15# vs 16#

[foreverincamo]

I'm going to get my next ball as a 15# instead of the 16# I have with my Marauder Mutiny. I've used both weights in my lifetime, including when I was only 18. I had great success with both weights. But I think I'm going to try a 15# ball and see if my tendonitis in my elbow calms down. What do you guys use?

[RobLV1]

Unless you are actively bowling on the Pro Tour, I can't see any reason for anyone to use 16# equipment today. I think 15# will help your tendonitis, and, personally, if I decide to buy a ball, I want it NOW, and not have to wait for a special order for 16#.

[fortheloveofbowling]

If it helps your elbow, absolutely use a lower weight. Most pba guys have went down to 15 several years back but some are starting to go back to 16. For the regular bowler i can't imagine why you would not throw the heaviest ball you can unless your rev rate is high enough that you don't get some deflection needed and leave a lot of 4 or 9 pins. If you are throwing a a lighter ball than you can and are leaving flat 10's and the ball is hitting like a wet turd then you need to go up. I see guys a lot throwing 15 probably because they heard pba guys do and don't have the carry they could. I probably have 3-5 years left with 16 and i will hold on as long as i can.

[J Anderson]

Started with 15# back when I only weighed 120 myself. Never bothered moving up in weight as I matured.

[RobLV1]

If it helps your elbow, absolutely use a lower weight. Most pba guys have went down to 15 several years back but some are starting to go back to 16. For the regular bowler i can't imagine why you would not throw the heaviest ball you can unless your rev rate is high enough that you don't get some deflection needed and leave a lot of 4 or 9 pins. If you are throwing a a lighter ball than you can and are leaving flat 10's and the ball is hitting like a wet turd then you need to go up. I see guys a lot throwing 15 probably because they heard pba guys do and don't have the carry they could. I probably have 3-5 years left with 16 and i will hold on as long as i can.

If your ball is hitting like a "wet turd" it's not because it's too light. It's either because it's too early-rolling, or you are playing the wrong part of the lane, or both. There is not need to throw a 16 lb. ball today.

[fortheloveofbowling]

Any difference between 14 & 15? And when i've heard professional bowlers talk about they went to 15 in the past to increase deflection? I understand ball roll and hitting power at the pocket. I also understand the weight of the ball and deflection when it hits the pins.

[fortheloveofbowling]

I just though i would check to see what i could find on the subject. Chris barnes felt 15lb equipment seemed to hydroplane a little more and randy pedersen said he felt 16 lb equipment got into a roll better in oil. Now anyone in my opinion should use what they like and what they feel works best for them, But if ball roll is the topic, there it is. Ball roll and the way the ball goes through the pins is what creates carry.

[Hammer]

My Blue Hammer is 14lbs and my Hammer Anger is 15lbs. Some folks say your balls should all be the same weight or it will throw you off. I personally don't have a problem switching between the two. I guess that I am just used to it. If you want to see if a ball is the right weight or too heavy for you do this with a ball. Get a 16 lb ball and put your fingers into it and let it hang next to myour side. With your palm facing forward try to straighten your wrist. If you have a hard time doing this the ball is too heavy for you. Then go to a 15lb and then a 14lb. See which one is the easiest for you to straighten your wrist with the ball hanging by your side. Get the weight that you can straighten your wrist with.

[got_a_300]

I have a mixture of 14 and 15 lb. bowling balls that I use
but will eventually replace all of the 14 lb. equipment with
15lb. stuff.

When I first started back bowling 3 years ago I went with
14lb. stuff as I wasn't sure if I could still handle 15 or 16lb.
equipment at that time. I have found 15lb. equipment to be
the sweet spot for me in pin carry.

[Blomer]

Large majority of the people I see, bowl with 15#. The lighter weight should help your elbow a lot. I am only in the start of my 2 season bowling and bowl with a 15#.

[MICHAEL]

I have experimented with 14, 15, and 16,,, have a few of each,,, For me the 15 works the best! A lot depends on your physical condition!

[Aslan]

I started with 15lb and now throw almost primarily 16lb.

Earl Anthony says you throw the heaviest ball you can control. Granted, I can't control any weight ball…but thats another story.

I have found that I can get more revs on a 15lb ball than I can on a 16lb ball. And a 15lb IS easier to control. But I also tend to get light hits more with 15 than 16.

