Bowling offers many benefits for children's development. Physically, it enhances coordination, balance, and motor skills. Socially, bowling fosters responsibility, teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship, creating a shared experience that contributes to healthy interpersonal skills. Cognitively, the strategic aspects of the game stimulate critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
Achieving success in bowling boosts a child's self-esteem, building a positive self-image. Additionally, the game introduces educational elements, involving counting points and understanding scoring, providing a subtle yet effective blend of learning and recreation for our young bowlers. Most importantly, kids can bowl individually or in teams, making it a perfect sport choice for all.
However, the standard bowling balls found at bowling alleys are not suitable for good bowling experience. Bowling balls that are found in bowling alleys may have finger holes that are too large for kids' comfortable grip. A poor grip can impact the score and the overall bowling experience, and it may even result in wrist injuries.
The best bowling balls for kids should not only have an appropriate finger grip but also be of suitable weight, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
What weight bowling ball to choose for kids?
Weight is the first thing you should consider before selecting the best bowling ball for your kid. When you're choosing the right weight bowling ball for your kid, the first thing to think about is its weight. Here's a handy tip: match the ball weight with their age. So, if they're 6 or 7, go for a 6 or 7-pound ball, and for a 10 or 11-year-old, a 10 or 11-pound ball is a good call. It's a simple rule to follow, and you might need to tweak it a bit based on how they feel. Kids can choose something a bit heavier or lighter based on what feels right for them. However, caution them against picking a bowling ball that's clearly too heavy, as it can lead to severe injuries when falling or lifting off the ball rack.
Selecting a bowling ball with the right grip for kids
Choosing the appropriate finger grip is crucial when deciding on a bowling ball for kids. The thumb should feel comfortably fitted without being too tight, while the middle and ring fingers shouldn't be overly loose. It is hard to achieve with the standard house bowling balls that are found in the bowling alleys so if your kid loves go bowling, we suggest drilling him a bowling ball for a perfect weight-grip combination and best bowling experience.
For parents seeking the best bowling ball for kids, BowlingLife testers have curated a selection of the best bowling balls to consider in 2024, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding bowling experience for young bowling enthusiasts.
This isn't your ordinary compilation of bowling balls – being avid bowlers ourselves, we're offering firsthand insights, genuine perspectives, and detailed information on the strengths and unique features of each ball. Our aim is to simplify the decision-making process for you, customizing it to meet your specific requirements. So, let's embark on this journey together and explore the top bowling balls for kids in 2024!
Please bare in mind that all of our suggested bowling balls are un-drilled. Professional drilling services can be found at your local bowling pro-shop. Please note that certain links provided in this article might be affiliate links.
Top 3 BowlingLife bowling ball picks for kids
Don't feel like reading the full review? Check out our top 3 picks for the best bowling balls for kids to buy in 2024.
Hammer Black Widow 3.0 - the best overall bowling ball for kids
Ebonite Fireball - the best first bowling ball for kid
Storm Mix - the best plastic bowling ball for kid
Choosing the best bowling ball for kids
Let's start with the basics - high-performance bowling balls differ significantly from the ones commonly found at bowling alleys. House balls are crafted for durability, aiming to withstand prolonged use, whereas high-performance balls prioritize achieving the optimal reaction on the lane.
There are thousands of different bowling balls, but they can all be divided into three main groups according to the surface reaction - plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. They all have unique functions and allow players to adapt quickly to changing lane conditions.
The main feature of a plastic bowling ball is a hard, low-porous ball surface with minimal adhesion to the track, so it is almost non-rhooking. Beginners usually use plastic balls as they are cheap and last a long time. Besides, they are made in a wide variety of colors and are very beautiful, making plastic bowling ball an ideal choice for a beginner.
Urethane bowling balls had much better friction on the lane, hooked more, and entered the pins at a sharper angle than plastic balls, which helps to increase the score. In addition, due to its hard surface, it was durable and capable of serving for many years.
Reactive resin bowling balls have much better friction and stronger angular reaction on the lane than urethane balls. They are most common in sports bowling.
Best bowling balls for kids - detailed list
Having discussed the essential elements of choosing a bowling ball, it's now time for the highly awaited section – a detailed compilation of the best bowling balls for your little one. Meticulously chosen by our team of testers, these balls are designed to elevate your child's game. Delve into the specifics of each ball, discover their distinct features, and identify the ideal match to enhance your child's performance on the bowling lanes.
