As you dip your toes into the realm of bowling, you’ll slowly begin to understand the intricacies related to the sport. To be on top of things and reach the upper echelons of the bowling world, you’ll need to consider numerous factors such as proper lane reading, bowling techniques, bowling equipment, and so on.
Today, I’d like to shed light on bowling towels—a bowling accessory that is often overlooked by the untrained bowler.
First, what is a bowling towel?
A bowling towel, as its name suggests, is a towel for both you and your bowling balls. Such towels are not only designed to wipe excess sweat and moisture off your hands, but also to remove excess oil, grime, and dirt from your ball´s coverstock.
With your hands dry, you’ll be able to grip better, which, in turn, will enable you to release your shots in a more powerful and controlled manner.
You can reap a host of benefits from using a bowling towel to keep your bowling ball clean. A clean bowling ball lasts longer and produces more consistent, reactive shots than a dirty one.
Cleaner bowling balls are also much lighter than dirtier ones and are thus, easier to control over the lane. If your bowling ball gets gummed up, it loses its grip on the lane surface and doesn’t have the same hook potential, resulting in erratic, awry shots.
Bowling towels are especially essential when you play in heavy oil lanes. With the bowling ball absorbing more oil than usual, it is more susceptible to skids on the surface if not cleaned properly.
To buy the best bowling towel, you also need to know what sets a bowling towel apart from a regular towel.
Bowling towels, unlike regular towels, are lint-free and thus, don’t transfer lint over to the cover stock; they don’t leave scratches on the ball coverstocks either as they are soft and absorptive.
Bowling towels are commonly divided into three types: microfiber towels, shammy, and leather.
All three types have excellent oil absorption ability and are capable of shining your bowling ball to a near-factory appearance. However, microfiber towels are considered the least durable.
To make things easier for you, I have tried some of the most positively reviewed bowling towels and shortlisted only the best ones from the lot. You can go for any bowling ball towel below that suits your needs and meets your budget.
Contents
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bowling Towels
If you’re in a hurry, you can jump straight into our top picks (these are the bowling towels that most people buy).
- Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad Top Pick
- Genesis Pure Pad Buffalo Leather Ball Wipe Runner-up
- Pyramid Leather Shammy Bowling Pad Runner-up
Top 8 Best Bowling Towels 2024 – Our Reviews:
1. Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad
As far as versatility goes, none comes close to the Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad. Capable of working its magic on all types of bowling balls including polyester balls, urethane balls, and reactive resin balls, the Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad is truly worth its salt as a bowling towel.
The Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad can remove grime and dirt from the balls with terrible ease, absorb excess lane oil with minimum fuss, and be used to wipe moisture and sweat off your hands. In a nutshell, if you want a bowling ball towel that can sop up sticky residue without leaving a trace behind, go for the Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad with your eyes closed.
I also like the fact that the bowling towel is capable of bringing back the original factory shine of your bowling ball. With this bowling towel in your bowling bag, no more will you face challenges releasing your favorite shots in the bowling alley.
Washing the bowling towel is a child’s play too. The makers recommend a hand-wash using lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Additionally, the Storm Shammy Bowling Ball Cleaning Pad is also compact enough to fit into pockets and durable enough to stand the test of time on account of its leather material construction.
Obviously, I have nothing but good things to say about this bowling towel.
Pros
- Outstanding option for heavy oil lane conditions
- This shammy pad works well on all types of bowling balls
- Compact enough to fit into pockets and compartments of a bowling bag
- Durable and has excellent oil absorption ability
- Arguably the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- Priced a bit too exorbitantly for my liking
- Stains easily
2. Genesis Pure Pad Buffalo Leather Ball Wipe
As you can tell from its name, the Genesis Pure Pad Buffalo Leather Ball Wipe features a heavy dual-layer buffalo leather construction and as such, is durable beyond belief and highly effective at absorbing lane oil. Of course, this Buffalo Leather ball wipe is also equally capable of removing the most stubborn grime and dirt in record time.
Also, if you think that the Genesis Pure Pad Buffalo Leather Ball Wipe can’t bring back the original shine of your ball, you are living in denial.
Boasting a 7” x 6” measurement, this bowling towel is neither too big nor too small for your hands. Therefore, you will not face issues with gripping, spinning, and cleaning.
I also like the fact that the embroidered Genesis logo on the bowling towel isn’t too loud and “in your face.”
Available for purchase in a wide range of color options, the Genesis Pure Pad Buffalo Leather Ball Wipe is suitable for use on any type of coverstock be it urethane, plastic, or reactive resin.
This bowling ball towel is best-suited for those who go for durable items.
Pros
- One of the most durable bowling ball towels on the market
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Can absorb oil from the ball easily
- Works well on all types of bowling balls
- Arguably, the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- Priced a little too steeply
- Since it is constructed of buffalo leather, you’ll need to take special care while washing the ball wipe
3. Pyramid Leather Shammy Bowling Pad
Pyramid, as a bowling brand, has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. This company is renowned for manufacturing only the finest bowling equipment; thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint with its offering of the Pyramid Leather Shammy Bowling Pad.
