What Is the Most Expensive Bowling Ball? How Much Is It?

Bowling ball prices run the gamut, with some costing literally nothing and others costing thousands. What is the most expensive bowling ball?

If you’re wondering, you’re in luck!

In this article, we will reveal the most expensive bowling ball and give you a brief overview of what makes expensive balls special. Whether you’re a casual bowler or a serious competitor, you’re bound to find this post interesting. 

What is the Most Expensive Bowling Ball?

The most expensive bowling ball online costs a whopping $12,000, and it’s the Quantum Raven Bowling Ball, a high-performance bowling ball.

It features the coveted vintage Quantum Technologies cover stock and a mushroom core, which provide a one-of-a-kind bowling experience.

Why $12,000, Though? It Seems a Little Excessive

The reason, whether justifiable or not, is that the ball is vintage and a very rare ball. You can’t find the most expensive bowling ball at your local bowling ball shop!

Plus, according to the seller, the money from the purchase of the ball will be used to fund bowling-related charities. 

Though the most expensive bowling ball is $12,000, many find much cheaper bowling balls to be expensive. For instance, the most expensive bowling balls on Amazon and at sporting goods stores are usually around $300- $500. 

What Makes a Bowling Ball Expensive?

Most people wouldn’t pay $12,000 for a bowling ball, even if they have the funds at their disposal. Still, many pay upwards of $300 or more for premium, high-quality bowling balls.

And they have many reasons to do that. Here are some factors that contribute to the cost of a bowling ball and offer insight into why some bowling balls are expensive: 

• The cover stock type – The cover stock is the ball’s outer layer. It can be made from various materials, such as urethane, reactive resin, or even plastic. The material affects the ball’s durability, hook potential, and overall performance. Reactive resin balls tend to carry high price tags. 
• The core type – The core is the inner part of the ball, and it can be made from different materials, such as iron oxide and resin. The composition of a given core affects the ball’s weight, speed, torque, and hook potential. Bowling balls with an asymmetrical, low RG or high differential core tend to cost more.  
• The weight – A ball’s weight also affects its price. Heavier balls usually cost more because they hit the pins with lots of power, increasing your chances of bowling strikes. 
• The brand – The brand name also contributes to the cost of the ball. Certain brands, such as Brunswick and Storm, are known for making high-quality balls. Therefore, balls from these brands tend to be more expensive. 
• The color – Believe it or not, a ball’s color also contributes to its cost. Some bowling ball colors and designs are rarer than others. As a result, they cost more. 
• The condition – A ball’s condition also affects its cost. New balls usually cost more than used balls because they have not been worn down. However, some people prefer to buy used balls just because they are more affordable.
• Whether it is mass-produced or not – If a ball is mass-produced, it will usually be cheaper than a ball that is not. Mass-production means the ball is made in large quantities and, as a result, the cost is lower. 

What Bowling Ball Do Pros Use?

The bowling ball of choice for a major bowling ball fan varies, as different bowlers have different preferences. However, some of the most popular brands used by pros are Brunswick, Ebonite, Hammer, and Storm.

These brands offer balls suited to various bowling styles. You’ll usually see the pros bowling with reactive balls, which have the most hook potential of all bowling ball types. Also, heavier balls are often used by pros because they hit the pins with more power. 

How Much Does a Pro Bowling Ball Cost?

On average, pro bowling ball prices range from around $150 to $300. The price depends on the type of ball, the brand, and its features.

For example, a Brunswick bowling ball made of reactive resin (common among pro bowlers) would cost around $250. 

Do You Need an Expensive Ball if You’re a Beginner?

You might be itching to purchase an expensive ball to hone your skills. But hold your horses – beginners don’t need expensive bowling balls.

We recommend that beginners use cheap balls because they are easier to control.

These balls are usually made of plastic or urethane and don’t have as much hook potential as more costly ones. As you become more experienced, you can upgrade to a more expensive ball. 

However, if you’re set on buying a costly ball, you should go for one made of urethane.

This material makes for a ball that is a bit easier to control than reactive resin. At the same time, it still gives you a degree of hooking potential that you don’t get with low-priced balls (and those you’ll find at the bowling alley). 

Do You Need to Buy a Bowling Ball at All as a Beginner?

In most cases, beginners use the house balls at the bowling alley, and there’s a good reason why. Often made of plastic, they are perfect for those who are learning how to bowl.

They are for straight bowlers who don’t throw hooks or curves or have a defined technique.

The truth is there’s no need to buy a ball to do complicated shots as a beginner – you’re still trying to learn the ropes.

But as you become more experienced and master basic shots with the house ball, you’ll definitely want to broaden your horizons and buy your own ball. 

Why People Buy People Buy Balls?

There are a few reasons why people buy bowling balls. For one, it’s hygienic. House balls are used by who-knows-how-many other people, so they pick up a ton of germs.

But if you have your own ball, you’re the only one using it, and you won’t have to worry about that. Another reason to buy your own ball is that it allows you to personalize your bowling experience.

You get to choose a ball with the right hook potential for your bowling style – reactive resin for a big hook near the end of the lane or urethane for a more even hook near the lane’s midpoint. If you prefer to bowl straight, a plastic ball will work perfectly. 

Are Expensive Bowling Balls Worth It?

Bowling balls may cost as little as a few bucks – you can even find them for free if you’re strategic. But as you’ve learned, they can get crazy expensive. Are they worth it? 

If you’re experienced, an expensive ball can make a big difference in the outcomes of your games. You can’t beat a ball that’s specially made to increase your level of control and ability to get strikes.  

So, if you’re considering investing in an expensive bowling ball, ask yourself how serious you are about the sport.

A cheap ball is fine if you’re just bowling for fun and not taking your scores too seriously. But if you’re looking to up your game, an expensive ball is worth the investment. 

Related Articles

• How Much Does It Cost to Go Bowling
• Urethane Bowling Ball
• Reactive Resin Bowling Balls

Note: Not all expensive balls are better than the cheaper ones. That’s why it’s important to consider a ball’s specs and test it in person (when possible) to get a feel for how the ball behaves on the lane. 

We hope that this article has been helpful to you, as it revealed the most expensive bowling ball and filled you in on what’s really important when it comes to bowling ball prices. We wish you the best as you learn more about the sport of bowling and find your footing. Happy bowling!