Top 9 Most Expensive Bowling Balls 2023
Have you ever played bowling? If you have then you know it’s an exciting and fun sport. However, in order to have a great experience while playing this game, you need quality bowling balls. Picking the most expensive bowling balls will help you improve your game and you need to understand some of the factors that define a quality bowling ball to make the right call. There are many different types of bowling balls available on the market.
Even though at first glance the balls may seem similar, several distinctive attributes distinguish them from one another. For instance, some balls are exclusively designed based on the player level. Some are for novice bowlers while others for professionals only. Either way, it’s important to understand what you need and pick the most expensive bowling balls in the world if you want to have the best runs on the game.
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OUR TOP PICK MOST EXPENSIVE BOWLING BALLS COMPARISON TABLE
| Product Name | Color | Core | Weights (lb) | Coverstock | Factory Finish | Warranty | See Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball | Coal/Fuchsia/Sky Blue | Centrum (Asymmetric) | 12-16 | MicroTrax-S18 Solid Reactive | 2000-Grit Pad | 1 Year | Check Latest Price |
| Storm Drive Bowling Ball | Gold/Navy/Red | Dual Drive (Symmetric) | 12-16 | R2S Nano Hybrid | 3000 Grit Abralon | 1 Year | Check Latest Price |
| Columbia 300 Baller | Yellow/Red/Black | Big Time (Asymmetric) | 12-16 | ERT Hybrid | 500/2000 Abralon | 1 Year | Check Latest Price |
| Storm Crux Prime | Red/White/Purple | Catalyst (Asymmetric) | 12-16 | SPEC Solid Reactive | 2000-Grit Abralone | 1 Year | Check Latest Price |
| Hammer The SAUCE | Red/Black/Magenta | Modified Contrusion (Symmetric) | 12-16 | Aggression Solid CFI | 500/2000 Abralon | 3 Year | Check Latest Price |
Top 9 Most Expensive Bowling Balls in the World
As we have already hinted above, there’s a huge variety of bowling balls out there. Each of these balls comes with its unique features. However, some balls tend to cost more than others and for good reason.
The most expensive bowling balls tend to have better quality, prestige, and overall better design. They will be worth the money. Well, in case you don’t mind spending a little extra on a quality ball, read on for reviews of some of the best bowling balls out there.
1. Roto-Grip Halo Bowling Ball
Features:
- Coverstock: MicroTrax-S18™ Solid
- Core: Centrum
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 2000-Grit Pad
- Lane Condition: Heavy
- Flare Potential: High
- Breakpoint Shape: Strong Overall Hook
- Performance: Pro Performance
The Roto-Grip Halo is a custom-built, aggressive, and easy to handle the ball. It’s a popular choice for pro bowlers too. The ball is manufactured by Roto-Grip, a reputable company with an excellent track record of delivering quality balls over the years.
The ball also has a unique 2000 Grit Pad finish that makes it a great choice for attacking pins under any type of condition.
This ball comes with an innovative centrum asymmetrical core, a feature that sets it apart from some of the top bowling balls out there. This innovative design gives the ball plenty of fire-power. It’s also highly durable and lasts longer compared to other models in its category.
The Roto-Grip Halo bowling Ball is designed for bowlers looking for power, excellent angularity, and grip. Even though it’s one of the most expensive bowling balls in the world, it’s definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- This bowling ball offers excellent angularity and power
- Very good grip
- Durable long-lasting design
- Manufactured by a notable and reputable brand in the bowling industry
- Ready to use straight out of the box
Cons:
- The ball loses some of its grit and power when depleted
- It’s very aggressive and this can be a problem for less-skilled bowlers
- Only designed for heavy oil lanes so it may have limited use
2. Storm Drive Bowling Ball
Features:
- Coverstock: R2S Nano Hybrid Reactive
- Core: Dual-Drive (14-16 lb), Centripetal (12-13 lb)
- Core Type: Symmetric
- Factory Finish: 3000 Grit Abralon
- Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
- Flare Potential: 5-6" (High)
- Breakpoint Shape: Controlled Angularity
- Performance: Pro Performance
The Storm Drive Bowling Ball is another high-quality product from one of the most notable names in the bowling industry. Storm has already made a name for itself with its Code Red Ball. It seems like this latest offering aspires to the same high standards the company is known for.
First, the new bowling ball features a Dual Drive Symmetrical core shape. Additionally, there’s an innovative differential core with an RS2 Nano Hybrid cover stock. These features may sound too technical but they give the ball outstanding strength and power.
The Storm Drive Bowling Ball covers ground quickly and delivers excellent impact. It also comes with a 3000 Abalone finish, which makes it a good choice for rough and more rugged bowling conditions. The ball works very well on heavier oil lanes too and offers excellent rollability. It also features an understated look. It’s not too flashy but it’s also not the dullest bowling ball out there. Its unique blend of red, gold, and black gives it a unique and attractive look.
