Bowling is several thousand years old by some estimates. In the 1930s, an anthropologist discovered objects resembling an early form of bowling equipment inside an Egyptian tomb.
The objects dated back to 3200 BC, which means the sport could be nearly as old as the wheel.
No matter when it was invented, there’s no denying that bowling has been a very popular sport for years. Over 67 million people in the U.S. bowl each year, and the United States Bowling Congress says nearly 2 million of those people are pro bowlers.
Modern bowling essentially has three main components: pins, a lane, and a ball. Most bowling balls aren’t very expensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re all cheap. In fact, some bowling balls can cost thousands of dollars.
Here’s our list of the most expensive bowling balls in the world!
10. Ebonite Choice Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Ebonite
Ball Feature: Asymmetrical core
Ball Weight: 16 pounds
photo source: bowlerx.com
First up is the Choice bowling ball by Ebonite. The ball features an asymmetrical core and an exterior designed for medium to heavy oil lanes — which basically just refers to how slick a lane is. Pro bowlers take into account a lane’s oil so they can aim better.
“The pins aren’t a big fan of this one,” says one review, “In Ebonite’s newest high performance ball, they combined the core from their most iconic series ever and the GSV-1 coverstock that pro shops across the country have been raving about.”
Overall, this pricey bowling ball costs about $90 — but that’s the sale price. Buy this ball full-price and you could spend over 100 bucks.
Did you know?
This bowling ball is available in red, white, and black.
9. Hammer Black Solid Urethane Overseas Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Hammer
Ball Feature: 100% urethane build
Ball Weight: 12 to 16 pounds
photo source: bowlersmart.com
This Hammer bowling ball features the brand’s specialized LED core, a design based on the older “light bulb” core.
The whole setup is a modern take on Hammer’s beloved bowling balls from the ‘80s and ‘90s: “There isn’t a person on this planet that will argue against the fact that Hammer made the best urethane bowling balls back in the day,” says one seller.
Overall, this bowling ball costs about $180. You can get one from 12 to 16 pounds, but colors are limited to black.
Did you know?
Hammer doesn’t just make bowling balls. The company also offers a range of bowling shoes, bags, brushes, and protective bags.
8. Coca-Cola Polar Bear Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Viz-A-Ball
Ball Feature: Coca-Cola branding
Ball Weight: 8 pounds, 11.8 ounces
photo source: ebay.com
At number eight is this unique bowling ball made in collaboration between the Coca-Cola company and Viz-A-Ball. The ball features the classic Coke polar bear with a bottle and Coca-Cola branding.
It’s not clear exactly how many Coke-edition bowling balls Viz-A-Ball made, but they’re definitely pretty rare. On the collector’s market, you could easily spend $500 on one of these, especially if it’s unused and undrilled.
Did you know?
“Undrilled” bowling balls haven’t had finger holes added yet. Pro bowlers drill their own bowling balls to get the perfect fit. Many pro bowlers have a variety of bowling balls drilled in different ways for different situations.
7. Hammer Black Widow Clear
Maker or Brand: Hammer
Ball Feature: Multi-layered clear design
Ball Weight: 15 pounds, 4 ounces
photo source: ebay.com
This Hammer bowling ball was released in 2008. The ball features a 15-pound, 4-ounce design with a spider web pattern and a big black widow. The multi-layered clear design gives a 3D effect, with space between the web pattern and the ball itself.
Prices depend on the seller, but you could easily spend a few hundred dollars on this bowling ball. One eBay seller was asking for $500 for a new, unused ball — would you buy one?
Did you know?
Hammer’s new bowling balls can be very expensive too. The brand’s modern Black Widow Domination ball sells for between $180 and $350!
6. 2003 Elvis Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Brunswick
Ball Feature: Double-sided Elvis design
Ball Weight: 15 pounds, 5 ounces
photo source: ebay.com
Coming in at number six is this Elvis bowling ball made by Brunswick. The design features a double-sided Elvis print alongside The King’s signature.
Brunswick released this unique bowling ball in 2003. There aren’t reports on how many units were made, but the design is definitely quite rare. One eBay seller priced the ball at a whopping $1,000.
