For those who have been in the game for quite some time, you probably have your preference when it comes to the two bowling balls-the heavy and the light bowling ball.
I hope that this will answer some of the questions you have regarding the differences between these two balls.
If you are interested in finding the best bowling ball for you, you can find them by clicking here
What is the heaviest bowling ball?
Bowling balls differ when it comes to weight.
However, the heaviest weight for all drilled bowling balls, as regulated by The US Bowling Congress, stands at 16 pounds.
If you want a weight higher than 16 pounds, you will have to go for the undrilled balls, which differ by a few ounces.
Pros of a heavy bowling ball
A heavy bowling ball heightens your striking ability because most of the ball’s inertia is transferred to the pins, which then relays this energy to the other pins to give you a higher strike ability.
Keep in mind that the ball should only touch four pins on its way.
A bowler would call this ‘power’ or ‘hitting power.’ For intense striking, you need to impart extra energy to the pins.
A heavy bowling ball indeed provides less deflection as it goes through the pins.
Most people agree that this is usually the main advantage of these balls.
It is always easier to have a free swing with a heavier ball as compared to lighter balls.
Heavier balls offer more pounds per square inch, which cannot be said for lighter balls.
A heavier ball will also give you natural swings since you need to roll the ball, unlike in lighter ones where you might be tempted to throw.
It is easier to create a larger hook with a heavier ball as compared to a light bowling ball.
It is also pretty evident that a hook is more powerful than a straight ball since, in a hook, the energy is fairly spread among the pins of the pocket, whereas a straight shot transfers most of the energy to the headpin.
A heavy bowling ball will also give you a decreased ball speed, which provides it with more time to hook.
Cons of a heavy bowling ball
A heavier bowling ball is okay in bowling.
The truth is, you have less control over a heavier ball, especially once you start getting tired.
A good way of combating this mishap is by finding the right weight.
A heavier ball will put more strain on your wrists, especially at the start, which means that you will most probably have trouble with your rev rate and ball speed, which are quite essential for a good bowler.
This problem is most prevalent in people switching from lighter bowling balls.
A heavy bowling ball may be a good choice, but you need to have in mind that it is pretty easy to get tired while using these balls.
A person using a sixteen-pound bowling ball is likely to get tired quickly as compared to lesser weight.
Does a heavier bowling ball roll faster?
No. A heavy bowling ball rolls relatively slower than a lighter one.
This is because a heavier ball imparts more energy as compared to the light one, which explains why it is easier to strike as many pins as possible.
How do I know that my bowling ball is too heavy?
If you want to determine whether your bowling ball is too heavy, the most natural move would be putting it in the palm of your bawling hand.
If you can easily hold the ball without your arms or handshaking, then it is not too heavy for you.
Also, if your ball dictates where your body is heading to, it is probably heavier for you.
What is the lightest bowling ball?
The lightest bowling ball weighs six pounds though companies have started making some weighing four pounds.
However, for competitions, the minimum weight allowed is nine pounds, and the balls must be obtained from approved manufacturers.
Pros of light bowling balls
It is easy to roll a lighter ball as compared to a heavier ball.
You can, therefore, get the same amount of power with a lighter ball saving you from all the pain.
Since they are easy to roll, lighter balls are more comfortable as compared to the heavier balls.
This is my 8lbs ball that used to be my mother’s.
It’s a great starter ball since its so light.
For a person starting out on bowling, a lighter ball will serve you just fine.
You probably have no idea about hooks and straight shots, and therefore you need something light to train better.
Training with a heavier ball will be quite a disadvantage owing to the wrist pains you will have to undergo.
Light bowling balls are easier to control as compared to the heavier ones.
Lighter balls offer you room for smaller modifications.
This is in relation to boards and shifting, which requires more substantial changes with heavier balls.
Cons of light bowling balls
Ball deflection
It is quite challenging to achieve the perfect ball deflection with the lighter balls.
You will discover that even the most excellent shots can, at times, turn out to be a disappointment, an area that heavier balls tower.
Lighter balls affect your pin action and therefore deflect the pin off by a more significant percentage.
Lighter balls weigh less and do not, therefore, roll with as much impact.
