What Is Diff in Bowling? High, Medium & Low Differential Explained

Ever seen the word “Diff” or “Differential” on a bowling ball spec sheet and wondered what it actually means? Well, you’re not alone.

Diff is one of the most important numbers when it comes to understanding ball motion - but it often gets overlooked or misunderstood.

In this article, we’ll explain what differential (or Diff) means in bowling, how it affects your ball’s movement on the lane, and how to choose between low, medium, and high diff bowling balls based on the conditions you bowl on. Plus, we’ll share some ball examples to have a better visual and understanding.

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What Does Diff Mean in Bowling?

Diff, or differential, is a measurement of the difference in the radius of gyration (RG) between the ball's maximum and minimum axes. In simple terms, it tells you how much the ball flare.

The higher the differential, the more flare the ball creates—and the stronger the overall motion.

How Does Differential Affect Ball Motion?

Here’s what you need to know:

• Low differential = less flare, smoother and more controlled motion

• High differential = more flare, stronger hook, more angular reaction

• Medium differential = balance of control and hook

  
  

Differential plays a key role in how much a ball hooks - not when it hooks (that’s influenced by RG), but how aggressively it turns the corner.

Differential Ranges Explained

Diff Category	Range (inches)	Ball Motion Characteristics	Best For
Low Diff	0.010 – 0.025	Minimal flare, controlled motion	Straighter angles
Medium Diff	0.025 – 0.045	Balanced control and hook potential	Versatile, all-around conditions
High Diff	0.045 – 0.060	Strong flare, aggressive hook	Strong backend motion

Diff vs RG: What’s the Difference?

While RG describes when a ball revs up, Diff determines how much it can hook. Think of RG as timing, and Diff as power. Understanding both helps you match your gear to the lane and your style more precisely.

Which Diff Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help guide your decision:

• Low Diff Bowling Balls

  Ideal for dry lanes or anyone looking for smooth, predictable motion.

  Examples:

  • Storm Pitch Black

  • Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane

    
    

Storm Pitch Black Bowling Ball

Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane

• Medium Diff Bowling Balls

  Great “benchmark” pieces. Provide a consistent and versatile reaction across most conditions.

  Examples:

  • Storm Ion Pro Solid

  • Motiv Lethal Venom

Storm Ion Pro Solid

Motiv Lethal Venom

• High Diff Bowling Balls

  Perfect for heavy oil or when you need a strong backend move to open up the lane.

  Examples:

  • Hammer Black Widow 3.0

  • Track Paragon Shadow

Hammer Black Widow 3.0

Track Paragon Shadow

Final Thoughts

Understanding what diff means in bowling gives you a powerful tool when building your arsenal. It's not just a number - it directly shapes your ball motion and how well you can adapt to different oil patterns.

Whether you want a smooth and controlled arc or a sharp, aggressive backend hook, differential helps you get there. Combine it with your knowledge of RG, and you’ll make smarter ball choices every time.