Bowling is a fun activity for people of all ages. There are many different types of bowling balls that can be used in the game, but not all balls are created equal. The weight and size of the ball will affect how it behaves on the lane, so you want to make sure you have one that’s right for your skill level and style.
A 14-pound ball is going to go about 30 feet per second, while a 15 pound ball will go about 38 feet. The reason the heavier ball goes faster is because it has more momentum, and can exert more kinetic force on the pins at impact.
Though this doesn’t have all that much to do with how far or straight it rolls down the lane, so generally people who are just starting out should use a 14-pounder for precision and accuracy while playing.
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How To Choose The Right Weight Of The Bowling Ball
One of the important decisions every bowler has to make many times as a bowler is to choose the right weight of the bowling ball. However, the right way to find out the bowling ball weight is to pay attention to your wellbeing. If you can throw a 16-pound ball, that’s great.
But for how long can you throw it?
Also, many people wonder if there is a performance difference between a 14 and a 15-pound bowling ball. The short answer to this question is that the performance difference is very little and it can vary from one person to another. An average male can throw between 13 and 16 pounds depending on the physical condition.
There is no question that the weight of the bowling is not the only thing that determines your final performance. The right bowling ball helps you to get the ball on the lane with enough energy required to knock down all the pins. So, after you know the correct weight of the ball, other factors help you achieve great results.
Because it is a common perception that heavier balls can give you better results, it might appear that a 15-pound bowling ball should be the right fit. Also, many people have improved their game when they choose to play with a 14-pound ball rather than a 15-pound ball.
So, in the fight between a 14 and 15-pound bowling ball, no one is the winner because there are many factors to be considered when choosing between these weights.
Choose the weight of the ball that appears perfect to you from all angles. That way, you can enjoy the game.
Does Bowling Ball Weight Matter?
Bowling ball weight does matter for your performance, but it’s not the only factor that makes a difference. Your technique also plays a very big role, but the importance of the weight of your bowling ball is still undeniable.
The heavier ball will make you do more work on route to the pins which means it will reduce the risk of bone and muscle injuries while increasing speed and power. Along with your bowling technique, selecting the right ball weight can make a significant impact on your game.
The main thing is to match your physical abilities and comfortability factor so that you can repeatedly throw the ball with maximum force. And, you have to do that with the top-weight ball that you are comfortable with. As such, the process becomes easier.
Also, when you do that, you can discover your abilities to throw the bowling ball at average speed without causing any kind of discomfort. Moreover, you get to know about the revolutions, accuracy, and efficacy of throwing the ball. That way, you can increase your scores by maximizing the overall shot.
Apart from these potentialities, the ball weight contributes to other things as well. More or less, the ball weight matters most in a reverse manner too. If you are thinking that by releasing a bowling ball that is a bit heavier for you the shot will be perfect, you are in the wrong lane.
You won’t realize but you will be left with trying to compensate with the incorrect way of playing the game. Not only your scores will get affected, but you could injure yourself if aren’t careful. However, it is not that throwing a heavy ball will affect your scores and physique.
On the flip side, when you throw a bowling ball that has less weight can have an adverse reaction. It will impact the shot being delivered. The weight of the ball won’t provide the necessary force and proper resistance to get the best shot.
Bowling Ball Weight Vs Speed
You have to understand that the speed of the bowling is very much dependent on the right ball weight. So, the real trick is to find out the right weight of the ball and not the highest weight.
That’s because you won’t get the desired result in terms of performance and it will cause injury to your body.
It is simple physics and so the weight of the bowling ball impacts the overall speed. While a heavy ball in terms of weight generates less speed, the force that it produces is because of the heavyweight. As a result, it ensures that the pins are hit harder upon impact.
Hence, more pins fall when they are hit by a heavy ball with the same amount of energy when throwing a less weighted ball. However, the light-weighted bowling balls have greater speed when they are thrown. But the ball fails to generate enough power and the force isn’t a fierce one.
However, many players tend to use light-weighted balls because they don’t want to put excessive strain on their muscles. But when you develop the right playing styles and throwing techniques, you can do great with either a 14 or 15-pound bowling ball.
A ball with much weight is used for hook and a lightweight ball can hit the pins straight with higher speed. However, you can’t expect a hook from a light weighted ball. So, it is important to learn how to balance the bowling speed and weight to get optimal results.
Can You Change The Weight of a Bowling Ball?
Yes, you can change the weight of the bowling ball and it is done by adding static weights. Weights are added to change the weight of the ball that you are playing with. However, these additional weights are strictly prohibited in all forms of league matches or frowned upon by many players.
Moreover, many shops will even refuse to add these types of static weights to the ball if the changes that you are looking for aren’t in line with the regulations set by the United States Bowling Congress. However, there is a legal way to increase the weight of the bowling ball.
You can drill a hole in the ball. As a result, it changes the overall metrics in terms of the force of the ball. But there are strict rules for drilling holes in all kinds of professional play and they are limited to having only a one-ounce side weight.
Because these regulations come from the USBC, it is better to check with the administrators before you try to make changes to the overall weight of the ball.
If you are looking for ways to improve your bowling game, the question of whether or not a 14-pound ball is better than a 15-pound one can be confusing. Let’s break it down: A heavier ball will deliver more power and cause pins to fall easier when hit, but only if the player has developed the right throwing techniques.
Conversely, lighter balls have greater speed without as much force behind them – meaning they may not knock all the pins over with every throw. The key here is balance between weight and speed in order that you get optimal results from each shot.
