These Are The Best Bowling Balls To Get In 2024

[@DarrenTang]

This was filmed before the announcement of the Harsh Reality Pearl, Summit Ascent, and Optimum Idol Pearl. Enjoy!

[@glenkamida71]

Darren, when will the videos for these three balls come out?

[@Caddyshhack]

Optimum idol pearl? Omg and I thought I was done buying balls

[@jayminer8773]

I'm very excited about the Optimum Idol Pearl! Too bad the Ion Pro is next up, and I really can't continue to keep buying new balls.... this year! Lol! Optimum Idol Pearl will be added in 2025, though.

[@tekka4324]

hey darren have u tried the hammer vide radioactive if so let me know what u think about it

[@Caddyshhack]

@@tekka4324 he literally can’t as he’s sponsored by storm

[@Lullo96]

I just started to get into bowling and you have helped me so much. You have made this sport the best experience for me. Thank you ❤

[@zachbonebrake352]

For people who aren't ball experts, I wish you would put the names of the balls on the screen while you talk about them.

[@kdkane1919]

That original cell was amazing. Great review. I keep the gem exotic, original gem, attention star, Motiv, and tropocal surge in my bag at all times. Put IQ tour down and my hyroad down for a bit. Thanks for the great content.

[@CrimsonRTZOffical]

darren tang and his iconic room is back

[@jerrytownsend2043]

Picked up an ion pro this week. 653 out of the box. Really like it.

[@SamuraiX007]

As a lower speed players, I've found my summit similar, It has the best looking 10 pins leaves I've seen. The amount of shot that felt amazing off the hand, and looks beautiful that 10-pin with the summit it made me go crazy.

[@chucktannersellshomes]

I just got back into bowling after about 40 years....Wow, the game has really changed. My go to ball back in the day was a Columbia 300 yellow dot which I still have. I feel as though I am trying to learn Calculus now with all the different balls, overwhelming. I bought a Hammer Effect and just bought a Radical Spy for my spare ball.

[@kenrathbone3265]

Recently got the Attention Star, love it. Yeah, I loved the UFO Alert as well.

[@Thegnardog666]

I just got the attention star also and love that ball

[@jamermike]

This or Absolute power?

[@trentknouse95]

I actually love Darren saying what he said about the Summit. I felt the same way but it is also a ball I struggle with because it either flushes 10 back or it leaves a terrible split. So a ball I want to learn how to throw, but while I am learning it it's frustrating. I will also say, it's fantastic at blending the cliff in my leagues

[@s0meguy809]

Mine hooked at my feet and left flat 10's all day.

[@trentknouse95]

@s0meguy809 might have been the house. I bought mine once drilled and filled for cheap and I don't think anything was done to the cover to change the surface, but I could be wrong

[@s0meguy809]

@@trentknouse95 I think it just didn't match up to my game. It's a super strong ball and I'm lower ball speed and lower rev. I shined it and it still burnt out

My league buddy lights it up with the summit. It murders the carry down

[@stevenquirk4502]

I love these videos, thank you Darren!

[@randygulleyjr2180]

After a 20 plus year break from bowling I started up again to bowl with my Dad at the USBC in 2025. I have the VEBO and Hyroad Pearl right now. I believe my style is lower speed, mid rev, old school. Thinking about a spare ball this fall. Recommendations? Don't know if I need to adjust my layout but I am enjoying bowling again for sure. Thanks for the great videos!

[@jaxson6796]

I think with spare balls, you just kinda drill them so they don’t hook much or not at all, of course I could be wrong but it depends on what you want of course. I personally use a Tzone for spare shooting, really all spare balls are going to do the same thing.

[@randygulleyjr2180]

@@jaxson6796 yep. you're right. Any basic ball should be fine for a spare ball. So much has changed since I bowled before. I just thought about it and it was 30 years... Just want to make sure I am putting in my best effort. Thank you for the feedback.

[@jaxson6796]

@@randygulleyjr2180 Your welcome, my dad has a spare ball with a beer bottle in it from like the 90s, works just fine for him, all about finding what’s right for you.

[@CeejayyyG]

The hustle ink was my first ball, loved it. Just bought a RIP, hoping its similar.