You will consequently suffer a disadvantage while gaming when you rely on these types of bowling balls.
What is the lightest bowling ball one can use?
For competitions, the lightest bowling ball one can use weighs nine pounds.
That does not, however, mean that there are no lighter balls.
No. There are the six-pound bowling balls that are normally used by smaller kids and are not therefore listed for competitions.
Youth leagues generally use the lighter ones, and even with these, they have to come from a listed manufacturer.
Recently, however, we have seen bowling balls weighing four pounds, replacing the standard six.
Is it better to use a lighter or a heavier bowling ball?
The weight of a bowling ball should use boils down to personal preference and the desired level and play experience.
The truth, however, is, heavier bowling balls have many advantages as compared to the lighter ones.
Heavier balling weights have more significant impacts and therefore deliver more energy to the pins, which in return increases your chances of smashing all the pins for a smooth win.
A heavier ball also maintains its course as it goes through the pins, which is good for bowling.
The heavier balls also hit relatively harder, which is a plus when it comes to improved pin action.
Lighter balls also have their share of advantages, and that is why we say it boils down to individual preference.
It is easier to hook better using a lighter ball as compared to the heavier bowling balls.
You can, therefore, get a hook with a lighter ball without having to move your mark.
A lighter ball also offers mixed results when it comes to deflections.
This is also an area that heavier balls tower.
Jut have in mind that the heavier the ball, the more the striking power.
From this discussion, therefore, it is entirely accurate to say that heavier balls are relatively better than lighter balls.
However, do not go for a ball whose weight you cannot support, or you will end up with hurting arms and a not-so-good play.
What is the best bowling ball weight for kids?
In case you are looking for the right bowling ball for your kid, go for one that matches their age.
For a six to seven years old kid, the best ball should be 6 pounds.
For a kid of ten to eleven years, a ten-pound ball would just be right.
Senior bowlers are pretty fragile, and it is therefore not advisable that they use a heavy bowling ball.
However, when choosing the best weight for a beginner, it would be advisable that you take into account the senior’s hand flexibility and strength.
In case a senor is strong enough, a relatively heavier bowling ball would be advisable.
However, ensure that the ball offers the level of comfort needed, which is critical in maximizing bowling pins.
Does bowling ball weight matter?
Yes. Even though the bowling ball weight does not affect revs as much, it does influence your bowling experience by a larger percentage.
The weight of your ball will influence and affect both the actions and your spins.
As you roll your ball, weight is transferred into the ball’s drive.
Heavier balls also offer more effortless hooks because they move relatively slow and thus gives your ball time for hooking.
On the other hand, lighter balls also reduce the strain that comes with rolling.
You are therefore going to use lesser energy rolling a 13-pound ball as compared to the 16-pound ball, which is the highest.
Not only do you work on the strain, but also the joint pains that come with such balls.
Have in mind also that the carry percentage depends on the ball’s weight in combination with the ball speed and your ability as a bawler to get your ball on the rails before they hit the pins.
Ball weight matters.
You might be comfortable when using a particular weight, but it does not necessarily mean that it is the best one for you.
However, if the ball dictates where the direction of the bowler’s body, the ball is too heavy.
As a bowler, you need to learn the differences between a light bowling ball and a heavier ball and how these two determine your bowling experience.
The bowling ball you choose can mean the difference between bowling a perfect game or being plagued by gutter balls.
So which ball size should you choose?
In this article, we’ll share expert tips and answer your question, what size bowling ball should I use?
Note: According to bowling authorities, bowling balls must have a diameter of between 8.5″ to 8.595″.
A ball that goes over these dimensions is not considered legal for bowling by the USBC.
For a bowler, weight is the most critical component since the measurement differences in bowling balls are negligible.
Contents1 What Size Bowling Ball Should I Use?2 Why Bowling Ball Weight is Important2.1 Coping with Deflection2.2 Throw Impact2.3 Handling2.4 Hooking2.5 Potential Injuries2.6 Throwing3 What Happens When A Bowling Ball is Too Light or Heavy?4 The Lightest and Heaviest Bowling Ball4.1 Can You Change the Weight of an Existing Bowling Ball?4.2 Related Articles5 What Weight Bowling Ball Should I Use
Generally, the rule of thumb for bowling ball weight is that it should be no more than 10% of your total body weight.
