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#.