[@mitchellmeares1396]

I love use my pin down pitch black for spares, but also for strikes when I need something slightly weaker that goes longer down lane. Phase 2 pin down is the goat. Love how it destroys the pocket

[@chriswiggins1326]

I was gonna ask about the Summit Ascent!! I watched the couple videos you put out and you really liked that ball..

[@memphis865]

You was correct about the summit. Didn’t work well for me either so I polished it and use it for dry lanes

[@DylDoe_xD]

Blackout lightning has been doing me wonders, love the movement down lane, great ball so far

[@Brent-Tanabe]

For me in a 6 ball tournament bag. iQ 78U, Attention Star, Optimum Idol or X Cell, Ion Pro, XPonent Pearl one of the Hustles (RIP MM or BRY) depending on how slow the lanes may get.

[@joewalker6931]

What are your thoughts on Summit Ascent for League games 1&2…. Summit Peak for Game 3? Thanks. Great rundown.

[@jamesmurraldeo7624]

My very first ball is the Optimum Idol. And I’m still learning to make optimal use of it, being a beginner. Cool ball.

[@brentkorff8222]

I am loving the Storm The Road hybrid ball. I have enjoyed several long strings of strikes and high scores. At Steve Cook's Fireside Lanes this ball has been versatile and predictable. I will get an opportunity to use it at the Reno National Bowling Stadium in a couple weeks.

[@ThePapadonut]

Hi Darren thanks for the great vid! I’ve been bowling for a few months now, and have 2 questions: 1. What’s your thoughts on building an arsenal out of used balls, I had a PSO tell me that buying a filled ball isn’t worth the money as it will almost always crack. 2. When should I start looking to building out my arsenal. I don’t do leagues yet, just daily 2-6 games. I currently have the phase 2 and a plastic ball since I bowl 2 handed.

[@116tyrell]

Hoping to see the ion pro high on this list I saw you using it and grabbed it for myself and love it for my game

[@johnbreen5988]

been debating the hustle rip and been looking at the zen gold label for a house shot league I'm doing. one hander no thumb medium speed with higher rev. love playing middle lane or up the gutter if I can . only ball I've had before this drilled to my fingers was a tropical surge. need a good house shot ball that wont break the bank! thanks in advance love the content

[@BigRed27]

i would love to see a video on when you would use the balls that you picked for the arsenal. dope vid

[@whattheheckman3004]

The Summit and Summit Peak were the first two balls I came back into SPI with after going around the ring with Motiv and B7. I heard the news that it was discontinuing so I ordered two more. Now I got to think about the Ascent.

[@EviLNox8]

I've thrown a whole ONE of those balls lol. I just started bowling and bought a hussle RIP. I'm trash right now though and it takes me a fair amount of time to recover between sessions.

[@3gon3_87]

Dope seeing you at Classic bowl! 🍻

[@CliftonDon74]

Great 2024 SPI Tier List Darren. I guess we will be doing another one in October/November after the next batch of new ones have released and have had a chance to ve reviewed and used in leagues/tournaments.

[@Thegnardog666]

Right now I’m using the attention star as my main ball and a summit peak as my back up and love them both

[@airiqtibbits2387]

Been bowling since the 80s... I have NO IDEA what all the terms/numbers mean! I get confused when people try to talk to me about the 3 ball number terms(dif/and I can't even think of the other 2, and you just said them).... I've just always thrown whatever I had. I have had bunches and bunches of balls throughout the years... I have settled on Storm, and only Storm... I am the same with disc golf, I just throw discs, and can't wrap my mind around the disc's flight numbers... My 3 balls(PitchBlack, VEBO,IQ Tour)... Love the videos... All the "stronger/weaker/longer" talk just makes my eyes cross...

[@pimphandslik]

I'm kinda the same. What's your average?

[@airiqtibbits2387]

@pimpdoggydogg8670 my last full season I averaged 222, last year in 18-21 games, 216...

[@pimphandslik]

@@airiqtibbits2387 goes to show all the knowledge in the world about bowling balls won't help a bit if you don't have the skill to actually bowl that's why I don't care and just buy whatever ball I feel like

[@billcain7821]

I just picked up the X-Cell and I've been destroying the lanes with it. I can start with it on the fresh and stick with it even after the lanes have started to transition and have broken down. For me that ball is smooth and seems to have a radar built in it to find the pocket. I love its shape going down the lane and it hits like a sledgehammer once in the pocket. Take note I'm a high-speed low rev. bowler, so pearls don't work very well for me, I normally throw those ball through their break points. Other balls that have worked very well for me that I love and will always keep in my bags is the TNT, TNT Infused take note: I threw my very first league/sanctioned 300 game back in Feb. of this year, Summit, and Summit Peak. The Gold Label was another ball that didn't work for me at all.

