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What bowling balls are banned by USBC?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 17, 2026

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.

Is the Phaze 4 bowling ball Illegal?

Effective March 30, 2022, the Phaze 4 is prohibited from use in USBC national tournaments.

Is the PBA banning urethane bowling balls?

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.

Is the Purple Hammer bowling ball Illegal?

ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress has revoked approval of Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017. These model years are removed from the list of balls approved for USBC competition effective March 21, 2022.

Why is The Jackal bowling ball Illegal?

The revocation comes after USBC determined that the Jackal and Jackal Carnage balls do not comply with current specifications and requirements in the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual.

41 related questions found

What bowling balls are illegal?

Related: The Storm Spectre bowling ball, which the USBC banned from all USBC certified competition, is not allowed in any level of PBA competition. 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.

What is the purpose of thumb tape in bowling?

Bowling finger tape is used to reshape the gripping holes of your bowling ball, especially the thumb hole. This allows you to easily adjust your bowling ball grip to a consistent and comfortable pressure no matter what external factors impact the size of your fingers during play.

Did USBC ban Purple Hammer?

The tournament rule reads: Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 or 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a "6" or "7") are prohibited for use. USBC has shared this national tournament rule with Hammer's current owner, Brunswick, and has Brunswick's support.

Did they ban the Purple Hammer?

ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress has revoked approval of Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017. These model years are removed from the list of balls approved for USBC competition effective March 21, 2022.

Where is Bowlerx located?

You may also email us at [email protected] and we will respond to you in a timely manner. Our Pro Shop location located at Town & Country Lanes in Bethlehem PA is open from 5pm to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday and Noon to 3pm on Saturdays.

Why is the Spectre bowling ball Illegal?

The statistical analysis of the Storm Spectre indicated a defect rate of 98.6%, meaning that 98.6% of Spectre balls are projected to be outside USBC's hardness specification limit. USBC tested balls from multiple batches, and the non-conformance was not limited to a specific batch.

What ball does Jakob Butturff use?

Butturff's Purple Hammer, a urethane ball, barely failed USBC's hardness test, coming in at 67.8. The hardness rule is 68.

Why did the storm Spectre get banned?

The statistical analysis of the Storm Spectre indicated a defect rate of 98.6%, meaning that 98.6% of Spectre balls are projected to be outside USBC's hardness specification limit. USBC tested balls from multiple batches, and the non-conformance was not limited to a specific batch.

What is a symmetric core bowling ball?

Symmetrical Balls:

Symmetrical balls are smoother and more predictable when exiting the pattern and encountering friction compared to that of asymmetrical balls. You will notice there are only 2 variables in core specs when dealing with a symmetrical ball. They are the RG value and Differential.

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."

Why does my middle finger hurt from bowling?

You might be gripping the ball too tight before your approach or it could be the pitch. I have that issue every once in awhile but that's because I'm squeezing the ball instead of relaxing my fingers and then gripping it lightly before my backswing.

Why do my fingers hurt after bowling?

Trigger finger can be caused by repetitive strain on the fingers. It can also result from a lot of activity that requires gripping. Think of what's required to hold and throw a bowling ball over and over. That movement can cause trigger finger.

How do you keep your thumb from sticking in a bowling ball?

Tape can be used inside the hole, inside the insert, or around the outside of the insert to compress it and make it smaller. The size of the thumb hole is equally as important as the fingers and by adjusting the fit you can ensure consistency.

Is a Four finger bowling ball legal?

USBC's specification states: Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand.

What is the penalty for using an illegal bowling ball?

League or tournament officers who witness non-compliance are responsible to notify the bowler that the ball usage is illegal. The penalty could be forfeiture of league games or disqualification from a tournament, if so deemed by the league or tournament decision on the protest.

Can you still use retired bowling balls?

Re: Not allowed to use OLD bowling balls

The usbc will side with the league officials 100%. The rules clearly state any tournament director or league board can ban any balls they chose for no reason what so ever.

What is wrong with the storm Spectre?

On March 14th, 2022, USBC revoked the approval of the Storm Spectre Bowling Ball. The approval was revoked because the hardness on their test balls fell below 73D on the Shore D Hardness Scale which is the spec for hardness put in place by the USBC.

What does Jakob Butturff tattoo say?

If you ever cross paths with Jakob Butturff in person, try to get a good glimpse of his left forearm. You'll spot a tattoo that reads, "Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear the path."