The FIVE BEST Bowling Balls Of 2024 (So Far) | Bowlers Paradise

[@traveling.down.the.road56]

Forgive the long comment (or ignore this and skip to shorter comments): Just started bowling again this season, after a gap of 35+ years due to injury and two back surgeries. I had only bowled two years in a league during my thirties, and my shoes from back then had actually disintegrated in the bowling bag. I bought a new ball, the Storm Hyroad, which was recommended by the pro shop owner, and it was "Okay", but I was hoping for something that hooked more given my low rev rate release, so several weeks later, I bought the Harsh Reality as soon as it was released. I immediately bowled a new personal best game score of 252, and a high series of 691 (230, 232, & 229), during the first 10 days of owning the Harsh Reality, and my league average was only 165 at that time. A few weeks later, after my scores with the Harsh Reality started to come back down to Earth, I decided to buy a Hammer Black Widow 3.0 (to be honest, in large part because of how it looks, but also in hopes to generate even more hook), and within the first 10 days of getting it drilled, and after getting one lesson from a local PBA member, I bowled another new personal best score of 280 while practicing on a Saturday afternoon. What excited me even more than that score, was the two strikes to start the next game, which totaled 12 strikes in a row, so now my goal of bowling a 300 game looks more real than ever before. I'll be 68 next month and I suffered a minor stroke last year, which was my motivation to begin bowling again, as a way to get more exercise. I hope this long story will motivate others who are my age to start bowling again, as it is truly a sport for all ages. Where did the Harsh Reality fit into your list of best balls of 2024?

[@markmatroni631]

Drilled 2 Attention Stars, pin up pin down. What a great ball.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Great ball.

[@timdoyle1638]

If you throw them both at the same time, does it increase your chances of throwing a strike

[@markmatroni631]

No but it does increase my chance of injury😳

[@nhhsjerometanyiqi6063]

what do they feel like in comparison? just asking because im not sure if iw to drill it pin up or pin down

[@markmatroni631]

Pin down revs up quicker pin up goes longer up lane. Both hit hard.

[@AyooPotatoo]

Always love these videos! Picked up the 3.0 after watch your review a while back for it. Love it every time I throw it!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad to hear it my friend!!

[@jamescummings1853]

If you were to compare the Black Widow 3.0, Pride Dynasty, The Hitter, and Hammer Effect… what would you rate them in terms of how early they are (1-4) and their shapes.

[@gorarocks911]

Love the vids man! Any plans to review the upcoming hustle balls?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Unfortunately no. Those lower end pieces are auto-shipped by the manufacturer and we don’t sell enough to justify the expense of them.

[@gorarocks911]

@bowlersparadise2255 no worries! Thanks for the reply!

[@TheDeadeye5]

Just ordered a Motiv Evoke. Even though it didn't make this top 5, I still feel pretty good about my choice. Thank you for all the cross brand comparisons!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I really like the Evoke! I think its use is just a bit more limited in the league environment for a wider range of bowlers.

[@TheDeadeye5]

@bowlersparadise2255 I absolutely see the potential for that. I'm probably *slightly* enamored with that color scheme too, so that *may* or *may not* have swayed me a slight bit 😅

[@StephRenee812]

I hated it. Traded mine

[@TheDeadeye5]

@@StephRenee812 how come?

[@kenfrank7708]

I just got the Outer Limits pearl and love it. I had two 700 series with the hybrid so curious to see how this one works for me.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I think it’s better than the original personally but time will tell!

[@natedoglara]

Thanks for the video

[@derekrojoharrington9445]

Thanks for the videos. Started updating my arsenal this year and I must say that the Attention Star is my top ball right now (nice to see it in #1 for peace of mind) 🤣 Just added the Black Pearl Urethane this week and it killed on the shorter patterns at my Tuesday and Wednesday night league sessions going to the Attention Star as a transitional ball to end the night. Definitely setting up a great arsenal for my playing style and will get the Optimum Idol in a couple more weeks to add to the bag. Keep up the great work, and can't wait to see what you have cooking for future videos. All the best and greetings from Mexico!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Glad to help my friend. Adding the idol to that bag is a great next step!

[@dd101dd4]

Top 5 BW3.0 (Everyone in league has one, traveled to lower michigan to my old lanes and over half the league had one) Effect (I got one and honestly love this ball after I hit it with 3k pad) GB5 (I have multiple 230+ games after letting this ball lane shine) Optimus Prime (I don't have one but I know one person who does and it looks okay on the house shot) Attention Star (So many guys on tour are destroying with this ball) Honorable mention Harsh reality the other day and it's strong but my BW 3.0 rolls better for me. I mainly got this ball for tournaments. But, the shape seems pretty good.

