As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
In some places where people just like to bowl casually, bowling lanes can be rather dry. This often leads to higher scores as the ball can work with a lot more friction so it can hook into the right spot for strikes. But in more serious places or on actual tournaments, you will find that the bowling lanes are much more heavily oiled, and so a regular bowling ball simply won’t do. You’ll need the best medium to heavy oil bowling ball that you can buy to compensate for the more challenging conditions.
But which one’s the best bowling ball for medium to heavy oil? A lot of online medium to heavy oil bowling ball reviews can be rather intimidating with lots of technical details if you’re a newbie. We’ll mention those, but we will focus more on how these balls can help you out.
Table of Contents
# Best Medium to Heavy Oil Bowling Ball Comparison Chart
# Top 7 Best Medium to Heavy Oil Bowling Ball Reviews
1. Hammer Black Widow Black/Gold
This is a best-rated medium to heavy oil bowling ball for serious professionals. The Hammer Black Widow series is renowned for being the bowling ball of choice for world champions, and the Black Gold version is one of the newer versions. However, this means that the reactive hybrid bowling ball may not be the best choice for newbies.
This comes with weight options from 12 to 16 pounds, with the 12-pound and 13-pound balls featuring a Symmetric core. The other weights come with the famed Gas Mask core from Hammer, and around it is the Aggression Hybrid coverstock with the same chemical base as the Rip’D cover.
This is specifically meant for medium to heavy oil bowling lanes. Its pin action and bite at the backend gives you that hook you want to get a proper striking angle for strikes. The balance is terrific, and it moves well across the lane.
The look of this is quite impressive as well, with a great drawing of a large black widow on one side. It even says “BLACK WIDOW” right in the center of the design just in case you forget what this is.
Why We Recommend It
- Meant for tournament bowling lanes. It works perfectly well on the medium to heavy oil conditions. It glides through the middle part of the lane and then at the end, you get that terrific hook.
- Decent strength. While it doesn’t barrel through the pins, you still get a great strong momentum from the ball as it hits all those pins. This means that on frames that require straight angles, this one still does the job.
- Great finish. It matches well whether you use low, medium or high speeds for your shots. It just floats through the fronts to get to the pins.
- Variable weight options. If you’re not comfortable with overly heavy bowling balls, you can find lightweight versions as well.
- Fantastic look. It looks professional, and you’ll scare off newbies with a bowling ball like this with an intimidating Black Widow design.
- It’s durable too. It comes with a 3-year warranty, which isn’t really rare for a Hammer bowling ball.
- It’s affordable. It’s not exactly a cheap medium to heavy oil bowling ball, but the other bowling balls on this list cost more.
Other Considerations
- Not for newbies. It’s a serious bowling ball that newbies will find too difficult to master.
2. Hammer Statement Pearl
This is another high-performance bowling ball from Hammer. The Aggression Pearl CFI coverstock comes from the Rip’D Pearl, though there’s a difference in the surface preparation.
If you want to be technical, the Hammer Statement Pearl comes with a low RG (radius of gyration) that’s crucial for medium to heavy oil conditions. This means it is center-heavy, and with dry lanes, you don’t get the length through the front end. But since the lane is oiled, you get enough front end action and then the strong pearl reactive coverstock contributes to the strong backend action.
You may notice that the hard revving is maintained through the front and mid-lane parts. So you can rely on it to deliver that powerful arcing motion at the end for your strikes. It offers a very reliable performance that lets you open up your angles.
Why We Recommend It
- Nice length. You get a good length when you have medium to heavy oil on the lane, as it can glide through nicely.
- Powerful backend motion. The ball seems to store the energy, so when it gets to the backend, it smashes strongly against the pins.
- Versatile. It seems to work with many types of bowlers, and it also works well in various lane conditions.
- Durable. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.
- Designed for tournament lanes. It is specifically made for medium to heavy oil bowling lanes, which is what you encounter when you’re competing in tournaments.
- Variable weights. This is available from 12 to 16 pounds. So if you’re smaller, you can get lighter weight. Remember that you should go with 10% of your weight as your ideal bowling ball weight.
Other Considerations
- Unimpressive look. While some may think it looks nice and subtle, others may feel that it seems somewhat blah in its look.
- Less traction. It doesn’t offer as much traction as other bowling balls, so it may require you to exert more effort in your revs.
3. Storm Super Soniq
This comes with the Centripetal HD symmetric core with the NRG hybrid reactive coverstock finished at 3000-Grit Abralon. This is also meant for medium-heavy oil lane conditions. You get a 1-year warranty, though for a few measly dollars you can double the length of the warranty period.
This Centripetal HD symmetric core does come with somewhat new features, as the RG is slightly lower for better results on medium to heavy oil conditions. It also gives you more of a hook, so you have more angles to work with. It’s a bowling ball for medium to heavy oil with a good back end.