[@justinfowler1583]

I’ve got a VEBO, The Road, and IQ Tour Ruby because I’m a big fan of pearls.. Do you think an Idol Pearl would be overkill for a replacement of The Road?

[@dougholler7432]

Hey Darren, love your content. I’ve had the Black Widow Venom since 2008. It’s been good to me but I think it’s long overdue for me to upgrade. What do you recommend?

[@ericpostma787]

I bowled my first 300 in January my 7th game after buying my Summit. So it’s obviously the best ball of all time😂. But anyways, you made me want a peak summit even more than I already did.

[@clmpqr6107]

Bruh try throwing that ball 400 rpm at 15 mph your not getting it more then half way down the lane 😂

[@chasebowlsMB]

hey darren i am a 1 handed bowler at 420-460 rpm at 15.5 mph and im trying to pick a really weak sym pearl. do you have any suggestions?

[@reneleroux7669]

Great job @DarrenTang. I tried to write down your lists for the nut and staple categories. But, I'm not familiar with the ball names yet. Could you provide a written list for us newbies? Anyway, I'm only interested in a great league ball that works consistently the same. I used to bowl a 175 league average before urethane came about with about a 10-board break into the pocket. My last ball was a Johnny Petraglia LT-48; to which I bowled a 680 series my first set. Of course, now, the lanes/balls are so different. What do you suggest I get to restart my bowling career (I'm now 72 years young)? You mentioned the "Summit Peak" was considered the best league ball ever. Is that where I should start? Thanks for all of your help.

[@derrickpierce3320]

Great video D T ! I’m a 2 hand league bowler! Are 40ft house pattern dries up quick! So we throw urethane a lot! I like to find a Resin bowl with lil front end ! An nice back end! Any suggestions?

[@tylerhernandez5207]

Since the new balls weren't announced before the recording, where would you put them in these categories?

[@Kennedy25]

what bowling ball should I buy as a One hand Thumbless bowler (like tom daugherty)? Looking to buy my first bowling ball!

[@gorriebyte2936]

I started bowling about 2 months ago. Was using one hand then switch to two handed about a month in. Got my ion pro and just the other night I bowled a 239. Is that decent progress for a new player? I've been watching all of Darren's videos and packys vids and they both have helped me a lot.

[@FS.Racing]

Been waiting for another one!!!!

[@thisguy18x]

I just started throwing the road. It's a good ball for later in the night for me.

[@aidenhimes9361]

Need an update/addendum to this with the summer/fall releases! OARL/Ascent/Harsh Pearl, Ion Max, sublime focus!!!

[@631strongislandkid]

I just starting bowling after 30 years. Minus a frw times here and there. I bought an Xray. I can get a decent hook and can throw it kind of straight

[@ap1146]

Just bought The Road so I’m still getting use to it, seeing what it can do so far I’ve have some games and I’ve had some bad ones 😂

[@Calebs.bowling]

My first non plastic ball was a hustle PRO

[@hdrogers2909]

Since Im subbed, and watch all the vids.....Im gonna comment even though you straight up said in the Harsh Reality ball review you stay outta the comments on KZbin due to the toxicity, I currently roll with the PI, Harsh Pearl, Attn Star, Phase 4, Vebo, Ion Pro

[@sleddingforoldguys]

Love the xcell blends great on sport shot

[@TeeJayC93]

Hi Darren, I've been watching your videos for sometime now, love the content ❤ Just a quick question hoping you can help me. I bowl in a league with a 190 average reasonably consistent just wondering what would be a good upgrade ball wise for me. I recently bought a Blackout and love it just gets a little hooky towards the end of the night, I also have a marvel s which I know is an old ball but I don't have the heart to get rid of. I've been suggested looking into a pitch black which I've never thrown urethane or a phaze 2. Any help would be gladly appreciated ❤

[@roslinaibrahim5171]

Hai Darren..any suggestion on the😊 best ball for short and dry lane?

