Author Topic: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb. (Read 2287 times)

Centers · « **on:** July 14, 2003, 03:11:05 PM »

Most people say, 15 lb carries better than a 16 lb. Is this true? I'm about to buy some new stuff, and just want to hear the opinions of you. I should use a 16 because I do throw it hard but people say 15 carries better.
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I Am Thee Young Strapper

LuckyLefty · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2003, 07:37:41 AM »

Carry,

Without a doubt there is much more carry with a 16 vs 15.

I have proven it to myself.

THis is particularly true when one bowls on wet backends.
My sloppy wet house has many bowlers carrying shots with 16 instead of 15 due to lack of backend.

For me I proved this to myself one day by throwing a 299 with a 16 pound ball that had all sorts of hits that would have been 9s with 15 but were good strikes with 16.

A friend of mine can go 16 or 15 easily and throw quite well(regional champ).
Two years ago he went to 16 for about 6 months. In that time period he had about 5 300s. (Before that 1 1/2 years with 15 with none). Now he is back to 15 and just threw his first 300 in a year and a half again. Averaging 238 with a 15 but tons of 279, 268, 258 and 259 but a year and a half for a 300.

Another friend very analytical got a study by the ABC, I have it somewhere showing strike percentage by weight at certain angle's of attack.
It was clear that 16 carried more.

He became so enamored of this and yet also realizes he throws better and spares better a little below 16 that all the stuff he bowls with he purchases at about 15 pounds 10 ounces. They drill out to 15 1/2 pounds. He swears by it!
Says it is the perfect compromise. He's had a couple of 800s in the last two years and he's about a 200 to 210 average bowler!

REgards,

Luckylefty

charlest · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2003, 07:40:33 AM »

"They" say 15 carries better because it deflects more than a 16. I am in the midst of transitioning back to 16 because it seems to help me to NOT overhit and to not grab at the ball on the downswing. I can also rev it less because 16 hits harder than 15. I can hit a 15 a lot harder, but with today's balls and today's general lane conditions, that's not only unnecessary, but also it's a major negative.
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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."

Magic Carpet · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2003, 09:17:50 AM »

Read this and you will know what I think.
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm
I have thrown 16,15,14,and 13.
I like 14 the best...13 deflects just a little too much.
15 and 16 are pretty much the same ball. It's not inertia or mass times velocity or mass times velocity squared or gross weight that gets strikes.
It's the amount of friction between the ball's cover stock and the lane and the ball's energy management that get's strikes. Although if they start oiling the lanes all the way through the pin deck I will go back to 16 pounds.

Ron Clifton

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2003, 09:47:25 AM »

I disagree. I have used 14, 15, and 16. I think 14 and 15 are closer together in roll and hit than a 15 and 16. I primarily use 16, but do have a couple 15s when the lanes get dryer and call for extra ball speed. On a medium condition, I notice a big difference in hit, expecially from an inside line. I also agree with the post about heavy oil conditions. 16 definitely is an advantage in heavy oil, because of less deflection. But, it all boils down to what is more comfortable for you. I bowl with a guy who is 56 years young, and he has a few 14s and a few 16s, but no 15s, and he carries 220+ every year and a member of the SASBA tour. But, he always pulls out a 16 pounder first. Comfort is everything when choosing a ball weight.
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If anyone out there is worried about the scores being too high, try duckpin!!

Centers · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2003, 05:21:55 AM »

After reading Magic Carpet's (Ron Clifton) little link, It sounds that a 16 would be perfect for me, I do throw the ball hard, 20 mph, I dont know my rev count, but can tell you, its up there, No Robert Smith revs though. I have a tendency to want to try and throwing it real hard, and I think 15 would be just a little too light. Hell, go with a 15.5. Not too light, not to heavy. Thanks for your reply's!!
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I Am Thee Young Strapper

Author Topic: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb. (Read 2287 times)

Centers

15 lb. vs. 16 lb.

LuckyLefty

Re: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb.

charlest

Re: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb.

Magic Carpet

Re: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb.

TWOHAND834

Re: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb.

Centers

Re: 15 lb. vs. 16 lb.