What did you throw before 2 months ago?

     I dropped to 14 about 6 years ago. I am a smaller guy and bowling lengthy tournaments was getting hard on my body. When I dropped I picked up about 1/4-1/2 MPH at the pins. I had to make 1 of 2 adjustments. I either had to make my layouts slightly stronger to flare a little more or take cover down a small bit to allow ball to slow a little bit quicker. Of all my honor scores, 75% are with 14lb equipment. Its about matching layout and cover stock to your speed and rev rate. We have a gentleman that has had some health issues the past 3 years and he dropped from 15 to 12. He is averaging 210 with 12lb and was averaging 210 with 15lb.

A couple of years ago I went from 16 to 14. I am 53 and was having pain in my hip after three games. Rarely since have I had any pain. I bowled much better with 16. Carry with 16 was better and had no tendency to muscle the ball, thus making my release much better.

I tried 15 lb. and for the last year and went back to 16 lb. last week.  My carry is better with 16 lb.

 
My league bowling partner just went through the exact same experience. His speed/revs matches up to 16# better than 15#. I just hope his body holds up to the heavier weight.

My speed/revs and carry matches up better with the 16 lb but I hang in there with 15 because it's easiler on my 66 year old body shot 718 last week with 15 lb.

 
What you can comfortably handle should always trump all other considerations when it comes to  ball weight. That's why I'm always amused at all these 16 vs 15 vs 14 pound debates. In most cases your body is going to make the decision for you.

Just went from 15 to 14lb.. Rev rate is up, speed is up. And don't forget the big advantage- you get to buy all new bowling equipment.

The modern release derives revs more from arm swing speed than from wrist action as did the older style cranker release.  Thus many people notice increased rev rates when they drop down in weight.  That is the biggest reason carry does not drop for most people when they go to 15.  Dropping further to 14 can do the same, but there is a law of diminishing returns.  No 2 people are the same, but 15 lb seems to be optimal for a lot of styles in terms of allowing easier ball speed and increased rev rates.