Importance Of Spare Ball Weight

[Ryan_W]

I have an opportunity to pick up a brand new 900 Global Bam Series ball for really cheap. I'm really in need of a good plastic spare ball, so this piqued my interest. The only thing is that it's a 10lb ball...
Do you think it really matters on the weight of the ball if you're just trying to pick up a 10-pin here and there?
Should I just spring for a 16 pounder to keep things consistent?

[Stormed1]

The problem with that low of a ball weight compared to your normal weight is that you will tend to "muscle" he ball and be all over the place. Some people will throw a ball 1 pound lighter at their spares for added speed.

[bowl1820]

Another problem with that low a weight is deflection. If you shoot at any multi pin spares, the ball will deflect a lot.

[Ryan_W]

The problem with that low of a ball weight compared to your normal weight is that you will tend to "muscle" he ball and be all over the place. Some people will throw a ball 1 pound lighter at their spares for added speed.

I'd be using it almost exclusively for 10's, 4-6's, and of the like; shots I don't typically leave. Any other concerns I should have besides overpowering it?

[Ryan_W]

Another problem with that low a weight is deflection. If you shoot at any multi pin spares, the ball will deflect a lot.

Hmm, you're right.

[gfdengine204]

That much weight difference really opens you up to inconsistency. I would try to stick as close to your normal ball weight as possible.

[Strike Domination]

I agree with the above. It will probably be difficult to be accurate and you won't be making as many of those spares as you would with a ball closer to your strike ball weight.

[PSBA10]

One pound lighter is all I would recommend for a spare ball. Typically you will throw your spaer ball somewhat faster to keep it on line. Any more than a one pound difference will create major timing problems with both the spare ball and the strike ball.

I would definitely pass on the 10 pounder.

[Stormed1]

What he said 9psba10)

[The Mayor]

I'm of the thinking that you should never change weights between balls. Consistency is the key to bowling. Whether it's your grip, weight of the ball, approach, pre-shot routine, etc. There would be no benefit other than speed in moving down, and you would most likely lose accuracy. Accuracy>Speed. I'd rather a person go up a pound for spares than down.

[Tenkei]

Mayor, you wouldn't recommend going down 1lb? I've been told it's better to do so.

[The Mayor]

Mayor, you wouldn't recommend going down 1lb? I've been told it's better to do so.

I wouldn't recommend it. You're better off learning how to throw the ball straight than to go down a pound in order to throw it harder. In some way, switching weights will affect your strike shot. It's better to just be consistent with weight than to risk timing issues.

[Tenkei]

Hm that's interesting. I'm planning on picking up a plastic ball soon. Glad I got this info before I purchased. Right now I'm picking up all my 7 and 10 pins with a hook, but was told I should learn to convert my spares with a straight ball.

[The Mayor]

Definitely!

[Tenkei]

Haha thanks again for the tip. I'll start practicing the straights tonight.