Primarily constructed of leather, this bowling towel is a killer at absorbing excess oil and removing dirt and debris. Other aspects of the pad that I’m fond of include its durable stitching on the edges, and simple, minimalist design.
Additionally, the Pyramid Leather Shammy Bowling Pad also does an exceptional job of bringing back the original shine of your bowling ball.
For a bowling towel to be deemed a high-quality purchase, it must last a long time. Thankfully, the Pyramid Leather Shammy is capable of maintaining its structural integrity even after regular use and wash.
Unfortunately, there exists one aspect of the bowling towel that irks me. I don’t like that the pad needs breaking in; since the bowling towel is made of leather, you’ll need to use the Pyramid Leather a few times before the buffalo leather becomes flexible and soft.
Pros
- World-class stitching on the edges
- This shammy pad works well with all types of bowling balls and lane surfaces
- Features a sharp overall design
- Removes oil and dirt easily
- One of the best bowling towels in its price range
- Helps you make the most of every shot
- Large sizing
Cons
- Has a breaking-in period as the buffalo leather is too stiff at the beginning
- Its large size can be a drawback for some
4. Brunswick Microfiber EZ Grip Towel
Use the Brunswick Microfiber EZ Grip Towel once and you’ll never part ways with it.
What helps this towel stand head and shoulders above the rest, you ask? Well, it has a phenomenal grip, boosted by the presence of strategically positioned dots/EZ grip on the edges of the towel that facilitate improved traction and easy cleaning.
In short, when you use the Brunswick Microfiber EZ Grip Towel, you won’t have to worry about the bowling ball slipping through your fingers. Flip the ball in whichever direction you please during cleanup and the towel will ensure the ball stays intact.
As its name suggests, the Brunswick EZ Grip Towel is primarily made of microfiber material and is, therefore, excellent at absorbing excess oil and removing stubborn grease, dirt, and grime. Plus, this material doesn’t stain easily.
It also helps that the bowling towel is easy to clean. You can easily wash it with your hands with only hot water and dish-washing soap.
The Brunswick Microfiber EZ Grip Bowling Towel may not possess all the bells and whistles you’d find in premium bowling towels, but it does its job well and works exactly as advertised.
Pros
- EZ Grip side keeps the bowling ball secure during clean up
- This microfiber towel is easy to clean and maintain
- Available for purchase in a wide array of color options
- Microfiber material absorbs oil and removes stubborn grease, dirt, and grime from the ball easily
- Arguably the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- The EZ Grip side is prone to wearing out after frequent use and washes
- Loses its efficacy the more you wash it
5. Ebonite Shammy Bowling Pad
Looking for a quality bowling shammy pad that is versatile, durable, and easy on the coverstock? If so, look no further than the Ebonite Shammy Bowling Pad.
Arguably the least abrasive pad on the list, the Ebonite Shammy Bowling Pad does everything a bowling towel is supposed to do. It can absorb excess oil and remove unwanted grime and dirt from the coverstocks without leaving any scratches behind. Plus, the fact that this pad is suitable for any type of bowling surface also adds to its charm.
What is my favorite aspect of the Ebonite Shammy Bowling Pad?
Well, I love that the pad has high-quality leather on both sides. Therefore, when one part loses its efficacy, you can rely on the other side to clean the ball effectively.
I also like the fact that the pad is found on the market in three different color options, catering to the aesthetic preference of all types of bowlers.
All in all, I can say with full confidence that the Ebonite Shammy Pad is worth the splurge.
Pros
- Leather construction assures durability and excellent oil absorption capabilities
- No chance of abrasion even after frequent washes
- Leather on both sides of the bowling ball pad
- One of the best bowling towels in its price range
- Doesn’t leave scratches behind and is therefore easy on the ball cover stock
- Arguably, the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- Priced a bit too steeply for my liking
- The colors can wear off after frequent use and wash
6. Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel
The Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel shines the most in the durability and strength department.
The manufacturers claim that the towel can hold up to seven times more moisture than its weight! If that feat isn’t remarkable enough for a microfiber towel, I don’t know what is.
With this microfiber towel in your bag, no more will your balls drip in oil and be covered in dirt, grease, and grime. A couple of wipes with the Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel and your bowling ball will be squeaky clean, without any residue left behind.
Also, since the bowling towel is made of microfiber, expect it to go gentle on your coverstocks. No more will you have new scratches on your bowling balls after every thorough clean up.
I also like the fact that the Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel is easy to clean and maintain.
You can wash this machine-washable towel a hundred times and it will still maintain its structural integrity—such is its durability! However, bear in mind not to use fabric softener during washes.
Pros
- No microfiber bowling towel can absorb oil as good as the Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel
- This machine-washable towel can maintain its original structural integrity even after repeated washes
- Helps you make the most of every shot
- Gentle on your cover stock
- Addresses all bowling ball cleaning concerns
Cons
- With dimensions of 6.9” x 5.7” x 0.1”, the size of the towel is too small for my liking
- Priced a bit too steeply
7. Creating The Difference Big Fluffy Pad
Big Fluffy Pad by Creating The Difference is easily one of the best bowling towels on this list.