Rob mentioned having to "special order" 16lb balls but the counter-arguement to that is that 16lb can often be had at a bargain.

That being said, because I'm nothing if not open-minded, I plan to make an arsenal change sometime in mid to late 2015 and go with all 15lb balls. It's just going to be an experiment to see if I notice any difference…what the difference is…that kind of stuff.

[jnv32185]

I went down to 14# equipment from 15# equipment do to an injury. Honestly my average has not changed if anything It is rising slowly with the 14# ball. I was told by the guy in the pro shop that now a days weight doesn't affect things as much, at least in the realm of 14# and 15# equipment. Obviously something like a 10# 11# and 12# ball will deflect more, he was speaking to me about 14-15#.

Never threw 16# so I can not speak on that.

[RobLV1]

I started with 15lb and now throw almost primarily 16lb.

Earl Anthony says you throw the heaviest ball you can control. Granted, I can't control any weight ball…but thats another story.

I have found that I can get more revs on a 15lb ball than I can on a 16lb ball. And a 15lb IS easier to control. But I also tend to get light hits more with 15 than 16.

Rob mentioned having to "special order" 16lb balls but the counter-arguement to that is that 16lb can often be had at a bargain.

That being said, because I'm nothing if not open-minded, I plan to make an arsenal change sometime in mid to late 2015 and go with all 15lb balls. It's just going to be an experiment to see if I notice any difference…what the difference is…that kind of stuff.

Earl Anthony said that before balls had reactive resin covers and dynamic cores.

[bubba809]

I used to use a 15lb ball then I had carpal tunnel surgery a few years back. Now I use 14#..actually 13Lb 14 oz. I use A LOT of and hand and cup my wrist. I needed to throw a lighter ball, for obvious reasons. My average has gone UP the past years. I believe if you can control your breakpoint and maximize the balls energy, you can still bowl great with a 14 pounder.

[YODA]

the ways ball are designed and how great they perform today I personally dont see a need for a 16 pound ball anymore. 15 and 14 work great for me :)

[Amyers]

Well as a youth I started at 10 and worked my way up to 16 after throwing the 16 for a while I decided to drop to 15 when I purchase my new ball. Can't say as I can really tell much difference between the two. One of my friends tried to drop from 15 to 14 but felt it reduced hiss carry too much.

[Aslan]

Earl Anthony said that before balls had reactive resin covers and dynamic cores.

Thats not HIS fault he died!

Actually, I think he was drunk and fell down the stairs so it "might" have been his fault...but thats not the point.

I WANT to believe the reactive resin/different game today than yesterday hype...I REALLY DO...but after watching my ball (REACTIVE RESIN SPECTACULAR) miss right of the headpin over and over and over and over and leave me wonderful multi-pin leaves like the 1-2-8 and ever so lovely 1-2-4-10 or the more merciful 1-2 or 2-5...it's hard for me to buy into the hype that new balls are magical and will turn into the pocket like heat seeking missles locked on to a terrorist. But then again...I'm so frustrated with my game right now that I'm ready to drop down from 16# to 6# and just bowl glow/cosmic bowling. So...do whatever. 15#, 14#...who cares. As long as the ball is shiny and pretty and smells like a candy store it's all good.

[mc_runner]

Not to sound like captain obvious... but if you keep on missing the headpin and you're hitting your mark (if you're all over the place it's a different story) then you gotta make adjustments to get the line working in your shot! Kick it out into the dry a little. I like playing the inside oil line area but it's still my #2 shot for when it's drier, because in fresh oil my balls tend to not make the turn properly and get angle... leaving a light 2-8-10 or a flat 10. As your shot develops you've probably changed things slightly. For me I have more axis tilt now than I used to, which has affected how I play the lanes (and leads to the soft hits in fresh oil playing inside).

[Mike White]

Not to sound like captain obvious... but if you keep on missing the headpin and you're hitting your mark (if you're all over the place it's a different story) then you gotta make adjustments to get the line working in your shot! Kick it out into the dry a little. I like playing the inside oil line area but it's still my #2 shot for when it's drier, because in fresh oil my balls tend to not make the turn properly and get angle... leaving a light 2-8-10 or a flat 10. As your shot develops you've probably changed things slightly. For me I have more axis tilt now than I used to, which has affected how I play the lanes (and leads to the soft hits in fresh oil playing inside).

