As a beginner who’s still perfecting your bowling techniques, you won’t always throw a strike (knock down all ten pins) each time. Once in a while, you may need to hit spares – knocking down all the pins on the second try.
Knocking down those spares may require a different tactic from what you use when going for a strike. That’s where the best spare bowling balls come into play. Spare balls are lightweight; they can move faster and hit the pins to the ground, increasing the chances of winning.
(If you want, we also did a review for the best clear bowling balls)
Here are the top 10 spare bowling balls reviewed. Choose the best one to be a step ahead of your opponents.
10 Top Bowling Balls for Spare Shots
1. Brunswick Lizard Glow Pre-Drilled Viz-A-Ball
This spare ball comes pre-drilled for excellent balling experiences. It comes in 5 different sizes, which are drilled based on weight. The ball is made with a polyester coverstock and has a high gloss polish finishing.
Lizard Glow Pre-drill is a solid performer, ideal for spare shooters. This ball will do justice to its job on the lane, and it demands attention when on the rack too!
This high-performance ball has the most amazing graphics, and you can customize any size or with your selected weight or have them custom-designed with your favorite patterns and images.
Pros
- High-performance spare ball
- Pre-drilled
- It comes in 5 size variations
Cons
- It can crack after intense use – mostly between the finger holes
2. Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball
The Globe Viz-A-Ball from Brunswick glows when used under a black light. It has exclusive 360-degree graphics. You can use it as a beginner or recreational bowler.
It has a cool appearance, with so many features. The coverstock is made of polyester with a single compound buff finishing, which helps make the roll smooth on oily lanes.
Its symmetrical core gives straight rolls on the lane. It is an excellent spare for pro bowlers. You can handle this ball easily as it provides a tight grip that will not compromise your aim.
Pros
- Colorful graphics
- Very much adaptable
- It has a tight grip that makes it easy to handle
Cons
- It doesn’t come pre-drilled
3. DV8 Zombie Spare Bowling Ball
Are you a zombie movie fan? Then this spare ball is for you.
The DV8 Zombie Spare ball is one of the best practical and consistent plastic spare bowling balls. It weighs 15 lbs, which is ideal for both beginners and professional bowlers.
It has a spooky design and, on the inside, a high-performance core. It is relatively lightweight and will deliver straight shots.
It’s made of polyester coverstock with a bullet core and high gloss polish finish. The non-reactive black outer material helps to keep it in a straight trajectory. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, this ball will offer the convenience you need in a spare.
It is available in various sizes and weight options. You can control it with ease and make straight and precise shots on most strike patterns, and it rolls smoothly on all lane types too.
Pros
- Great hook potential
- Convenient grip pattern
- Easy to control
Cons
- The curve at the end makes it challenging for left-handed bowlers.
4. Brunswick T-Zone Patriot Blaze
The T-Zone Patriot Blaze spare ball is a consistent performer too, and it makes it easy to predict its trajectory with a few sessions of practice.
Its elegant, radiant finish provides an excellent grip that lets you make straight rolls during your leisure bowling matches.
T-Zone’s ball weight is distributed evenly to allow you accurate control. T-Zone ensures different cores for different weight options, improving your overall game performance and bowling experience.
Pros:
- Accurate control
- Versatility
- Different weight options for all ages/sizes of bowlers
Cons
- Scratches on the exterior
5. Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb
The Hammer Black Widow bowling ball is an aesthetically pleasing piece that packs excellent performance in good looks.
It features an aggressive solid polyester coverstock, a gas mask core, and an Abralon powerhouse factory fish. This gives proper control, balance, and durability for years.
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 can roll down on any lane condition without much friction. Its high precision rate makes sure the pinballs are hit exactly where they are knocked.
The ball’s coverstock helps to move the ball in a straight line without deviating, not even when it hits small bumps on its way.
The Black Widow 2.0 ball is available in varying weights and colors.
Pros
- Has high flare potential
- Can handle all lanes, most especially dry lanes
- It can double up as a strike ball.
Cons
- Quite pricey
6. Plasma Bowling Ball
The Plasma Bowling Ball is an excellent recreational ball for kids. You can use it when introducing bowling to your children, and it is also suitable for beginners and experienced bowlers.
The straight-line motion works well for straight bowlers. The colorful image is irresistible, especially when it’s pasted and heat-sealed onto its plastic material.
The USBC-approved Plasma Ball is designed with quality polyester. The small circle at the center helps to hold it in place during manufacturing.
Pros
- Great for kids, pros, and recreational bowlers
- USBC-approved ball
- Good for new and experienced bowlers
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive.
7. Bowlerstore Clear Skull Bowling Ball 15lbs
Clear Skull is an undrilled bowling bowl with absolutely amazing graphics and details. It has a skull inside a clear 15lbs ball.
The clear skull perfectly lights up the lanes, pulling your attention to the shelf as it runs towards the pins to knock them off.
This ball is best for someone new to bowling or a pro who needs a ball that shows them the way in the alley. Whether you are a recreational bowler or an ardent one, you’ll find it fun to have at all times.
Pros
- High gloss polish finish
- It makes perfect straight shots
- Great for both newbies and pro bowlers
Cons
- Undrilled
8. KR Strikeforce Clear Soccer Ball
The Clear Soccer Ball is a 360-degree USB-approved ball for tournaments and leagues. Leagues, and it’s made from superior quality clear polyester shells.
The bowling ball has a soccer ball design under the clear shell. The image cannot wear off since it’s shell-protected. If you’re looking to shoot at those corner pins with a spare ball, this is it.
The transparent ball is an attraction, with the large rose blossoming within its shell. It doesn’t have a core, yet its aesthetic value is outstanding. The looks alone will get you screaming for it.
Pros
- Great for pros and newbies
- Great aesthetics
- Highly durable
Cons
- Has no core
9. Storm Pitch Black Bowling Ball
The Black Bowling Ball has a solid coverstock and a patent capacitor core. It is great on short oil patterns and wooden lanes.
You can easily control this ball since it’s predictable. It has a classic matte black design with neon green graphics. This ball performs great in dry lane conditions.
The Storm Pitch black bowling ball features a solid urethane coverstock. It hits its motion smoothly and immediately.
Its symmetrical capacitor core has high RG. The 1000 grit finish can portend more overall motion on high oil patterns, which is for its overall friction coefficient.
Pros
- Good for dry lanes
- Hits motion smoothly and immediately
- It’s predictable and controllable
Cons
- Ineffective in heavy oil
10. Draft Beer Bowling Ball by Bowlerstore
The Draft Beer Bowling Ball is another one of Bowlerstore’s bowling products with a high gloss polish finish.
This great digital bowling ball has fascino 360-degree graphics with a glow-in-the-dark feature.
Its plastic construction includes a high pixel, colorful image on one-half half of the ball. It will fit you perfectly as a recreational bowler, giving you the fun and enjoyment you need during the game.
Pros
- Enticing White-Gold design
- Straight motions
- USBC approved
Cons
- Average performing ball
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Spare Balls for Bowling
Do pro bowlers use spare balls?
Yes, pro bowlers use spare balls. Spare balls are better at launching precise second throws.
How heavy should a spare ball be?
A spare bowling ball should be 10% of your body weight (maximum 16 pounds for adults).
What should I use for a spare ball?
You can use a hook ball to shoot your spares, but make sure it’s not designated as a spare ball.
Final Thoughts
All the above spare balls are from popular brands known to provide excellent bowling products. Depending on your bowling skills, lane conditions, and preferences, you can get a spare ball that fits you perfectly. Check out the highlighted features to determine if the ball suits your needs and get the right pick to win the game.