While this is a good rule of thumb, choosing a ball that fits this requirement might not always be best.
It wouldn’t make much sense for them to bowl with a 16-pound ball.
For that reason, it’s much better to consider your physical build and your ability to throw the ball to determine the ideal bowling ball weight.
Finding the right weight bowling ball is like getting a tailored suit: it’s supposed to fit you perfectly.
Why Bowling Ball Weight is Important
As we briefly mentioned earlier, the bowling ball weight matter the most.
Let’s look into several aspects of bowling that are affected by ball weight.
Bowling Ball Weight vs.
Each time a bowling ball hits a pin or a divot on the lane, it will deflect, and the weight determines that level of deflection.
Heavier weight bowling balls tend to deflect less, while lighter ones deflect more.
So, if you’re not good at splits, you might want to opt for a heavier ball for less deflection.
Swinging a bowling ball down a lane imparts a specific force that carries the ball to the pins.
A heavier ball, in comparison to a lighter ball, rolls down the lane with substantial force and power, knocking down more pins.
If you pick up a bowling ball and feel its weight, you’d probably realize that heavier balls are harder to aim.
A heavier ball requires you to orient yourself a certain way before throwing.
Lighter balls are much easier to direct because they have less handling weight.
Hooking is a bowling technique where you don’t throw the ball straight – you throw it in a curved manner.
It gives you more control over the direction your ball goes.
Lighter balls are more challenging to hook since the force of the throw overcomes the turning force the bowler can impart on them.
On the other hand, heavier balls move slower, giving the ball more time to curve before hitting the pins.
If you’re looking to increase your hook, heavier balls are better than lighter ones.
Carrying a bowling ball around, twisting your wrist to make it hook, or simply throwing the ball down the lane can lead to joint issues.
Wrist strain and pain show up in users of heavier bowling balls more often than in bowlers who use lighter balls.
Using a ball that’s too heavy for you will likely result in strain, which further emphasizes why choosing the right ball weight is such a big deal.
If you have wrist issues or notice pain while bowling, go with a lighter bowling ball.
Bowling can become less fun and more cumbersome, creating throwing fatigue, if you don’t choose the right bowling ball weight.
It takes more effort to throw heavier balls than lighter ones.
Heavier balls hit harder than lighter balls, but if you don’t use enough force as you throw a heavy ball, it’ll just gutter out.
What Happens When A Bowling Ball is Too Light or Heavy?
You should be looking for a bowling ball that’s just heavy enough so that you can control it.
But what happens when the bowling ball you choose is too heavy?
But what about if the ball is too light?
You get a lot of splits but not many strikes.You can direct the ball where you want, but it doesn’t have enough power to result in a strike.
You can’t get the ball to hook the way you want it to.The ball deflects too easily on its trip down the lane.
The Lightest and Heaviest Bowling Ball
According to the USBC, the heaviest bowling ball a bowler can use is sixteen pounds (16 lbs).
While some people might choose this heavy ball for max power and hooking potential, others may have to adjust up or down based on their body weight and strength.
Typically, adults use bowling balls ranging from ten to sixteen pounds and women opt for balls at the lighter bowling balls of that range.
The lightest bowling ball comes in at around six pounds and can be provided by the alley as a house ball.
Lighter balls (from 6 to 8 pounds) are usually used by kids.
We don’t recommend giving a child a ball heavier than 8 pounds.
Can You Change the Weight of an Existing Bowling Ball?
You can make a bowling ball heavier or lighter, but you should be careful to follow the regulations if you’re bowling in a league.
The USBC notes that sixteen pounds is the maximum weight of a bowling ball, including its imbalances at rest.
Any additions to the ball (such as adding weight bearings) that put it over that sixteen-pound limit immediately disqualify the ball from being used in competitive bowling.
deepening the finger holes drilling “balance holes” that aren’t used for ball handling
Ideally, you should choose a ball that doesn’t require you to fiddle with the weight afterward.