Aslan releases the ball with his hand in a really weak position, so a ball thrown to the right tends to go into a forward roll but not change direction.

If he happens to release the ball near the oil line it will tend to hit the pocket.

However when he misses left, it can be by an amazing amount.

He's the only person I've seen attempt to shoot a straight ball, cross alley at a 7 pin, and hit the left gutter before half way down the lane.

[Aslan]

He's the only person I've seen attempt to shoot a straight ball, cross alley at a 7 pin, and hit the left gutter before half way down the lane.

That was NOT my fault!

Well, technically it was...but I have a legitimate excuse (or two)!

See, since I change to shooting plastic at BOTH sides (including the left); my coach has given me specific targets to hit to pick up the spares. But, there were TWO problems that particular shot:

1) I have to force myself to aim left and NOT square up to the foul line. Since I'm not used to that...because I've always thrown my strike ball at the left side leaves AND squared up to the foul line...this is obviously a work in progress.

2) And more importantly...I miscounted the number of boards where I was supposed to stand and instead of standing on 15 and aiming at 15...I was standing on 10. Again...I am only partially to blame...because Brunswick is stupid and they only have 5 dots on the approach rather than 7...so it messed up my counting.

I can't believe it took me 2-3 games to figure out I was 5 boards off...but when I throw a 114 game it tends to distract the poo out of me.

[Mike White]

That was NOT my fault!

Well, technically it was...but I have a legitimate excuse (or two)!

See, since I change to shooting plastic at BOTH sides (including the left); my coach has given me specific targets to hit to pick up the spares. But, there were TWO problems that particular shot:

1) I have to force myself to aim left and NOT square up to the foul line. Since I'm not used to that...because I've always thrown my strike ball at the left side leaves AND squared up to the foul line...this is obviously a work in progress.

2) And more importantly...I miscounted the number of boards where I was supposed to stand and instead of standing on 15 and aiming at 15...I was standing on 10. Again...I am only partially to blame...because Brunswick is stupid and they only have 5 dots on the approach rather than 7...so it messed up my counting.

I can't believe it took me 2-3 games to figure out I was 5 boards off...but when I throw a 114 game it tends to distract the poo out of me.

You should always stand relative to the center dot (which is 20) rather than relative to the far right dot which can be 5, or 10.

Even with that, I've seen some approaches where the center dot didn't line up with 20 board on the lane, so always make sure.

[Amyers]

That was NOT my fault!

Well, technically it was...but I have a legitimate excuse (or two)!

See, since I change to shooting plastic at BOTH sides (including the left); my coach has given me specific targets to hit to pick up the spares. But, there were TWO problems that particular shot:

1) I have to force myself to aim left and NOT square up to the foul line. Since I'm not used to that...because I've always thrown my strike ball at the left side leaves AND squared up to the foul line...this is obviously a work in progress.

2) And more importantly...I miscounted the number of boards where I was supposed to stand and instead of standing on 15 and aiming at 15...I was standing on 10. Again...I am only partially to blame...because Brunswick is stupid and they only have 5 dots on the approach rather than 7...so it messed up my counting.

I can't believe it took me 2-3 games to figure out I was 5 boards off...but when I throw a 114 game it tends to distract the poo out of me.


Sad thing to admit but I've been there and done that we have a couple houses that have the 5dot thing too and it drives me nuts.

I can talk I have bounced my spare ball off the lip of the right hand gutter cap shooting at a 7 pin

[foreverincamo]

Thanks for the input. I'm still on the fence about going to 15# on my next ball. I'm going to mull it over another few days.

[MICHAEL]

I know several guys that look like linebackers for a football team, 3 for sure I have in mind. They swear by 14lb balls, and have league averages at from 225 to 230. They are huge,,, could throw a 16lber if then chose to. I have seen many GREAT THS bowlers throw 14lb, 15, and 16lb balls, around here. They all 3 work great IF YOU Know how to bowl, and have the gift! I am of the opinion that as long as the weight is not below 14lbs, on standard hose oil, I have seem men bowling with all 3 weights with GREAT RESULTS!

