Went from a 14lb to a 15lb

[Bendial]

And it was the best decision ever :) (ok maybe not ever, but it was great). I feel like I have way more control over the ball now and it has helped my slow down my speed a lot. I'm actually getting a nice hook now :-)

My advice to anyone thinking about trying a 15 over a 14, do it.

[JDHamm85]

Gotta say I agree. Went to the pro shop about a month ago looking for a 14 lb ball cuz I felt like I was throwing my 15 lb too slowly. But the pro shop guy convinced me that going to 14 wouldn't help my carry nor would the minor additional speed I was looking for. Ended up sticking it out with a new 15 lb ball, and haven't looked back since.

[Judy clemons]

I went from using 10lbs to 12lbs so I could take advantage of the core technologies and it was the best decision I ever made
2 extra pounds was difficult to start throwing I had very low speed between 8 & 9 but starting to pick up speed now to 10 & 12 and ball is working superbly I am extremely happy with the switch.

[classygranny]

I actually just dropped from a 15lb + ounces down to a 14lb on the advice of my coach about 6 months or a year ago. Since I had both balls, my new coach watched me throw both weights and within two and three throws told me we were staying with the 14lb. He felt I could keep the speed up and control it better. I guess with age, comes some decrease in our physical abilities, and I am not really working out much like I did when I was younger. Since I've changed to a new ball and grip, I can definitely say it was good with me to keep at the 14lb. I would have just been postponing the inevitable down the road had I tried to stay at the 15lb.

I think each of our bodies are different in how we maintain the weight and control. Arm, wrist, and finger strength does play a part in what we are comfortable with - as well as our minds. I believe the best way to determine the best weight ball to use is to bowl with them and have a coach, friend, fellow bowler, watch for signs that the ball is too heavy or too light - just use a house ball, and then adjust accordingly. My sister who doesn't even bowl is able to tell when someone's ball is the wrong weight. As an experiment, I went down and threw a 16#, a 15#, a 14#, and a 13# house ball - she concluded the 14# appeared a bit heavy, but the 13# was definitely way to light. I concluded with her just based on the feel. Adjusting for the proper fit, I surmised from her observations that a 14 - 14 1/2 # ball would be the correct weight. Lo and behold, my new coach agreed. She's said she just watched the body from rear view, and said to watch the head and the arm swing, so if you video yourself you could probably see what she is talking about.

[Bendial]

Very good point classygranny. Everyone is different and has different needs. Personally, I'm 32 and in pretty decent shape, almost 200#'s, so throwing a 15 makes sense :)

[classygranny]

Very good point classygranny. Everyone is different and has different needs. Personally, I'm 32 and in pretty decent shape, almost 200#'s, so throwing a 15 makes sense :)

You are probably right in that you should be throwing a 15# ball. If you are in good condition and have no physical ailments, it would appear on the surface you would want to be at the higher weight. Since I'm 57 going on 60 and 150 lbs, and I wanted to keep my ball speed up at 14-15 rather than the 12-13 with the 15# weight, the 14# was better for me.

So just remember that in about 20 years, you may even have to think about a decrease in ball weight.

It's a trade-off, as many things seem to be with older age. And don't make fun of us Grannies...you will be there one day!

[vdubtx]

Very good point classygranny. Everyone is different and has different needs. Personally, I'm 32 and in pretty decent shape, almost 200#'s, so throwing a 15 makes sense :)

NExt step will be to work your self up to throw "Man Weight". :D

J/K I throw 15lb for the last 6 years.

[vdubtx]

And don't make fun of us Grannies...you will be there one day!

Don't think anyone was making fun. We love grannies. :)

[classygranny]

Don't think anyone was making fun. We love grannies. :)

Didn't think anyone was...just a statement for thought in case someone thought about it. Besides...making fun of ourselves/others (done in jest) is the best part of life!

[Hampe]

When I started bowling with a hook a few years ago I started out with 14 lb. balls (even though I'm a 30 yr old 180 lb. male) which I'm still using. I feel like now that I've got the technique down pretty well I could manage a 15 or 16 lb. ball no problem. A buddy of mine is going to sell me two of his older balls that are 15 lbs. so I'll know pretty soon if it makes a difference or not.

[Tampabaybob]

Having bowled MANY years (probably more than most of you have been on the planet !! LOL) I started at 16# - eventually went down to 15-1/2 and now I'm throwing heavy 14#'s. Anyone that tells you a 14#er won't carry as well as a 15#, tell him to take a hike. My 14 #er has gotten me a 300 this year, and just yesterday shot 759 (279-245-235). Not bad for an old geezer @ 66 !!!!!

[scottymoney]

Ball weight fom 14-16# dies not make a huge difference at least not enough to really care about. Use something you are comfortable with and not worry about it. If you start thinking about lower than 14#'s then it will make a huge difference as ball deflection will be much greater and most balls below 14 use generic cores.

[vdubtx]

Having bowled MANY years (probably more than most of you have been on the planet !! LOL) I started at 16# - eventually went down to 15-1/2 and now I'm throwing heavy 14#'s. Anyone that tells you a 14#er won't carry as well as a 15#, tell him to take a hike. My 14 #er has gotten me a 300 this year, and just yesterday shot 759 (279-245-235). Not bad for an old geezer @ 66 !!!!!

Have to agree with you here Tampa. I also started out at 16# and went to 15 and have never looked back. With a lighter ball, control and accuracy is much more improved. Speed isn't everything out on the lanes. :D

[billf]

My speed is pretty high to begin with so I was reluctant to try 14 lbs. Turns out my speed was a tick slower (.1-.3mph). My best guess it the lighter weight has less gravitational pull to get it moving but who knows. I do know my hand/wrist felt a ton better after the first tournament I used it in. Still debating what weight to go with for any new balls I decide to purchase. I currently use 14, 15 and 16 and I don't suggest this to anybody.

[Tampabaybob]

There are times when a lighter ball will work better than a heavier one. For instance if you're bowling on a short pattern and need a little more speed, use a pearl to get it to go longer. Sometimes I end up putting mine away and going to my 15# Evil Siege when the oil pattern starts getting flaky. The siege allows me to go a little deeper, slower and through the oil better. But you're right Bill, using different weight balls are not for newer bowlers. It takes lots of practice to be able to jump from one weight to another was well as a change in cover stock, etc. I think a lot of people get into trouble doing this. Having a good arsenal is great but you really have to learn the characteristics of each ball. when to use them and when to put 'em away. Years of mistakes, and bad choices at the wrong time, is probably the best instructor. Lots of good practice and focusing on what each ball will do or not do is the only way to learn each balls pluses and minuses.