By now, we trust that you have realized how important it is to select the best weight for your bowling ball, and not focus on the size.
If you’re the competitive sort, you’ll realize that choosing the wrong ball weight could lead to lost games.
While the rule-of-thumb suggests a ball weighing about 10% of your body weight, you should experiment with bowling balls to see which is the right fit.
Like choosing a pair of shoes, shopping around ensures that you have a comfortable fit that’ll give you the best chances of bowling strike after strike.
We hope this article is helpful to you and encourage you to go to your local bowling alley and test drive several house balls to find the perfect one for you.
Their bowling balls, techniques, and more serve as unofficial law in the sport.
One of the most common questions newbies have about pro bowlers is, “what size bowling ball do pros use?” You’ll find many answers online, but here you’ll find the facts.
Let’s get into the most commonly used bowling ball size for pros and everything else you need to know.
Note: All bowling balls are roughly the same size, so for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the ball’s weight.
Any time we use the term “size,” we are referring to weight.
Contents1 What Size Bowling Ball Do Pros Use?2 What Sizes Do Bowling Balls Come In?3 Advantages of Heavy Bowling Balls4 Are Heavy Bowling Balls Better than Light Bowling Balls?5 How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball Size for You6 Other Bowling Ball Characteristics to Consider7 Test Out Your Ball in Person8 Ask for Help8.1 Related Articles
What Size Bowling Ball Do Pros Use?
For anyone who’s ever wondered what ball size pro bowlers use, the answer is simple: whatever size works best for them.
Professional bowlers tend to choose a ball that fits their technique, body type, and personal preferences.
However, there are some general trends when it comes to the weight of bowling balls used by pros.
Most professional bowlers use a ball that weighs between 14 and 16 pounds.
These balls are considered heavier bowling balls, and a 16-pound ball is the heaviest bowling ball.
Jason Belmonte, one of the top bowlers today, has a 227.59-point bowling average and uses 15-pound bowling balls exclusively.
What Sizes Do Bowling Balls Come In?
Let’s touch on bowling ball sizes in general.
Bowling balls come in various sizes, from 6 pounds to 16 pounds.
There are no regulation bowling balls smaller or larger than this range.
Some bowlers swear that it’s their ball.
Here are some of the top advantages of heavy bowling balls:
Here are some of the top advantages of heavy bowling balls:
Since the ball is heavier, it will generate more momentum and be less likely to veer off course.Bowlers find that they have more control over a heavier bowling ball versus lighter balls.
Heavy balls produce considerable power, which can be especially helpful for bowlers who struggle with generating speed.A heavier ball is less likely to slow down as it rolls down the lane, giving you a better chance of hitting more pins.
Are Heavy Bowling Balls Better than Light Bowling Balls?
The great debate between heavy and light bowling balls has been raging on for quite some time.
Some bowlers swear by the power of a heavy ball, while others prefer the agility of a lighter ball.
The right bowling ball weight depends on the individual bowler and their style of play.
For instance, a heavier ball has more potential to knock down all the pins at once than a lighter ball.
At the same time, throwing a heavy ball correctly can be a challenge.
On the other hand, a lighter ball doesn’t require as much strength to throw but often doesn’t have the same impact when it hits the pins as heavier balls do.
For this reason, it’s impossible to say definitively whether heavy or light bowling balls are better.
Bowling Ball Weight Vs. Speed and Pin Carry | How To Bowl Better With PhysicsWatch this video on YouTube
How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball Size for You
A bowling ball’s size affects its hooking potential, ball speed, throwing difficulty, and more.
That’s why it takes some real thought to choose the right weight bowling ball.
Knowing how a ball’s size affects all of these factors will help you choose the right bowling ball size for you because the bowling ball weight matter.
Keep reading for some guidance on selecting a ball weight.
If you’re a beginner, choosing a ball that is easy to throw is important.
For this reason, most beginners use 8 -12 pound bowling ball.Do you want your ball to hook or to go straight?
The size of your ball will affect its ability to hook.
If you want your ball to hook more, choose a heavier ball.
If you want it to go straight, choose a lighter ball.How much power do you want behind your throw?