The only downside with the Storm Drive Bowling Ball is the fact that it takes some getting used to. At first, the ball may seem a bit slow but once it starts rolling down the lanes, it will pick up the pace soon enough. It’s one of the best bowling balls, and it works just fine for both pro and novice bowlers out there.
Pros:
- Comes with an R2S Nanohybrid cover stock
- A distinctive combination of colors
- Dual drive core that enhances power and strength
- Very fast with excellent rollability
- Comes with a refreshing citrus mint fragrance
Cons:
- Relatively heavier compared to other balls in its category
- It’s slow at first but it will pick up the pace with time
Check Out This Buying Guide: Best Urethane Bowling Balls
3. Columbia 300 Baller
Features:
- Coverstock: ERT Hybrid Reactive
- Core: Big Time
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 500/2000 Abralon
- Lane Condition: Heavy
- Breakpoint Shape: Aggressive Overall Hook
- Performance: Pro Performance
The Columbia 300 Baller is a high-performance bowling ball designed with an innovative new core and cover technology. It offers a more stable middle lane reaction and outstanding traction on backend lanes. The ball is also very aggressive and would be a great fit for heavy oil lanes.
You also get to choose between different weight specifications. The weight ranges from 12 pounds to 16 pounds. The Columbia 300 bowling ball also features an effective hyper Shock Technology that creates more power and impact through the pins. It also has a strong and durable 500/2000 Abalone finish.
The ball features unique color blends too and it’s USBC approved. If you are looking for the most expensive bowling ball that delivers excellent power, handling, and appealing aesthetics, you will love the Columbia 300.
Pros:
- Comes with innovative new core technology for more power and strength
- Offers excellent handling
- Durable design that will last for a long time
- The ball is USBC approved
Cons:
- Designed for heavy oil lanes only
- May feel relatively heavy to some people
4. MICHELIN Storm Crux Prime
Features:
- Coverstock: SPEC Solid Reactive
- Core: Catalyst
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
- Lane Condition: Heavy
- Flare Potential: 6"+ (High)
- Breakpoint Shape: Strong Midlane Read
- Performance: Pro Performance
The MICHELIN Storm Crux Prime is also a high-performance bowling ball. It comes with a strong and innovative core for excellent power. The ball also offers a better entry angle. Its dynamic asymmetrical design and vertical-cavity technology make it relatively more flexible. This design offers more room for error, making the ball an ideal choice for beginners who are yet to hone their skills.
Read full review guide of Storm Crux Prime here
The Crux Prime also comes with a specially designed and highly durable cover stock. The cover is perfectly suited for the grueling friction and oil associated with bowling alleys. This kind of durability is not easy to come by but most of the most expensive bowling balls have it.
The MICHELIN Storm Crux Prime bowling ball works best for heavy oil lanes and will deliver excellent performance for a very long time. It also features a bold combination of colors. The ball gives you a delicate and authentic mix of red, purple, and white for that appealing look. You also get a 2000-grit abalone finish and a refreshing pomegranate cider fragrance.
Pros:
- Specifically designed cover stock that offers excellent durability for heavy oil lanes
- Available in a unique blend of bold colors
- Comes with a strong 2000 grit abalone finish
- Easier to handle compared to other balls out there
Cons:
- The ball wears off fast when used on dry more rugged lanes
- Hard to control
- Performs very poorly on light oil lanes
5. Hammer The SAUCE
Features:
- Coverstock: Aggresive Edge Reactive Resin
- Core: Contrusion core
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 4000 Grit Abralon
- Lane Condition: Heavy
- Finish: Matte
- Breakpoint Shape: Aggressive Mid-Lane with Strong Backend Continuati
- Performance: Pro Performance
The Hammer the Sauce comes with an effective modified contusion core and a solid CFI cover stock. The ball delivers excellent power and speed, thanks to these two features. It also features carbon fiber as part of its construction. This makes it highly durable and long-lasting. Hammer the Sauce is also USBC approved and features a 500/2000 abalone cover as well.
There’s also a unique combination of colors including black, purple, and red. The only downside with the Hammer the Sauce is the fact that it’s not ready to use out of the box. You will need to take it to a professional bowling shop for drilling and fitting. This may incur additional costs on what’s already one of the most expensive bowling ball models.
We also noted that the ball weighs about 16 pounds. This bowling ball is relatively heavy compared to other balls in its category. It may affect handling and accuracy. Nonetheless, Hammer the Sauce works great in heavy oil lanes and its durable construction will last for a long time.
