6 Of The Best Benchmark Bowling Balls | Bowlers Paradise

[@bagger3002]

Mine is the Hammer Obsession Tour and starting to become the Hammer Envy Tour. My other choice in my bag is the Storm Night Road.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That Envy Tour is pretty sick. Black balls strike more!

[@bagger3002]

Yes indeed!

[@sargemajorlee]

Original Game breaker 2 release is my benchmark. Still using it in 2023 and still putting up big numbers.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@stephenlugarich4723]

I’ve been using my Brunswick Knockout Black/Blue as my benchmark ball, and have shot very well with it over the past two league seasons.

[@justthetruth44]

Finally I found a video of a guy who bowls like me. This will make my search for my next ball so much easier. Look like are speed is similar and I am also no thumb. Our approach looks similar too so I will definitely be looking at your videos for my next ball. Thanks. My benchmark is the blue coral venom.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad to be of service!

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

The hyped solid and black venom really surprised me. I think I need to add one of those as a mid-range solid

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Lots of great options!

[@anthonymoore915]

Primal Shock at 2k has been the best benchmark option I've ever had.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That’s great to hear!

[@BigHurt24]

Facts

[@joequihuis1196]

Same here bro

[@joewalker6931]

Just picked up the Primal Shock. Will throw it Wednesday. What other ball do you pair with it?

[@Pac_man667]

Great video! Mine is the Brunswick Knockout Bruiser. It begrudgingly replaced my old Storm Rocket Ship. The Bruiser has been really good so far when I’m a little lost I can find my place pretty quickly with it.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That rocket ship was great! I’m glad you’ve found some luck with the Bruiser too!

[@BlindStag]

Great video, mine currently is an old motiv T10, hoping the black venom can replace it

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That ball was a classic!

[@JustChuck1t]

Awesome video. It's very informative. Keep more of these coming.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thanks Chaz!

[@thebigeasy8609]

Such good stuff Ben. I'm digging videos so much usable information and not fluff. Really makes educated guesses a bit easier. My "benchmark" ball is my Motiv Pride solid. That ball is amazing on the left side. It was my Black Widow 2.0 solid until I got the Pride. That new Motiv Black Venom looks good on the lanes and goegrous on the shelf. Thanks

[@bowlersparadise2255]

The pride was totally underrated so I’m glad it’s getting some love!

[@jeffladrillono2313]

Game Breaker 2 remake, pin down, is my benchmark ball. Really smooth motion that reads the midlane and is forgiving on fresh house shots.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Did you have an OG? Do you see a difference?

[@jeffladrillono2313]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I never had an OG GB2 but I had a kentucky GB3 and the GB3 cover was quite stronger but wore out faster. I find the B7 covers more durable than the kentucky ebi stuff

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I would agree with that mostly. I think part of it is just the improvement tine provides and also a ball to ball issue but the Mexico stuff is better than expected

[@joerivanderkamp7280]

Game breaker 2 is also my benchmark bal. Really happy with it

[@JoeBrrFan]

Today I bought the Hammer Ocean Vibe. Your vid helped me decide. Though I left it "out of the box" coverstock. First three games: 623. It is my new benchmark. I can go from right to left and it is great.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad to have helped bud!

[@sdavisbassman]

I'm still struggling with my Vibe, bought the Purple Hammer Reactive, out the box 299... highest I can get with the Vibe, 223 so far...

[@JoeBrrFan]

@@sdavisbassman Did you leave it stock cover or did you take his advice and go to a 4000 grit? You might try it. I have had a few 240+ games but missed a few chances for better. I left mine stock, then it got caught in the machine and had a groove ground into it. Had the pro shop fix the best they could and put a 4000 grit to her. 230 is pretty regular now. But I know I can do better. I have issues with the 10th frame. Mind games get me more than my ball lets me down.

[@trae1965]

Ben--being that Brunswick has retired the Knockout Bruiser, what similar options might you recommend here in August 2024?

[@dungeonsanddrinking1265]

Great video and insightful break down of each ball. Well done!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thank you! Happy yo have helped!