What sets this cleaning pad apart from the rest you ask?
Well, both sides of this pad are meant for cleaning. While one part, with its synthetic Sherpa construction, addresses issues related to oil absorption, the other side has been solely designed to wipe off dirt.
In essence, you could say that one side is made for dry lanes while the other side is for heavier oil lane conditions, making this pad ideal for all types of bowling balls in all kinds of bowling conditions.
Additionally, the Big Fluffy Pad is extremely easy to clean. Though machine-washable, I would advise you to pre-wash it by hand first.
I also like that the cleaning pad is neither too large nor too small.
Use the Big Fluffy Pad once and you’ll know exactly how much thought has been put into making this product as convenient to the user as possible.
Pros
- Suitable for all types of lanes and bowling balls
- Sized appropriately as it is neither too large nor too small
- Excellent at removing oil and dirt
- Works exactly as advertised
- Features synthetic Sherpa construction on one side
- Arguably, the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- Pre-wash required before machine wash
- Priced a bit too steeply because of its dual-sided cleaning design
8. Hammer Shammy Pad
If you want a bowling pad that can work effectively on heavy oil lanes, go for the Hammer Shammy Pad. Manufactured by a reputed brand, the Hammer Shammy Pad/Towel can absorb heavy amounts of oil and get rid of the most stubborn dirt and grime from your ball without breaking a sweat.
I love that the Hammer Bowling Shammy Pad/ Towel features leather material construction on both sides. Therefore, when one side loses its efficacy and stops cleaning your bowling balls optimally, you can always rely on the other side to get the job done.
You can also expect the pad to last a long time on account of its high-quality leather construction.
I also like the fact that the Hammer Shammy ball towel comes with a free storage plastic bag, allowing you to store the pad separately in your bowling bag, away from your other essential bowling gear.
As for the dimensions of the pad, I will say that the Hammer Shammy is appropriately sized.
Pros
- Removes grime, oil, and dirt without smearing the ball with residue
- Upon the purchase of this product, you are also provided with a free storage plastic bag
- Both sides of the pad can be used for cleaning purposes
- Arguably, the best bowling ball towel in its price range
Cons
- The colors and logo of the pad can wear off after repeated washing
Factors to keep in Mind When Buying Bowling Towels
Oil Absorption Ability
A bowling towel that can’t absorb excess oil is as useless as a glass hammer. So, only go for bowing towels that can absorb large amounts of oil in record time.
For example, the Storm Microfiber Bowling Towel is a good choice as it absorbs oil up to seven times its weight.
Non-Abrasive and Lint Free
It wouldn’t make sense for you to go for a bowling towel that transfers lint to your ball every time you clean your ball. We’re working towards a clean ball, right?
Plus, a bowling ball with lint on it is more susceptible to having grime stick on it.
Also, it is imperative for you to go for a non-abrasive bowling towel that is gentle and smooth on your cover stock. You wouldn’t want to clean your bowling ball and have scratches left behind now, would you?
Size
As far as I’m concerned, it is always better to have a larger sized bowling towel than a smaller bowling towel. The bowling towel you end up choosing must be big enough to cover the entire periphery of the bowling ball, without exposing any bowling ball surface to your hands.
Trust me—you wouldn’t want to touch a greasy, dirty bowling ball.
Durability
Shammy bowling towels are renowned for their durability.
On the other hand, we also have micro fiber towels. Although microfiber towels can absorb excess oil well, they aren’t as long-lasting as shammy bowling towels.
Grip
When choosing a bowling towel, you should also focus on the grip it offers. If a bowling ball towel doesn’t offer proper grip, the bowling balls will slip through your fingers during clean up.
Washing
While some bowling towels are machine-washable, others are meant to be strictly washed by hands. If you don’t like cleaning bowling towels manually, opt for machine-washable bowling towels.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of the article and it is now time for you to make a pick from the bunch.
If you don’t like the bowling towels I’ve presented you with, feel free to conduct your own research. However, I will suggest you go through the “factors to keep….” section first to make an informed purchase.
For those willing to spend a pretty penny on bowling towels, I’d recommend the Creating the Difference Big Fluffy Pad. This cleaning pad, with its revolutionary dual-sided cleaning design, is suitable for all types of balls and bowling conditions.
If you’re shopping on a budget, I’d suggest the Pyramid Leather Shammy Bowling Pad.
As for my favorite, it is the Brunswick EZ Grip Towel. I am a big fan of its innovative, strategically positioned dots/EZ grip on the edges of the towel that facilitate improved traction and easy cleaning.
Of course, it’s also excellent at absorbing excess oil and removing stubborn grease, dirt, and grime. Plus, this material doesn’t stain easily.
To make things better, this towel is easy to clean as well.
However, as a responsible bowler, I will warn you—this bowling ball towel is prone to wearing out after frequent use and washes.