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Author Topic: Moving from 16# to 15# benefits  (Read 1091 times)

skizzle

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Moving from 16# to 15# benefits
« on: May 04, 2014, 10:51:34 AM »
I've thrown 16 pounds for as long as I can remember (30+ years now), but know that most people now throw 15 pounds.  I'm sure there are both benefits and drawbacks to making the switch.  Anyone care to share their experience when they made the switch and whether it's been successful?  Thanks for your opinions!
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avabob

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Re: Moving from 16# to 15# benefits
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2014, 11:50:19 AM »
First, it is important to understand why 15 can be beneficial, or at least not a detriment compared to 16.  Many people think it is because the balls hit to hard, and that the lighter weight keeps the ball from overpowering the pocket.  Actually what has really happened is that their is so much friction, that higher ball speed is necessary to keep most peoples balls from burning off their rotational energy too early.  In addition, if you have a soft release ( Pete Weber example ) you can increase your rev rate and your ball speed.  These two factors cause 15 to hit just as hard or harder for most people on the predominant conditions we see today. 

Not too many people see any downside from going to 15.  If we ever see a situation where friction becomes a premium, rather than an excess, 16 could again become an advantage. 

bowlingmaniac017

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Re: Moving from 16# to 15# benefits
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2014, 09:35:38 PM »
I recently switched back to 16 because you can get a lot of great quality balls off eBay for nothing in that weight. Might be something to think about if you have not already.
Mike