72 this past February. I dropped from 15# to 14# 3 years ago and saw no loss in carry and I have slower speed and low revs. In fact I leave fewer 10 Pins with the 14# ball, but leave a few more 7 Pins than I used to. IMO, with the strength of today's cores, coverstock, and etc. I don't think there is any difference in pin carry between 14's & 15's. Just my opinion and oberservation. To sum it up, 14's work for me.
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"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick

Well, I'm only 24.  I'm in great shape, I have no problems throwing the 15lb, I don't get tired, no wrist injuries or physical problems at all.  I've just always followed the 'trend'.  First, heavier was better and I threw 16lbs.  Then technology advanced, and 15lb balls created better rg/Diff values, and have considered to be the 'best' so that's what I've been throwing.  Although 15 is still considered 'optimal' it's become more apparent that due to current cover stock abilities, 14lb balls carry just as well as 15 or 16.  So I was curious if I'd benefit any ball dropping to 14, just to possibly have more control, and more revs?  In my scenario where I have no physical signs telling me I need to drop to 14, that doesn't necessarily mean 15lbs is what I should be throwing.  Just because I can with no problems, doesn't make it 'right'.  And I know you're probably thinking 'if it aint broke don't fix it" but I can't help but wonder if dropping to a 14 could improve my game.

I guess the only way I'll be able to really find out is to try it myself, so today I just bought a 14lb Rogue Cell, and I guess I'll try it out and see.  I was just wondering what everyone else's opinion on the matter was.

I guess a more 'answer-able' question would be, hypothetically:
I just started bowling, and want to buy my own ball.  I'm 24, 5'11, and 145lbs.  What weight do you recommend I start at?  What are the pros/cons of 14,15,16?

Like I said, it's hypothetical as I've been bowling for a while, but how do you know what weight you 'should' be at?  The only 'rule of thumb' I've ever heard was 10% of your body weight, while also taking into account, physical fitness, wrist strength, flexibility, etc.
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Virtual Gravity 234
Twisted Fury 268
Black Widow Solid
The Sauce 255
Rogue Cell
WTB: Mega Friction
FS/FT: Kinetic Energy
FS/FT: Angle Evolution Tour 266

I have a 14lb ball in my bag but throw 15. About the only thing I notice about the two weights is that my 15 hits harder but they both knock all the pins down if I hit the pocket.
I got the 14lb ball so I could throw it faster and put a few more revs on it if I needed to.

I'm 42 by the way.

Edited on 6/15/2009 8:59 AM

Adrenaline, I'm 35 and use to throw nothing but 16lbs & now I throw
the 14lb stuff religiously.  Timing is the key, but more control is what
is achieved, in my opinion.  With the lighter weight, I haven't lost any carry,
and people are amazed that the 14lber can hit the way it does.

Control was a big issue for me, as I hurt my wrist and my bowling suffered.  My
wrist is tons better now, but i still stick with the 14lber because of control.
My ball speed is around 16mph and i have alot of hand in the ball, and my
biggest problem with the new equipment was they are too strong and weak layouts
became too flippy for me.  I noticed that the 14lbers have natural length, so
i didnt need to drill them with a long pin to pap.  So that was a plus for me.

Also, its a whole lot easier to take the hand out of the ball with control.  
And that for me is a must, as I dont see much oil and I'm either way deep
4th or 5th arrow with my regular release or like now, I soften up the shot and
play around 8.  And playing that direct hasnt cost me the carry either.  

Just remember with the lighter weight you might overpower the ball at first.  
Just be smooth and have good timing and solid frame at the line and you will
be able to adjust to the lighter weight.