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While some look forward to the big ball dropping in Times Square this New Year’s Eve, at Bowlers Paradise, we have our own spin on this tradition. Instead, we wanted to count up and call out the balls that made 2025 such an excellent year for the sport and pastime we love.
There was a lot of competition throughout the year, but several stood out to us and rolled their way to the top. Take a look at our favorites and see why we’re so excited for what’s in store for 2026 and beyond.
Before we break things down further by types of bowling balls or other features, we wanted to highlight these as some of our all-around favorites. Whether brand new releases or remixes for 2025, these are the best bowling balls overall, regardless of lane conditions.
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is a remix of its first edition that quickly shot to popularity among all bowlers. Since its first release in 2020, this Black Widow 2.0 version in black and red is poised to knock out the competition for the best overall bowling ball again for 2025.
This one ups the game further with its innovative HK22 Aggression Hybrid coverstock while keeping to the tried-and-true Gas Mask asymmetrical core from the Black Widow debut. It’s one of the best bowling balls for all lane conditions and particularly more oily ones, making this ball a lot of fun all around.
Get the ELITE Alien Limited Edition before it beams out for good! Our review breaks down all of the specs that show why this is one of our all-around favorites for 2025 and one of your best bowling ball investments for well beyond. Adjusting to its nuances can be a learning curve, but the payoff for the effort is highly rewarding.
The ELITE Alien line has incredible hook potential, and with a little bit of polish, this ball that’s ideal in oily conditions can still make out-of-this-world plays for drier conditions as well.
Starting out in bowling means a steep learning curve, from the lingo to the techniques, to finding which gear works best for you. Thankfully, 2025 made choosing the best bowling balls for beginners easy, thanks to some standout releases.
It’s a bold claim, but we stand by our accolades that the ELITE bowling ball in teal is the best bowling ball for beginners in 2025. This ball’s well-crafted, symmetrical core, combined with its pearl coverstock, provides versatility across a range of lane conditions and great durability.
It’s an especially affordable model, making it one of the best investments we could think of for someone just getting into bowling. The EZ Hook isn’t just for newbies, however: thanks to its stellar price point for the quality, plenty of experienced bowlers love it, too!
In addition to the classic Brunswick Rhino, the Brunswick Twist in black and gold is an innovative take on the Rhino and T-Zone line, which is why you should check this ball out for yourself. We also love that with its unique outer design, no two balls are alike.
Stepping up significantly from plastic spares, the Twist boasts Pearl Reactive coverstock and a symmetrical core. It’s also great for more advanced players looking for solid support in drier lane conditions. Because it comes in weights as low as 8 pounds, it’s also a solid option for younger players.
Best suited for medium oil conditions, the Zero Mercy from Hammer features an asymmetrical core and a highly polished HK22C² Pearl Reactive coverstock. Its performance especially shines in the back lane, where it maintains its momentum for sharply executed, explosive turns.
Don’t just take our word for it: the Motiv Jackal ONYX was one of our best-selling balls. While it excels in oily lane conditions, its versatility and design make it suitable for just about any lane condition and can bring out the best in any player. Thanks to its Leverage™ HXC Solid Reactive coverstock, it boasts incredible grip and control to cut through the oil. If you’re going to splurge this year, you’re in for a real treat with this one.
This is an all-time classic, and the Brunswick Rhino continues to be one of our favorite all-around bowling balls into 2025. It’s best for essentially any kind of player and most any lane conditions, but it really excels in dry lane conditions. It’s made with reactive resin and features an iconic lightbulb-shaped core, bringing just enough asymmetry for more difficult throws and just enough symmetry for the much-desired consistency.
In addition to the Motiv Jackal ONYX, we were also obsessed with the 900 Global Viking line this year, calling it “the best weapon for when lanes break down.” These balls are made in small batches with an emphasis on quality, from their asymmetrical Strobe A.I. Core to their beautiful RB 90 Hybrid Reactive coverstock. The result is a well-timed transition from a smooth, rolling start to a satisfyingly explosive finish.
At Bowlers Paradise, we have a staggering array of bowling balls for all kinds of players, including those who are looking to score rare collectible and overseas bowling balls, where the title of “best” bowling ball of 2025 is as much a matter of personal preference and novelty as it is about the latest designs.
So, what were your favorites from 2025? When you order from us, make sure to leave us a review and join in the conversation for an even more epic 2026 review.
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