[@RONNIEKRAVITZ1]

Hi Darren - I’d like your advice please. I throw my 14 lb bowling ball at a speed of 16 mph. My question is what storm bowling ball do you think is best for me? Thanks - Ronnie

[@larsbuijnsters1939]

hey darren, i curently have a storm marvel pearl and a katana assault and im looking for a ball i can play more straight since i have issues getting through the front of the lane alot, any reccomendations? (i bowl 2 handed just incase that matters)

[@itsDrew_K]

What Storm ball would you say is closest to the play style of a black widow 2.0 hybrid?

[@xicpuppy44]

What would you recommend for a new 2 handed that is very Rev dominant?

[@evandavis7334]

YOU'RE SO RIGHT DARREN

[@thadrand5720]

Would you say that the Lighting Blackout could be a replacement for the Hy-Road pearl?? Or what would be a better replacement?

[@cameroncunningham898]

Hey Darren! For your next league video, can you drill a Reality Check 2 handed?

[@lamarrichardson5315]

Hey Darren, do you think you can have the Ion Pro and Phaze 2 in the same 6 ball arsenal bag??

[@MrMad1117]

Any suggestions for a person that is not speed dominant?

[@benjamintan2555]

Hey Darren, just out of curiousity, since you always talk about a 6 ball bag. But as a 2 Hander I can only bring 5 + 1 spare ball. Which slot in the bag would you drop if you only had 5? Pitch Black Eternity Pi Optimum Idol Reality Check Idol Synergy Hustle Rip

[@Chadturner21]

Summit is the best ball in my bag besides the phase 2, my summit/phase 2 1-2 punch is insane

[@mikethenoble7928]

I've seen the Brunswick rhino for way cheap. As a new bowler, is the rhino a good ball to pick up? Where would it rank comparatively

[@clmpqr6107]

He can’t rate these balls as he is storm rep but that is an entry level ball so it won’t hook as much as most of these shown on the video besides the low end category

[@tvdvideoproductions]

Love the tier videos. Thank you.

[@haz927]

I love the Black Widow series. Currently have the Pink Widow Urethane and the BW 2.0 Hybrid. Am planning to get the BW 3.0 but would that be a good purchase?

[@seymourcarson]

I’m really in btw buying a phase 2 or an attention star. Also I’m waiting for any new drops to start the league season off with…

[@Greenday4537]

Do it. I generally don't buy into hype balls but I ended up getting the Phaze II and it's legit.

[@seymourcarson]

@@Greenday4537 are you saying the attention star is a hype ball or you thought the phase 2 was a hype ball? Cause the first one you’re probably not wrong, but if you thought the phase 2 was a hype ball you’re crazy! lol

[@goldenpro3684]

Give us more 2H stuff. Like picking an arsenal. Those strong ASYM balls don't really work for 2H. For me, they just go straight to the left gutter.

[@QuickShade]

timestamps and the list written out in the description would be cool

[@carlosandresguerra3690]

Mister tang how are you doing sr ?big fan !! what’s your opinion about optimum idol pearl , and harsh reality pearl

[@vitonardo]

HRP or Atten Star? My main Asym I use is an X2 and love it

[@billycrowden34]

tier list for house shot and one for sport shot? And maybe one each for short/medium/long

[@jamesheraty8457]

I have a Gold Label, want a second one b/c I couldn’t miss a 230+ for the first five weeks it was drilled (175 avg.). My question, I’m in Bowlero’s Get Your Gear League, and I could choose a Sublime. What’s your opinion Sublime vs. Gold Label? Would the TNT be my better Hybrid option considering I have the Gold Label AND a Zen? Lol

[@Atochabsh]

I've always been an Ebonite fan and as such a couple years back I bought an Ebonite Envision Pearl. I don't see anyone else using them but it's been a really good ball for me. Any experience with this ball?

[@Bones_plays]

I have 7 rec 300 games, 4 with the Phase 2, 1 with IQ tour. Will keep buying them over and over until I fall in love with something else

[@amible2946]

Just ordered the attention star wish my luck

[@clmpqr6107]

Good ball but 50/50 yours will show up dull or shiny as me and my friend got one and mine was dull his was shiny

[@itswillyo5]

Summit peak is definitely a league ball. Got it before the summer season and raised my average in both my leagues by 20 pins. Ball does all the work for you lol

[@raymcgee3017]

I never threw a storm ball, do you thing the IQ ruby is a good all around ball to start with?

