Choosing The Right Bowling Ball Weight For You
Before I get into the details of bowling ball weights, it is important to understand that almost every bowler is unique in their own way. What one bowler finds to be a very comfortable weight, another might find very heavy.
This article will only give you general guidelines on how bowling ball weights work.
Using this information, you can go on to learn what your own personal preferences are in terms of ball weight.
Finding the Right Weight
So, let’s take a look at the different types of bowling balls.
The first ball you’ll probably see is a 15lb ball, which is the heaviest ball currently used in the sport.
As you work your way down from there, you’ll find the 14.1lb ball, then the 13.2lb and all the way down to the 12lb ball.
Most players typically start with the 15lb, but there is no set rule about going up or down in weight.
Many intermediate or advanced bowlers might find that the 15lb is a bit too heavy for them to control, so they switch to the 14.1 or 13.2.
Bowlers who are still learning may find the 12lb a bit too light for them, so they usually start off with the 14.1 and work their way up.
What Is The Average Bowling Ball’s Weight?
15 and 16 pounds.
As per the official bowling rules, this is also the maximum allowable weight of a men’s ball.
The ideal weight of the ball depends on a multitude of factors ranging from your bowling style to bowling surface.
If you are a slow and accurate bowler, you are better served with a heavier ball.
A heavier ball will give you more control over the ball from the time it leaves your hand until it hits the pins.
If you are a fast bowler and are more concerned about the revs per minute, you will do well with an equally heavy ball.
You will not be able to control the ball’s path as accurately as the slower bowlers, but you will be able to pick up speed much faster.
The right weight for you largely depends on your style of bowling, the surface you bowl on, and your body proportions.
A large framed bowler can usually get away with bowling a 15-pound ball, while a smaller bowler will probably do better with a 12-pound ball.
It is important to note that the weight of the ball on the lane depends solely on the force by which it is delivered to the pin.
Does Bowling Ball Weight Matter?
Yes, It Does. Bowling ball allows the player to impart spin to the ball, and it is this spin that allows a ball to hook (curve).
A bowling ball is a specialised mass (weight) and needs to be held at the precise position for the bowler to get maximum effect. The centre of gravity of the ball must sit approximately 33% to 35% (mid point) of the ball’s length from the end.
A bowling ball takes its first steps from the bowler’s grip, the middle finger is an essential part of the bowling ball. It holds the ball and the wrist determines its position at the point of release.
The bowler uses the fingers and hand to direct the ball’s position. The wrist is the pivot of the release. As the joint bends, the fingers react against the ball’s surface to impart direction and control on the ball.
Right Through to the Pin – In competition terms, it is usually referred to as the thumb-side bias. Bowling balls are designed top-heavy to ensure a straight trajectory.
The weight has been applied to the opposite end of the ball to ensure it has the capability to gather speed. The premium bowling balls have a weight bias of a least 2.5cm going to the pin side of the ball.
What Is The Lightest & Heaviest Bowling Ball Weight?
The lightest ball weight available is 3 lbs (1.5 kg) and the heaviest is 16 lbs (7.3 kg). These weight limitations came out of function and structure. Back in the day a Lady player used the same ball as a men and it just wasn’t the same.
A 6 lbs. ball is commonly used by beginner bowlers but is rare to find used by professionals. For lighter bowlers, they get more of a ball reaction with a 3 lbs. ball or even a 2 lbs. ball in some cases. Heavier bowler usually use between 8 lbs and 10 lbs.
Can You Add Weight To A Bowling Ball?
The weight of the ball is critical to how it is going to react when thrown down an alley. The heavier the ball, the more momentum you are going to have. A ball weighs between 8 and 16 pounds and its weight is the single most important factor in selecting it.
Your personal style is the second most important factor. Taking into account your style of bowling, the lane conditions and the type of pins you bowl against, you can start the selection process.
If you are a beginner, I wouldn’t recommend choosing your ball before your first few games. As you get more experienced, you will have a better idea about which ball you should be using.
What Weight Of Bowling Ball Do Pro Bowlers Use?
Picking the right weight for your bowling ball is the most important factor in your bowling success. With the right weight, a bowling ball has the best chances of hooking enough to generate a strike. The wrong weight bowling ball, can deliver a string of splits.
However, picking the right weight for your bowling ball is a complicated task that changes depending on the bowler’s skill level and the type of lane conditions you play on.
Over the years, the sport of bowling has developed many different theories on ball selection. Among these theories, the bowling ball weight guide published by the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has proven to be the most useful.
PBA theorists concluded that the correct ball weight should add up to 10 pounds more than a bowler’s total bowling weight. Here is how the theory works:
Bowlers were asked to throw the ball.
The results told the staff at the PBA that most bowlers had difficulty keeping a straight line when they tried to throw the ball with a total weight of 10 pounds less.
From that point, they concluded that the best ball weight should be 10 pounds more than a bowler’s total bowling weight.
Now here’s the difficult part:
Closing Thoughts
I hope that this book has given you a better understanding of the importance of monitoring and maintaining your aquarium and that you’ll find the information in this book to be a useful starting point for your journey to better aquascaping.
And to help you get started, you’ll find a comprehensive and concise starter kit at the end of this book filled with easy-to-find, inexpensive, and reliable aquarium supplies.
Give my Aquascaping Mastery System a try by starting with small incremental steps. Start by taking stock of your tank and then work your way up from there.
Or if you found some of the topics in this book just a little too overwhelming, then start off with the one or two topics most applicable to you.
An Aquascaping Mastery System is never achieved overnight, so be patient with yourself, start small, and then you’ll achieve massive results in no time.
I’m giving you my absolute best to ensure that you get the best value and the best experience.
Start with the basics and work your way to advanced techniques. I believe when mastered, these techniques will enable you to substantially improve your captive aquatic environment for yourself, your family, and your fish.
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