Best Drilled Bowling Balls of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Drilled bowling balls are a popular choice for avid bowlers who want a customized fit for their ball. These balls are drilled to fit the bowler's hand, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip. Drilled bowling balls also offer improved accuracy and control, as the ball is easier to release and more consistent in its movement. There are a variety of drilling options available, including fingertip, conventional, and semi-fingertip, allowing bowlers to choose the best option for their style and skill level. With so many benefits, it's easy to see why drilled bowling balls are a must-have for serious bowlers.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball Cover #TOP 1
Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Salmon Creek NuBall Cover #TOP 2
Salmon Creek NuBall
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball Cover #TOP 3
Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Drilled Bowling Balls

Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball

Hammer
60-108089-935
Black/Orange
Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball Cover
Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball 15lbs

The Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Bowling Ball, known as Hammer Black Widow 3.0, is designed for you to spin your way to consistent strikes. With an upgraded coverstock and the legendary Gas Mask core, this ball offers top-notch performance. Its striking Black and Orange color scheme is not just for looks but also enhances your confidence on the lane. The solid HK22 coverstock with Aggression Solid additives ensures durability and precision. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, you can buy with peace of mind!

What We Like
Legendary Gas Mask Core
Stylish Black and Orange Design
High-Performance Coverstock
#TOP 2

Salmon Creek NuBall

Salmon
LYSB00BCQ0YG6-SPRTSEQIP
8 pounds

Features
Even Heating Without The Hassle – The Ball Rests On A Specially Designed Stand That Lifts It Up So Warm Air Can Reach Every Surface. As The Oil Is Pulled Out, It Collects Neatly In The Stand Below. No Rotating, No Handling—just Set It In And Let It Run.
Precision Heating That Protects Your Gear – NuBall Uses A Circulating Air System To Evenly Warm Your Ball To 135°F—the Proven Sweet Spot For Drawing Out Deep Lane Oil Without Damaging The Coverstock. No Overheating. No Hot Spots. No Guesswork.
Easy, At-Home Revitalization – Bring Your Ball Back To Peak Performance In About An Hour. Use NuBall Every 30 Games To Keep Your Ball Hooking Like It Should—no Trips To The Pro Shop Needed.
Designed By A Lifelong Bowler – NuBall Was Created By Someone Who Knows The Game Inside And Out. It's A Straightforward, Dependable Tool That Does Exactly What Bowlers Need—no Unnecessary Gadgets, Just Solid Performance That Works Every Time.
Backed By A 3-Year Warranty From Salmon Creek Bowling Products.
#TOP 3

Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball

019899
Multi-Color
1 Pound
Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball Cover
Sportime UltraFoam Bowling Ball, Weighted, Multi-Color, 1 Pound - 019899

The Sportime Foam Bowling Ball is a colorful and washable ball made of soft, safe, and virtually indestructible Ultra Foam material. Its multi-grip handhold pattern provides a one size fits all bowling experience. With the ability to absorb and dissipate the shock of impact, the foam's softness reduces injuries, while still providing significant kinesthetic feedback. Suitable for elementary and middle school grade levels, this one pound ball rolls evenly on multiple surfaces and offers indoor and outdoor fun for practicing gross motor skills, throwing, and aiming skills. The Splashy abstract swirls lend fun style inspired by regular retro bowling balls.

What We Like
Soft and safe material
Multi-grip handhold pattern
Reduces injuries
#TOP 4

Hammer Bowling Products Rotating Ball Cup

Hammer
56-710011-000
Black
Hammer Bowling Products Rotating Ball Cup Cover
Hammer Bowling Products Rotating Ball Cup,Black

Features
Clean, Polish, Or Sand Your Ball Easily And Evenly
Ball Bearings Allow Bowling Ball To Rotate In All Directions
Keep It In Your Bag To Quick Access
Compact And Durable Design
#TOP 5

Hammer Zero Mercy Solid Bowling Ball

Hammer
60-108509
Hammer Zero Mercy Solid Bowling Ball Cover
Hammer Zero Mercy Solid Bowling Ball (15, Pounds)

Features
AGGRESSIVE HK22C² COVER: The Fusion Of Cohesion + Chrome In The Zero Mercy Solid Creates Explosive Traction And Relentless Downlane Continuation—our Strongest HK22 Formula Ever.
MAX HOOK. MAX ATTITUDE: The Zero Mercy Solid Dares You To Put More Oil Out. It's Bold, Brutal, And Built To Dominate Heavy Conditions With That Signature Hammer Power.
COVER WITH TEETH: The Zero Mercy Solid Features A Gritty 500, 1500 Siaair Micro Pad Finish For MAXIMUM Traction.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Zero Mercy Solid Carries A 2-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty.
BUILT TO BREAK LIMITS: The Super Offset Core In The Zero Mercy Solid Packs Raw Energy And Unleashes It At The Pins, Creating Relentless Motion And Hammer's Signature Violent Finish.

Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball

Hammer
BSFB21295052
Purple
Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball Cover
Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane 15lb (BSFB21295052)

The Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Bowling Ball is a new release for 2021. It features a Urethane Pearl coverstock and LED core, making it ideal for light to medium oil lane conditions. With a weight of 15 pounds and item package weight of 17 pounds, this German-style bowling ball is perfect for serious bowlers looking to up their game.

What We Like
Urethane Pearl coverstock and LED core provide excellent performance on light to medium oil lane conditions.
New release for 2021.
German-style design adds a touch of style to your game.
#TOP 7

Hammer Zero Mercy Pearl Bowling Ball

Hammer
60-108507
Silver/Orange/Black
Hammer Zero Mercy Pearl Bowling Ball Cover
Hammer Zero Mercy Pearl Bowling Ball (15, Pounds)

Features
CLEANER. FASTER. DEADLIER: The Upgraded HK22C² Pearl Cover In The Zero Mercy Pearl Clears The Front With Ease And Responds Hard To Friction, Creating That Sharp, Explosive Backend Move That Defines Hammer Power.
NO MERCY. NO FORGIVENESS: When The Lanes Tighten Up, The Zero Mercy Pearl Goes On The Attack—delivering Effortless Length And A Violent Backend Motion That Leaves Nothing Standing. Built To Complement The Solid, This Ball Doesn't Just Show Up—it Takes Over.
THE HEART OF DESTRUCTION: The Super Offset Core In The Zero Mercy Pearl Packs The Same Dynamic Punch As The Solid, Storing Massive Energy And Unloading It With Ferocity Through The Pins For That Unmistakable Hammer Hit.
SHINY, CLEAN FINISH: The Zero Mercy Pearl Shows Off A 500, 1000, 1500 Grit Siaair Final Grit, Finished Off With Crown Factory Compound To Give It Big Time Backend!
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Zero Mercy Pearl Carries A 2-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty.

Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball

Storm
BBMTZA15
Red/Blue/Purple
15 lb
Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball Cover
Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball, Red/Blue/Purple, 15 lb

The Storm Phaze II Bowling Ball is a great choice for bowlers of all levels. It features a Tx-16 solid reactive cover stock, Velocity weight Block, and a 3000-Grit Abralon factory finish. This ball offers a great hook and hits like a truck, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful ball. Customers have praised its performance, noting its ability to help them hit 200s and 600s series.

What We Like
Strong hook
Versatile for different oil conditions
High-performance
Improves game
Blends well with other balls
#TOP 9

Hammer Arctic Vibe Bowling Ball

Hammer
60-108133-935
Snow/Purple
Hammer Arctic Vibe Bowling Ball Cover
Hammer Arctic Vibe Bowling Ball 15lbs

The Hammer Arctic Vibe Ball is designed to bring attention with its unique Snow/Purple color scheme. Its strong pearl coverstock ensures a smooth and continuous roll, suitable for various bowling styles. With the classic Vibe core shape, this ball offers versatility and striking power. The 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair Micro Pad finish with Crown Factory Compound provides a winning touch. Plus, it comes with a 2-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.

What We Like
Unique color scheme
Strong pearl coverstock
Versatile core shape
#TOP 10

Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball

60105302932
Indigo
12-Pounds
Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball Cover
Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball (12-Pounds)

Features
Ball Finish: High Gloss Polish
Coverstock: Plastic/polyester
Hook Potential: 25 (low) On A Scale Of 10-175 Low-High
Ball Color: Many Colors Available- Product Color Of This Ball Is Listed In The Title Of This Ball
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to have a bowling ball drilled?

Standard drilling services at your local pro shop can cost anywhere from $30 to $50. Below is a table of the right handed (Reverse Ring/Middle for left handers) measurements used to drill your bowling ball.

2. What does it mean when a bowling ball is drilled?

Once the mold hardens, the pin is removed, leaving a small hole that must be filled. That's the colored dot you see. The location of the holes to be drilled, in relation to the pin, is what makes the ball behave in different ways. The center of gravity, not surprisingly, marks the center of gravity of the ball.

3. Do bowling balls come pre drilled?

You can find pre-drilled bowling balls, but if you're going to use one of those, you might as well save your money and use a house ball. A ball drilled specifically to your hand gives you more control and also significantly decreases the risk of injury.

Editor's Notes

During our drilled bowling ball research, we found 24 drilled bowling ball products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 18,751 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drilled bowling balls list. We found that most customers choose drilled bowling balls with an average price of $134.22.

The drilled bowling balls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drilled bowling balls, including Hammer, Salmon, Sportime, Storm, Brunswick. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 822 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.