Bowling a hook shot considerably increases your chances of landing a strike.
As newbie bowlers learning the trade, we are often told to aim for the pocket (1, 2 pocket for the left-handers and 1, 3 pocket for the righties). The pocket is the sweetest spot for landing strikes; statistics indicate that you’ll get a strike 8 out of 10 times if you hit the pocket with significant power.
Many hold a hook shot in high esteem simply because it offers a great angle to the pocket. Hook shots are also known for generating fantastic power and pin carry, which are essential elements for landing strikes.
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Choosing Your Bowling Balls
To hook better, you’ll need a bowling ball with a hook potential that reflects your skills.
Reactive and particle proactive balls feature the most reactive hooking patterns and are thus, the most challenging to control. Although urethane bowling balls have equally great hooking potential as the reactive and particle proactive balls, they aren’t as reactive and are comparatively much easier to control.
So, choose a bowling ball that suits your style and skill level. Here are some of the best bowling balls for hook shots.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bowling Balls for Hook
If you’re in a hurry, you can jump straight into our top picks (these are the bowling balls for hook that most people buy).
- Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball Top Pick
- DV8 Pitbull Bite Bowling Ball Runner-up
- Hammer Rip’d Solid Bowling Ball Runner-up
Top 5 Best Bowling Balls for Hook – Our Reviews:
1. Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball
Critically acclaimed by many bowling experts, you will be utterly impressed with the Hammer Black Widow Legend’s fantastic hook potential.
The Hammer Black Widow Legend provides just the appropriate length to go with its noteworthy hooking patterns. It particularly excels on heavily oiled lanes, managing to clear out the front with minimum effort before exploding on to the pins.
Boasting a gas mask core covered in NBT Hybrid coverstock with a 1000 grit Abralon finish, you can be assured of the ball’s durability and certainty to stand the test of time.
Pros
- Fantastic pin impact and pin carry action
- Outstanding hooking potential
- Excels in the durability department
Cons
- Struggles to perform in dry lanes
- Can be too reactive for amateurs
2. DV8 Pitbull Bite Bowling Ball
Available for purchase in different size variants, getting your hands on the DV8 Pitbull Bite is a good way to introduce yourself to the art of hooking a ball.
The DV8 Pitbull Bite is known for having great pin impact and pin-carry action. It is also regarded as a strong performer in the mid-lanes.
Particularly effective on heavily oiled lanes, the DV8 Pitbull Bite features an asymmetrical core with a composite fang coverstock.
The DV8 Pitbull Bite reads the lanes well, is smooth down the lane, benefits from a sturdy coverstock, and has great hooking potential. What more could you ask for from a bowling ball?
However, I will admit that its high price point may repel some.
Pros
- Excels on heavily oiled lanes
- Various weight options to choose from
- Reads the mid-lanes well
- Great pin impact, pin-carry action, and hooking potential
Cons
- Could’ve been priced cheaper
3. Hammer Rip’d Solid Bowling Ball
Since I put the spotlight on an exorbitantly priced ball earlier, it would only be right if I talked about a cheaper alternative next.
The Hammer Rip’d Solid is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious. However, don’t let its cheap pricing fool you into thinking that it isn’t any good.
This Hamme ball is aggressive and has tremendous pin impact and pin-carry action. Boasting a carbon-fiber outer core, you can also take pride in its ability to withstand heavy impact.
Particularly outstanding on oily lane conditions owing to its asymmetrical core, the Hammer Rip’d Solid travels down the lane effortlessly before exploding into a mean hook.
Pros
- Durable coverstock
- Great pin impact
- Smooth and controlled motion
- Affordable
Cons
- Struggles on dry lanes
4. Track Alias Bowling Ball
The Track Alias serves its purpose with aplomb. It has fantastic hooking potential and is versatile enough to perform well in almost all lane conditions.
Featuring a prime hybrid coverstock, the Track Alias hooks particularly well on heavy oil lanes.
Available for purchase in a variety of weight options, the Track Alias is known for its aggressive nature and excellent backend action. Bowlers that can generate higher revolutions on the ball will love working with the Track Alias.
Go for this ball if you are looking to hit the pocket from different angles.
As the Track Alias can be easily drilled and transformed to produce different ball motions, it can specifically benefit bowlers who prefer fine-tuning their balls to their specifications
Pros
- Aggressive with great hooking potential
- Durable coverstock
- Performs well in almost all lane conditions
Cons
- Should’ve been priced cheaper
5. Storm Sure Lock Bowling Ball
If you are looking for a ball that leaves its competitors behind when it comes to reactions on the lane, go for the Storm Sure Lock. This ball excels at providing outstanding hooks and fantastic angles to the pocket.
Featuring a solid reactive coverstock, the Storm Sure Lock is also held in high regard for its excellent backend action. Bowlers who think controlling the midlane as an essential skill will love how the Storm Sure Lock plays to their strengths.
The Storm Sure Lock can be categorized as one of those technologically enhanced bowling balls that can make even amateurs look good. Let’s not forget to mention its visually appealing design.
Pros
- Visually appealing
- Durable
- Appropriate for oily lane conditions
Cons
- Its high pricing is a turn-off
Conclusion
Budget-conscious bowlers will love everything the Hammer Rip’d Solid has to offer. Those who aren’t limited in their options because of financial constraints can go for the DV8 Pitbull Bite which is also suitable for bowlers of all skill levels.
Meanwhile, those who are looking to cause a stir in their respective bowling leagues can opt for the Hammer Black Widow Legend. The ball possesses all the traits and features that can help accentuate your bowling skills.