How Much Is a Bowling Ball? 2025 Price Guide (Beginner to Pro)

If you are tired of using chipped house balls with finger holes that don’t fit, you have likely asked yourself the question: how much is a bowling ball regarding a personal investment?

Stepping away from the communal rack and purchasing your own equipment is the single most effective way to improve your average. However, the price tag can be confusing. You might see one ball listed for $49 and another for $249, with no immediately obvious difference in appearance.

In this guide, we will break down the bowling ball cost 2025 landscape. We will analyze price points based on performance levels, uncover the "hidden" costs of professional drilling, and help you calculate the total budget required to transition from a recreational bowler to a league contender.

Quick Answer: Average Bowling Ball Costs in 2025

For those looking for a snapshot of current market pricing, the cost of a bowling ball varies significantly based on the technology inside the core and the material of the coverstock.

Here is what you can expect to pay for a new, undrilled ball in 2025:

• Entry-Level Plastic/Polyester ($50 – $90): These are the most affordable options. They are designed to go straight and are primarily used by beginners or pros shooting at spares.
• Mid-Performance (Urethane/Entry Resin) ($100 – $170): This price bracket introduces "hook" potential. These balls are durable and offer a controlled curve, making them perfect for those learning to throw a hook.
• High-Performance (Reactive Resin) ($180 – $300+): These are the engines of the sport. They feature advanced cores and porous coverstocks designed to cut through heavy oil and strike with maximum power.
• The "Real" Cost: It is crucial to remember that the sticker price on a website is rarely the final price. You must factor in bowling ball drilling cost, which we will detail later in this guide.

If you are a beginner, you do not need to spend $300. A solid entry level bowling ball price sits comfortably between $90 and $130 for a ball that actually hooks.

Price Breakdown by Coverstock & Performance

To understand why prices fluctuate so drastically, you must look at the materials used. In the bowling industry, you generally pay for "hook potential" and hitting power.

Plastic Balls: The Cheapest Option ($50 – $90)

If you are strictly asking how much is a bowling ball because you want to stop using germ-infested house balls, plastic (polyester) is your answer.

• Who it’s for: Recreational bowlers who throw straight, or advanced bowlers who need a ball that won’t hook when shooting at corner pins (spares).
• Why it’s cheap: The technology is simple. It consists of a pancake-style weight block and a hard plastic shell. It does not absorb oil, and it does not react to the lane.
• Longevity: These balls are incredibly durable and can last for decades.

Urethane Balls: Mid-Range Control ($100 – $170)

Urethane is an older technology that has made a massive comeback in the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association).

• Who it’s for: Bowlers who want a smooth, predictable curve rather than a violent snap at the end of the lane.
• The Tech: Urethane is softer than plastic and creates friction with the lane surface early. This allows the ball to hook gently.
• Value: Urethane balls are often considered the best "bang for your buck" because they are extremely durable and do not lose their reaction over time as quickly as reactive resin balls do.

Reactive Resin Balls: High Performance ($180+)

When you see a ball hook across the entire lane and smash the pins with an explosive sound, it is likely a Reactive Resin ball.

• Who it’s for: League and tournament bowlers dealing with heavy oil volumes.
• Why it costs more: This is where the engineering budget goes. These balls have complex, asymmetrical weight blocks (engines) inside them to help the ball spin faster.
• The Coverstock: The shell contains microscopic pores that absorb oil, allowing the ball to grip the dry part of the lane aggressively.
• The Trade-off: While these balls increase your scores, they have a shorter lifespan. The oil absorption eventually "kills" the reaction, meaning high-performance balls need to be replaced or "detoxed" more often than plastic or urethane.

Major Brand Pricing: Storm, Brunswick, and Hammer

In 2025, the market is dominated by a few key manufacturers. Understanding their pricing tiers can help you spot a good deal.

Storm Bowling

Storm is arguably the most popular brand today, known famously for adding distinct scents (fragrances) to their high-performance balls.

• Budget (Tropical Surge Series): Around $90 - $110. This is the gold standard for entry level bowling ball price. It offers a great introduction to hooking the ball without breaking the bank.
• Pro (Phaze / Infinite Series): $180 - $240. These are benchmark balls used by pros. They provide reliable traction and are worth the investment for serious league players.

Brunswick

Brunswick is a heritage brand that covers the entire spectrum of pricing.

• Budget (Twist Series): $80 - $100. Very affordable reactive balls ideal for children or seniors due to easy handling.
• High-End (Quantum / Defender): $200 - $300. Brunswick’s high-end balls often feature "Durability Optimization Technology" (DOT), which claims to reduce cracking, justifying the higher price point.

Hammer

"Nothing hits like a Hammer." This brand has a cult following, particularly for their "Black Widow" line.

• The Premium: The Black Widow series usually commands a custom bowling ball price of $160 - $220.
• Why pay it? The gas mask core inside these balls is legendary for its hitting power. For many bowlers, paying the premium for a Hammer ball is an investment in carrying more strikes.

The 'Hidden' Costs: Drilling Services Explained

This is the section most online retailers gloss over. If you buy a ball online for $150, you cannot take it to the lanes immediately. It arrives as a solid sphere. You need holes, and those holes cost money.

The bowling ball drilling cost depends entirely on how you grip the ball.

