Benefits of throwing heavier weights?

[LexiusLefay]

I currently throw 14 lbs, and my coach says I should move up to 15 lbs because the carry is better and the ball won't hook as much?  The only difference I can tell is that my timing is a little slower at 15 lbs, but still is comfortable.  So, other than comfort, is it true that heavier weights carry better?  I really don't want to get rid of the lighter equipment if I don't have to?

[sstaz]

i always think when im throwing a 16lb i hit the pins harder and dont leave as much 10 pins but that is just me

[bltbyj]

What a 15lb won't hook as much? If your not comfortable with 15lb I wouldn't change.

[kingpin268]

Usually the core specs are stronger for 14lbs balls. But that's about it. Probably not that noticeable to the average bowler. I have a few 14 lbers from when I threw them a few years ago. Nothing really vastly different. You may throw the 15lb slower and therefore increase the hook of that ball. You may also get less revs which negates the slower speed. So...
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Penn State Mens Bowling

[milorafferty]

I've been bowling for just over two years. I first used 14lbs because I was worried about an old High School shoulder injury, but have recently changed to 15lbs. So I will recount the differences I have noticed.

I noticed that I initially didn't have as much hook with the 15lbs as with a 14lbs. I think this is due to pure physics actually. The overall mass of a 15 lb ball is greater, so it takes more energy to get the rotation started. I suspect the inertia of the ball going down the lane has an effect on that as well as it takes more energy to make a 15lb ball "turn the corner" than a 14lb ball. Just like a lighter car can make a quicker turn, all else being equal.

Other than the hook, I found my ball speed dropped about 1 MPH according to the house monitors. However, I had too much ball speed anyway, so that was a benefit.

I was leaving a lot of 10 pins with 14lbs, and not as many as with the higher weight. That might be because of the ball speed, or I have improved as a bowler, Who knows.

Just a few thoughts from my experience, hope this helps.
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Nine in the pit with the Tenpin left standing. dooooh!!