If you want your ball to barrel through the pins with a load of power, go for a heavier ball.How much do you weigh?
One of the most well-known unwritten rules on this subject is that the right ball for you should be about 10% of your body weight.
The rule only applies up to 160 pounds since the largest bowling balls are 16 pounds.
If you’re over 160 pounds, go for a 16-pound bowling ball.
A heavy ball wouldn’t be a good idea in cases like these.
Other Bowling Ball Characteristics to Consider
When choosing a bowling ball, weight should not be the only consideration.
The coverstock also plays a vital role in determining ball performance.
Plastic coverstocks are best for straight bowlers, while urethane and reactive resin coverstocks are better suited for those who prefer to bowl with curves or hooks.
In addition, the weight block plays a role in determining how the ball will behave.
Symmetrical weight blocks are ideal for straight shots, while asymmetrical ones are better for curves and hooks.
With so many factors to consider, it’s no wonder that choosing the right bowling ball can be a daunting task.
However, by taking the time to understand the various characteristics of bowling balls, you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your style of play.
Test Out Your Ball in Person
Bowling balls are not one-size-fits-all – you’ll need to test out a few in person to find the right one.
Finding the perfect bowling ball is much like finding the ideal partner.
You want one that’s the appropriate size and weight and has the features that are important to you.
The ball should also feel good in your hand and perform in a way that plays into your strengths as a bowler.
The same goes for bowling balls.
If you’re still having trouble finding the right bowling ball, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Most of them know their bowling balls like the back of their hand.
They can answer any questions you have and help you find a ball that suits your needs.
How Heavy Is a Bowling BallWhat Weight Bowling Ball Should I UseHow Much Are Bowling Balls
Though professional bowlers tend to use heavier balls, that doesn’t mean you need one.
It’s essential to experiment and find the weight that works best for you.
So, don’t let your search for a ball overshadow the fact that practice is the key to scoring more strikes.
We hope this article has been helpful to you, and we wish you the best in your ball search!Kira Byrd( CEO )Kira Byrd, who holds a B.S. in Accounting and operates as an Internal Auditor during the day, has been an enthusiastic bowler since she was a small kid.
Kira started Bowling for Beginners to teach new bowlers the game and help them improve their skills.
Kira started Bowling for Beginners to teach new bowlers the game and help them improve their skills.
When choosing a bowling ball, ball weight is a very crucial factor you need to consider because it can significantly affect your bowling performance.
If your main issue as a beginner in bowling has been what size bowling ball you should use, this article is for you!
What size bowling ball should I use?
What size bowling ball should I use?
Bowling balls come in different sizes and weights.
As a bowler, you must practice with varying bowling balls to know the best bowling ball weight for you.
The heaviest bowling ball weighs 16 pounds, and usually, it’s assumed that the bowling ball you choose to use should be ten percent of your body weight.
This post discusses the recommended ball weight for seniors, kids, and pro bowlers and the benefits of using light and heavy bowling ball weights in detail.
The Recommended Bowling Ball Weight for seniors.
Bowlers over 60 should choose a ball that is not too heavy to avoid injury.
For senior bowlers, a ball weighing 10 to 12 pounds is recommended.
Moreover, monitoring your strength and health is vital to see whether you can pick up those heavy balls.
A heavy ball may be fun to toss, but it’s important to consider whether or not you can throw it repeatedly without getting injured.
The best bowling ball weight is determined by how many games you want to bowl with the same ball.
Bowling Ball weight for professionals.
Due to the increased power and hooking chance provided by more giant balls, most professional bowlers prefer a 16-pound ball and may also use a 15-pound ball.
Experienced women bowlers often use bowling balls that weigh between 13 and 15 pounds because they are more comfortable with such weights.
what weight ball is best for kids?
While bowling with children, it’s best to use a light ball since they’re not very strong (6 pounds).
Bowling balls for children should be manageable; those for kids over five should weigh 8-10 pounds, while those under five should weigh at most 6 pounds.
In bumper bowling, the alleys are covered so that the bumpers may collect any balls over the edge of the lane.
Adding More Weight to a Bowling Ball.