[@gweendino]

Any ball recommendation for a beginner bowler who only really thrown house balls and mainly only bowls straight?

[@jmoney7699]

I love the Nuclear Cell. It is in the bag every time

[@br4dy1998]

where would u put the arctic vibe, i got it a few weeks ago been struggling with it averaging like 30 less than normal but today i finally bowled a half decent 845/4 so i think im starting to figure it out

[@tylerjones2559]

House shot bowler mainly. Magic gem is too strong for me. Would an X-Cell be a good option? Or any other suggestions?

[@CptnMangol]

How would this list change for 2-handed verse 1-handed bowling?

[@awizonme84]

Great video... but I can't believe the Journey is discontinued. Bowled my first 300 last season with it

[@malcolmlearner]

My Gold Label Zen is my go-to ball for game 2

[@ryanp1467]

I need a ball for when the lanes are torn up and debating the tropical surge or artic vibe what should I go with. I have a very strong arsenal already and need a weak ball

[@steve4880]

Generally go with the Hustle line if you go with the SPI line. Just figure out if you want it to be a solid, hybrid, or pearl.

[@ryanp1467]

@@steve4880 Talked with my pro shop and ended up with the new tropical surge solid. So I;ve got a VEBO, Summit peak, Phaze 2, Tropical surge solid, and a hyped hybrid I don't really use anymore. And of course my straight ball the storm ice

[@dantemack6323]

I’m so torn. I had sooo much success with the blackout and it’s completely burnt out and has that sort of plastic sound when it hits the pins. I can’t decide whether I want to save money and just go for another blackout with a stronger drilling or go with an attention star because literally everyone has one and loves it.

[@kenbrandel949]

How would you rate the Phaze II vs the DNA Coil?

[@justmep5944]

Love these list

[@krissamuel4838]

Darren Tang. I have a league season starting in a few weeks and I have a motiv nuclear forge asym pearl that’s for medium heavy oil. Should I get a ball that medium heavy but sym or a ball that deals with medium oil or heavy oil and should it be solid or hybrid

[@navydx]

Where do you rank the Phaze 5?

[@lockedonlaw]

Tear List ... these bowling balls make me cry! I like rice! Rice is delicious!

[@eddiepulido2]

Current arsenal Xcell (just purchased) Attn Star Optimum Sublime Ion Gold Label

[@osnapitzpaul]

NEW BALLSSSS LETS GO

[@fieldondowell1692]

I got the Attention Star from a friend and love it. Abd i am getting the Harsh Reality pearl and Optimum Idol pearl from my adult youth league and am excited because never thrown a ball from either one of those lines

[@dsvollmer]

Since you already have the attention star, I would not recommend the harsh reality pearl based on what I see at the bowling this month ball comparison website. Based on their tests those 2 balls are nearly identical by every metric. If you do end up having both, I would be curious if your experience matches their tests.

[@fieldondowell1692]

@dsvollmer I have seen that and I'm going to hold on to the Harsh Reality pearl and drill it later on these coming bowling season. And possibly a different layout because the Attention Star has a strong pin layout.

[@pookr300]

Storm Ion Pro vs Motiv Pride Liberty

[@gilbertochavez6149]

Can you do a video describing the way storm breaks down the cover strength and core strength they make it hard to pick a ball that won’t over lap without going trough so much information and nonsense

[@TheCD5150]

I don't understand the hate the TNT Infused get/got. I love that ball, and some of my highest scores to date are with that ball.

[@trubosspesoo1182]

All these years watching and never knew you was a one piece fan 🔥❤️

[@bidi__]

Hi! I am a new bowler and I throw two-handed and am averaging 120 with a 12lb Columbia 300 White Dot. I want to get a bowling ball meant for striking. Should I change the weight or do I stick to what I am comfortable with? Thank you guys.

[@stef1217]

Heh

[@stef1217]

I found your frickin comment

[@pimphandslik]

Yes get at least a 14lb

[@stef1217]

@@bidi__ poopoolala

[@bidi__]

@@pimphandslik Thank you so much!

[@thomasworrilow4228]

Still funny to me that everyone hated the original phaze, but love the og zen! Pretty much the same ball! 😂