In all honesty, I am not a fan of Randy Pedersen, but I did find his comment on today's show about the difference between 15 lb and 14 lb very interesting and would like to hear additional feedback. He was fairly adamant in his critique of the difference between 15 and 14 in carry.

Approximately 6 years ago I dropped from 16 to 15 pounds when I cross the 50 age barrier, and I truly noticed no difference in hit whatsoever. In fact, I personally think I was rolling a better ball with a little more speed, a little more rev, and a little better carry.

Last year I dropped from 15 to 14, and I have found myself struggling. Carry seems to be missing or inconsistent at best, but I am getting older....

I would like to get feedback from others who have dropped from 15 to 14 see if they agree with the difference in carry from 15 to 14.....

As always, feedback appreciated!

I thought Rhino summed it up well with the interview at the end of the show. He said the wrist is about at 60%, but he's starting to feel well enough to move back up to 15# next week.


Rhino clearly said that 14# makes you work harder and can hit "like a 12#er" on off pocket hits. It's not a question of getting to the pocket and knocking them all down on solid hits. It's the off hits that define ball reaction. Rhino's undeniable conclusion is the 14# is less effective than 15#.


That's been my personal observation, watching numerous quality bowlers, as well. I bowl in some pretty decent scratch leagues, and I haven't witnessed one bowler try the 15# to 14# experiment and stay there for more than one season. The crap shoot on off pocket hits turns out to be a non-starter.


If health/strength say you should throw 14#s, all these arguments of one weight or another are superfluous. But if 15# is a comfortable option, I don't understand why there is much of a decision.

Steven, at least for me personally, I find 15 pounds comfortable for three games max, but 14 pounds is more comfortable for longer blocks or practice sessions, something that came into play for me at Nationals last year. Although some people that I know use both weights, I believe there is a difference in timing that might make that more difficult to do for some, although perhaps not all.

Good point though referencing Rhino's "12lb'er" comment.

I can agree with that.

i wrote this question to storm hammer track motiv brunswick rotogrip
Goood morning, I have been considering dropping down from 15 to 14 and was curious if there is any noticable drop in pin carry? I think maybe 20 years ago that would probably be the case but with todays ball and such dynamic cores seem like any loss in carry would be minimal. my thoughts are I would be able to keep a strong and consistant hand release over the course of a set resulting in more accuracy and possible better rev rate. appreciate any input on this subject.

and here is what they wrote back
rotogrip answer - It’s different for everyone because there are so many variables. If you only take weight into account, then yes then ball will carry less. However, what you lose with weight, you sometimes gain back with increased ball speed and rev rate. Hope this helps.

motiv answer - There isn’t enough of a noticeable drop to be concerned. Actually if you go to the following link, you can find a great study from the USBC regarding pin carry & the effects of dropping from a 15# to a 14#:

 

http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/equipandspecs/pdfs/pinCarryStudy.pdf

 

And you are very right; the loss in carry is very minimal. If you are feeling like you need to drop down, I recommend doing it. You should throw what you feel most comfortable with. If you feel more comfortable with a 14#, you will most likely be able to increase your rev rate; especially if it is easier for you to throw.

 

Hope this helps!

brunswick answer - To be honest 14lb balls are becoming the new 15lb. When everyone used to throw 16. I am seeing a lot of people go to 14 and see very minimal difference in pin carry.

Ryan Mouw
Brunswick Bowling
Consumer Products
Consumer Products Associate Product Manager

storm answer - Technically the lighter the ball, and if that was the only variable that changed, the carry would be less. However, what you lose going to a 14lb, you can sometimes gain back with ball speed and a higher rev rate. Outside of that, there is no way to know for sure if it will end up the same or worse.

hammer answer - Thanks for your question from the Hammer website. Assuming your ball speed to rev rate ratio stays the same, you will notice very little difference. Thank you for your support of our brand!

"Nothing Hits Like a Hammer"

Jesse James

Technical Adviser

track answer - There is not a noticeable drop in carry from 15 to 14. In some cases the ball hits harder due to more natural ball speed and better revs.
 

Mitch Beasley

Customer Service, Tech Support

CSR@Trackbowling.com

USBS PIN CARRY STUDY 14 VS 15  http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/equipandspecs/pdfs/pinCarryStudy.pdf

Avoid the Macho Syndrome of Bowling Ball Weight by John Williams
(BTBA National Coach)
http://members.tripod.com/tips_4_tenpin/equipment/Balls/choosing_ball_weight.htm

All other things being equal the heavier the ball the less deflection, and the better the carry.  However all other things are not equal.  Most people get significantly more revs when dropping from 16 to 15.  That is why carry doesn't drop for many people who go to 15.  When you drop another lb to 14 the revs may not increase by as much as the drop from 16 to 15, or the increased ball speed may be too much.  If that is the case you will see a drop in carry.  As just Rico say it all depends on rotational energy and ball speed matchup. 

Speed is a big factor because the modern balls create so much friction that more ball speed is necessary to keep the rotational energy from burning off too early.