Pros:
- Offers excellent power thanks to its innovative contusion core
- Comes with a solid CFI overstock
- Extremely durable ball that will last for long
- It’s USBC approved
Cons:
- The ball is relatively heavy compared to others in its category
- You must take it to a pro bowling shop for fitting and drilling
- The ball struggles for accuracy and power when the lanes start to dry up
6. Motiv Mythic Jackal
Features:
- Coverstock: Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid Reactive
- Core: Predator™ V2
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 5000 Grit LSP
- Lane Condition: Heavy
- Finish: Polished
- Breakpoint Shape: Strong Midlane & Backend
- Flare Potential: 7"+
- Performance: Pro Performance
Motiv Mythic Jackal is the newest Jackal ball available on the market right now. It features the Predator™ V2 Asymmetrical core found on the Jackal series. Mythic Jackal wraps with the Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid Reactive cover stock, which is two parts pearl and one part solid. This combination makes it a little cleaner down lane than solid cover stock alone with Jackal Legacy and Jackal Ghost.
You won’t sacrifice traction with this bowling ball like you probably would in the Jackal Flash. This ball will create a nice angular shape like you would see in a traditional pearl cover stock because it’s two parts pearl. However, it won’t necessarily miss the spot because it’s got that one-part solid cover stock.
I see this bowling ball fitting in my bag in the transition games of a block where I am throwing a solid cover stock in the early games of the block. If I see the solid cover stock starting to burn up a little in the front, it will lose some energy down lane and won’t go through the pins the right way. This is where I would switch the Mythic Jackal. The possibility is it will create a little cleaner shape, better angle to the pocket with better pin carry, ultimately more striking.
Motiv Jackal line is probably the best line of bowling balls right now in the market. They are tried and true and consistent. If you are in for scoring like a pro bowler, get your Mythic Jackal Today.
Pros:
- It is a great ball on fresh
- hooks really well down lane
- It's a very versatile bowling ball
- Perfect Compliment to Jackal Ghost and Jackal Legacy
Cons:
- In a rare case scenario, some people say this ball does not carry.
7. Storm Dark Code
Features:
- Coverstock: ReX Pearl Pearl Reactive
- Core: RAD4
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 1500-grit Polished
- Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
- Finish: Polished
- Breakpoint Shape: Strong Mid-Lane & Backend
- Flare Potential: High
- Performance: Pro Performance
The Storm Dark Code is one of my favorite bowling balls. It features the REX Pearl Cover stock and the RAD4 core. The REX cover stock is actually a blend of both the Nano Extreme (NEX) cover and the R2S. You might have seen the NEX on stuff like the Proton Physics or the Axiom, and the R2S is always a staple with the Storm IQ Tour.
The Storm Dark Code strikes a lot, making you feel a lot better during game time.
I would recommend the Dark Code for someone who has trouble having the ball hook really hard in the back end. This bowling ball is really going to help you do that. It hooks a little bit more than the Axiom Pearl. If you have Axiom Pearl and need a little more, Storm Dark Code is the way to go.
With the Dark Code being very sharp and very angular off the back end, I predict it will be perfect for someone who is a slow bowler in nature. Someone who has a little bit slower ball speed, very low axis tilt, and has trouble getting the ball to really corner down lane. Such bowler usually loves to keep the Storm Parallax Effect in their arsenal. However, if you need something just a little bit weaker but a little bit sharper, Storm Dark Code is the ball you want.
The best use case for this ball will be in a tournament with a pretty long block, maybe six to eight games, and at the end of the day, you need something powerful and really sharp down lane. The Dark Code will be an excellent option where an asymmetric pro ball is just going to be a little bit too weak when you get left.
Pros:
- It has the smooth ball motion
- Picks up down lane nice and easy
- Allows you to get left to right very easily
- It smells awesome
Cons:
- not suitable for dry lanes
8. Roto Grip Gem
Features:
- Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive
- Core: Defiant LRG
- Core Type: Asymmetric
- Factory Finish: 2000-Grit Sanded
- Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
- Finish: Sanded
- Breakpoint Shape: Strong Overall Hook
- Flare Potential: High
- Performance: Pro Performance
Here you are looking at the king of asymmetric solids, the Roto Grip Gem. This is Roto Grip’s new HP4 asymmetric ball. This monster is mainly designed for heavy oil bowling. With the “pin in the middle finger” layout, you can control the backend really well.
The Roto Grip Gem grabs the middle like a champ. It blends wet dry very well. With that being said, this ball shapes nicely on the fresh.
The Gem bowling ball is an asymmetric solid and is designed for heavy oil. You can use it on the fresh or to blend wet dry. However, if you are throwing the Gem and it starts burning up, you can switch to the Idol. Comparing the Gen to the Nova, putting the polish on the Nova made the Nova sharper off the spot. Please note that the Storm Nova doesn’t come polished out of the box.