[@thebigeasy8609]

Good stuff Ben! So enjoy your videos but these are just cool to see what your top choices are and if any are mine. Keep'em coming sir!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

These lists are so darn hard to make. There were so few pieces that were out of contention immediately, trimming this down to a top 5 was work.

[@Ceilingfan008]

I currently use the storm summit, what would be a smooth benchmark ball that hooks ?

[@Shamarwhitney]

It's absolute power, and the 3.0 is my favorite. So far, I'm looking into getting the hammer effect next.

[@mikesearcy5338]

I was looking to get the Summit Peak. I wanted a strong symmetrical pearl ball. Idon't see it in your top 5. What's your take on that ball?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I see it being situationally effective. If you watch the full review, I make pretty good sense of what I mean there.

[@KennyGrinols]

Commenting for the algorithm to support more of these types of videos. I'd even like to be updated on your league and/or tournament arsenal every so often with a similar type of video. Maybe a 3 ball and 6 ball variation, just to really know what you actually put to use on a weekly basis, when you have all of the options at your disposal.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I’m working on a “what I’m actually bringing to Vegas” video, so that should suffice lol. It’s so tough though because I throw it in a unique way, and my personal preferences likely don’t translate directly to the best options for another person. But it is a goal of mine to integrate an idea of that nature.

[@KennyGrinols]

@@bowlersparadise2255 for what it's worth, please try to understand that there are hundreds of KZbin channels of people who throw it "the other way" so I can't speak for everyone but for me personally, I care about YOUR opinion because YOUR style is what I/we can relate to. So while I completely understand and appreciate your goal of giving advice to the general public in your actual reviews, that's why I would greatly appreciate a video or two dedicated to your PERSONAL bag, opinion, style, etc. So you can still serve the general public, but also be true to your own preferences, use, and experience. Just my .02

[@ToolHead44]

I second this!! @bowlersparadise2255 that said, looking forward to your Vegas video, and any others you choose to do

[@StafferSchenerleinSr]

Those are all from big, well-known companies, but California Bowling LLC always gets overlooked. They have a huge lineup that is very versatile for anyone's game.

[@huntermoore8994]

You gave me insight into what ball I should add to the bag, an Asmy Pearl. That being said I’m a 2 handed lefty, which would you suggest to a lefty without knowing too much more information? VEBO, Effect, DNA Coil, or Attention Star?

[@mattraugh8748]

I'm in the same boat but right handed lol

[@pianoman1015]

Hey new viewer here and I'm getting back into the game after about a 10-year absence I really like the crimson jackal how does it compare to black widow 3 or evoke for heavy oil

[@TheAnbaricuda]

Wow this surprised me. TY!

[@chrismagory9423]

On the Attention Star I throw 12 mph pap 4 3/8>3/16 up. Would the Attention Star be too aggressive. Should I drill it pin down or up

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I'd definitely go pin up. Down is going to be too core dominant.

[@chrismagory9423]

@@bowlersparadise2255 this is Chris magory do you think the Attention Star will be to strong?

[@whobertbowls]

It was good seeing you at the US Masters!!!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Loved getting to meet everyone that said hi!

[@09krob]

Love the reviews!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thank you my friend!

[@SgtPhroste]

The Hammer Effect being an honorable mention is crazy

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I mean, I've seen and heard crazier lol

[@isaacphillips2566]

Hey Ben, love the reviews. Will you review the 900 Global Sublime?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Unfortunately we aren't. However I can say with confidence that if you think you're going to like it, you're probably going to like it. The Sublime didn't get much attention because of it being released right after Christmas, but its a great piece that rolls super heavy through the pins.

[@timothyryan9441]

I have the Sublime and 3.0 for strikes and a Scorpion Low Flare for the corner spares. Love the arsenal. May add the Effect later.

[@jamesfoo6128]

I'm just a casual bowler and currently using a straight ball (Columbia 300 Messenger Red Flag, 13/14 lb [forgotten]) I'm currently looking for a single-hand hook ball that is suitable for my play style (I tried to play a house 8 lbs ball and I was able to hook a little bit at the end(?), so I'm not sure which would be better for a beginner for me (the speed for my style is quite slow for both straight and hook). Any recommendations?

[@riverwalker2173]

Storm Hyroad

[@xPandora__]

DV8 hater is the only 2024 ball I rolled down lane and the ball reaction was absurdly good at the start the only issue I had is once the surface wore off it didnt have good ball reaction until I added surface again. I have plans to order a Harsh Reality for tourneys and Cypher, Hustle X-ray or an Optimum Idol for when league bowling starts

[@bowlersparadise2255]

The hater got to be so good when the surface wore in that it’s coming to Vegas with me, but I’ll save that story for a different video.