[@lsshewolf]

Great video, My start ball is the Track Archetype as it gives me the time lines I need during transitions.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

See, that's what I'm saying. You know what you need, and that's what you go to. I know I couldn't use a ball that strong, but that's ok! The right answer is the one that makes the most sense to you!

[@michaelkoch603]

I have the black venom currently and find that it’s just too strong(2 handed 13-14mph). I think i’m gonna pick up the blue coral venom in hopes it will get down lane better and not hook so early

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Maybe the Supra rally with some surface?

[@michaelkoch603]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I hadn’t considered that but that could also be a great option. Hadn’t looked at it mostly cause I love the gear core and the gear apg but the rg and diff numbers look great. Thank you

[@bowlersparadise2255]

You're welcome! Let me know how it goes if that's what you decide!

[@harm319]

I use the Purple Reactive by Hammer or the Hammer Raw Hybrid. The Purple Reactive is perfect for the center I bowl at, light oil so burns up quick.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad you've found some pieces you enjoy!

[@zoinkshaggy]

My benchmark ball is the Track Stealth. I just like the way it rolls for me and really trust the motion it provides.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That’s all you can ask out of a benchmark! Glad you have one that works for you!

[@kellymcmanaway4069]

I've been using the Jackal Ambush as my benchmark ball for league, and the Trident Nemesis for game 3. I'm a lefty and not to many other lefties on my leagues.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That’s a lot of ball! But the key is trust, so if it works for you, it works for me!

[@kellymcmanaway4069]

I was using the Forge Flare for a few seasons, but it seems to have died on me.

[@kellymcmanaway4069]

And I have an older Venom Recoil and that has died out on me as well.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Unfortunately they do that. It’s an imperfect game but at least the next ones are almost always better

[@jeffmunoz9737]

I had the venom shock as my benchmark for a while. Moved to a hammer scorpion in the PAL layout.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Box surface on the scorpion?

[@ObjectiveEthics]

I have also been starting with the Scorpion Hybrid and then move left with the Sting as the lanes burn up. Often times I can stay in the Scorpion Hybrid all three games. Box finish on all so far but I am considering roughing up the Sting a little and see how that rolls.

[@mariansowinski8967]

Any benchmark recommendations for low speed, low rev bowler?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Mild asyms like the black venom or the envy tour.

[@babydriver6860]

Hey Ben, Very nice video and explanation for each Benchmark ball. Thank you for doing this video and doing the usually uncommon and often frowned upon cross brand video. Great work.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jackal_Blitz]

Hey Ben, I remember in your Forge Ember review that you said you thought it would make a good benchmark piece. What do you like about the Black Venom over the Forge Ember? The BV looks quite a bit more eager to get off the spot and charge up to the pins; the Forge Ember looks a lot more relaxed and easy to control (to my eyes anyway).

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Versatility. Ember is good at one thing, black venom is good at many things.

[@daryldettmer9160]

I like to try a stonger asym solid to start out but if that doesn't work i like the Motive Venom Shock

[@richardgandia5700]

I’ve been using the Quantum Evo Hybrid to tell whether I go up to a solid or down to a pearl

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I like it. It’s definitely a stronger piece but it’s a pretty even reaction overall.

[@richardgandia5700]

I just want you to know that I watch all your videos I truly feel your presentation and complete knowledge is very influential to me and my game, especially that I’m a senior bowler with a lower revs and speed

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thank you Richard! I really appreciate that! I’m so happy to help.

[@davidscriba9280]

Hammer Tour Envy on fresh 60 x 4.5 x 35 1000 grit. Then Black Venom 65 x 5 x 30 1500 grit with a light shine for transition. What can I say? I like pocket control.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Clearly! If all 10 fall over, that's all that matters!

