I was reading an article on http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm talking about changing from a 14lb ball to a 15lb. I'll be 20 this year and been throwing 15lb for the last 5 years. But after reading this i was wondering if doping down would pose any benefits. Like more revs but most importantly more control. I'm averaging about 220 now but i'm a smaller dude about 140lb just trying to make this game a little more effortless. My question to you is has anyone on here tried this? any success or not?
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Approach the game with no preset agendas and you''ll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts.

Thanks Jugg for your personal experience.

I was contemplating on stepping up to 15. Its just an idea the pro shop i have been speaking to planted in my head. But then i realize that most of his stuff are 15s. So now im cynical.

He was the same pro shop guy that suggested i start off with a 13lbs tropical storm when i got back to bowling 3 months ago. Back then, that 13lbs TS was the only entry level left in his shop.

Hmm.. typing this out seem to make it seem clear he is merely pushing stock huh.

But still, for a small frame guy, is 15 pushing it? im only 134lbs.

14lbs is the way to go for me, because I don't want to wear my arm out, longevity is my main concern. I've been bowling for 11 years, and every one I know is dropping down from 16 to 15 and 15 to 14's because of the wear on the elbows. The core in a 14 is the same as a 15. Now a 13 have no core its all pancake except for one ball that I know for sure because I email the company and if I remember its a Hammer Vibe.

I dropped down 15 lbs to 14 lbs about 3 years ago, was holding my own and seemed weight had not made a big deal.  However, my center had put in synthetics at the beginning of this season, it's strange, but since then I just can't carry a thing, always in the pocket, just NO carry.  It could very well be me, but I just may go back to 15lbs, only problem is I got rid of all my 15 lb stuff.

Size or weight of the bowler has little to do with it anymore. I'm 5'10" and weigh almost 300lb. By conventional thinking, I should be using a 16lb ball, but if I tried that, I think my arm might fall off.

 I agree with what was said earlier. If it is a choice between 14, 15, or 16lb equipment, then pick the one that feels right FOR YOU. 14lb feels right for me.

 And, if dropping down in weight means you throw the ball harder/faster, all that means is you can now use more aggressive equipment with stronger drillings than before. If you drop down to a 14lb ball and find you throw it through the breakpoint, get a more aggressive one. I find it hard to believe that ANYONE could throw the ball hard enough to get todays aggressive equipment to miss the breakpoint, especially with an aggressive drilling and surface finish.
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Good transactions list in my profile

 ILLEGITIMI, NON-CARBORUNDUM!

This all comes down to a matter of feel.  14, 15, and 16 will hit fine some better than others depending on the bowler.  In other words, if it's too heavy, you may not have enough leverage, and vice-versa.
The wrist test that Ron mentions is a good way to see if a ball is too heavy for somebody.  Once you get beyond the youth bowling, i.e., kids start to reach 120 pounds or so, the traditional "10% of body weight" no longer applies, i.e., you could be 130 throwing 15, you could be 180 throwing 14.
You want to be able to handle the weight, i.e., the wrist test, but you also want to be in control, i.e., not too light.  If you feel too comfortable muscling the ball, it might simply be too light.
Temper this with the fact that when you first throw a lighter weight, it will certainly feel lighter.  Be patient and you will get your timing back pretty quickly.
Just don't go back and forth.  In other words, don't throw 14 one night and 15 another.  Believe me, it will be tempting to pick up your "old" equipment on a night you feel off...
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