The symmetrical core offers a smoother roll and more consistent results. The line is smoother and less aggressive. It’s a rather heavy core, and despite the symmetric core it seems to want to dig in. The stronger sanded finish does well with ample amounts of oil. It rolls more heavily, and for some it can be difficult to get dialed in.
Why We Recommend It
- Consistent results. The symmetrical core may not give you as much bite, but it does tend to provide you with the same outcomes each time you launch it.
- Strong backend. It does tend to really run roughshod over the pins in the backend.
- Lots of weight options. You can go as light as 12 pounds to as heavy as 16 pounds.
- Great for heavy oil conditions. It just has a much smoother reaction off the end.
- Quicker response time down the lane. This is due to the NRG hybrid cover stock.
- For players who like straight and lower rev balls. It offers excellent strength that these players don’t generally enjoy with a bowling ball.
Other Considerations
- Unusual reactions. The actions here may be somewhat tricky to master for some. You need lots of speed and oil if you have high rev balls to make this option more viable.
4. Brunswick Method Solid
This bowling ball uses the Magnitude 055 High Diff symmetric core, along with the Synthesis Solid coverstock with the 500/2000 Siaair matte finish. It also features the DynamiCore technology from Brunswick. It gives the bowling ball a more durable material on the outside which means you get less compression on impact. This technology boosts the hitting power, so you transfer massive energy to the pins to make strikes more likely.
This is also expressly designed for medium to heavy oil lanes. You get more traction in the oil, and then at the breakpoint, you get a great response.
For the ones who liked the original Brunswick Method, they’ll definitely swoon over the Method Solid. The new version offers many of the excellent features of the original. However, it provides better traction, and it’s even more continuous when going down the lane.
Why We Recommend It
- DynamiCore. You get the hitting power and pin carry you want to really improve those strike chances.
- Clean approach with a strong backend. It rolls earlier in the lane, and it rolls to the pins without losing its stored energy.
- Lots of friction. The 500 and 2000 SiaAir pads give you the grip you want when you have lots of oil to deal with.
- Great looks. It’s not overly flashy, but you get a memorable cosmic color combination with black, blue, and purple.
- Different weight options. Your choices range from 12 pounds to 16 pounds.
- Double warranty option. The warranty is normally just for a year, but for a few bucks extra you can double the warranty period.
Other Considerations
- Not really versatile. Without the heavy oil, the sanded cover can get you too much friction that’s hard to control.
5. Columbia 300 Savage Life
This one comes with the Savage asymmetric core with low RG and high differential with the Exciter Pearl reactive coverstock finished at 500/1000 Abralon polished. It’s meant for medium to heavy oil conditions, as it’s designed to go long then finishes with a powerful backend reaction.
The “Savage” in its name isn’t really an exaggeration, as the ball does seem to store ample amounts of energy. When it reaches the backend, it transfers all that energy to the pins, so it’s as if it hits them with great savagery.
It’s surprisingly versatile as well as it can suit several different playing styles. Whether you like to curve your bowling a lot or you prefer to go straighter, this can suit your needs. It makes for an excellent game as you can curve or straight depending on the frame needs.
It looks good too, especially as it rolls. You get that mesmerizing effect as the ball rolls and shows off the black, violet, and aqua color combination.
Why We Recommend It
- Powerful finish. It smashes through the pins with great power. The pins ricochet in the backend hitting each other and creating more strikes.
- Great entry angle. It goes a bit longer before the ball makes its move and turns toward your pocket. That allows it to enter the pin formation at a more advantageous angle for more strikes as well.
- Works for straight line players too. You can just aim it at the point of entry you want, and it can help you get that spare you’re looking for.
- Great colors. The aqua, violet, and black color combination works very well and provides a nice visual effect.
- Lots of weight choices. You can go from 12 to 16 pounds.
Other Considerations
- Not for newbies. It seems a bit difficult to master, especially if you’re new to the game. You may want to go with non-pro balls first before you try to play with this one.
- It’s a bit pricey. For those who only bowl casually, the price may not be all that sensible.
6. Radical Conspiracy Pearl
This bowling ball uses an asymmetric core with the Forged 2 Pearl reactive coverstock and a high polish. It’s also meant for medium-heavy oil lane conditions with weight options ranging from just 14 to 16 pounds. Clearly, it’s not for smaller players.
This ball comes with the DynamiCore technology, which stores the energy and then transfers it to the pins upon impact. This will get the pins to bump into each other more violently to create higher chances for strikes.
The Conspiracy Pearl offers clear action with not that much hook. For low speed and low rev players, that’s actually a relief. For “tweeners,” it’s an absolute delight too. Yet it works for the stronger players with high revs as well, which demonstrates the Conspiracy Pearl’s versatility.