I think Knowing how to bowl, is much more important then the weight of a ball. I have settled on 15, myself, for no other reason other then most of the bowlers I know that are GREAT BOWLERS around here throw 15's!!

I have a few of each weight, and enjoy throwing all of them. Doesn't throw my rhythm off at all!

[Hammer]

With the surfaces and cores that balls have now I think that a 14lb ball can hit hard and have good carry if the person using it has a good release with good revs and a layout that works for him/her and a surface adjusted for the condition being bowled on that person can do just as good as a 15lb or 16lb ball. Knowing how to throw a ball with the correct release is the key to having a good working ball.

[Aslan]

I know several guys that look like linebackers for a football team, 3 for sure I have in mind. They swear by 14lb balls, and have league averages at from 225 to 230. They are huge,,, could throw a 16lber if then chose to. !

It depends more on their style than their size.

I practice a LOT and you'll see college guys come in that look like they're football players and they throw 6lb bowling balls. their girlfriends are throwing 9lb bowling balls. Why? Because the guys don't care if it works...they just want the ball to go gutter to gutter because it looks cool.

If you're a high rev player, I can't see how you could throw a 16lb ball. It just simply is very difficult to get good rotation of the ball when it's that heavy. My 15lb ball I can get much better revs and axis tilt than I can with my 16lbers.

But...the downside is deflection. It's very annoying when a female player hits the pocket and then stomps her feet because she left 1-2 pins standing and can't figure out why. Ummm...because that ball is 11lbs and you should be throwing a 15lb ball. Unless you have an injury or are a very small person/stature...I think the added benefit going below 15lbs is countered by deflection. In the same respect, the added carry going from 15lbs to 16lbs is countered by a lower rev rate. Thats why 15lbs is considered the ideal weight by most pro bowlers.

That being said, I've read things and heard things recently that some pros are going back to 16lbs...

I'll have to check back in when I make the planned switch to 15lb in late 2015. I'm not doing it with the intention of staying at 15lbs...I just want to give it a try and I have a few 15lbers that would make a decet arsenal...so why not? All I'll have to do is get a 15lb plastic spare ball and I'll be all set. If nothing else it'll make the damn bag a little lighter.

[vdubtx]

Thanks for the input. I'm still on the fence about going to 15# on my next ball. I'm going to mull it over another few days.

I made the change to 15 pound balls about 6 or 7 years ago. Doing so increased my game due to improved accuracy.

[foreverincamo]

I threw my 300 with a 16# ball this season. I'm not a hi rev player at all. I'm going to talk to my proshop guy and get his opinion on the matter. More than likely I'll end up with a 16# ball again, but it's like 51%-49% kinda deal right now.

[MICHAEL]

With the surfaces and cores that balls have now I think that a 14lb ball can hit hard and have good carry if the person using it has a good release with good revs and a layout that works for him/her and a surface adjusted for the condition being bowled on that person can do just as good as a 15lb or 16lb ball. Knowing how to throw a ball with the correct release is the key to having a good working ball.

The Magic is in the bowler, not nearly as much in the ball! Tyrone, a good size black bowler I have bowled against throws NOTHING BUT 14lb balls.
He use to throw 16, and then 15s, but found the magic using 14lb balls. He has great form and delivery, lots of rev's, and is a 220 to 230 average bowler depending on what league.

Like in Aslans case! He has experimented with several different weight balls, but no MAGIC! Once he gets the mechanics down I am sure he will be able to bowl with WHAT EVER weight feels best to him. His only weakness I see with my untrained eye is the release of ball off his paw,,, I mean hand!

The answer is this: Any ball weight can Work GREAT as long as its either a 14, 15, or 16! I have seen GOOD bowlers that swear by EACH WEIGHT!

Mechanics or, gift is what makes you a High level bowler!

[MiggityMatt]

I dropped to 14lb because I had wrist surgery in April. I just purchased a 14lb Hyper Cell and it hits harder and carries better than any ball I've ever thrown. The lighter weight gives me better accuracy and a bit more rpm.

[MICHAEL]

I dropped to 14lb because I had wrist surgery in April. I just purchased a 14lb Hyper Cell and it hits harder and carries better than any ball I've ever thrown. The lighter weight gives me better accuracy and a bit more rpm.

I know from seeing some damn good bowlers in my area, that you can do HUGE AMOUNTS OF damage using a 14lb ball.

