Why urethane bowling ball is all time favorite ball? Urethane bowling balls are widely popular for their versatility and durability. Typically, the balls you play with at your local bowling alley are either plastic or urethane. Before reactive resin, urethane was all the rave. Therefore, it still has a great reputation in the bowling industry.
What’s nice is that urethane bowling balls are always a safer option despite your skillset and bowling experience. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro bowler, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Hence, I am here to demonstrate the ins and outs of urethane bowling balls. So here we go!
What is a urethane bowling ball?
So what exactly is a urethane bowling ball? Urethane bowling balls are the balls that have coverstocks made of urethane (or polyurethane)— a component that is stronger and more durable than plastic. Compared to plastic bowling balls, urethane has a bit more hook potential, which means you don’t always have to throw it straight down the lane. But don’t expect the equal hooking ability as a reactive ball provides. After reactive resins entered the market, the rave for urethane slowed down. However, in the last few years, urethane has made a major comeback.
Do urethane bowling balls hook?
As I have just mentioned, yes, urethane bowling balls hooks. But how much? If you compare urethane and plastic bowling balls side by side, urethane balls will have better hooking ability. Plastic bowling balls hardly hook and they tend to go straight while rolling down the lane. In comparison to reactive bowling balls, urethane balls hook less. But the hooking ability is enough to bowl some successful strikes.
What are Urethane Bowling Balls good for?
If you’re soon to start your bowling career (or just as a hobby), learning the basics are important. The same goes for acknowledging necessary facts about bowling ball coverstocks and their internal and external mechanisms. The way you can control a urethane bowling ball is astonishing! From the moment it hits the oil pattern till it reaches the pockets, the ball motion seems very predictable. This is because you get to control the ball’s reaction and motion smoothly.
Urethane bowling balls are also great for learning, especially for those who are just getting started with curving their bowling balls at the breakpoint. So from moderately experienced beginners to professional bowlers, urethane bowling balls are incredible. Because urethane makes a decent choice for top-ranked and regular bowlers equally, they are well-praised for their versatility. If you’re looking for nothing too strong or out-of-control bowling balls, the urethane will do you good in that case.
When to Use a Urethane Bowling Ball?
The best time to get your urethane out of your bag is when you’re about to bowl on a shorter oil pattern. One notable characteristic of urethane is that it doesn’t absorb oil as much as other bowling balls do. They also make great bowling balls when you need to pick up the spares. Yes, you can even use a urethane coverstock ball as a spare ball. How great is that!
What Kind of Lane Conditions Are Urethane Bowling Balls Good For?
Do you want to get the best reaction out of your urethane bowling ball? Then throw it on a dry lane and see the magic! So when you’re playing on a fresh oil pattern, it’s better not to throw your urethane ball. Because urethane loves friction, heavy oil conditions will make the ball go off the track. If you are bowling in a tournament or in any bowling match, and see your lane is drying up gradually, this is when you should bowl with your urethane bowling ball to see the best result.
Experts have proven that urethane bowling balls hardly absorb any oil. This reduces the excessive amount of friction. This lets you have some control over the ball’s speed and maintain its ball travel. The opposite scenario takes place when you throw a reactive ball in the dry lane. When you think your lane has dried up and you keep on playing with your reactive ball, you will see it getting slowed down due to high friction. So choose your ball wisely.
How Long Does a Urethane Bowling Ball last?
This might sound shocking, but urethane bowling balls are actually a lot stronger than regular reactive resins. Just like the plants in your room, urethane bowling balls require enough care and love. To make them last longer than you expect, make sure you follow an accurate maintenance routine frequently. If a urethane ball is adequately taken care of, it can last up to 10 years. I have a few urethanes in my collection that I have purchased back in 2012-14 and they still play just fine. A life-saving hack is to use all of your bowling balls simultaneously instead of storing them in the back of your garage or in your men’s den. simple tip: Play with them!
Pros and Cons of Urethane Bowling Ball
Pros:
- Consistent performance for all kinds of bowlers
- Will last longer than you expect
- Exceptional bowling reaction
- Hooks enough to have some angular breakpoint (better hook potential than plastic)
- Also works fine as a spare ball
- Just the right kind of ball when your bowling lane starts to dry up
- Doesn’t absorb oil picked up from the lane
Cons:
- Often lacks the extra power that you need to score some strikes
- Not your best buddy on freshly applied oil
FAQs Of Why Urethane Bowling Ball Is All Time Favorite Ball!
What is a urethane bowling ball?
- Answer: A urethane bowling ball is a type of bowling ball made from urethane coverstock material. It’s known for its smooth and predictable reaction on the lanes, offering control and accuracy.
Why are urethane bowling balls popular?
- Answer: Urethane bowling balls are popular for various reasons, including their versatility on different lane conditions, the ability to control hook, and their consistent, controllable hook potential. They are often preferred by bowlers who value precision and accuracy over extreme hook potential.
When should I use a urethane bowling ball?
- Answer: Urethane bowling balls are well-suited for medium to dry lane conditions where there is less oil on the lane. They are excellent choices for spare shooting and when you want a more controlled, predictable hook.
Can urethane bowling balls hook?
- Answer: Yes, urethane bowling balls can hook, but their hook potential is typically less aggressive than reactive resin balls. They offer a smooth and controlled hook that is ideal for specific lane conditions and spare shooting.
Are urethane bowling balls good for beginners?
- Answer: Urethane bowling balls can be a good choice for beginners because they offer control and predictability. However, the best ball for a beginner depends on their individual skill level and lane conditions they typically encounter.
How do I maintain a urethane bowling ball?
- Answer: To maintain a urethane bowling ball, you should regularly clean it using a ball cleaner, wipe off oil and dirt, and consider getting it professionally resurfaced or refinished as needed to restore its performance.
What are the differences between urethane and reactive resin bowling balls?
- Answer: Urethane balls generally offer less hook potential and a smoother reaction compared to reactive resin balls. Reactive resin balls are known for their strong and aggressive hooking action, while urethane balls provide more control and consistency.
Conclusion
I’m so glad urethane bowling balls are back in action. From newbies to professional bowlers — anyone can handle urethane bowling balls after a bit of practice. Because urethanes are versatile, easy to control, and consistent, players love to reach out to this kind of ball all the time. That’s all I gotta say about urethane bowling balls. I hope I have answered all of your questions. On that note, keep having fun with your urethane bowling balls. Good luck!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
