How many guys are using a 14lb ball?

[Raydee]

I just started bowling again after taking two years off. I think I just got burned out and started to not enjoy it like I used to so I took the time off. Since I have came back I have had some of the highest games I have ever bowled but lately I have been in a really bad rut. I am starting to think that I just don't have the arm strength that I used to and I was thinking about dropping some ball weight. Right now I am using 15lb balls and I wonder if going to 14lb balls will be a good or bad idea? I would love to get back into working out but I have had some problems with my shoulders and don't want to aggrivate them again. Do you think a 14lb ball will have much less pin action compared to a 15lb ball?

[J Anderson]

I just started bowling again after taking two years off. I think I just got burned out and started to not enjoy it like I used to so I took the time off. Since I have came back I have had some of the highest games I have ever bowled but lately I have been in a really bad rut. I am starting to think that I just don't have the arm strength that I used to and I was thinking about dropping some ball weight. Right now I am using 15lb balls and I wonder if going to 14lb balls will be a good or bad idea? I would love to get back into working out but I have had some problems with my shoulders and don't want to aggrivate them again. Do you think a 14lb ball will have much less pin action compared to a 15lb ball?

There may be a slight drop in pin action. You will also have less margin of error in shooting multi-pin spares since the ball will deflect more. If you throw with a lot of speed and a high rev rate, your pin carry may actually improve as the pins will stay lower and the ball won't drive straight through the rack.

Now to answer the question you're not asking. Really bad ruts are usually as much mental as physical. Often they will start with a physical problem that causes you to make an adjustment that eventually becomes a bad habit. Before you go out and buy new equipment you should try having a friend or coach watch you bowl a game to see if you're doing something different. Then you can work on getting back to your basic style.

[kev3inp]

I dropped from a 16 lb to a 14 lb after my heart surgery. I just can't swing a 16 for 3 games anymore. Carry really hasn't been an issue, but the increased speed and rev rate have been. I don't think a 1 lb drop will make as big a difference as my 2 lb drop, but you may need to adjust timing a bit.

[tracy]

i'm 65 and i just dropped down to a 14#. with the new cover stock and weight blocks that they now have in the balls, they carry just as well. some of the pros went to 14 and i even know a local pro that is thinking of going to a 13# just because of the weight blocks and cover stocks now. i went from a 15# diamond back to a 14# prodigy the other day.

[Raydee]

I was at my local pro shop today and the driller told me that he also went to a 14lb ball. I might have one drilled this week to try it out. I just have to decide now what ball I want to try, I am using a Hammer Toxic and a Brunswick Absolute Inferno.

[tom_c]

I have always used a 14, but now I'm thinking that a 15 might actually be better for me.

[Big Dog]

I had to go to 14lbs due to back and wrist injuries. I like a heavier ball. It will do you no good though to use a heavier ball if you are truly uncomfortable. First check with a coach on technique. If that doesnt resolve it. Try a lower ball weight. My suggestion is to see if the pro shop has any reconditioned balls in the 14lb range. That will make it less expensive on you and give you a better idea of the changes. I hope this helps. If I can do anything for you. Let me know.