Coupon excludes instant bonus items, hot deal items, and gift certificates.
What's my bowling play style... and what ball best fits my game?
updated: May, 2025
Let’s break down the most well-known types of bowlers in ten-pin bowling, focusing on what defines each style, why they’re classified that way, and what kinds of bowling balls suit them best. The six play styles we'll discuss are 1) Strokers, 2) Crankers, 3) Tweeners (Power Strokers), 4) Two-Handers, 5) Spinners, and 6) Straight Bowlers.
Bowling styles are largely determined by a combination of release technique, ball speed, revolution rate (revs), and approach to lane play. For each type, we’ll explain the key characteristics and then dive into bowling ball preferences, considering things like coverstock, core, weight, lane conditions, drilling, and throwing style. Finally, we’ll recommend five or six popular bowling balls that work well for each bowler type, based on their typical needs and performance traits. Make sure you click to learn more on each type in order to go a bit deeper and see the recommended balls.
Strokers Crankers Tweeners (Power Strokers) Two-Handers Spinners Straight Bowlers
Important Things to Remember For All Play Styles
Coverstock: Determines friction and hook potential—polyester for straightness, urethane for control, reactive resin for aggression.
Core: Symmetrical for smooth rolls, asymmetrical for angularity and flare.
Weight: Lighter (10–14 lbs) for control or spin, heavier (15–16 lbs) for power and carry.
Lane Conditions: Heavy oil needs aggressive balls; dry lanes favor milder options.
Drilling: Conventional for control, fingertip for hook potential.
Throwing Style: Rev rate and speed dictate how much a ball’s traits are amplified.
1. Strokers
What is a Stroker? Strokers emphasize accuracy, consistency, and smooth ball motion over raw power. They rely on precise ball placement and a controlled release. Their focus is on repeatability and finesse rather than explosive pin action. Think of legends like Norm Duke or Walter Ray Williams Jr.—their shots look effortless but hit the pocket consistently.
Game Traits: Moderate ball speed (14–18 mph), lower rev rate (200–300 RPM), and a smooth, arcing hook. Strokers often play a straighter line, closer to the center or outside of the lane, adjusting subtly to lane conditions.
What Balls Are Good For a Stroker? We have tons of great bowling balls for strokers. So how do you know which one to choose? As of May, 2025, here are the top 6 balls for strokers based on popularity with our customers. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Storm Phaze II, 2) Hammer Black Widow Legend, 3) Storm IQ Tour A.I., 4) Hammer Raw Solid Black, 5) Hammer Hammerhead, 6) Motiv Subzero Forge
Is this your style?
Learn More about Strokers
2. Crankers
What is a Cranker? Crankers are powerhouses, generating high revs and aggressive hooks to maximize pin carry. Their cupped wrist, high backswing, and late timing (foot hits the line before the ball) create massive energy transfer, leading to explosive pin action but higher split risk.
Game Traits: High rev rate (400–600+ RPM), fast ball speed (16–20 mph), and a big, sweeping hook. They often start deep inside (e.g., far left for right-handers) and swing the ball toward the gutter before it hooks back to the pocket. Think of bowlers like Tommy Jones.
What Balls Are Good For a Cranker? We sell a lot of bowling balls suited for crankers. Which one to choose? Based on sales in the last few weeks, here are the top 6 balls for a cranker's game. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Solid, 2) Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive, 3) Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid, 4) Storm Ion Max, 5) Motiv Jackal Onyx, 6) Hammer Special Effect
Does this sound like you?
Learn More about Crankers
3. Tweeners
What is a Tweener? Tweeners blend stroker accuracy with cranker power, offering versatility across lane conditions. They leverage the precision and finesse of strokers (who focus on accuracy and consistent ball placement) while also incorporating some of the aggressive hook potential and strike power that crankers (who generate high revolutions and dramatic hook angles) are known for.
