Ebonite bowling balls are now made by Brunswick, and in Malaysia you buy them from X Proshop, the Brunswick group's distributor. Above all, their appeal is value. In October 2026 the X Proshop web store listed the polyester Maxim at RM360, the Fireball at RM825, the Turbo X at RM900 and the Entity at RM1,050. Ebonite's own slogan sums up the pitch: "Bowl To Win".
A brand that once owned others
Ebonite used to be a buyer, not a brand that got bought. For example, Ebonite International owned Hammer from 2002. Then, in 2007, it bought Columbia Industries, which brought in Columbia 300 and Track. Meanwhile, for years it ran its own factory in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
That changed on 15 November 2019. On that day, Ebonite announced that its assets and patents had gone to Brunswick, and the Hopkinsville plant closed. Brunswick said it would keep making all four brands in its own plants. Today, the Ebonite site lists Brunswick's Muskegon, Michigan address. So Ebonite, Hammer and Brunswick are now siblings.
Game Breaker, Turbo and the current range
Ebonite sorts its balls into pro, high, mid and polyester tiers. The heart of the range is mid-performance, which is where most league bowlers live. In October 2026, the mid tier held seven balls:
- Game Breaker 5: solid, pearl and hybrid versions, so you can pick the cover that suits your lanes.
- Turbo X: standard, Pearl and NU versions.
- Go Time: a newer mid-performance release.
Above them sit balls like The Great One, the Spartan and Spartan Pearl, and the Entity Pearl. At the bottom, the Ebonite Viz-A-Ball is the polyester option on the official site.
Ebonite bowling balls you can buy in Malaysia
However, the local list is shorter than the official one. Here's what X Proshop showed on 16 October 2026:
| Ball | Type | Weights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxim | Polyester | 6–15 lb | RM360 |
| Fireball Purple/Gold | Budget reactive | 12–15 lb | RM825 |
| Turbo X | Mid-performance | 12–15 lb | RM900 |
| Entity | Performance | 12–15 lb | RM1,050 |
Note that the Maxim and Fireball didn't appear on Ebonite's current list when we checked. Even so, X Proshop still sold both. The Game Breaker 5 wasn't on the local web store, so ask X Proshop if you want one.
The Maxim: a spare ball for life
X Proshop's listing calls the Maxim the most popular polyester ball in the world. Whether or not that's exact, it's a common sight in Malaysian centres. Because a polyester ball goes almost straight, it's ideal for corner pins. Also, it comes as light as 6 lb, so it suits kids too. If you're learning spares, our spare shooting guide shows why a plastic ball helps.
Strengths and weak spots
Ebonite works best for budget-minded bowlers and for anyone who wants a solid mid-range ball. In addition, it pairs well with a stronger Hammer or Brunswick ball from the same shop. On the other hand, local stock is thin, so the model you want may need ordering. If you're buying your first ball, start with our beginner ball guide, then compare makers on the bowling ball brands page.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ebonite bowling balls good?
Yes, especially for the money. Ebonite's mid-performance balls like the Turbo X and Game Breaker 5 give a solid, readable reaction without top-tier prices. Since 2019, Brunswick has made them in its own plants. The downside in Malaysia is limited choice: X Proshop's web store listed only four Ebonite balls in October 2026.
Where can I buy Ebonite bowling balls in Malaysia?
From X Proshop, run by JNJ Distribution in Subang Jaya. Brunswick, which owns Ebonite, named JNJ its exclusive consumer products distributor for Southeast Asia in 2024. You can order online, with 2–5 working day delivery, or visit one of its pro shop counters. Our bowling shops guide lists drillers by state.
Which Ebonite bowling ball is best for beginners?
The Maxim (RM360) if you want a straight ball, or the Fireball (RM825) if you want to start hooking. As a polyester ball, the Maxim also works as a spare ball for years. Meanwhile, the Fireball is a step up for bowlers on a budget. Get the shop to drill either one for your hand.
Who makes Ebonite bowling balls?
Brunswick Bowling Products. Ebonite International used to make them in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, but that plant closed on 15 November 2019, when Brunswick bought Ebonite's assets and patents. The brand now lists Brunswick's Muskegon, Michigan address as its headquarters.
