First Bowling Ball

[fortheloveofbowling]

Never heard that one before. Pete weber probably weighs 130 max soaking wet. The ball weight should be judged by what you can effectively throw without having to muscle it or causes you physical problems up to the point you determine what carries the best for you.

[josh83]

Never heard that one before. Pete weber probably weighs 130 max soaking wet. The ball weight should be judged by what you can effectively throw without having to muscle it or causes you physical problems up to the point you determine what carries the best for you.

That's what I have read. it's probably something the pro at that pro shop can help me determine. Then again I understand why it's better to throw a heavier ball.

[josh83]

this is what it says in bowlingball.com about selecting the proper weight:

Shopping for proper weight

Average adult male usually bowls with a: 14-16 lb. ball
Average adult female usually bowls with a: 10-14 lb. ball
Juniors: 1lb. of weight per year of child's age, i.e. 8 yrs old = 8-lb. ball
Buy the heaviest ball that you can comfortably use while maintaining a proper speed. Heavier balls don't always knock down more pins. The impact of the bowling ball thrown would be speed times the mass. Ex: You would be better off with a 14 pound ball thrown 16 mph than a 16 pound ball thrown at 13 mph.
Be cautious of exceptions in size and physical ability; If you are larger/heavier than average, go up in weight; If you are smaller or have limiting physical features, stay lower in ball weight

[bowl1820]

The advice I've heard is your ball should be 1/10th your body weight (up to 16 lbs)

The 1/10th your body weight is a old chestnut, it was really used more for picking a weight for a child's ball than a adult.

[Perrin]

I'll throw my hat in the ring as well. I agree with near everyone that you should at least consider a heavier ball.

As for what ball to choose... Brunswick Strike King, DV8 Outcast (replaced misfit), 900 Global Boost, columbia 300 Scout, Ebonite Cyclone, Pyramid Path Rising, Roto Grip Scream/Shout... every company has an entry level line.
Most pro-shops seem to have a deal with a particular Brand that you can get their stuff for a few bucks cheaper.

[josh83]

So at the least a 14 Ibs or 15? would you say? as you probably read I am using a 12lbs currently. I'm just afraid am going to be pressured in to some spare plastic ball. The ball I have in mind is Storm Tropical Breeze or Brunswick Strike king.

[Perrin]

So at the least a 14 Ibs or 15? would you say? as you probably read I am using a 12lbs currently. I'm just afraid am going to be pressured in to some spare plastic ball. The ball I have in mind is Storm Tropical Breeze or Brunswick Strike king.

from an ease/time perspective 15 is what most pro-shops stock the most of. that's the 'standard' weight anymore but if it's not comfortable by all means use the weight that works for you. I bowl with a guy that throws a 12 lb conventional grip ball..

If you want a Breeze or Strike King just don't let the pro-shop talk you into plastic.

Another topic that you may or may not have considered is if you go with a conventional or finger-tip drilling.
That is another subject alot of people have solid opinions on.
I believe that if you plan to in the future use fingertip then you should start with a fingertip drilling.
others feel that you should always start with conventional, learn the basics, then switch to fingertip.

[Hendu71]

Starting with a plastic ball is not bad. A reactive ball is not going to save you from bad aiming, and I know this from experience. You are going to need a plastic ball eventually, the house balls won't cut it, plus you'll probably want to have a plastic ball with the same overall feel as the reactive in your hand for consistency. A house ball can't touch that. I know people want reactives first because they like seeing a cool-looking hook, but converting spares and being able to throw straight is every bit as important.

[josh83]

You were all right. Thank you. I tried a 14lbs house ball tonight when I bowled with the league and it was fine no problems. I think it even help my game.

If it weren't for all your suggestions about going to a heavier ball I would of never done it.

Thank you

[Jaescrub]

You might look into getting both. The prices of good starter equipment reactive and plastic are real low. Some pros shops might even do a package deal if you ask.