Why We Recommend It
- It doesn’t give upon impact. It strikes with a lot of MOI, due to the low compression shell. It’s like a truck when it hits the pins, sending them bouncing into each other for more likely strikes.
- It hooks nicely. It glides through the oil smoothly, and then right before the pin formation, it grips the surface to hit the pins at a more effective angle. Again, this angle makes a strike a lot more probable.
- Consistent results. Whenever you make the same motions with the same effort, you get the same outcomes. You don’t get weird results. This means you’re able to get more consistently high scores especially when you get used to this.
- Durability. The DynamiCore material can last a good long while.
- Works for different playing styles. Regardless of your speed and rotation preferences, you’ll find this Conspiracy pearl a lot of fun to play with when you have medium to heavy oil to deal with.
Other Considerations
- Not too many weight options. The lightest available weight is 14 pounds, so younger or smaller bowlers may not be able to deal effectively with the heavier weighs.
- Boring colors. It has a black and teal color combination that isn’t really all that impressive. It’s a best-rated medium to heavy oil bowling ball due to its performance, not on aesthetics.
7. Roto Grip Halo Pearl
With this, you get the Centrum Asymmetric core, the eTrax-P18 pearl reactive coverstock, and the 1500-Grit Pad finish. Translated to more recognizable results, it means the bowling ball will glide through medium to heavy oil, and then at the backend, you have a strong reaction finish.
If you’re used to the regular Halo, the Halo Pearl will give a much different action due to the new cover. The skid is extended by 6 to 8 feet, and that means a lot more backend action.
This ball is available in just three weight options from 14 to 16 pounds. At least you get a variety of color choices, with options like coal, pearl, pearl/fuchsia, and pearl/sky blue. The warranty is for a year, but there’s an option to double the coverage period for just a few bucks more.
Why We Recommend It
- Meant for medium to heavy oil. It reacts the same way that most good players want. First, it glides through the oil, and then it grips the surface and turns for a nice angle upon impact.
- Greater angle. This is due to how long it skids at first. Then afterward the ball suddenly gets a grip, so the angle is sharper when it makes the turn.
- Lots of strength. It’s probably the strongest ball in the Roto Grip lineup. This creates better strike chances and it offers greater control.
- It works for many playing styles. Even if you prefer to go straighter or you want lots of curves, this bowling ball can work for you.
- Plenty of color options. You’re able to pick the look you want.
Other Considerations
- Fewer weight options. With the lightest at 14 pounds, smaller and younger players won’t feel comfortable with the heavier weights.
# Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Medium to Heavy Oil Bowling Ball
Your best bet when you’re buying a ball for medium to heavy oiled lanes is to read several reviews to check out how the ball plays. A glance on the specs can also help, though this can be overly technical for newbies. So you need to focus more on reviews, with special considerations for the flowing factors:
Suitability for Playing Level
Some bowling balls are expressly for professionals, and that’s not just because of the price. These balls can come with complicated details that a newbie simply can’t use for maximum benefits. So if you’re not yet a pro, you may want to focus more on bowling balls that are designed mainly for beginners or for intermediate players.
Durability
The higher-quality bowling balls are designed to last for a good long while. This is especially true if you take care of them well. You may want to check out the warranty period length to get a clue as to how long these bowling balls are supposed to last.
How Reactive Is It?
Many bowlers want their ball to have a good grip on the lane surface so that the ball can hook properly for strikes. This is more difficult with oily lanes, but you can compensate if you have a bowling ball that’s designed specifically for these types of lanes. You can then still get that hook you want. The main issue here though is that these may not play well when you’re back to playing somewhat dry lanes.
Weight Options
It’s best if you can get a bowling ball that’s about 10% of your body weight. After all, a ball that’s too heavy is a lot more challenging to control. If it’s too light, then it’s more easily deflected when it hits a pin.
So it’s great if a bowling ball offers a wide range of weight options so you can get the precisely correct weight for comfortable bowling.
Price
It is related to how serious you are about bowling. If you’re passionate about the game, then you may not mind saving up for an expensive ball. After all, you bowl frequently, and so you get full value for your money. An expensive ball doesn’t make as much sense when you don’t play all that often and you don’t really care about your score at all.
Looks
This may seem petty for self-declared “serious bowlers”, but a nice looking bowling ball is always a good idea. It somehow motivates you to do well, and the compliments you get are always nice to hear. Besides, a bowling ball with a unique look is easier to recognize as your own.
# Final Thoughts
You have to admit that if you’re serious about the game, you need better equipment. In bowling, this means you need the best medium to heavy oil bowling ball because these oily conditions will be more common in tournaments. So get one that fits your need and budget. Bowling is a lot more enjoyable when you get consistently high scores, which means these bowling balls can lead directly to how you enjoy bowling as a whole.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
