Hey Everyone! Just curious if anyone uses a spare ball that is a different weight than their strike ball. I'm seeing it more and more and was wondering your opinion  as to why. Thank you.

What i have learned(from some talented people) and changed in my game is to keep the same exact pace and swing motion on my spare ball as my first ball.
It helps your body gain muscle memory so you can repeat shots.
I don't see any good reason to go to a lighter spare ball.
Timing and good technique is hard enough the way it is, switching ball weights just for spares seems counterproductive IMO.

What i have learned(from some talented people) and changed in my game is to keep the same exact pace and swing motion on my spare ball as my first ball.
It helps your body gain muscle memory so you can repeat shots.
I don't see any good reason to go to a lighter spare ball.
Timing and good technique is hard enough the way it is, switching ball weights just for spares seems counterproductive IMO.

About 2 years ago, I went with a 14 lb. plastic when my strike ball weight was 15. I thought it would help me keep the same release but throw it faster to keep it straighter (I am rev dominant). While initially I had the same timing problem, I stuck with it for a long while. While at times it did go straighter, my spare percentage did not go up. I have since returned to a 15 lb. spare ball. Throwing the same weight helps with timing consistency a great deal.

The more factors are allowed to be consistent, the more consistent your game will be. The KISS theory is at work here.

The Great Fred Borden in his clinics asks this question

What is the 1st rule of bowling

answer, there are no rules

So if it works for you use it.

Also Fred will say no such thing a Muscle memory your brain tells your muscles what to do.

So try a 14# ball. You will need to try it for a while to make sure it is doing what you
want.

Fred said he hears bowlers say all the time.  I tried it ONCE and it did not work. So I gave up on it.

You will need to practice with it for a while before you change over 100% .

Picking up a spare can be done in multiple ways  We do highly recommend a plastic spare ball.  just makes it easier to control

With a spare ball, you can  throw your strike release, or break your wrist with a flat hand etc.

No one way to do it. Do want feels the best for yourself that does not have pain or changes to much of your bowling style.

Fred will try and see what works best for you and let you master that.

If someone or a Certified coach tells you  this is the only way it should be done or this is the way we coach find someone else.

Just my .02

I am a Silver certified coach
Mentored & Trained By
Fred Borden & Ron Hatfield.  Both Gold Coaches

When I first began bowling and my swing was really forced my arm would get very tired when bowling more than a game or two.  I was throwing 15# and bought a 13# spare ball thinking I could save my arm some stress.  All it did was completely screw up my timing which was not the best to start with.  This took a while for me to overcome after figuring out what was going on.

I use equipment that is 15.0 - 15.1 before drilling, with it usually ending up around 14.14ish.  My spare ball is closer to 14lbs even.

I like the reduced wear and tear (as mentioned) in longer format tournaments and, for me, it's not an issue.  My game relies on accuracy as i'm a more moderate rev player and I've not lost a bit of accuracy.  For some odd reason I've found it easier to accurate with the lighter weight plastic.  I throw plastic at all spares that do not have a sleeper.  I can't remember exactly when I started doing this but I have been for quite some time.

It works for me but I don't think it's something everyone would like.   We're all different in our ways.