Game Traits: Moderate rev rate (300–400 RPM), medium to high speed (15–19 mph), and a controlled yet strong hook. They adjust their line (inside or outside) based on oil patterns. Players like Pete Weber or Chris Barnes fit here.
What Balls Are Good For a Tweener? There are plenty of ball choices for a tweener. So what should you go with? Based on popularity with Bowling.com bowlers in May, 2025, here are the top 6 balls for a tweener's game. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Storm IQ Tour A.I., 2) Storm Phaze A.I., 3) Hammer Scorpion Strike, 4) Roto Grip TNT Infused, 5) Motiv Primal Rage Evolution, 6) Radical Deadly Rattler
Do you have an in-between game? Maybe this is you.
Learn More about Tweeners
4. Two-Handers
What is a Two-Hander? The "two-handed" bowling style is a relatively modern technique that has revolutionized the sport in recent years. Two-handers use both hands during the approach and release, generating extreme revs and speed without a thumb in the ball. They cradle the ball with both hands throughout most of the approach, removing their non-dominant hand just before release. This unconventional approach allows two-handers to generate significantly higher revolution rates (sometimes exceeding 600 RPM)!
Game Traits: Very high rev rate (500–700+ RPM), fast speed (17–22 mph), and a dynamic, angular hook. Jason Belmonte popularized this style, standing out with his unique mechanics.
What Balls Are Good For a Two-Hander? There are plenty of ball choices for a two-handed bowler. So what'll it be? Based on recent sales, as of May, 2025, here are the top 6 balls for a two-hander's game. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Solid, 2) Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive, 3) Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid, 4) Storm Ion Max, 5) Motiv Jackal Onyx, 6) Hammer Special Effect
Are you an unconventional bowler? Does the two-hand game fit you?
Learn More about Two-Handers
5. Spinners
What is a Spinner? Spinners release the ball with a vertical axis tilt, causing it to spin like a top rather than hook traditionally. This distinctive technique is especially popular in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, where lane conditions and bowling culture have evolved differently from Western approaches. While spinner bowlers typically generate less power than crankers or two-handers, they excel at accuracy and consistency, particularly on dry lane conditions or when targeting specific pin combinations in spare shooting.
Game Traits: Low to moderate rev rate (200–350 RPM), moderate speed (13–17 mph), and minimal hook. Spinners rely on accuracy and deflection off pins instead of power.
What Balls Are Good For a Spinner? There are plenty of ball choices for a Spinner, mostly plastic or polyester. So what's your best choice? As of May, 2025, our top 6 balls for a spinner's game are posted below. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl, 2) Brunswick TZone Night Sky, 3) Brunswick TZone Frozen Bliss, 4) Brunswick TZone Caribbean Blue, 5) Brunswick TZone Deep Space, 6) Storm Ice Storm Teal/Silver/Graphite
Like to spin the ball?
Learn More about Spinners
6. Straight Bowlers
What is a Straight Bowler? The "straight bowler" style represents one of the most fundamental approaches to the sport of bowling. Straight bowlers roll the ball directly at the pins with little to no hook, focusing on simplicity and accuracy rather than generating complex ball motion. This technique typically involves a conventional grip with thumb, middle, and ring fingers inserted into the ball, coupled with a straight arm swing that minimizes rotation upon release.
Game Traits: Low rev rate (under 200 RPM), moderate speed (12–16 mph), and a straight trajectory. Often beginners or spare shooters.
What Balls Are Good For a Straight Bowler? There are so many good choices for a Straight Bowler, mostly plastic or polyester. Just below here are our customers top 6 choices as of May, 2025. Click the 'Learn More' button below to get more details on each one. 1) Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl, 2) Brunswick TZone Night Sky, 3) Brunswick TZone Frozen Bliss, 4) Brunswick TZone Caribbean Blue, 5) Brunswick TZone Deep Space, 6) Storm Ice Storm Teal/Silver/Graphite
Are you a Straight Bowler?
Learn More about Straight Bowlers
