Heavier Ball?

[backlasher]

I've had a total left hip replacement and won't bowl again until summer. I didn't start bowling until I retired and used a 12# ball to start then got a 14# hammer. I decided to buy a new ball and split the difference with a 13# Wisdom from 900 Global. I want to get a new ball for the summer but want to get at least a 14# and maybe a 15#. Since it's only 2# more than the one I 've used all year, do you think I can use the 15# or go with the 14#?

[Hammer]

I just turned 66 and use a 14# Blue Hammer. I used to have a 16# Hammer but I started to have wrist issues and trouble controlling the ball. So I went to a 15# Hammer Anger and that was okay for a while until I started having trouble with getting enough speed for the Anger resin ball to work right on our THS pattern in our house on league night. That pushed me to get the urethane Blue Hammer of 14#. That weight I found is easier for me to control in my swing and my release. There is a good core weight in the Blue so I have no trouble shooting a high score with the Blue Hammer. Not long ago I shot a 221, 214 and a 247 on league night for a great three game series. So you should get a weight that is easy to control in your swing and your release. I don't know how big you are or how strong you are so maybe you can handle something heavier then 14#. But from your post showing lighter balls maybe a 14# would be just right for you. Do you bowl on sport or PBA oil patterns or do you bowl on regular house patterns where the oil is on the dry or medium dry patterns?

[backlasher]

I bowl on a regular house pattern and we have a senior league with the same pattern. The only time I bowl on a different pattern is when we go the the state senior tournament I could handle the 14# Hammer okay and perhaps your advice to stay with that weight is spot on. Thanks.

[noeymc]

you shouldn't keep changing weight you want all your balls to be the same maybe your spare ball a pound lighter for more ball speed but even then speeding up is a pretty simple adjustment

[backlasher]

I only take one ball to the lanes. Right now it's the Wisdom. I don't have an "arsenal", just the one ball.

[ecub]

I've had a total left hip replacement and won't bowl again until summer. I didn't start bowling until I retired and used a 12# ball to start then got a 14# hammer. I decided to buy a new ball and split the difference with a 13# Wisdom from 900 Global. I want to get a new ball for the summer but want to get at least a 14# and maybe a 15#. Since it's only 2# more than the one I 've used all year, do you think I can use the 15# or go with the 14#?

What does your doctor say about it?

[backlasher]

The doctor said wait until September but I want to try it in July. We have the state tournament in July. If there's any pain, I'll wait a few months.

[Zothen]

IMOP I suggest you wait until September as the doctor instructed! Doing activities on a newly installed hip against doctors orders my cause damage if not properly healed. If I recall it takes about 6 months for a hip to fully heal from replacement surgery. If you must bowl before Septmeber,then I wish you all the best!

Zothen

[backlasher]

Thanks. I had my 6 week check-up and the doctor said I was about 50% healed and since the surgery was December 28, 6 months would be the end of June. Believe me, I'll take it VERY easy when I try it. I'll probably just walk up to the line and drop it. I've been doing exercises in a heated pool for over a year and I think that'll speed up the healing. We'll see.

[explorer05]

I agree with alot of people and what they said. I would find a weight you are comfortable with now. Take all your balls to the bowling alley and see what weight feels good and is not too much strain or stress on the hip. As you heal and get stronger then look for more weight but I would think if you get to heavy, it could hurt your swing and plus you want to make sure you don't have problems with the ball being to heavy where your momentum pulls you. Also until you get everything down like timing you want to be able to get some speed on the ball espcially if it gets dry. To much weight you might not be able to get the ball down the lane without it taking off due to the lack of speed.

[Hammer]

Which is your sliding leg the left or right? That could make the difference on how soon you get back to bowling. I am assuming that you are right handed therefore your left leg is your sliding leg. If that is the case be careful how soon you come back because there is a lot of stress put on a sliding leg throwing a bowling ball especially the hip.