[@ryanreid5859]

🐐 benchmark ball. Phaze 2 or IQ tour. Used to be the web tour

[@bowlersparadise2255]

All three are pretty great

[@oofbagels]

Right now my current benchmark is the Blue Coral Venom but I'm getting the Black Venom, should I switch my benchmark over to the Black Venom since it's a solid?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

You won’t know until you throw it. Benchmark is more about trust than being “right” or “wrong”

[@GracieGarage]

I only use 2 balls. And, they could both be considered benchmark. The Columbia Explosion. I use this in league. It matched up real well where I bowl. And, when the explosion is not enough. The Cuda. This ball is just incredible!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

[@Bloodth3Butcher]

For a tournament arsenal, would a lot of people consider the Black Venom an option to use on mid to heavy oil patterns? I feel like it's used more for dry by the pros, not exactly a first ball out of the bag kind of thing. Please correct me if I'm wrong haha.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I would never consider what the pros do on tour conditions to build my own arsenal. What they bowl on, no one else does. A benchmark is a benchmark regardless of volume. If you know it well and trust it, that’s really all you need.

[@Bloodth3Butcher]

@@bowlersparadise2255 Got it. More of a ball you use most, etc....instead of an actual mid-heavy oil ball you switch from often, right?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Yeah. There's balls that are designed for greater or less volumes of oil, but you can use just about anything on any volume if your game allows for it. Just find the one you know does what you want it to do most often and work from there.

[@billv9066]

My Stealth solid is mine. It's strong but predictable. That is my "reader". I know that the reaction I get will tell me if I can move and stay with it, or if I need to go to a different core, cover or both. I know that ball WELL. It never lies.

[@twash19]

Great video! I like my Motiv Blue Coral Venom and Ebonite Envision Pearl. One hand thumbless 14 to 15 mph.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Have you hit your blue coral with surface at all?

[@twash19]

@@bowlersparadise2255 It's at 4000 and polished.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Gotcha. I saw mine as a little speed sensitive which is the only reason I asked. Glad you enjoy it!

[@wazzylamit4798]

New to bowling, should i grab Black Venom or Venom Shock?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

The venom shock is probably the perfect bowling ball for beginner bowlers.

[@joehoenig7596]

Great vid, Ben...thank you! Personally, I use my Storm IQTour as my benchmark, although if I know my league pattern, I will typically start with my Storm Phaze II and switch to the IQ Tour when I need smoother shape during transition or burn. Two questions though: First, why didn't you choose the IQ Tour in this vid, when it is known to be a benchmark ball? Second, you briefly mentioned "...as the IQ Tour used to be." Could you please elborate on what you meant? Thank you, Joe

[@bowlersparadise2255]

To answer question 1, I didn’t have one on hand lol. To answer question 2, the R2S solid cover used to be one of the strongest covers you could buy, now it’s one of the weakest. Technology has advanced a lot in the last 10 years, and the way I would use an iQ tour today is different from how I would have at time of release. But also, stay tuned… more on the iQ and more is coming.

[@raymah7]

Pitch black is my go to ball, hustle camo after that

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Urethane right away! Your league team might not like that lol

[@kellymcmanaway4069]

The Venom Recoil is my benchmark ball.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Great option!

[@HmongBond007]

Still using the Hammer Bad Intentions as my benchmark. Can't seem to find a good consistent "benchmark" asym for my high-tilt, high-rotation throw (it maybe the indian, not the arrow, but blaming the arrow means having more equipment lol). In the honeymoon phase with the Jackal Ambush, it's ok for now but is not at the Bad Intentions level yet for me.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Have you tried an Envy or Envy Tour?

[@HmongBond007]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I have not tried the Envy or Envy Tour. I looked at the Envy Tour but decided to get the Jackal Ambush. May have to be a ball ho and get the Envy Tour for the next winter league. Thanks for the info!

[@HmongBond007]

BTW, your ball reviews are awesome and super insightful. Definitely appreciate how you break down what bowlers might fit certain balls rather than saying everything is awesome lol. Keep up the great work. You've been my #1 go-to source for ball reviews.

[@darrelmurphy4930]

Still using the Hammer Dark Legend solid.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

If you know what works for you, nothing wrong with that

[@P.vieRa_YT]

Thoughts on track stealth?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I never threw one myself, but everyone I've seen throw it loves it. The shape is one of the better ones and if I was looking for a benchmark, i'd certainly consider it.