That particular ball was undrilled and came with its original box, so you could probably find one for cheaper if it’s used.
Did you know?
The Brunswick brand got started in 1845 when John Brunswick founded a small shop in Cincinnati. The store expanded and joined the bowling market, but the company also works in boating, music, medicine, tech, and much more.
5. AMF Whiplash Red Pearl Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: AMF
Ball Feature: Vintage AMF logo
Ball Weight: 16 pounds, 1 ounce
photo source: ebay.com
AMF was originally American Machine Foundry Co., a tobacco production equipment maker. Eventually, the brand started buying various sporting goods companies, setting the stage for bowling products.
By the 1980s, AMF Bowling Inc. was making a range of bowling equipment, including the Whiplash Red Pearl bowling ball. The 16-pound, 1-ounce ball features a classic AMF logo and Whiplash branding against a pearlescent red surface.
The American-made ball sells for about $1,800.
Did you know?
In 2000, AMF stock was trading at less than $1 on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock was consequently removed from the market as the company declined.
4. Brunswick USA 1977 Block Letter LT-48 Rubber Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Brunswick
Ball Feature: Vintage Brunswick logo
Ball Weight: 15 pounds
photo source: ebay.com
Coming in at number four is another Brunswick bowling ball. This time it’s a vintage 1977 Block Letter LT-48 Rubber bowling ball that weighs 15 pounds. The ball stands out with its vintage Brunswick logo, but the price tag is what’s really eye-catching.
At $10,000, this is easily one of the most expensive bowling balls in the world.
Did you know?
According to Brunswick bowling, the company helped make bowling popular across the globe by opening the world’s first bowling center in Russia during the 1970s. The company also says it’s played a big role in making bowling equipment used by pro bowlers everywhere.
3. Mikasa MG Acrylic Green Clear Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Mikasa
Ball Feature: Acrylic build
Ball Weight: 14 pounds
photo source: ebay.com
One seller calls this bowling ball “a blast from the past” — and it’s not hard to see why. The ball is estimated to come from the early 1970s. The unique design uses acrylic to make a translucent bowling ball that weighs 14 pounds.
Info about Mikasa is hard to track down, but it looks like the company doesn’t currently make new bowling balls. It does sell some bowling products though, including alley equipment.
Overall, this unique translucent bowling ball is worth an estimated $10,000!
Did you know?
This acrylic bowling ball was made in Japan and imported to the U.S. during the 1970s.
2. Mike Kelley Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Mike Kelley
Ball Feature: Mike Kelley signature/branding
Ball Weight: Unreported
photo source: sothebys.com
Mike Kelley was an American multidisciplinary artist who explored pop culture during the late 20th century. The artist often worked with found objects, meaning he used things like mass-produced toys to develop art.
In 1991, Kelley added a collection of bowling supplies to his art catalog. The artwork included a bowling ball and stand, a nylon bag, a bowling catalog, and a shirt. The collection was part of Kelley’s efforts to use everyday objects to create “dark, imaginative multimedia artworks.”
Recent estimates say Kelley’s bowling ball is worth up to $12,000, making it the second most expensive bowling ball in the world.
Did you know?
Mike Kelley regularly collaborated with other artists to make art that combined many different styles and objects.
1. Quantum Technologies Raven Bowling Ball
Maker or Brand: Quantum Technologies
Ball Feature: Original Quantum logo
Ball Weight: 15 pounds, 15 ounces
photo source: ebay.com
Quantum Technologies Raven Bowling Ball is the most expensive bowling ball in the world.
In our number one spot is this rare bowling ball made by Quantum Technologies during the 1990s. According to reports, the ball has always been rare, even when it was still in production: “It took months of waiting [to buy] and it was the most expensive ball at that time.”
The ball is even rare today. One eBay seller was asking for $12,000 for an undrilled unit weighing just under 16 pounds.ž
“Pro shops only sold first quality balls because manufacturers only distributed first quality balls to them,” says one seller.
Did you know?
This ball stood out as a top-end design during the ‘90s thanks to its steep price tag.
