Your Arsenal Without Going Broke
So, how much is this all going to cost? A good three-ball arsenal will run you somewhere between $400 and $500, including drilling. That might sound like a lot, but these balls will last you for years if you take care of them. And when you think about how much your average will go up, it’s a pretty good investment.
If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to buy all three balls at once. Start with a good benchmark ball. Then, get a plastic spare ball. After that, you can add a strong ball or a weaker ball, depending on what you need most.
And when you come to us, we’ll work with you. We’ve got package deals, drilling discounts, and even trade-in programs. We’re not here to sell you the most expensive ball in the shop. We’re here to help you get the right gear for your game.
The Bottom Line
So, do you need a six-ball arsenal? Probably not. But you do need more than one ball. A good three-ball arsenal will give you the versatility you need to score well on any lane condition. Come on in to Fastlane and let’s talk. We’ll get you set up with the right tools for the job.
