Best Bowling Balls for Left Handers

Bowling captivates the hearts of individuals across all age brackets and expertise. However, the experience can be quite different for left-handed bowlers compared to their right-handed counterparts, largely due to the unique requirements of left-handed bowling balls.

Left-handed bowlers typically purchase undrilled balls and have them custom-drilled to fit their specific measurements, ensuring optimal performance and reduced risk of injury. A bowling ball’s material significantly impacts its performance, with reactive resin, plastic/polyester, and urethane as the most common options for left-handed bowlers. We have proper guide on aiming in bowling that specially crafted for left-handers, so check to boost your game.

Our team of experts puts different ball models to the test! We tried manual drilling, making tiny holes in the balls by hand. We carefully checked how smooth the surface of each ball was and how packed together the stuff inside was – that’s what we call density. This article will provide the best bowling ball options for left-handers with features that enhance their overall experience.

DesignBowling BallRetailer
Staff PickBrunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
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Best PickStorm Phaze II Bowling Ball
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Budget PickBowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball
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Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball
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Motive Jackal Legacy Bowling Ball
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Storm Super Soniq 15lb Bowling Ball
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Best Bowling Balls for Left Handers Reviews!


Staff Pick
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Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball

Best Spare Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Attractive Color Combination

Comfortable And Secure Grip Design

Great Spare Ball

Best For Enhancing Power And Control

REASONS TO AVOID

It Gives an Extra Hook to Beginners

The Brunswick Rhino Ball is the ultimate choice for lefties wanting to boost their lane game with power and precision. It is designed with a Pearl Reactive coverstock; this bowling ball delivers impressive performance with its enhanced hook potential, making it ideal for those looking to add more curves to their shots. The ball’s core features a Light Bulb design, which provides an easy and smooth roll, making it a great option for beginners and straight bowlers alike.

The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball’s exceptional versatility across diverse lane conditions distinguishes it as a top choice for bowlers seeking consistent performance. But, It works exceptionally well on drier lanes, making it a reliable choice for bowlers who frequently encounter such conditions.

The ball’s attractive colors add style to your game, making you stand out on the lanes. Additionally, its affordable price makes it a great value for its performance, making it accessible to bowlers of all skill levels. Our team loved its control and dependable hook potential, making it more than just a showpiece.

The Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball suits bowlers who prefer a two-finger grip. Its design allows for a comfortable and secure grip, allowing bowlers to maintain control and accuracy in their shots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler, the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball will impress with its enhanced performance, great curve down the lane, and overall ease of use. If you seek a dependable backup or a go-to option for arid lanes, consider this remarkable bowling ball, which boasts phenomenal performance, eye-catching aesthetics, and unbeatable value.

Best Pick
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Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball

Best Durable Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

 Smooth Backend Reaction Without Over-Reacting

Controlled Hook And Predictable Motion

Durable Construction For Heavy Use

Great As A Spare Shot

REASONS TO AVOID

Smell for 1 to 2 Weeks of Use

The Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball is a remarkable bowling equipment offering an innovative core and coverstock technology. The unique design of this bowling ball ensures a smooth backend reaction without over-reacting, making it ideal for bowlers of all skill levels. With its incredible footprint on the lane, this bowling ball performs exceptionally well on any lane condition, allowing bowlers to tackle various oil patterns confidently.

The Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball’s improved spare shot performance is a key highlight, making it an exceptional choice for bowlers seeking consistent and reliable results. This bowling ball’s controlled hook and predictable motion make it easier to pick up spares, giving bowlers an advantage in tight situations. Additionally, the strong hook of this bowling ball enables bowlers to achieve a powerful entry angle into the pocket, resulting in higher pin carry and improved scores.

The Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball not only impresses with its exceptional performance but also stands out for its superior quality and craftsmanship. The durable construction of this bowling ball ensures it can withstand the rigors of heavy use without losing its performance characteristics. It makes it an excellent choice for bowlers who demand durability and longevity from their equipment.

