Choosing the Right Spare Ball:
Plastic, Viz-A-Balls, Clear Spares, Spares with Cores, Hard Urethane, Low-End Reactive

Picking the right spare ball is one of the simplest ways to improve your consistency and raise your average. Whether you’re shooting corner pins, multi-pin leaves, or needing something for dry conditions, the ball you choose matters. Spare balls come in different materials, types, and price points, and each option offers its own strengths.

This guide breaks down the major categories of spare balls, explains the pros and cons of each, and gives you a clear understanding of what fits your game best.

Plastic Balls

Plastic spare balls are the most common option for bowlers of all skill levels. They’re designed to go straight, resist lane friction, and offer predictable performance regardless of lane conditions. If your goal is simple, reliable spare shooting, plastic is the standard.

Pros

Plastic balls are extremely consistent. They hook less than every other ball on the market, they’re the cheapest bowling balls available, and come in many different colors. If you’re a rev dominant bowler, a 2-hander, or someone wanting the straightest option possible, a true plastic ball will be your best bet to pick up a spare.

Cons

While plastic balls are incredibly cheap compared to other balls, they're also less durable. The finger/thumb holes crack more often than their urethane or reactive counterparts.

Examples of Plastic Balls

Most major brands produce their own spare ball, but here are 4 of the most popular options for plastic spare balls:

• Brunswick T-Zone
• Storm Ice
• Motiv Aspire
• KR Strikeforce Polyester

Typical Price Range for Plastic Balls

Most plastic spare balls fall between $60–$90, depending on brand and design.

Viz‑A‑Balls

Viz‑A‑Balls are a sub‑category of plastic balls known for their unique graphics and eye‑catching designs. They perform like traditional plastic but offer more personality with a higher price point.

Pros

Viz‑A‑Balls provide the same straight‑line performance as standard plastic while giving bowlers a chance to express themselves. They hook slightly more than a true plastic, and also just look cooler than other options.

Cons

Because the focus is on design, Viz‑A‑Balls cost slightly more than basic plastic options. Viz-A-Balls hook slightly more than true plastic balls. We listed that under both pros and cons. It really depends on what you're looking for. And lastly, they also may show cosmetic wear more quickly due to their printed graphics.

Examples of Viz-A-Balls

There are dozens of Viz-A-Ball options, so here are some examples:

• Hammer Black Widow Viz-A-Ball
• Brunswick World Viz-A-Ball
• Brunswick Sea Turtle Viz-A-Ball
• Brunswick Hearts Glow Pink Viz-A-Ball

Typical Price Range for Viz-A-Balls

Most Viz‑A‑Balls range from $100–$155, depending on the complexity of the artwork.

Storm Clear Spare Balls

Storm’s Clear series is one of the most recognizable spare ball lines in bowling. These balls feature a fully transparent coverstock with a logo or emblem suspended inside, creating a premium look.

Pros

Clear spare balls offer a similar lack of hook like true plastic balls. The look of a clear ball is unique and really stands out going down a lane.

Cons

Clear balls typically cost more than standard plastic options. Along with the price, they hook slightly more than cheaper plastic options and will look worse if they need to be plugged.

Typical Price Range for Storm Clear Balls

Storm Clear spare balls generally fall between $130–$170.

Plastic Balls with Cores

Some plastic balls include a traditional weight block inside, giving them slightly different motion characteristics compared to coreless plastic.

Pros

Plastic balls with cores can offer a touch more stability and improved hit when used for strike shots. They still travel straight, but the added core can help with increased hook potential on dry conditions (for rev dominant bowlers).

Cons

They may hook too much for many traditional spares, (think 10 pins and 7 pins). Also, the price of a plastic ball with a core is higher than traditional plastic.

Examples of Plastic Balls with Cores

There are two major examples of spare balls with cores:

• Radical The Spy
• Hammer Black Widow Spare+

Typical Price Range for Spare Balls with Cores

These balls typically cost $100–$150, depending on the core design.

Urethane Balls

Urethane isn't traditionally considered a spare‑ball material, but some hard urethane options like the Storm Mix exist for bowlers wanting slightly more hook, more durability, and a different look on the lanes.

Pros

Urethane provides more durability than traditional plastic. While plastic will chip around holes, urethane stays intact for longer. Also, hard urethane options hook slightly more than plastic which can help on some spare shots. In a pinch, a hard urethane could be used for a strike shot as well.

Cons

Hard urethane hooks more, which is an issue for many rev dominant bowlers. Also, you get a slightly higher price point with hard urethane.

Examples of Hard Urethane Balls

There's only one major example of a hard urethane ball on the market right now:

• Storm Mix

Typical Price Range for Hard Urethane

The Storm Mix typically runs a cost around $90.

Reactive Balls

Reactive resin balls are rarely used as dedicated spare balls, but some low-end reactive balls have been made to be used for spares.

Pros

Reactive balls offer the most traction and hook potential. They can help bowlers who want extra hook in their spare ball along with the added durability of reactive resin. And they come in many different color options.

Cons

But reactive balls are the least predictable for spares. Their sensitivity to oil makes them inconsistent for corner pins, and high‑rev players may struggle to keep them straight. And like most other non-plastic balls, they also cost more.

Examples of Low-End Reactive Balls

There's really only one low-end reactive ball available right now:

• Hammer Axe

Typical Price Range for Low-End Reactive Balls

Low-end reactive balls are usually at a price around $85.

Final Thoughts on Spare Balls

Choosing the right spare ball comes down to your style, your goals, and the conditions you bowl on. No matter which category you choose, a dedicated spare ball is one of the easiest ways to improve your consistency and confidence. With the right tool in your bag, you’ll turn more tough leaves into easy conversions, and that’s how averages climb.

Choosing a Spare Ball Frequently Asked Questions