If you happen to be in a market to buy a new bowling ball, you might feel overwhelmed seeing too many options. Once you get clarity about the material, the next on the list would be the ball weight.
It’s common for the players to get drawn towards heavier balls, thinking of them as better. Before you make a similar mistake, you might want to figure out what weight bowling ball you should use? And is heavier better?
Opt for a bowling ball that is easy for you to hold and comfortable. Kids who want to bowl can use lighter balls, while heavier balls (14-16 pounds) work well for adults. The best bowling ball for you should weigh ten percent of your body weight. If you have an injury, in this case, ensure to go for a light ball that doesn’t put much strain on your muscles.
Bowling ball weight is quite important, and you can easily make a wrong choice by just guesswork. This guide will inform you about everything that leads to picking the best weight ball for yourself.
Make The Right Weight Decision For Your Bowling Ball:
Some people consider bowling a fun spare time game, while others pursue it more professionally. It is necessary to make the right decision when picking a bowling ball in both cases. One of the fundamental factors to consider is the weight of your sphere.
There is a wide range of bowling balls available, and they typically weigh between six to sixteen pounds. You will want to choose a bowling ball that doesn’t weigh too much so you can play effectively. Usually, the lighter balls are suitable for kids, while the heavier ones are good for adults.
As a rule of thumb, an ideal bowling ball for you should weigh around ten percent of your body weight. A much heavier ball would be uncomfortable to hold and grip. Similarly, if you use a lighter ball, the weight will not be enough for it to swing.
The bowling ball weight lies within the 14-16 pound range if you are an adult. However, there can be some exceptions, for instance, a back or arm injury. It is of utmost importance to choose a bowling ball that you are comfortable with as it will give you better control and throw.
Heavy VS Light Weight Ball; Which Is Better?
Usually, it is said that a heavy bowling ball allows you to have power, and it can create a larger hook. It might be right up to some extent, but it is hard to control, and people who use a heavy ball face wrist strain often. Especially if you are a beginner, it is better to opt for light bowling balls as they are easier to maintain. Professional bowlers can go up to 16-pounders as they are skilled enough to control the ball.
Nevertheless, both heavy and lightweight balls have their advantages and disadvantages. So, you need to figure out which one will work more in your favor. If you struggle to finish a game with a heavier ball, you might have to downsize one or two pounds. This way, you will be able to throw more consistent shots rather than just exhausting yourself for nothing.
Similarly, if you feel the ball is too light and bouncing off the pins and does not strike well, you can consider upsizing. Know that a proper ball will fit more comfortably and provides more control and power. It is up to you to decide which one is fulfilling your requirements.
Choosing The Perfect Weight Bowling Ball:
If you are not sure which bowling ball to choose, the following steps will help you make the correct decision.
- Find your ideal ball weight:
One way to find your perfect ball weight is by following the ten percent rule. According to this, the ball weight should weigh about ten percent of your body weight (up to sixteen pounds).
For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should not go with an eight-pound ball. Though you might want some heaviness in the ball, it shouldn’t be to the point that you feel uncomfortable while grabbing it.
Generally, adult male players tend to pick balls within the range of 14-16 pounds, while adult female bowlers choose between 10-14 pounds. If you are a pro bowler, you can experiment with weight and go heavier, but it might cause fatigue and exhaustion.
Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the bowling ball you use. A heavier ball custom drilled for your hand will weigh closer to a house ball that is two pounds lighter.
- Pay attention to your physical strength:
While finding the right bowling ball weight, you must also pay attention to your physical strength and be honest about your ball handling capability. If you believe you can throw a ball as heavy as a 16 pounder, there is nothing wrong with it. But, opt for it only when you can throw it continuously for multiple games, without risk of injury or tiring yourself.
If you feel difficult to finish a game with a heavier ball, it indicates you need to go with a lighter ball. When you choose a bowling sphere that complements your physical fitness, you can throw consistent shots at your highest capacity and increase your scores.
- Check the comfort level:
The most important aspect of picking the correct ball weight is the amount of comfort level you get. A wrong ball size affects your bowling performance, and you can also get hurt and pulled muscles.
Similarly, when you undergo arm surgery or suffer from a physical condition, the ten percent body weight formula might not apply. It is perfectly okay to use a slightly lighter ball in such a situation. The main goal is to feel comfortable while throwing it.
My Great Final Thoughts:
A bowling ball’s weight can make a big difference in the impact or power of the shot, hooking of the ball, and controllability over the throw. A ball with ideal weight is easier to grab and hold and lowers the fatigue level of your arm and hand. There are pros and cons of both light and heavy balls, and which will prove more beneficial for you is up to you to decide. Avoid exceeding your physical ability and overtaxing yourself.
