some time ago rick benoit of brunswick commented on this very subject in bowlers journal international. he stated that over 70% of the players on tour will drill 15lb. equipment. a few will use 14lb. balls with the rest using "man weight", or 16lb. equipment. there are more players than you think that use 16lb. equipment: walter ray williams, jr., norm duke, chris barnes, brian voss, parker bohn III, robert smith, etc. i'm sure there are others.