We noticed that this bowling ball exhibited a temporary, distinct odor during our evaluation. However, this occurrence dissipated within 1 to 2 weeks of regular use, demonstrating that it was not a persistent issue. Despite this initial observation, the overall performance and quality of the ball remained uncompromised, making it a viable option for bowlers seeking reliable and effective equipment for their game.

Budget Pick
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Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball

Best One Handed Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Perfect As A Spare Ball

A One-Handed Design Is Best For One-Hand Bowlers

Attractive Design To Make It Unique

Durable As Worth The Money

REASONS TO AVOID

The Skull Inside the Bowl Is Not Pleasant for Everyone

The Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball is an eye-catching piece combining aesthetics and functionality. With its cool skull design, it’s sure to turn heads at the bowling alley. But this ball is not just about looks; it also delivers a great performance on the lanes. It’s perfect as a spare ball, with its straight trajectory making it easy to pick up those pesky corner pins. The one-handed design makes it convenient for bowlers who prefer a single-handed approach, and its straight bowling capabilities are highly reliable.

Upon evaluating the Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball during gameplay, our tester observed its distinct combination of minimal hook potential and pronounced curve action. It is an excellent option for bowlers who prefer a more controlled and predictable ball motion.

It’s a great choice for straight bowlers who need a spare ball in their arsenal, as it provides a consistent and reliable performance. We did custom drillings to fit our tester’s playing style, and they found that the ball worked best when thrown with a low-rev technique.

The value-for-money offered by the Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball is also noteworthy. It’s an affordable option that delivers on its promises, making it a smart investment for casual and competitive bowlers. Its cool design and its performance on the lanes make it a unique and functional addition to any bowler’s collection.

Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball
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Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball

Best Beginners Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

 Suitable For Both Beginners To Advance Bowlers

 Symmetric Core For Consistent Ball Motion

Perfect On Dry To Medium Oil Conditions

Gives More Hook For Different Bowling Styles

REASONS TO AVOID

Graphics are a little bit low, as shown in the picture

The Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball, an exceptional selection for novice and intermediate players, promises to elevate your performance on the lanes as you strive to advance your skills. With its impressive features, this bowling ball offers a high-performance level to elevate your bowling experience. We are thrilled with its innovative “Rolls Smooth, Hits Strong” technology, which expertly enhances the spin and power of your bowling ball, ensuring optimal performance during each game.

One of the key features of the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is its symmetric core, which provides consistent ball motion and stability on the lanes. The medium flare potential of this ball allows for a controlled hook suitable for different bowling styles. The Path Pearl Reactive Coverstock combined with the Abralon/Factory Polish Finish ensures a smooth roll down the lanes and powerful deck-clearing strikes, making it an excellent option for medium oil conditions.

With its extraordinary ability to adjust, the drilling solutions have been crafted with a flexible design that can cater to various bowlers and their preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate bowler, this ball delivers a good hook and benchmark motion on medium lanes, helping you improve your accuracy and score. The Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is also reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for those just starting or looking for a reliable spare ball.

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Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball

Best Control Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Vtc-S18 Solid Coverstock To Provide High Quality

Great Hook And Impressive Backend Motion

Matte Finishes For More Control

Strong Backend Motion

REASONS TO AVOID

Not Suitable for Heavy Oil Conditions

The Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball, a premium-quality spherical marvel, offers unparalleled performance and control. It is the ideal choice for medium oil lane conditions that demand precision and consistency. Its standout feature is the altered hotshot core, which provides exceptional power and a nice curve on the lanes. This ball hooks well and offers impressive backend motion, making it a top choice for experienced bowlers who want a high-performance option.

The VTC-S18 solid coverstock on the Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball is of high quality and provides a matte finish, giving the ball a sleek and stylish appearance. The matte finish also helps with ball control, allowing bowlers to grip the ball better and achieve more accurate shots. The altered hotshot core and VTC-S18 solid coverstock combination results in a ball that delivers excellent power and impressive hook potential, making it a formidable choice for competitive bowlers.

The Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball stands out for its exceptional adaptability, catering to both left-handed and right-handers alike. It seamlessly adjusts to various styles and delivers the perfect release point for each bowler. It performs well in dry to medium oil lane conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of bowling alley setups. The ball’s backend motion is also commendable, allowing bowlers to achieve a strong and controlled hook on the back end of the lane.

In a head-to-head comparison of the Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball and the Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball, our team found each boasts notable performance features and adapts seamlessly to diverse lane conditions. The Pyramid Path Rising Bowling Ball is a versatile option with a symmetric core that provides consistent ball motion and stability, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate bowlers in medium oil conditions.

On the other hand, the Roto Grip Winner Bowling Ball features an altered hotshot core and VTC-S18 solid coverstock, delivering exceptional power, backend motion, and hook potential, making it a top choice for experienced bowlers on dry to medium oil lanes.

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Motive Jackal Legacy Bowling Ball

Best Core Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Sleek And Eye-Catching Design

Coercion Mxc Solid Reactive Coverstock For More Traction

Predator V2 Asymmetric Core

Best For Heavier Oil Lanes Conditions

REASONS TO AVOID

Need More Power for Optimal Results

The Motiv Jackal Legacy Bowling Ball, an awe-inspiring fusion of power and high-performance engineering, boasts the prowess to captivate and command the admiration of even the most experienced bowling aficionados. With its Coercion MXC Solid Reactive coverstock, this ball provides unbelievable traction on the lanes, ensuring a strong hook and smooth entry angle into the pins. The aggressive and bold design of the Jackal Legacy is not only visually appealing but also indicative of its exceptional performance on the lanes.

One of the standout features of the Jackal Legacy is its Predator V2 asymmetric core, which provides a reliable benchmark shape in heavier oil conditions. This core allows for consistent and predictable ball motion, giving bowlers the confidence they need to make precise shots. The combination of the Coercion MXC Solid Reactive coverstock and Predator V2 asymmetric core make this ball an ideal choice for experienced bowlers looking for a high-quality ball that can easily handle heavy oil conditions.

In addition to its outstanding performance, the Jackal Legacy boasts great aesthetics with its sleek and eye-catching design. The ball’s attractive appearance adds a touch of style to any bowler’s arsenal. The Motiv Jackal Legacy Bowling Ball is an unparalleled option for avid bowlers seeking exceptional performance, powerful hook capabilities, and a dependable benchmark form. Its exceptional features and impressive performance make it a standout option for bowlers looking to elevate their game on the lanes.

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Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Bowling Ball

Best Hook Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Carbon Fiber Outer Core For Durability

Aggression Solid Coverstock For More Traction

Best For Medium To Heavy Oil Conditions

Provides Maximum Hook Potential

REASONS TO AVOID

More Suitable for Professional Bowlers

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0, a premium bowling ball meticulously crafted for professional left-handed bowlers, delivers unparalleled performance on the lanes. With its Aggression Solid Coverstock and Solid Reactive technology, this ball offers unparalleled traction on medium to heavy oil conditions, making it ideal for serious bowlers who demand maximum hook potential. The Gas Mask core, a proven and popular feature from the original Black Widow, has been further refined in the Black Widow 2.0 to provide even more aggression and power on the back end, creating an explosive and aggressive reaction on the pins.

One of the standout features of the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is its Carbon Fiber outer core, which enhances the ball’s durability and overall performance. This cutting-edge technology ensures that the ball maintains its integrity even after repeated use, making it a smart investment for serious bowlers who demand longevity from their equipment. The aggressive backend reaction of the Black Widow 2.0 is truly impressive, allowing bowlers to create a lot of angles and achieve pin-punishing results.

While the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is undoubtedly designed for professionals, its performance and power make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone serious about their bowling game.

The ball’s ability to grip the lane and provide ample hook potential on medium to heavy oil conditions is a game-changer, allowing bowlers to achieve consistent and impressive results. Despite its high performance, the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is reasonably priced for its value, making it a smart investment for serious bowlers looking to elevate their game to the next level.