[@carlosandresguerra3690]

I have as bench mark my black widow 2.0 I really love it I paired whit a zen gold label the I really really love too , now the trickiest question is what can I pair those 2 whit ?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I'd go with a weaker asym like an envy tour or envy tour pearl, a 900 global eternity, Roto Grip tour dynamix or a motiv black venom.

[@carlosandresguerra3690]

@@bowlersparadise2255 thank you sr those are great choices I really like the eternity I appreciate your time and I love your channel thanks again !!

[@40beretta1]

My bench mark ball; Brunswick System Alpha.

[@stormb28]

Reality Check, good from straight, good in the track, good in. Enough cover strength and core.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I love that ball.

[@nickwilkerson4950]

What’s your thoughts on the black widow hybrid 2.0?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid | 4K Ball Review | Bowlers Paradise kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn7Cgp98oL2iqJo

[@welcome123456789accc]

Love these reviews

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thanks!

[@igoramaral95]

Great video!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thanks!

[@MaintenanceMan00]

I’m a 2 hander and wanted a phaze 2 really bad but I think I’m going to get a trouble maker instead

[@MrPottsTeaching]

The Cuda-C from 1998. That Thing is a Strike monster If I can get to it. If it doesnt get to tha pocket Ball up. If it checks up too hard!!! Ball down!!! ;D

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That’s kinda awesome if I’m being honest.

[@joshuapaugh8271]

What else would be good for high axis rotation

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I tend to like the slightly asym stuff for higher axis rotation bowlers so, something solid with a .008-.013 Int diff.

[@joshuapaugh8271]

@Bowlers Paradise when I started hooking a ball it was with a house ball and I still come around the side of the ball 30 years later, my iq tour now takes an immediate left when it sees friction

[@joshuapaugh8271]

​@Bowlers Paradise what type of core would you recommend for a late hook ball for high axis rotation

[@stepsonsmoak238]

Track stealth is my benchmark

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Awesome. Lots of people have had a lot of success with that one. I'm glad its working for you!

[@adamnewcomer3754]

Use the Hyped myself

[@aaroncardenas8425]

I am currently using a Track Heat. I am looking at possibly switching to aGB2

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Both great options!

[@skeeterkise-fh4ep]

My go-to ball is the gem

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Nothing wrong with that! I love both my gems.

[@acecan6475]

I use the blue hammer

[@royrogge835]

Been using the Radical Crypto as benchmark but also started using the Big Foot hybrid as benchmark

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I used my crypto so much it wore out!

[@808whitefa5]

Hyped Solid. For me.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Love that ball

[@ericpadilla2454]

Hyped solid is the new phaze 2 so thats been my bench ball as of lately

[@ericpadilla2454]

@@crazycajunj1703 yup

[@MLBOWLER]

iQ tour... since comes out. already drill 20 of those. same layout.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Nice!

[@ethanethanvanderslik1838]

What happened to the benchmark ball the phase 2?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Nothing?

[@ethanethanvanderslik1838]

@@bowlersparadise2255 good very good lol

[@djsasquatch5360]

Dv8 troublemaker

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Great choice!

[@michaelfinley9988]

Primal Shock for me.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That’s a solid choice

[@scottkeenan3214]

What you're saying an asymmetrical can be a benchmark

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I don’t see why not

[@jamesmykel7713]

My benchmark ball is my pbs planet earth.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Cool 👍

[@Elev.8__]

I wouldn't say verge solid is a benchmark that ball is huuuge

[@bowlersparadise2255]

You probably should avoid the hellcat then. That thing is a monster

[@zoh1032]

OG idol

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Classic

[@itzkatz9506]

Where phaze 2

[@ic3rr3s83]

Phase 2

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Classic

[@ic3rr3s83]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I love that ball, it fits my game really well.

[@joelramos4301]

Pin down track stealth

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@Cartel336]

IQ Tour

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Classic

[@Dor3yon]

No way you didn’t mention the ebonite GB2

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I don’t have one. I never said these are the ONLY good ones, their just good options.

[@vinny702]

No phaze2?? Best benchmark ball ever and its not in the video smh......ur opinion has become nullified

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Cool. Thanks for your helpful input Vinny. You’re doing great work.

[@vinny702]

@@bowlersparadise2255 thanks? Lol