Is the PBA banning urethane bowling balls?
James Craig
Published Jan 18, 2026
The PBA decided to ban urethane balls older than two years from its manufacturing date after a continuing controversy around the hardness of urethane balls.
What urethane balls are banned?
Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017 were banned from USBC certified competition, and are not allowed in any level of PBA competition. Previously, for PBA National Tour competition only, the PBA placed a 2-year shelf-life rule on all “traditional urethane” bowling balls.
Why do people use urethane bowling balls?
One of the most durable and popular coverstock materials for a bowling ball is polyurethane. Urethane bowling balls are made up of polyurethane, which provides the ball a frictional capability when in contact with the lane surface. This makes Urethane bowling balls great for hooking and getting into splits.
Is urethane bowling ball plastic?
Urethane– This coverstock is more durable than plastic and offers more friction between the ball and the lane surface. Therefore, urethane has a higher hook potential than plastic. Due to the increased friction on the lane, urethane tends to deflect less which results in better pin action.
Is urethane a good spare ball?
It won't skid (like plastic) and it won't hook (like reactive). It is the perfect balance for direct spare conversions. A urethane ball is a no-brainer!
40 related questions foundWhat bowling balls are urethane?
Top 6 Urethane Bowling Balls for 2021
- Storm Mix Blue Silver Bowling Ball.
- Brunswick U-Motion Bowling Ball.
- Motiv Purple Tank Bowling Ball.
- Storm Pitch Black Bowling Ball.
- Storm Fast Pitch Solid Urethane Bowling Ball.
- Storm Pitch Purple Solid Urethane Bowling Ball.
Are all urethane bowling balls the same?
There are two types of urethane bowling balls on the market to choose from – urethane pearl bowling balls and urethane solid bowling balls. Urethane solid bowling balls create more overall surface friction than urethane pearl bowling balls, thus they tend to hook sooner.
What is the difference between reactive resin and urethane bowling balls?
Reactive Resin Bowling Balls are slightly heavier than Urethane Bowling Balls. The higher hook potential eventually leads to increased weight for reactive resin balls. This goes the same for any ball with higher hook potential. Reactive Resin Balls offer better hook potential and an increased rate of high performance.
Is urethane better than plastic?
Urethane is a more durable and flexible product than any plastic. While plastics do last a long time, products made of plastic will wear out before a urethane product does. They are also more likely to break, abrade, or deteriorate before urethanes will.
What's the best bowling ball out right now?
The Best Bowling Balls (Even Big Ern Would be Jealous Of)
- Brunswick Tzone – Best Overall.
- Pyramid Path Rising – Runner Up.
- Storm Phaze III – Honorable Mention.
- Hammer Black Widow 2.0 – Also Consider.
- KR Clear Red Rose.
- Storm IQ Tour Emerald.
- Motiv Venom Shock.
Can you surface a urethane bowling ball?
Re: Surface Adjustments on Old Urethane
You can use any form of abrasive you have. Abralon, sandpaper or sanding blocks. If you sand with the track, the ball will go further down before it starts to hook, if you sand against the track, the ball will start up earlier.
How long does a urethane bowling ball last?
It depends on so many factors, from the number and frequency of uses, to its maintenance schedule, and even the climate where you live and the temperatures it's exposed to. With proper maintenance, you should get at least 5-10 years out of a quality bowling ball.
Can you polish a urethane bowling ball?
Re: Polishing a urethane ball
yes If your going for a smooth, shiny surface then stepping through the grits is best. Pretty much any sanding technique you can use on a resin ball, will work on a urethane ball.
Is the Motiv Jackal illegal?
The following ruling and article from USBC states Motiv's Jackal and Jackal Carnage are no longer allowed for use during USBC approved events.
Why is the Purple Hammer banned?
USBC investigated allegations that a portion of the Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured at the Ebonite International plant in 2016 and 2017 were produced below USBC's minimum hardness specification at that time of 72D.
Do I have to have holes in my bowling ball?
"It is not necessary to have a thumb hole if the bowler isn't going to use it for gripping purposes and the ball has to be within our static balance requirements to be used during USBC certified competition."
How strong is urethane?
Urethane can be formulated with tensile strengths to 8,000 psi while maintaining elastic characteristics. As a liquid cast material, tooling costs are very low – significantly less than making metal molds. Urethane is non-brittle even at higher hardness and resists fracture during shock or impact loading.
Is urethane a rubber?
Urethanes fall into the category of materials called rubber. But they're not quite rubber either. Urethanes fill the gap between rubber and plastic. They're harder than rubber which contributes to their outstanding load-bearing abilities.
Is urethane brittle?
On the other hand, urethane is not brittle. It has elastic properties capable of significant resistance to impact – even at higher durometers. Urethane retains its elasticity and strength. Urethane can be stretched significantly and still return to its original shape.
What bowling ball is best for a straight bowler?
6 Of The Best Bowling Balls For Straight Bowlers
- Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball. Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball (12lbs) ...
- Motiv Venom Cobra Bowling Ball. Motiv Venom Cobra Bowling Ball, Black Bronze Pearl with Gold Silver, 15 lb. ...
- Storm Ice Blue/White Bowling Ball. ...
- Hammer Black Widow Bowling Ball.
Do urethane balls absorb oil?
Urethane Characteristics
Urethane balls also transition the lane differently, not only does urethane take oil from the first 15 feet of the lane (albeit less than resin) it also drags oil down the lane called "carry down" making the bowler to generally, move right (and make everyone else slightly pissed).
What are ten pin bowling balls made of?
Overall, bowling balls can be made of three different types of coverstock materials – polyester, urethane, and resin (reactive urethane). The least expensive material, polyester, doesn't give as much hook since it's unaffected by the oils on the lane.
Does Hammer make a urethane bowling ball?
Well, Hammer does and they have brought it back with this mid-performance urethane bowling ball. This ball has modified the popular light bulb core to create the LED core design and covered it with a Urethane Pearl cover and finished it with a 500 grit, then 1000 grit, and then 2000 grit Siaair Micro Pad.
How do you clean a urethane bowling ball?
Just use a good oil cleaner like Clean and Dull, Hook-It or Lane Masters cleaner to remove that oil. I always wipe the ball off in between frames and once every couple weeks I use clean and dull on it.
Do two handed bowlers have a thumb hole?
A two-handed bowler is required to use the same dominant hand during their delivery on both their first and second shots (this refers to the hand in which the bowling ball rests). They also have the option of utilizing a thumb hole or not—both are acceptable. However, only one set of gripping holes is allowed.