Best bowling ball for kids
Hammer Black Widow 3.0
(Release date: January 25th, 2024)
Key advantages:
- Proven Excellence: Black Widow 3.0 excels in ball reaction, continuing its lineage.
- Enhanced Traction: Improved surface and oil tractions for heavy oil conditions.
- Versatile Performance: Ideal for heavy to medium oil, ensuring superior gameplay.
The Hammer Black Widow 3.0 takes the exceptional lineage of its predecessors to new heights. This revolutionary bowling ball, designed as the perfect companion to the Widow 2.0 Hybrid, continues the trend of excellence in ball reaction. With enhanced surface and oil tractions, it's your go-to bowling ball when you need a big hook from your bowling ball. Featuring a solid reactive composition and an upgraded cover with HK22, the Black Widow 3.0 is ideal for kids hwo need an extra reaction from a bowling ball. Coming in warious sizes starting from 12 lbs, this ball ensures superior performance.
Not sure yet? Read a full Hammer Black Widow 3.0 review
Best first bowling ball for kids
Ebonite Fireball
(Release date: September 21, 2023)
Key advantages:
- Classic Curve: Ebonite Fireball delivers a classic curved motion for beginners.
- Powerful Flip: HK22 - GB10.7 coverstock provides a strong backend flip on dry lanes.
- Versatile Performance: Ideal for used bowling lanes with less oil.
Beginners often start their bowling journey on well-worn lanes before delving into the complexities of lane patterns, so after rigorous testing, we believe we've found the perfect match – the Ebonite Fireball. It boasts the HK22 - GB10.7 pearl reactive coverstock with a polished factory finish, providing ample power for a strong backend flip on dry conditions. Some of our testers have added this bowling ball to their arsenal for those extended house tournament nights, finding it exceptionally helpful when the lanes become challenging. The Ebonite Fireball is the perfect companion for kid's first bowling ball, bringing a new level of value and performance to the game. Go ahead and grab one.
Best plastic bowling ball for kids
Storm Mix
(Release date: August 5th, 2022)
Key advantages:
- Great predictability: The time-tested 3-piece Core ensures predictability for anyone who rolls it.
- Unmatched Durability: urethane coverstock provides durability compared to other materials and makes it a reliable choice for first ball.
- Versatility for All Ages: Available in various colors and starting from 8 pounds, the Mix series offers versatile options suitable for bowlers of all ages.
The Mix series is a fantastic option for beginners trying out bowling or for straight-style bowlers in need of a spare shooting choice. With its traditional 3-piece core, the Mix offers enhanced predictability, while its urethane coverstock guarantees unmatched durability compared to other materials. Available in various colors to suit everyone and offered in a range of sizes starting from 8 pounds, it accommodates even the youngest bowlers.
Best urethane bowling ball for kids
Storm !Q Tour 78-U
(Release date: December 15th, 2023)
Key advantages:
Rule-Compliant Hardness: Designed to meet the latest regulations.
Consistent Reaction: Ensures a smooth and predictable response on the lanes.
Proven Performance: Swiftly recognized and trusted by professionals on the PBA Tour.
The name says it all: 78 hardness urethane ball designed to comply with the latest hardness rule. If you seek a smooth and predictable reaction, the !Q Tour 78/U might be your perfect match! With its newly formulated Controll 78 Solid urethane coverstock and a 500-Grit finish, it offers a distinct reaction not seen in current urethane options in the bowling industry. Released just a few months ago, it has swiftly gained recognition as an incredibly reliable bowling ball among professionals on the PBA Tour. Let your kid be among the first to experience the difference with an advanced urethane bowling ball technology!
Read a full Storm !Q Tour 78-U review
Best budget bowling ball for kids
Brunswick Rhino
(Release date: May 10th, 2016)
Key advantages:
- Versatile Performance: Caters to bowlers of all skill levels, providing a versatile choice for a controlled motion down the lane.
- Consistent Pin Action: Retains energy for powerful and consistent pin action.
- Proven Durability: Preferred choice for entry-level bowlers on medium-dry lanes since 2016.