AGAIN,,, its not the ball but the BOWLER!!!!

[Aslan]

The Magic is in the bowler, not nearly as much in the ball! Tyrone, a good size black bowler I have bowled against throws NOTHING BUT 14lb balls.
He use to throw 16, and then 15s, but found the magic using 14lb balls. He has great form and delivery, lots of rev's, and is a 220 to 230 average bowler depending on what league.

Why did he stop there? He shoulda spent a season throwing a 12lber…never know…could have been the REAL magic!! Tell Tyrone Aslan says not to limit himself. He still has 6 through 13 to experiment with!! If he's got the GIFT…it ain't gonna matter. With the gift I'm sure you could throw a strike with a marble.

[Blacksox1]

I have experimented with 14, 15, and 16,,, have a few of each,,, For me the 15 works the best! A lot depends on your physical condition!
I have used all three as well. On the fence between 14 and the 15 pound ball.


With the surfaces and cores that balls have now I think that a 14lb ball can hit hard and have good carry if the person using it has a good release with good revs and a layout that works for him/her and a surface adjusted for the condition being bowled on that person can do just as good as a 15lb or 16lb ball. Knowing how to throw a ball with the correct release is the key to having a good working ball.
This is a very good and complete answer.


I made the change to 15 pound balls about 6 or 7 years ago. Doing so increased my game due to improved accuracy.
I changed to 15 over 10 years ago. Improved my accuracy as well.


I dropped to 14lb because I had wrist surgery in April. I just purchased a 14lb Hyper Cell and it hits harder and carries better than any ball I've ever thrown. The lighter weight gives me better accuracy and a bit more rpm.
Did not have any surgeries or problems, but traded for a used 14# Marvel Pearl last season. Used the ball for 20 weeks until it cracked. Raised my average to 220, the gifted range, meaning that I averaged 220+ with the 14# ball. This season I have added a 14# Marvel S. Last week in league, it became the first ball out of the bag and I shot a 661.

[foreverincamo]

Well, tonite after I stunk up the lanes with my 557 series I stopped in the pro shop, only to get a surprise. My pro shop guy ordered my Brunswick Platinum Pearl Ringer at 16# . I had asked him to see if he could beat the price I could get the ball online, and he ordered it. So some time in the very near future I'll get it drilled up . Thanks for all the info and entertainment in this post.

[MICHAEL]

It depends more on their style than their size.

I practice a LOT and you'll see college guys come in that look like they're football players and they throw 6lb bowling balls. their girlfriends are throwing 9lb bowling balls. Why? Because the guys don't care if it works...they just want the ball to go gutter to gutter because it looks cool.

If you're a high rev player, I can't see how you could throw a 16lb ball. It just simply is very difficult to get good rotation of the ball when it's that heavy. My 15lb ball I can get much better revs and axis tilt than I can with my 16lbers.

But...the downside is deflection. It's very annoying when a female player hits the pocket and then stomps her feet because she left 1-2 pins standing and can't figure out why. Ummm...because that ball is 11lbs and you should be throwing a 15lb ball. Unless you have an injury or are a very small person/stature...I think the added benefit going below 15lbs is countered by deflection. In the same respect, the added carry going from 15lbs to 16lbs is countered by a lower rev rate. Thats why 15lbs is considered the ideal weight by most pro bowlers.

That being said, I've read things and heard things recently that some pros are going back to 16lbs...

I'll have to check back in when I make the planned switch to 15lb in late 2015. I'm not doing it with the intention of staying at 15lbs...I just want to give it a try and I have a few 15lbers that would make a decet arsenal...so why not? All I'll have to do is get a 15lb plastic spare ball and I'll be all set. If nothing else it'll make the damn bag a little lighter.

It probably wouldn't hurt at all!! If fact it probably won't make much difference.... :rolleyes: I know what a big part of your problem is! But you know it all, so I will keep it a secret! Good luck ... ice On your next chart,,, use a cool RED back drop,, ok, instead of dots,,, use chicken nuggets!!!

[Big Merl]

I find the 14 feels best so I throw it. I always feel like the 15 or 16 has more control over my release then I do, and anything lighter it feels like I'm having too much control over it. 14 just feels like me and the ball are in harmony.