different weight for spare balls?

[2handedsniper]

I struggle with alternating to the next strike ball

[LOUVIT]

I was looking at getting a 13 or 14 lb ball for right side spares only.. I am fine with all other spares and then I think is it worth it? I see lot's of people throwing their normal ball at 10 pins and some how making them. I have a 3 ball bag and 2 balls, my issue is I do not want to carry 3 balls up 2 sets of stairs to get them into my second floor condo.....lol

[bowl1820]

I struggle with alternating to the next strike ball

Your strike ball and spare ball should weight the same, then theres no problem.

[LOUVIT]

why do some people with strong balls not need a spare ball? When I was practicing yesterday they guy next to me was throwing a hell of a ball and still made all his 10 pins with the same ball. I asked him and he said he doesn't know why people need 2 balls. I asked his average and he said 203. I am against spare balls, never used one but also that was 25 years ago. These day's it's a hard decision. I'll wait until I figure out my first shot before worrying about the second.....lol

[Jessiewoodard57]

I switched a while back from 13# to 14# equipment since the 13# usually means a generic weight block. When I switched I still had my 13# Hammer Taboo spare ball which I was also using as a strike ball on very dry lanes. Since it was 13# it did not have the gas mask core nor did it have the hitting power of the heavier balls. I looked all over for a 14# taboo spare but was not willing to pay $199 plus shipping for a NIB retired ball. I am glad I held out Hammer just released the Widow Spare which is identical in specs to the Taboo Spare and for $89 plus drilling. Hammer calls it their performance polyester spare. on the dry it has a really nice backend when I come off the side of the ball BUT if I come straight up the back of the ball it is a perfect corner pin spare ball. It rolls as straight as an arrow.

[bowl1820]

One of the main ideas behind having a spare ball is you don't really have to change your release to have it go straight and it takes the lane conditions out of play.

While yes you can use your strike ball, you have to make changes to your release typically to have it go straight. Plus you run the risk of the ball reacting unexpectantly to the lane conditions.

Also having a spare ball saves a lot of wear and tear on your typically more expensive strike ball.

[collinwho]

I used to have a 14lb spare ball even though everything else I throw is 15. I couldn't keep my arm swing the same with it. I always ended up muscling the ball down the lane. When I switched to a 15lb spare ball, my single pin spare percentage went way up.

[ep1977]

With a plastic spare ball it doesn't matter how much oil is on the lanes. You throw it the same and it goes it straight. I only use the plastic for 6,9,10 pins and the combos of those pins. I can make the 10 pin at the same percentage with my Hectic but if the lanes get really dry in the back end it wants to hook just past it.

[1VegasBowler]

My T Zone is a #12 and depending on what I'm shooting at depends on how I throw it. It can be as straight as an arrow, or I can get some lift on it to hang by the gutter for the 10 pin.

I much prefer the plastic ball for spares because I know the reaction is minimal at best, especially if I create any accidental lift.

[billf]

Using different weight balls is a recipe for disaster. Most end up with timing and/or muscling issues. There are exceptions but they are few and far between.

Plastic for spares depends on how well you can throw the ball straight and go back to your normal release without a hitch. In the end most bowlers just find it easier to use plastic and not have to alter their release. Myself, I go through stretches where I couldn't throw a ball straight to save my life. In tournaments I wouldn't dream of taking the chance.