Anyone here use 14lb bowling balls?

[Hammer]

I used 16lb balls when I was younger. When I got into my late 50s I went down to 15lb. Now at 65 and soon to be 66 I am down to 14lb. I guess my age started to become a factor in what weight I use. Us old folks are fragile. With 14lbs it is easier to control and doesn't put a lot of strain on my wrist or fingers. I still have a 15lb Raw Hammer Anger ball that I still use depending on the oil on the lane that night. I was surprised to find out on Talk Bowling.com that host Tony Ruocco uses a 14lb ball as his main ball and a 12lb ball for his spares. He doesn't look like a small guy. He said the light balls are because he has some back issues. So who here uses a 14lb ball as your main weight?

[striker12]

im 19 and i use 14lb balls but i use to throw 15lb and 16lb but had i started getting some wrist problems so i went down and know my wrist has gotten better so going back up to a 15lb ball.

[billf]

I've thought about it but don't want to have to replace my entire arsenal just yet. I'm not really sure if it will affect my game or help the arthritis in my fingers. I'm only 44.

[ArtVandelay]

I do. I'd always heard 15 was the ideal weight, and that with todays technology in the balls, a 16 pound ball is no longer necessary, and everyone should throw a 15 for increased accuracy.

I've just felt 14 was right. I dunno why. I guess I'm just kinda weak.

[got_a_300]

I only threw 16# bowling balls exclusively back in my younger
days up until 1999 when I gave up bowling because of my back
issues.

When I came back to bowling last fall for the 2012 season I went
down to using 14# equipment but have since decided to go back
up to using 15# balls from now on after buying that Defiant Edge
which was 15# and found out how much I love throwing it.

I've found that with the little bit of extra weight it helps me to keep
my ball speed in check and helped improve my accuracy quite a bit.

[Gunny]

I use to throw nothing but 16lbers up until about 3yrs ago. I switched to 14lbs due to a wrist problem, and found that the end result was more control and accuracy. Not to mention I am able to manipulate the ball alot easier now than with the heavier weights, with no loss in hitting power.

[noeymc]

i use 15 i can walk up to lane with the ball held in my back swing if i want so i know i got complete control over and 15 it and its the best weight for performance with the ball its self =D

[75lockwood]

I had been using 14 for the longest time, then i got my marauder in 15 because i wanted to try it, best thing i ever did honestly, the ball actually feels lighter in my hand (probably because it fits right lol),i have lost 0 speed, even going as far as saying i gained a bit, and the carry the marauder creates is awesome (i've seen 2 splits become strikes thanks to messenger pins :D)

[Cuda K5]

I have all 14 pound balls as of sunday. I am a pretty big guy and can huck a 16 pound ball pretty damn hard, but one out of every 3 throws my wrist just completely gives out and the ball comes out flat. I think it has a lot to do with how much I cup my wrist when I throw. Not to mention I have no cartilage left in my elbow from pitching. the 14 pound ball saves me from the pain

[americantrotter]

I have 4 14# balls with a 14# Marvel Pearl under the tree. I may experiment with a 15# eventually, but I like the 14# balls right now. Not too heavy and plenty of movement.

[kev3inp]

After my heart valve I dropped down to 14. Just couldn't throw 16 for all 3 games.

[Scojoy]

Went to a 14lb misfit after wrist strain the first time out this year with a 16 lb, that and a big wrist brace have helped although my speed hasn't increased as much as I thought

[Hampe]

I use 14 lb balls mainly because that's what I started with, and like Bill, I'm not about to replace my whole arsenal. I'd consider switching to 15 lb balls now that I've got the hang of hooking the ball....but I don't really find it totally necessary.

[RoccoRock]

My next ball is probably going to be 14. I have a 14 spare ball, and at times it's just easier to throw. Guys have to get that macho, "I'm so strong I need to throw the biggest, heaviest ball" stuff out of thier minds. It's been said a thousand times, 14# balls hit as hard as 15, or 16#. They carry just as well, the theory that "my 16 hits harder" is just a myth. My buddy is 6'5, 250 and he throws 14. He had a wrist issue years ago, so when he started bowling last year he didn't want a heavy ball. When his ball hits the pocket (which isn't very often) is sounds like someone threw a M-80 down there.

[J Anderson]

They carry just as well, the theory that "my 16 hits harder" is just a myth.

A myth based in the fact that, until the 80s and the high tech cover stocks and dynamic cores, 16# did hit significantly harder than 15#. With the newer balls, 16# don't deflect enough and can have worse pin carry than a lighter ball.

[Bizwan65]

I used a 14# ball back in the early 90's before i gave up the sport. Picked the sport up again last year when my son wanted to try out for the HS team (he had never really bowled before). I've stayed with 14# when I've upgraded my stuff over the last year. I feel it puts less wear and tear on my shoulder, wrist and elbow.

[AKbash]

14lber over here for me! Actually, I have a 13 lber too for when I first started learning but I really want to get used to 14 so Im using my 14lber now.

[LonelyBowler]

I like 14 pound balls I can turn them easier.

[HughScot]

I just went to a 14 lb ball and so far I like it. I seem to be able to control my wrist better with a slightly lighter ball and get more hand into it. Waiting to see if it causes any problem with pin carry.

[v33dubfox]

My Alpha Max is my only 15 pounds. All other are 14 pounds. I have more control on flipping the ball with the #14. Always had problems being consistant with the #15.