[@KP206-vr6qi]

Hammer Effect is top 2 imo

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Great piece!

[@JAW_73]

What is your pick for the best "strongest" ball for heavy oil? Something that seems to move when nothing else will? Something that won't burn up and be DOA at the pocket.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Well, its hard to have the strongest ball on the market not burn up unless the conditions are just right, but I'd say the Conspiracy HK22 is up there, Harsh Reality is up there and the Archetype Hybrid too.

[@JAW_73]

@@bowlersparadise2255 Where would you put the pure madness compared to these?

[@alp01z28]

Love it. Any insight on the new content you mentioned? Regardless I'm stoked and hope the subs start ticking.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Well, I’m still working on the big urethane shootout, but also, maybe some live stuff for members? I got big ideas there…

[@alp01z28]

@@bowlersparadise2255 sweet, staying tuned. Thank you, Coach.

[@apd0327]

A Star is super fun to throw!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

One of the most fun!

[@MrTednova]

Love my attention star, also the raptor fury is great

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Love both of those pieces!

[@JustChuck1t]

Awesome review!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thank you!

[@NotOfThisWar]

I have a question im unsure if you will be able to answer but hoping to receive one soon. I currently bowl with a blackwidow hybrid 2.0 and a DV8 hellcat. Both i enjoy but both are 14 pounds and id like to try a 16 pound ball, people in my league want me to try a heavy ball because i basically bowl to fast Around 20 mph or so. I tried to slow down but I am having trouble figuring out a ball to get. I can only get a hook with a glove on for now. Could anyone recommend a ball that would go well?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Well first off, speed is generated and lost in your timing more so than ball weight. There’s probably some work you can do there to get your ball speed down. Second, jumping from 14 to 16 is way more than it seems like. If you want to try a heavier ball, start with a 15. Heavier balls might go slower, but they’re also harder to spin, so a 15 will be way easier on your wrist. Lastly, big balls don’t get much bigger than the Hellcat, so idk if getting something stronger is really all that possible. Archetype Hybrid would be a maybe, but again, I think there’s more to be gained in figuring out how to slow the ball down without changing weight right away.

[@NotOfThisWar]

@bowlersparadise2255 I have tried to work on it all league season. I just have been going by what a couple of people have mentioned for me to try. One was very adamant that I should give a heaver ball a go after watching me bowl. I have been improving my precision but still need a lot of work. When I slow down and force my arm back so I don't let it go down the lane so fast, I tend to lose control. It takes a lot to pull my arm back so I don't swing as fast. Currently, with the 2 balls that I use, my average is 120s, I started with an 80 average last October.

[@traveling.down.the.road56]

I was told to slow my first step by a lot, which helped me slow down my ball speed.

[@NotOfThisWar]

@davidmorris2234 I actually don't go too fast on the approach. I take 4 steps and bowl. I did go ahead and got myself a 16lb ball, bowled with it this past weekend, and did not even feel the weight difference. I did do a little better but not a big difference

[@traveling.down.the.road56]

@@NotOfThisWar Whatever works for you. I just thought I would share what my local PBA member said during my lesson. I also use a four step approach.

[@Top_Bowler]

I say the track theorem has to be on the list I can throw that ball on anything the burn, the fresh and a sport shots

[@bowlersparadise2255]

If the theorem were released in 2024, I'd 100% agree with you. However, it was officially released in Dec 2023.

[@kellymcmanaway4069]

When are you coming out with new reviews?!

[@lmaofao9071]

Is there any reason a harsh reality wouldnt be “better” than the 3.0 in that slot of the arsenal? Really been considering either to round the top of my arsenal

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Honestly, the biggest differentiator is that I have yet to see the Black Widow look bad in anyone's hands. All different styles between men and women alike seem to match up with it. The Harsh Reality is arguably a more versatile piece, but is likely to require more ball speed and it also prefers a greater rev rate.

[@traveling.down.the.road56]

I'm a noob, and just started bowling again this season, so take that into account when considering my reply. I started this season with the Storm Hyroad pearl, and then bought the Harsh Reality as soon as it was released. A few weeks later, I bought my Hammer Black Widow 3.0, and although the Harsh Reality and Widow 3.0 are similar to me, my Black Widow 3.0 has moved into the top spot as the first ball out of my bag. I still love my Harsh Reality, and I know a pro shop owner who swears by it as his "Top Ball" of this year, so I don't think you can go wrong with either of them. If I'm not feeling the Black Widow 3.0 by the end of the first game, I don't hesitate to switch to my Harsh Reality. They are both great balls.

