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Why is the Spectre bowling ball banned?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 15, 2026

The revocation comes after USBC determined through its spot-checking procedures that a significant percentage of the balls produced do not comply with specifications and requirements outlined in the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual.

Is the Storm Spectre bowling ball Illegal?

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 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 The approval was revoked because the hardness on their test balls fell below 73D on the Shore D Hardness Scale which is the spec for hardness put in place by the USBC.

Is purple hammer banned?

Earlier this month, the United States Bowling Congress didn't go as far as the PBA's rule but instituted a new tournament rule that reads: Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 and 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a '6' or '7') are prohibited for use, at all USBC national ...

Do all pro bowlers use 16 lb balls?

Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use. A heavier ball drilled specifically to your hand will seem to weigh about the same as a house ball two pounds lighter.

34 related questions found

Is a heavier ball better for bowling?

In general, the heavier the bowling ball will be, the better as a heavy ball will be more impactful, carry more power, and will have more chances of hooking than a lightweight bowling ball. The heavier ball will be able to knock down more pins when two bowling balls are thrown at the same speed.

What is the heaviest bowling ball ever?

His writings feature on various websites, such as Pinterest. The heaviest legal bowling ball weighs 16 pounds.

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 did Purple Hammer get 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.

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.

Is the Phaze 4 bowling ball Illegal?

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

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.

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."

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.

Is 900 Global owned by storm?

900 Global, which is based in San Antonio, is owned by Storm's Bill and Barbara Chrisman. Pye said 900 Global staffers aren't able to throw Storm or Roto Grip equipment, but they do share ball reps on the PBA Tour.

Is the Jackal ghost bowling ball Illegal?

This ball was never illegal. The original Jackal and the Jackal Carnage are illegal now but all releases aside from those are fine.

At what distance are the arrows on the lane?

The arrows on the lane are located 15 feet from the foul line, and you use these arrows to help to target where you want to throw the ball. Some bowlers concentrate on the pins, others have learned to focus on a specific arrow, as an aid in getting the ball going in the right direction.

Is a 10 pound bowling ball too light?

Bowling balls range from 6 lbs to 16 lbs. In other words, you cannot have a bowling ball lighter than six pounds, and you cannot have one heavier than sixteen pounds. So the maximum bowling ball weight is 16 lbs or 7.27 kilograms. The minimum bowling ball weight is 6 lbs or 2.72 kilograms.

What's the lightest bowling ball?

Answers. The lightest ball is a 6lb. ball. You can purchase them online, bowling alleys or even Sports Authority and other sports stores.

What size bowling ball do professionals use?

According to most reports, about 70% of professional bowlers on men's tours around the world throw a 15-pound bowling ball. A smattering of professional bowlers use 14-pound balls, but the majority of the rest of the field do still throw the maximum weight 16-pound bowling ball.

Is a 14 lb bowling ball too light?

The only point here is that the lighter the object at the end of that pendulum, the more potential you have to “muscle” it. In time, this will settle down. If it doesn't then the ball is likely too light for you, period. There is potential for 14 pound to hook more than 15 pounds.

What does the number on bowling balls mean?

Higher the RG numbers will tell us that the bowling balls mass is concentrated more towards the cover, so we tend to use the term “cover heavy”, and in return means the bowling ball has length through the heads(front part of the lane).

Is sandbagging illegal in bowling?

Re: USBC rule on sandbagging? An individual can be charged with attempting to gain an unfair advantage in league or tournament play for the following reasons: 1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC specifications.

Can 2 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.