Spareball weight

[Loyer807]

So here's the deal, I finally got on a league and had my first night in which I bowled just awful.
The first game was nerves and I bowled a 121.....second round I found my line did a 169 and 3rd round was a 145.
The second and third rounds though I kept leaving the 9, normally is an easyish pick up with a house ball I like to use for spares.
The ball return was full of balls and I didn't want to throw a crappy house ball in there or keep pulling it out from under my seat (Almost every time i was up ha)
So I decided I would invest in a spare ball of my own, get one of this cool stands to throw under the return.
Note that I have been debating on getting a spareball anyways, I just wanted a reason to pull the trigger, I said when I hit my first 200+ game, then I did that sooner than expected. So now I have a reason its for league!

So I decided on the DV8 Zombie.
The problem is I can't decide on a weight, I like throwing lighter house-balls usually 11lbs but I fear I'd be losing pin action on splits if I went for a 12lb zombie.
I fear any heavier though I'd have a harder time keeping it straight going heavier. I bowl thumbless on my strike balls and typically bowl with my thumb picking up spares.

Suggestions? Worrying to much?

[noeymc]

same weight useing different wt balls can mess with u

[SouthpawTRK]

When I was shopping for a spare ball I asked the pro at the shop in regards to what weight I should get. He recommended getting the same weight as your strike ball, so that there would be consistency in ball weight. I decided to take his advice and got a Zombie in 14lbs to match the weight of my Misfit; I'm glad that I did.

[ecub]

It IS best to keep the spare ball, the same weight as your other bowling balls.

[Loyer807]

Thanks guys, I was also worried of the issues of the weight messing with me.

Zombie 14 it is!

[Greenday]

You probably should get it the same weight. Saying that, all my strike balls are 15lbs. and my spare ball is 14lbs. I like the lighter weight. I can throw it faster than my 15lbs balls which helps a little on drier lanes.

[bowl1820]

Your spare ball should be the same weight as your strike ball as the others have said.

Your profile says you use a #15 ball, you like throwing #11 house balls, you were thinking about getting a #12 ball and have now decided on a #14 zombie ball.

15>11>12>14 pounds to really improve your game, you should settle on one weight. If your main ball is 15 your spare should be 15, going to 14 to get a slight speed increase is a option though.

Unless your a little kid or real old and/or have physical problems a 11 or 12 pound ball is too light.

Most young guys who throw those are the open bowlers that just want to throw the big Hollywood shot (They go out palm a light house ball on a dry lane and swing the lane)

[75lockwood]

There are some people that use a spare ball 1lb lighter for the ability to throw it faster, however there are pro's and con's to this. yes you can throw it faster and as such straighter, however using different weights can screw you up, the whole idea of the game is Constancy, constantly switching weights can be problematic, some people can do this really well, others not so much. so it's really up to you, same weight or one lb lighter

[Greenday]

There are some people that use a spare ball 1lb lighter for the ability to throw it faster, however there are pro's and con's to this. yes you can throw it faster and as such straighter, however using different weights can screw you up, the whole idea of the game is Constancy, constantly switching weights can be problematic, some people can do this really well, others not so much. so it's really up to you, same weight or one lb lighter

If you are using your spare ball just to throw a straight ball, it shouldn't matter if it's a pound light. My spare ball is a pound lighter, my coach's is, the guy who drills my ball is, a few of the local pros do. It's all just a matter of personal preference.

[ArtVandelay]

Ill play devils advocate... My strike balls are 14 and my spare ball is 11. I like the lighter ball, i feel like it allows me to relax a little more and just throw for accuracy. And im very accurate with it (well... Not perfect, but my spare conversion rate is pretty high. On average I be I leave about one open frame a game. Mostly splits...).

Another thing I like is that it will bounce off pins. If I leave the 3/10 split (not too common, but we have all been here) I can shoot for the inside of the 3, and the ball will bounce off and take out the 10 too. The lower weight is as much strategic to me as anything else.

But Im not the best bowler... Im happy with my average, I think its a pretty good average considering I dont take bowling too seriously. If I truly wanted to get better and have over a 200 average, I think I might look into lessons, and I might have to reconsider my equipment once a coach points out everything wrong with me (thats a loaded question...). Hahahaha

[ArtVandelay]

One other thing: unless you have your heart set on that zombie ball, you might consider some other choices. Most spare balls are pretty much the same, with a few exceptions such as the taboo spare that has a core. Id bet you can find a cheaper spare ball that performs just as well.

[Loyer807]

Your spare ball should be the same weight as your strike ball as the others have said.

Your profile says you use a #15 ball, you like throwing #11 house balls, you were thinking about getting a #12 ball and have now decided on a #14 zombie ball.

15>11>12>14 pounds to really improve your game, you should settle on one weight. If your main ball is 15 your spare should be 15, going to 14 to get a slight speed increase is a option though.

Unless your a little kid or real old and/or have physical problems a 11 or 12 pound ball is too light.

Most young guys who throw those are the open bowlers that just want to throw the big Hollywood shot (They go out palm a light house ball on a dry lane and swing the lane)


My ball is a 15 just a mix up in numbers.

[Loyer807]

One other thing: unless you have your heart set on that zombie ball, you might consider some other choices. Most spare balls are pretty much the same, with a few exceptions such as the taboo spare that has a core. Id bet you can find a cheaper spare ball that performs just as well.

Would love to check out some more suggestions.
Was just going to get a zombie for brand loyalty.

[Loyer807]

Does anyone know if the On The Ball Bowling balls are any good for a spareball?
There is something I would love to do in honor of my Dad and I tink it would be awesome to bowl with.

[austin]

Fairly sure those otb balls are just a straight up no thrills plastic. So I believe would work like any other plastic ball. I'm sure if you shot them an email they could clarify for you.