[@lmaofao9071]

@@traveling.down.the.road56 Thanks alot mate, thats very helpful information . To me it seems that harsh reality is very early which makes it less versatile. It boils down to the right ball for the right situation. Although leaning towards Harsh reality, with a step down to the phaze 2

[@MarkDavidBlack]

Love my Attention Star!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I have yet to hear anyone say they don't love theirs!

[@Vietboy004]

Attention star my best ball this year ❤

[@bowlersparadise2255]

So far!

[@scooter8320]

So why don’t we ever see the black widows on PBA this year? I have the 2.0 and I love it

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Because TV pairs always hook an arrow more than during qualifying and match play.

[@scooter8320]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I’m confused by your comment, wouldn’t that mean they’d wanna use a ball like the 3.0 on tv instead of Pearl ball which I have seen a lot of this year. Attention star, blackout, ect…

[@edwardyocca5910]

Tackett averaged 230 and that has never happened on the tour, so whatever ball or balls that he used to accomplish that should all be your top 5!!!!

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Do you know anyone that throws it like EJ besides EJ? Those scores ain’t because of the ball. He’d average 230 with rubber if he had too

[@홈런볼-i2n]

Idol, 3.0, harsh.. top of the top

[@bowlersparadise2255]

All awesome pieces!

[@brandonhuggins1736]

Hammer effect should have made the list.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

It did. Just as an HM.

[@caseykoll5750]

Can't decide between the Effect, OuterL pearl, & Att Star... 🤦‍♂️

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Base it on rev rate. Effect if it’s under 350, star if it’s under 400 and OLP if it’s above 400?

[@caseykoll5750]

@@bowlersparadise2255 thanks!!

[@BigD-t1u]

@@bowlersparadise2255 how do you know what your rev rate is? I’ve been bowling 25 years and have no clue what mine is. The only time I have ever seen rev rate shown is on the pba tour.

[@Argentogues]

Trouble maker pearl its awesome

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I loved that piece! This was not an easy list to make!

[@danielalbert746]

No dna coil?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

It was considered, but just like The Road, I don't think either of those pieces carried the WOW factor quite like these 5.

[@markf1147]

With all the reviews and hype on the Hammer Effect, can you please explain why it was an honorable mention, and why it didn’t make to the top spots? Thanks

[@bowlersparadise2255]

That's a great and fair question. The Effect has gotten a lot of love, and rightly so. I think it is a great piece! The reason it got beat out is it's level of usability for high rev players on challenge/sport conditions. You have to know how to throw it really well to see good results in that setting, and when you do, the motion is really hard to beat. But if you struggle to repeat shots, the super high int. diff makes the reaction a bit unpredictable. Again, we're splitting hairs here, but that's my reasoning.

[@markf1147]

@@bowlersparadise2255 I appreciate your reply, and providing that info. That is useful info. I was torn between the Effect and the Attention Star, since they both are Asym Pearls. It seems that the A Star, in your opinion is more versatile and a better piece for a variety of bowlers, if i am understanding you correctly. Thanks and as always, I enjoy your work!

[@escapingarkham]

Am i a stroker, tweener, or a cranker?? 🤯

[@FromTheRuff]

Ben's the man

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Thank you my friend! 🙏

[@iwilrage]

Love megamind bowling

[@bowlersparadise2255]

💙

[@kennyvillanueva9818]

Just started bowling in January and I have a black hammer raw & black widow 3.0. And with all these new balls coming out, I wanna buy ‘em, but I can’t , lol. Do you think a symmetrical reactive pearl would be good ball to round out my 3 ball arsenal?

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Yes. Something symmetrical with a diff above .045 would be best.

[@MrYuk-lm3xp]

I am number 2😂😂😂

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I think they call that being first loser lol.

[@thomasunderwood8833]

I love my Absolute Power

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Me too!

[@mtrithart]

You will make a completely different list 4 months from now.

[@mariansowinski8967]

Slooowly getting to 10k and mega-mind blue...

[@bowlersparadise2255]

This might be the most anticipated event in internet history

[@greggutierrez7281]

I am number 1

[@bowlersparadise2255]

🎉🎊

[@Wimb702]

So every time that you throw any of this balls will you make a strike? Because in all your video you just show the strikes! What does it mean? How many 300 games you throw in this video? Why don't show than not every single shot is a strike...

[@bowlersparadise2255]

😂

[@themadhouse9468]

Tips from megamind

[@bowlersparadise2255]

Not till 10k subs.

[@jbowler54]

Harsh reality would be on here it is a crime

[@bowlersparadise2255]

👮🚓

[@Bowlingpba]

Sublime Is my best ball.

[@bowlersparadise2255]

I'm so bummed I never got my hands on one of those! Also for what its worth, it wasn't eligible for this list as it was released in 2023.