Author Topic: Moving to 14lbs (Read 3379 times)

the_l3g3nd_killer · « **on:** December 08, 2012, 01:57:22 PM »

In a short time I moved from a 16 to 15 pounds cause of gout and wrist pain. Been doing it for about 8 months. I haven't really noticed a difference in the weights or hitting power. My question is, moving to 14 pounds is there going to be a significant drop in hitting power and what not. Any and all advice, criticism and experience is welcome.

Steven · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2012, 03:44:31 PM »

Quote from: the_l3g3nd_killer on December 08, 2012, 01:57:22 PM

In a short time I moved from a 16 to 15 pounds cause of gout and wrist pain. Been doing it for about 8 months. I haven't really noticed a difference in the weights or hitting power. My question is, moving to 14 pounds is there going to be a significant drop in hitting power and what not. Any and all advice, criticism and experience is welcome.

There is little difference between 16# and 15# for most bowlers. Howerver, most bowlers will see a drop in reaction moving down to 14#. There are exceptions, but this is generally true. If the drop is needed to maintain health, that's first priority and nothing else really matters. In any case, I'd recommend getting a cheap 14# and trying it out. That's the only way you'll know for sure.

bigz · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2012, 11:44:55 PM »

i have some 14lbs if you want to trade/buy..

seanchristopher · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2012, 08:29:02 AM »

I had neck surgery a few years ago and still have some shoulder issues. I dropped to 14lbs and have seen no difference. I'm actually bowling better and have noticed a few more revs and ball movement. It took some time to get used to but well worth it.

rockerbowler18 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2012, 10:50:11 AM »

The clack 10 that you carry only 5% of the time with 15 lb equipment will only carry about 2.5% of the time with 14.

Seriously. That's it. The occasional flat 10 that you really don't expect to carry will not fall. Your rev rate and speed will increase. Not dramatically but noticeably.

If its for health or comfort, drop. If you're just looking to try something, then I don't have an opinion.

The pro shop operator in town throws 13s I believe, only bowls 1 night a week, and has had a 300 and an 800 every year for several seasons running. Point being, learning to throw it is more important than how much it weighs.

ccrider · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2012, 11:23:20 AM »

I changed from 16 to 14 several months ago. I also stopped using my wrist brace. I have noticed no significant difference in hit or carry. I have to be conscious of ball speed but I see this as a plus.

I have actually had more problems getting adjusted to throwing it without the wrist brace.

BobOhio · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2012, 06:55:04 PM »

I've used 14lbs for the last 6 years. It's improved my speed that is nothing but a good thing.
Good shots carry fine, as with a 15 or 16 lb'er. Operator controls carry, not the ball weight.
If your have a health issue and it let's you enjoy the game longer, it's well worth it.
Good luck.
Bob

the_l3g3nd_killer · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2012, 06:59:15 PM »

Thanks for the replies. I was really worried about leaving more buckets and 2-8-10'a on lighter hits but from your response it seems I won;t have much to worry about other then ball speed and revs going a touch higher. The 1st 14 is gonna be a Roto Grip Shatter.

charlest · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2012, 07:51:56 AM »

Quote from: the_l3g3nd_killer on December 09, 2012, 06:59:15 PM

Thanks for the replies. I was really worried about leaving more buckets and 2-8-10'a on lighter hits but from your response it seems I won;t have much to worry about other then ball speed and revs going a touch higher. The 1st 14 is gonna be a Roto Grip Shatter.

Well, there's also the fact that the RGs and the Differentials of the cores can be very different and they need to not only be drilled differently from 15s, but you also have to take into account any differences in your delivery (more ball speed and possibly more revs) when your driller sets them up. That's why you should try 1 or 2 used ones first.

You will probably have to line up differently, playing different lines than you're used to playing. After you factor in those potential changes, the carry should be very different.

batbowler · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:05:53 AM »

Charlest is correct on the different layout for the 14lb equipment!!! I changed this summer and it took me a month to get the drilling, ball speed, and lines adjusted!! Since the summer and changing I've shot two 300's in different states with different balls and lines! Most of the RG's are higher with 14lb and the Diff is usually lower on most! I don't regret changing and I've had a lot of guys use my 14lb and they've made the change themselves!!!

scotts33 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:00:24 AM »

I have used 14's for 3 years now. Best move for me. Picked up ball speed and tend to be able to use stronger equipment than in the past.

One issue that no one has brought up is that you have to get used to the weight and timing so you don't tend to muscle or over throw the ball. It took me a couple of weeks to get the timing down and roll it rather than throw it. All in all being 63 it's the best move I have made over the years as I can see I will get slower with age.

Manufacturers keep coming out with stronger equipment and generally proprietors put out less and less volume around the country as you will note in many threads in bowling forums about house patterns so speed is essential in the modern game.

charlest · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:09:49 PM »

Quote from: batbowler on December 10, 2012, 10:05:53 AM

Charlest is correct on the different layout for the 14lb equipment!!! I changed this summer and it took me a month to get the drilling, ball speed, and lines adjusted!! Since the summer and changing I've shot two 300's in different states with different balls and lines! Most of the RG's are higher with 14lb and the Diff is usually lower on most! I don't regret changing and I've had a lot of guys use my 14lb and they've made the change themselves!!!

Congrats! Bruce, on a great adaptation!

Author Topic: Moving to 14lbs (Read 3379 times)

the_l3g3nd_killer

Moving to 14lbs

Steven

Re: Moving to 14lbs

bigz

Re: Moving to 14lbs

seanchristopher

Re: Moving to 14lbs

rockerbowler18

Re: Moving to 14lbs

ccrider

Re: Moving to 14lbs

BobOhio

Re: Moving to 14lbs

the_l3g3nd_killer

Re: Moving to 14lbs

charlest

Re: Moving to 14lbs

batbowler

Re: Moving to 14lbs

scotts33

Re: Moving to 14lbs

charlest

Re: Moving to 14lbs