Bowler Types / Play Styles : Two-Hander
updated: July, 2025
What is a Two-Hander? The "two-handed" bowling style is a relatively modern technique that has revolutionized the sport in recent years. Two-handers use both hands during the approach and release, generating extreme revs and speed without a thumb in the ball. They cradle the ball with both hands throughout most of the approach, removing their non-dominant hand just before release. This unconventional approach allows two-handers to generate significantly higher revolution rates (sometimes exceeding 600 RPM)!
Game Traits: Very high rev rate (500–700+ RPM), fast speed (17–22 mph), and a dynamic, angular hook. Jason Belmonte popularized this style, standing out with his unique mechanics.
What type of ball should a Two-Hander use?
What Works: Two-handers need asymmetrical cores for angularity and solid or hybrid reactive coverstocks to handle their high revs on medium to heavy oil. Heavier weights (15–16 lbs) maximize pin carry, and fingertip drilling enhances their spin-heavy release.
Why: Their extreme revs require balls that can handle oil and snap hard on the backend, with cores amplifying their natural hook.
Popular Balls for the Two-Hander Play Style (July, 2025)
Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Solid
$169.95
The Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Solid is celebrated for its performance, versatility, and visual appeal. It's a ball that bowlers trust for its consistent reaction and powerful pin action, often becoming the first ball out of the bag in many games.
Performance: Upper Mid
Lane Conditions: Medium - Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Reactive (HK22 - Aggression Solid Reactive)
Core: Gas Mask (16-14)
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Storm Ion Max
$199.95
The Storm Ion Max is a powerhouse with significant flare, excellent control, and versatility that bowlers rave about. It's clear this ball is a must-have for anyone serious about conquering heavy oil patterns with style and effectiveness.
Performance: High
Lane Conditions: Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Reactive (NRG Solid Reactive)
Core: Element Max A.I. Core Asymmetrical (14-16#)
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Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid
$150.99
Bowlers agree—this ball rocks. It smashes pins, hooks hard, and works anywhere. Scores climb, and it feels awesome to throw. It's a must-have for any bowler ready to dominate.
Performance: Upper Mid
Lane Conditions: Medium - Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Hybrid Reactive (HK22 - Aggression Hybrid Reactive)
Core: Gas Mask (16-14)
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Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive
$199.95
Bowlers agree—this ball rocks for heavy oil and big hooks. It blends power, control, and a sharp finish that makes games more exciting. If you need a ball that stands out and performs, the RST Hyperdrive delivers every time.
Performance: High
Lane Conditions: Medium - Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Reactive (MicroTrax Solid Reactive)
Core: RST (Roto Star Tour) + A.I. Core (14-16#)
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Hammer 3-D Offset Assault
$138.99
Bowlers are thrilled with the Hammer 3-D Offset Assault. They call it the best in the 3-D line, with one even scoring a perfect 300 in their second game. Its strength, versatility, and smooth power make it a must-have for serious bowlers.
Performance: High
Lane Conditions: Medium - Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Hybrid Reactive (HK22 - Cohesion Hybrid Reactive)
Core: High Rev Offset
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Motiv Jackal Ghost
$191.99
Bowlers agree: the Motiv Jackal Ghost rocks. It hooks big, hits hard, and looks cool doing it. This ball's a winner for anyone serious about bowling.
Performance: High
Lane Conditions: Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Coverstock: Reactive (Coercion HFS Solid Reactive )
Core: Predator V2
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