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Storm Super Soniq 15lb Bowling Ball

Best Straight Bowling Ball


REASONS TO BUY

Nrg Hybrid Reactive Coverstock Provides Exceptional Traction

Provides Excellent Hook Potential

Perfect For Straight Bowlers

Provides Consistent And Reliable Roll Motion

REASONS TO AVOID

A Little Bit Expensive

With its exceptional performance capabilities, the Storm Super Soniq 15lb bowling ball is the ultimate choice for avid bowlers seeking to elevate their prowess on the lanes. This ball has cutting-edge features that make it stand out from the competition. The NRG Hybrid Reactive coverstock provides exceptional traction on the lane, allowing for excellent hook potential and a predictable, smooth roll. The Centripetal HD Core provides the ball with a stable and consistent motion, making it easy to control and allowing for a great shape down the lane.

The Storm Super Soniq’s signature attribute lies in its remarkable hook potential, setting it apart from the competition. This ball delivers a strong hook motion, making it perfect for bowlers who want to achieve that coveted angular break at the end of the lane. The predictable roll of the Super Soniq ensures that bowlers can accurately predict the ball’s path and adjust their strategy accordingly, leading to improved performance on the lanes.

The Storm Super Soniq is also known for its smooth transition from skid to hook, making it ideal for bowlers who prefer a straighter game. This ball provides a consistent and reliable motion, making it suitable for bowlers of all skill levels. Overall, the Storm Super Soniq is a top-performing bowling ball worth the investment for serious bowlers. Its high-quality construction, impressive hook potential, and predictable roll make it a reliable choice for those looking to up their game on the lanes.

Techniques for Drilling Bowling Balls for Left-Handed Players

Drilling a bowling ball for a left-handed player involves careful measurements, precise drilling, and a thorough understanding of the bowler’s preferences. Follow these steps to achieve an optimal drilling layout:

  • Measuring: Measure the bowler’s hand span by placing their left hand over the ball with the thumb fully extended and the fingers slightly bent. Mark the outer edges of the thumb and finger holes with a grease pencil, ensuring the holes are centered on the bowler’s grip. Record these measurements.
  • Layout: Using the bowler’s preferred axis point (PAP) and desired ball reaction, determine the drilling layout. Apply the Dual Angle Layout Technique or consult the ball manufacturer’s recommendations. Mark the pin, mass bias (MB), and Positive Axis Point (PAP) on the ball.
  • Drilling the thumb hole: Secure the ball on the drill press. Align the thumb hole mark with the drill bit and set the angle according to the layout. Drill the hole to the desired depth, making sure to accommodate any thumb inserts or slug.
  • Drilling the finger holes: Repeat the process for the finger holes, adjusting the angle for the layout. Insert finger grips if desired. Measure and mark the bridge (space between finger holes) to ensure proper hand support and stability.
  • Finishing: Inspect and deburr the holes, removing any rough edges. Test fit the bowler’s hand and make any necessary adjustments for a comfortable and secure grip. Clean the ball surface to remove grease, pencil marks, and debris.

Following these steps, you can create a custom-fit bowling ball for left-handed players, enhancing their comfort, accuracy, and performance on the lanes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the perfect bowling ball tailored to the needs of left-handed players is an essential step toward enhancing their overall performance on the lanes. By considering factors like ball weight, coverstock material, core design, and hook potential, lefties can find the perfect match for their style and lane conditions.

Proper drilling and fit further enhance performance and comfort. We encourage left-handed bowlers to experiment with different balls and layouts to discover what works best. Remember, a well-fitted and well-chosen bowling ball can make all the difference in achieving consistent strikes, spares, and overall satisfaction on the lanes.

Brad Finnearty
Brad Finnearty is a passionate bowler and a retired senior who has devoted his life to the sport he loves. With decades of experience, Brad is a well-respected authority within the bowling community. He is a member of several bowling leagues, has competed in numerous tournaments, and has even won a few championships along the way.