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Author Topic: dropping in ball weight  (Read 2624 times)

mark vw

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dropping in ball weight
« on: November 12, 2008, 05:10:50 AM »
Thinking about going down to 14lbs. First thing that comes to mind is I will sacrifice carry. My rev rate is around 450 but ball speed is only around 16mph. I throw two fingered so I am speed challenged. Has any of you dropped ball weight without losing any carry? What should I do? I'm really torn over this decision.
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blacknois

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2008, 01:17:42 PM »
going down to 14 is hardly noticable for most people in terms of carry, and some people even say it carries better.  usually balls don't change the cores of balls till 12 or 13 pounds, so the only thing that is different is the filler material of the ball
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BowlingWolf

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2008, 01:18:13 PM »
I happen to know of an exceptional bowler, who happens to be relatively young (about 30) who uses 14lb equipment due to a bad back, and he's one of the best bowlers I know.

It sure doesn't look like his carry suffers any.  If anything, his ball speed has increased slightly since the drop in weight, and he puts pretty good hand in the ball.

See if you can get a cheap used 14lb ball to experiment with, and make your own determination.
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Regards,
BowlingWolf
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mark vw

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2008, 02:41:17 PM »
Does it make sense that I might hit up on the ball with the lighter weight? Do I need to be more aware of trying to be smoother to avoid this?
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BowlingWolf

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2008, 04:02:35 PM »
quote:
Does it make sense that I might hit up on the ball with the lighter weight? Do I need to be more aware of trying to be smoother to avoid this?


Hitting up on the ball is a timing hitch.

If you concentrate on proper mechanics:

1- Relaxed stance position
2- Keep eyes riveted on target
3- Easy push-away (coinciding with the 1st step on a 4-step approach, 2nd step on a 5-step approach)
4- Walk without thinking
5- Stay down at the line after a good strong pivot step
6- Follow through the ball (chase your hand after the ball through target and watch the ball go over target before raising body)

If you can do the above, you will not hit up on the ball, regardless of ball weight and bowling style (stroker, tweener, cranker, conventional/palm/2-hand/whatever).
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Regards,
BowlingWolf
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rockerbowler18

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2008, 04:07:02 PM »
I throw 14s only, and I have no carry problems. In fact, it's helpful, because when I get on dry lanes, I can amp up the speed, when if I was throwing a 15, I'd already be maxed out on my speed and couldn't put more on it.

I think 14s is a good way to go if you get the right stuff. The stuff that worked for you in 15s may not necessarily transfer well to a 14 lb weight.
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Bakersfield, California

Robb's Pro Shops

Rev Rate: 400-450
Speed: 16-17 mph
Current Average: 236
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abrown

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2008, 04:22:12 PM »
i throw 14 and my carry is the same with a 15 your loosing a little on the diff. and rg. but not really hitting power you will get a little more ball deflection so the 9 pins may fall a little better when ya go a tad high
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tizzle

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2008, 02:34:54 PM »
One thing though... You may find yourself overpowering the ball, or throwing it through the break at first, but you will get used to it. Carry will not be an issue at all!
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ramimac

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2008, 02:41:58 PM »
Funny you ask I just made the switch to 14lb  due to arthritis in my wrist and sholder..

Now i bowl pain free and dont feal like i am mussling the ball and my pin care has improved.

 i am a 475 to 500 rev guy.  my speed is now up to about 18-19  from 17-18..

My Coach/Driller saw me with the 14 when we drilled it and said it was the best move that i could have made for my rythem..
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In the Bag
Playmaker  14lb
Bash Re/Black 14lb
Bam Blue/Black  14lb

Viper R.I.P (Cracked all the way arround ball)
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In the Bag
Jigsaw 14lb
Full Swing 14lb
Cherry Vibe 14lb
Backlash  14lb
Bam Blue/Black  14lb

Gunny

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Re: dropping in ball weight
« Reply #9 on: December 05, 2008, 06:43:44 PM »
people still ask me on league nights..."how in the world do you carry throwing that 14lber", or "i cant believe your throwing 14lbs", or the bug-eyes they give you when they ask how heavy your ball is cause your carrying everything.

i've said it many times, i use to throw predominately 16lbs.  i throw 14lbs now, and i still kick the corner pins, and my arm is more free and relaxed than ever.  no loss of carry, hook ability, hitting power, messengers, yada yada yada.

and honestly i throw the 14's so effortlessly now, i dont feel like im always forcing it to where i want it to go.  

it will feel funny at first, because you will feel like your going to fast because of the lighter ball.  get that timing down and things will be alright.
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