Ball Weight

[head3232]

I am a new bowler and I am trying to decide how heavy the ball I buy should be.  I ususally use a 14 or 15 pound ball that I get from the lane.  I throw a straight ball now but I want to learn how to throw a ball with some break to it.  I think a 15 pound ball will be to heavy to throw with any break to it.  

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to determine the proper weight of a bowling ball?

[hotshot187]

140 pounds = 14
150 = 15
160+ = 16

[zone]

i throw 14lb and love it.
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# of bowling balls = too many
highest game = not high enough
league avg. = its getting there
tournaments won = let me get back to u on this one

[shelley]

Andy's right.  That may have been the conventional wisdom at one point but it isn't anymore.  The majority of bowlers throw 15# when it's hard to argue that the majority of bowlers weigh more than 160 pounds.  As powerful as balls are, the carry is just as good at any weight (different from weight to weight but still good), so there's no automatic benefit to throwing 16# in terms of hitting power.

Really, throw what's comfortable.  If 14# is comfortable and you don't overthrow it, use it.  You may decide to move up later (I did), but definitely don't be ashamed of throwing 14#.

SH

[wei]

Well, some people start with lighter ball first, (in your case perhaps a 14lb ball) then they move on to heavier balls for more carry and pin actions. Hope this helps

[Strapper_Squared]

quote:
Andy's right.  That may have been the conventional wisdom at one point but it isn't anymore.

I agree.  The only time I have ever seen that used (or suggested it) is with junior bowlers who are purchasing equipment in the 6-12 lb range.    

S^2
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The perfect qb/receiver combo in Miami:
Ginn & Juice
(Ted Ginn Jr and Cleo Lemon)