It is possible to change the weight of a bowling ball, although many leagues do not allow it.
If the modifications in ball weight you want to make do not comply with the standard USBS laws, then many professional bowling shops will not agree to add the static weights for you.
Drilling a balancing hole into a bowling ball is one legal method of changing the ball’s total weight displacement, which modifies the ball’s overall force measurements to optimize a bowler’s shot pattern.
Before making any changes to your bowling ball weight, get permission from your league officials.
Rather than risk being kicked out of the league for illegally changing a ball, it’s preferable to play it safe and use a standard ball for your throws.
What weight bowling ball should I use?
What weight bowling ball should I use?
During bowling, how does the ball’s weight affect your swing?
Do heavier balls increase the pins you knock over?
The bowling ball weight you use will significantly affect your performance.
Here are the benefits of using a heavyweight bowling ball.
Hooking a heavyweight bowling ball is simpler than hooking a light one.
Therefore a larger hook is more manageable when using a heavy ball.
A heavyweight ball is considerably simpler to swing than a light one because it has more weight per square inch.
Lighter balls need a stronger toss to get sufficient velocity.
A heavier bowling ball will have greater force and impact on the pins since it will have more speed than a lighter one.
Heavy bowling balls have less deflection and more strikes.
When you toss the ball, it maintains its lane, increasing your chances of hitting the target more precisely.
What is a Powerful Bowling Ball?
One indicator of a bowling ball’s strength is its ability to “dig” into the lane’s oil.
Benefits of bowling with a lighter ball.
Lighter bowling balls are:
Lighter balls respond more quickly and precisely to slight alterations in the bowler’s arm and hand, creating sharp hooks and rapid slides to the final pin.
Lighter bowling balls are simpler to manage, a crucial aspect of the game that sometimes bothers beginners.
Heavyweight balls are not easily controllable, so more lightweight balls are recommended for beginners.
Reasons for the variance in bowling ball weights.
It allows the manufacturer to produce balls of varying weights while maintaining a consistent 27-inch diameter by carefully manipulating the proportions of the various components (within USBC regulations).
The bowler’s bowling ball weight is significant because it determines their performance.
The heaviest bowling weight is 16 pounds, mainly used by pro bowlers, while senior bowlers should use a 10-12 pound bowling ball weight.
You may add weight to your bowling ball, but most leagues do not allow it, and in some instances, it may even cost you a game.
The weight of bowling balls has a lot to do with how the ball bounces.
In other words, if you ask me to recommend a bowling ball, I’d probably agree with the general rule “the heavier it is, the more it will give.”However, there are a few exceptions.
The other day I was walking around the shopping mall; an elderly saleswoman approached me and asked what weight bowling ball I recommended.
But she told me, “most people don’t know that, so they buy lightweight balls, which are not much good at all because they don’t bounce as well as heavy ones.”She was right!
carpet.But what is the best weight, you may ask?
All bowling balls are different, and the answer depends on what you want to do with them.
The more your goal is to bowl a perfect strike, the heavier your ball should be.
If you want something with less bounce, it’s hard to beat a lighter, softer ball; but if you wish reasonable distance control or accuracy, a heavy ball might be better.
You can find out which balls suit each purpose by experimentation!
To make your decision easier, try to get your friend’s opinion about the weight of bowling balls.
It isn’t worth spending too much time and energy thinking about it before making this decision!How To Choose the Right Weight Bowling Ball?While the “right” weight bowling ball is a relative term, the challenge isn’t really to decide which bowling ball is the best option.
Instead, the challenge is to choose an option that gives you a good return on your investment.If you are serious about winning at bowling, it’s best not to have any expectations of winning.
The only way to get better at the sport and make it more enjoyable, even if you don’t care about rolling a perfect strike every time, is by using a variety of balls.The same holds for investing in stocks: you can’t expect to be consistently profitable without some risk-taking.
That doesn’t mean attempting the impossible, but it does mean working out what is most likely an appropriate level of risk-taking for your goals and aspirations.ConclusionThe study found that bowler arm strength was more important than bowling ball weight.
However, to play the bowling ball we have to find the best ball with proper weight, so that can make good result for us!