Roto Grip Gem will be a very nice sports ball for those bowlers who like to go in sports conditions.
Pros:
- The ball reaction is very smooth
- Very forgiving
- Perfect bowling ball for tweeners
- Hooks a lot
Cons:
- not suitable for dry lanes
9. Motiv Fatal Venom
Features:
- Coverstock: Infusion™ Pearl Reactive
- Core: Gear
- Core Type: Symmetric
- Factory Finish: 5500 Grit LSP
- Lane Condition: Medium-Dry
- Finish: Polished
- Breakpoint Shape: Skid/Flip
- Performance: Advanced Performance
Fatal Venom, a high performance bowling ball from Motiv is wrapped with the Infusion™ Pearl Reactive cover stock found on the Motiv Supra on the Gear™ core. Motiv did not introduce any Pearl Venom on a Gear™ core in a long time. So I am sure many of you have been waiting for this release just like me.
This bowling ball will be an excellent piece for a lot of high rev players. Some of the weaker cores found in clean balls are just a little too far down lane. Fatal Venom still allows the ball to be read in the mid-lane and be a little bit smoother overall. It is going to be something that a lot of bowlers are going to need when they have to get left and hook a lane. But they want to make sure that their ball still picks up in the middle and has a nice and even smooth motion to it.
If you have never thrown a Fatal Venom before, I recommend you to throw it with a tester layout. This layout will help you get steeper and throw it further left to right. That way, it is definitely going to be stronger down lane and a little bit faster. If I plan to create some angle down lane, Motiv Fatal Venom will be my go-to bowling ball.
However, a weaker layout is recommended if you want to tighten up the flare rings in the front part of the lane to cheat a zone and stay closer to the friction. From my personal experience, the layout will be five and three quarters from my axis pin down. This Fatal Venom is the one that will be a little straighter through the front but with plenty of motion down lane.
Pros:
- It's cleaner and more responsive
- Can handle more angle when the shock is too much
- Perfect bowling ball for tweeners
- Responds violently to friction downlane
Cons:
- This ball is really great. I did not find any cons for this.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Most Expensive Bowling Ball
If you are serious about improving your bowling averages and having a generally better bowling experience, you have to get a better ball. Bowling balls are very unique in their design and will feel different in the hands of different people. In that case, it helps if you can find the bowling ball perfectly suited for you.
Well, there are several factors though that you need to keep in mind as you shop for a new bowling ball. These factors will help you narrow down your options so that you can pick a ball that ultimately works for you.
1. Material
Bowling balls aren’t all made from the same materials. Manufacturers do the best they can to deliver a sturdy and durable ball. As such, they may use a combination of different materials in the process. Each material is different in its way and offers several unique pros and cons.
The kind of material you go for will depend on how you intend to use the ball. For beginners, using polyester based balls is highly recommended. Polyester balls are also ideal for people who just want to shoot straight shots.
As for those of you who want to try out curved shorts, you may need slicker and sturdier ball materials. They will be relatively more expensive than polyester but they are great for hook shots and controlled throws.
2. Weight
The weight of the ball affects its handling. Heavier balls are often harder to control. On average, an adult should use balls weighing between 12 and 15 pounds. Anything heavier than that might be problematic. For younger players, the balls should range between 10 and 12 pounds.
However, age isn’t necessarily a make or break factor when deciding the weight of your ball. It’s all about the strength you have. Remember you don’t want a ball that’s too light either. It will also be just as harder to control as a heavier one. A good rule would be to try out different weights until you find something that works for your strength.
3. Custom Holes
The most expensive bowling balls in the world that perfectly fit your fingers will always be easier to use. House balls in different bowling alleys will have different sized holes. Sometimes such holes may not fit the size of your fingers well. Even if they do, they may not feel nearly as comfortable as you’d want them to be.
This is why buying a bowling ball and drilling customized holes on it makes sense. Custom holes are drilled to the specifications of your fingers. This means that the ball will feel comfortable to hold, making it easier for you to make your shots.
If want to have more control over the ball every time you shoot, you must go for customized holes. Before buying a bowling ball, make sure you have a rough idea of where you can have the holes customized. Pro bowling shops should be able to help you with this.
Final Verdict
There are dozens of bowling balls out there and each comes with certain unique specs and capabilities. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and choices. But then again, the most expensive bowling ball in the world could be much better than other cheaper models. The Roto-Grip Bowling Halo Ball, in particular, stands out for several reasons.
First of all, the ball offers excellent angularity and power. This makes it easier to accurately shoot and improve your averages over time. Its durable construction also offers great value for money. Besides, the Roto-Grip Bowling Halo Ball is manufactured by one of the more notable brands in the bowling industry. The standards of quality, at least based on the previous history from Roto-Grip, are excellent too.