Why Use An Asymmetric Bowling Ball

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Sunday, December 21, 2014 | Updated On: Wednesday, May 29, 2019



One step in developing an arsenal for competitive and challenging lane conditions is to choose an asymmetric bowling ball to add to your bag.

Building your primary bowling ball equipment around the most controllable and smooth reacting bowling balls is a very wise strategy. Adding balls which provide a strong reaction allowing you to widen your delivery path angle and trust that the ball will hook back to the pocket helps you complete your attack strategy.

Symmetric ball cores provide a stable and a consistent motion compared to more aggressive cores found in asymmetric bowling ball.

The more symmetrical a given ball is rated, the less aggressive is the hook potential rating.

The more asymmetric a given ball is rated, the higher the total differential is developed which produces greater hook potential resulting in a strong reaction in the mid-lane than do symmetric balls with the same type of coverstock and textured the same way.

Asymmetrical drilled balls show a defined, angular motion. These balls can create more area at the break point and will respond to friction faster at the break point than will symmetrical balls.

For you science buffs, a key to ball motion is the intermediate differential which is the measure of a bowling ball’s degree of asymmetry. The larger the differential ratio, the more asymmetrical the bowling ball. Conversely, the smaller the differential ratio, the less asymmetrical the ball.

Lane conditions and your delivery style dictate which type of bowling ball most likely matches best to give you a reliable ball reaction.



If you need a ball that provides a strong ball reaction in the mid-lane and at the break point on the back end, as example, then use an asymmetric ball which will give you good skid distance and the strong back end reaction you are seeking.

A combination of factors when seeking an aggressive ball reaction, an asymmetric core shape, a strong drilling layout, and the right amount of surface texture, leads to an effective ball motion when facing competitive lane conditions.

A balance of equipment using some stable reacting bowling balls and some more aggressive reacting balls can serve you well by providing ball motion options allowing you to play the angles on the lane needed to give you the best chances to hit the pocket.

You can get carried away relying solely on asymmetric balls with a strong ball reaction because you like to see your ball hook. Be careful to not over-rely on hook but rather decide which ball type would best match to to the lane conditions you are facing.

You must be careful to do the advanced experimentation necessary so you can make the right decision in choosing a ball to use in competition and to determine when the asymmetric ball will be an advantage.