Brunswich Rhino is a versatile choice for bowlers of all levels. Featuring a traditional light bulb core and a medium RG/medium differential, this ball delivers a controlled, benchmark motion down the lane. The R-16 pearl reactive coverstock ensures smooth gliding, conserving energy for powerful pin action. Polished to a fine 500-grit Royal Shine finish, Brunswick Rhino has been a preferred choice for entry-level bowlers on medium-dry lanes for eight years. Available in various colors and starting from 10 pounds, this bowling ball from Brunswick offers optimal performance for kids and value for money.
Spongebob bowling ball for kids
Key advantages:
- Cool Design: this bowling ball is a perfect choice for a little Spongebob and bowling fan.
- Perfect fit: weight options ranging from 6 to 16 lbs.
- USBC Approved: This adorable bowling ball is not only cute but also suitable for league and tournament competitions, ensuring it meets the standards for serious play.
Aright, we didn't put this bowling ball through testing as other bowling balls on the list, given it's a plastic bowling ball and might not offer the best lane reaction. However, it might be the ball with the best reaction from your kid for a special occasion. Approved by USBC, this cute looking bowling ball is suitable for league and tournament competitions. With weight options ranging from 6 to 16 lbs, this ball is not only ideal for bowling but also a perfect fit for fans of legendary Spongebob cartoon.
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Hammer NU Blue Hammer
(Release date: November 16th, 2023)
Key advantages:
- Urethane-Like Reproduction: NU Blue Hammer replicates urethane performance seamlessly.
- Versatile Competitor: Suited for challenging lanes, excelling in various competitions.
- Timeless Motion: Captures the classic Purple Hammer ball motion for effective play.
In light of recent PBA rule adjustments impacting traditional urethane, Hammer stepped up to create a ball capable of mirroring the performance of the famous Purple Hammer without relying on urethane coverstock. The result? The NU Blue Hammer – it's not urethane, but it flawlessly reproduces the smooth, consistent, and predictable motion characteristic of urethane balls. Tailored for versatility and well-suited for challenging lane conditions, this ball provides bowlers with the advantages of a reactive ball suitable for any competition, all while capturing the timeless Purple Hammer ball motion that has been a lane dominator (and a problem for some) for years.
Storm Phaze II
(Release date: October 4th, 2016)
Key advantages:
- World-renowned Traction: Phaze II features the famed TX-16 solid coverstock, delivering enhanced traction in oil.
- Controlled Breakpoint Motion: With a low RG/high diff Velocity core, it offers a more controlled motion at the breakpoint.
- Versatile for All Styles: Accommodates various playing styles, from high rev rates to low rev rates, making it a versatile choice.
The Storm Phaze II stands out as one of the strongest symmetric balls ever produced by Storm. It features the same low RG/high diff Velocity core as the original Phaze but is enveloped in the new TX-16 solid coverstock with a 3000 grit box finish, which granted Phaze II its worldwide fame. This combination provides the Phaze II with enhanced traction in the oil and a more controlled motion at the breakpoint. Unlike balls that deliver sharp backend motion, the Phaze II is perfect as the first ball out of your bag when assessing lane conditions. It accommodates a wide range of playing styles, from those with a high rev rate and significant curve to those with a low rev rate who prefer playing up the lane. If your kid doen't have a Phaze II in a bag, he or she will love one.
Read a full Storm Phaze II review
We hope this best bowling balls for kids review helped you to find the perfect bowling ball for your beloved bowling fan. Don't forget - having your own pair of bowling shoes is as much important as having your own bowling ball. We've also selected the best affordable bowling shoes you can get for your kid's first touches of the sport of bowling.
How do we choose the best bowling ball?
To assist our readers in making well-informed decisions when selecting bowling balls, BowlingLife relies on thorough testing for all our recommendations. We firmly believe that an unbiased opinion about each ball can only be formulated after our team has personally tried it out.
Our testing team comprises three individuals – one with dominant speed, one with dominant revs, and a two-handed player. The goal is to give each ball the chance to demonstrate its strengths across various lane conditions.
We strive for our ball reviews to find a middle ground between being casual and informative. We constantly update the links in the article so you can find reviewed bowling balls easily. Please note that certain links provided might be affiliate links. It's crucial to emphasize that, regardless of the review's tone, it is still a subjective opinion. Just because we found success with certain bowling balls doesn't necessarily mean you will keep on striking with them. Nevertheless, rest assured that our reviews are carried out with fairness, consistency, objectivity, and honesty, guided by bowlers for bowlers.
