15 to 16

[Gmjmma]

is there a real benefit to moving up to 16lbs ball from a 15lbs? and does anyone know the difference between the Taboo Jet Black and the Taboo Jet Black X-Out?

[kmf]

An X-out can have many differences but usually it's color or logo placement that is off. The CG can be too close or too far from the pin BUT if that's the case it's usually stated.

Is there any real benefit in going from 15 to 16 pounds? NO! With todays cover and core combinations a 14 pound ball hits as hard as a 16 pound. The difference in weight is usually offset by the difference in speed.

[Ball99999]

I couldn't possibly think of why someone would. I find 15 uncomfortable as it is but it's certainly manageable. 16 lbs is just pointless.

[MisterSinister]

Don't see the need to go up to 16. A friend told me in the mid 90's a 16lb ball was a huge advantage, but now it isn't. He even says a 14lb today hits harder that 16lbs from years ago.

[75lockwood]

here's a simple test:

record 2 shots, first with a 15lb ball, the other with a 16lb ball, calculate the speed of each. then calculate speed*weight, whichever is the higher number will impart more force on the pins and as such more carry. That being said, if when trying the 16lb ball, if it feels to heavy or causes consistency issues then don't do it.

15lb is more then enough for most people, don't think that you need to change.

[Gmjmma]

here's a simple test:

record 2 shots, first with a 15lb ball, the other with a 16lb ball, calculate the speed of each. then calculate speed*weight, whichever is the higher number will impart more force on the pins and as such more carry. That being said, if when trying the 16lb ball, if it feels to heavy or causes consistency issues then don't do it.

15lb is more then enough for most people, don't think that you need to change.

Well I know the speed will be slower at first until your body adjusts to the 1lb increase but the speed will come back. I threw a hammer nail that was 14lbs and it would always leave 1 to 2 pins and hitting it from different angles didnt help it for me. I throw my 15's at 17+mph and get faster as I play so for me 14 is too light and I throw upwards 24-26mph

[75lockwood]

Well I know the speed will be slower at first until your body adjusts to the 1lb increase but the speed will come back. I threw a hammer nail that was 14lbs and it would always leave 1 to 2 pins and hitting it from different angles didnt help it for me. I throw my 15's at 17+mph and get faster as I play so for me 14 is too light and I throw upwards 24-26mph

Well there's no harm in trying it, start out with a ball on the cheaper side so you don't waste money if it doesn't work out, if you end up liking it then over time upgrade the rest of your arsenal if not, donate the 16lb ball to some less fortunate super buff guy lol

[HughScot]

Don't see the need to go up to 16. A friend told me in the mid 90's a 16lb ball was a huge advantage, but now it isn't. He even says a 14lb today hits harder that 16lbs from years ago.

All other things being equal a 16lb ball does hit harder than a ball of lesser weight. The difference is the lower weight will probably be thrown at a faster speed hence the same effect.

Since I want more control I'm going from 15 to 14 with my next ball. The speed should be slightly higher and the increase in control hopefully will result in higher scores.

[Gunny]

Its all relative to entry angle to the pocket. In theory a heavier ball should be more powerful, but with todays technology, it's all ball motion/angle to the pocket, along with speed. I dropped from 16lbs to 14lbs two years ago, and have never looked back. Pocket carry hasn't suffered, and control has improved. You'll never know unless you give it a try. Find a used one and give it a go. This way your not out too much $

[scottymoney]

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.