15 to 16

[billf]

I am all about 16lbs balls. But it is personal preference. I am also 6'3 275 lbs and get comments every week of how hard I throw the ball.

I am honestly surprised they haven't created a "weight test" to show what weight you should be using. It is tough to tell without throwing 2 exact same balls that are just different weights.

Not like you're the average size male bowler these weights were meant for. As for the test, you mean like this? http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm

[striker12]

i'm throwing 14lb balls right know went down because of wrist problem but my wrist is better know and i have way to much power throwing them so im going back up to a 15lb ball.

[Brother_jd]

I have never used 16lb. I have always used 15lb.

[Hammer]

If you have the wrist and hand strength to use it then there shouldn't be a problem.

[scottymoney]

Not like you're the average size male bowler these weights were meant for. As for the test, you mean like this? http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm

I knew about this Bill but I was thinking of more of a device type thing to measure what weight to use. But I guess that would just be a speed gun and the person throwing 2 different weighted balls.

Come on Bill give it a few years the average weight will go up in the USA and I will be closer to average. Many times I have seen people (mainly younger kids) throwing balls which are way under weight. I tried to explain to a kid a few years ago I was bowling with that he should find a heavier ball (during moonlight bowling). But I am also talking about a kid who was throwing a 12lb ball who can easily handle 16. I think of the general population actually stopped to learn a little bit about bowling you would see so many more bowlers. A month ago I spent some time practicing a few games with a friend and his dad (his dad bowls on Mondays with me and my friend doesn't bowl often). We let my friend bowl his way and try different balls for a game, he finally found a house ball that fit him alright and we then stepped in to teach him a bit, mainly stand here on this board and aim at that arrow. When you stop and educate someone who doesn't know much and they are willing to listen it goes a long way to creating a better experience. My friend went from a guy who just was tagging along to have a good time to talking about how much a ball of his own fitted to him would help.

[GoodGorilla]

I'll never go back to 16. My first ball was 16, and the only difference was my 15 is more accurate and leaves less soreness. I may even go down to 14 because I can't cup the 15 consistently. But I can throw the 15 accuratly.

[Gmjmma]

I am all about 16lbs balls. But it is personal preference. I am also 6'3 275 lbs and get comments every week of how hard I throw the ball. I did use a 15lbs ball but it was less consistent. With my new Marauder Madness I noticed I can keep my normal speed with the ball being more angular to the pocket. Yesterday during practice I saw so much pin action with the new ball. At one point the pin sweeper just made it down in time to catch a pin shooting back out onto the lane. And I saw one of the coolest things. It looked like one of the pins dropped kicked the 7 pin. Well next practice session I will try to video tape myself and show some pin action.

My advice is ball weight is all personal preference to a point. I am honestly surprised they haven't created a "weight test" to show what weight you should be using. It is tough to tell without throwing 2 exact same balls that are just different weights.

im in that size range as well being 6'4" 310lbs I have a hard time not throwing my 15 at 20+mph its like im always fighting to slow my self down.

[UBowling]

I would say to do it if your ball speed is pretty high with a 15. If you can use a 16 it is better, but not if it sacrifices comfort or accuracy. And when a 16 is drilled, it ends up being a high 15 anyway. I like 16 but I throw a 15 with over 20 mph speed at release so using a 16 was a high to bring the ball speed down and be softer with it. I am also 6'1" and have a high back swing, so it makes sense.

[GoodGorilla]

I'll never go back to 16. My first ball was 16, and the only difference was my 15 is more accurate and leaves less soreness. I may even go down to 14 because I can't cup the 15 consistently. But I can throw the 15 accuratly.

I talked to my pro shop operator today. He said my rev is good enough, and don't need to sacrafice weight for more revs.

[Rdmonster]

At 6'1 and 190 I always used a 15 (in college....many many years ago lol I was way skinnier)...when I got back into bowling and got a new ball I went with a 16. I am not sorry. Other than my thumb which is a drilling/release issue I dont have problem. If your a bigger or a stronger guy....go 16. The pin carry and power in the pocket is very close between a 15 and a 16 but more is always more. All things being the same otherwise something heavier is always going to hit harder