Standard/Conventional Drilling ($30 – $50)

This is the grip you are used to with house balls, where your fingers go in up to the second knuckle.

• Cost: Lowest.
• Process: The Pro Shop Operator (PSO) measures your hand span and drills three simple holes.
• Pros/Cons: It is cheap and secure, but it makes it very difficult to hook the ball. This is recommended only for plastic balls.

Fingertip Drilling with Inserts ($50 – $70)

If you are buying a reactive resin ball to hook it, you must use a fingertip grip (fingers only go in to the first knuckle).

• Cost breakdown: You are paying for the drilling labor ($30-$40) plus the parts.
• The Parts:
  • Finger Inserts ($10-$15): Rubber grips that provide comfort and lift.
  • Thumb Slug ($10-$15): A urethane cylinder drilled into the ball to give a smooth, consistent feel for your thumb release.
• Total: Expect to pay close to $60 or $70 out the door.

The "Online vs. Local" Price Dilemma

Here is a tip for 2025:

• Buying Online: The ball might be $20 cheaper, but your local pro shop will charge you full price for drilling (e.g., $60).
• Buying Local: The ball might be $20 more expensive on the shelf, but many shops include standard drilling in the price of the ball.
• Verdict: Always calculate the custom bowling ball price including drilling. Often, supporting your local pro shop ends up being the same price or cheaper than buying online and paying a drilling fee separately.

New vs. Used: Is a Second-Hand Ball Worth It?

If the bowling ball cost 2025 estimates seem too high for your budget, the used market is a viable alternative.

Price Range for Used Balls ($20 – $80)

You can often find high-performance balls that retailed for $250 selling for $40 on Facebook Marketplace or the clearance rack of your pro shop.

The Risks and Hidden Costs

While the upfront cost is low, there are caveats:

1. Plug and Redrill: Since the ball was drilled for someone else's hand, you must pay to have the old holes filled (plugged) and new ones drilled. This service usually costs $50 - $60.
   • Math: $40 (Used Ball) + $60 (Plug/Drill) = $100. Is it worth it? Sometimes, but you are getting close to the price of a brand new entry-level ball.
2. Track Flare Damage: If the previous owner used the ball for 300 games, the coverstock might be "dead" (saturated with oil), meaning it won't hook.

When to Buy Used

Buying used is excellent for:

• Testing Weights: If you are unsure if you can handle 15lbs, buy a cheap used 15lb ball to test before buying a new one.
• Building an Arsenal: If you need a specific type of ball (e.g., a urethane ball) for a specific tournament but don't want to pay full price.

Total Budget: Accessories You Need

To fully answer "how much is a bowling ball," we must look at the ecosystem around it. You cannot carry a 15lb ball in your arms to the alley, and you shouldn't wear rental shoes if you want to improve.

Bowling Bags ($30 – $150)

• Single Tote ($30 - $50): A padded shoulder bag for one ball and shoes.
• 2-Ball Roller ($100 - $150): Once you get a spare ball (plastic) and a strike ball (reactive), you will need wheels. This saves your back and shoulder for the game.

Bowling Shoes ($40 – $100)

This is actually your best financial investment.

• Rental Math: Rentals cost roughly $5 per visit. A decent pair of entry-level Dexters or Krunks costs $50.
• ROI: The shoes pay for themselves after just 10 visits to the alley. Plus, they offer consistent slide, which improves your game.

Maintenance ($20+)

To protect your investment, you need:

• Microfiber Towel ($10): To wipe oil off the ball between shots.
• Ball Cleaner ($10 - $15): To remove belt marks and oil after your session.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can answer 'how much is a bowling ball' with a simple tag of $50 for a plastic spare ball, the realistic budget for a bowler looking to improve is typically between $150 and $250.

This investment covers a quality entry level bowling ball price (reactive resin) from trusted brands like Storm or Hammer, essential professional drilling to fit your hand, and basic gear protection. Transitioning from house balls to your own equipment is the single biggest step toward consistency, offering a return on investment through saved rental fees and higher scores. When planning your bowling ball cost 2025, remember to prioritize fit and durability over flashiness.

FAQ

Question: How much does it cost to drill a bowling ball in 2025?

Answer: Drilling fees typically range from $30 to $70 depending on the complexity. A conventional drill (simple holes) costs less, while a fingertip drill (used for hooking the ball) requires inserts and slugs, pushing the price higher. Some pro shops include drilling for free if you buy the ball directly from them.

Question: Are expensive bowling balls worth it for beginners?

Answer: Generally, no. A $250 high-performance ball is designed to react aggressively to lane oil conditions that beginners may not yet know how to control. It is more cost-effective to start with an entry-level reactive resin ball ($90–$130) to learn proper form before upgrading.

Question: How much is a custom bowling ball compared to a house ball?

Answer: House balls are free to use at the alley but are often chipped and poorly fitted. A custom plastic ball costs around $50–$60 (plus drilling), while a performance custom ball ranges from $120 to over $250. The primary value of a custom ball is the perfect fit to your hand, which prevents injury and improves accuracy.

Question: Do heavier bowling balls cost more?

Answer: No, the price of a specific bowling ball model is usually the same regardless of weight (e.g., a 12lb ball costs the same as a 16lb ball of the same model). However, very light balls (6-9lbs) are often only available in cheaper plastic materials.