An essential factor for a bowler when purchasing a new ball is the ball’s weight.
This bowling ball weight chart is intended to assist you in making that determination. It’s simple to purchase a big ball because you know other bowlers who can comfortably throw one.
Additionally, it’s easy to sell yourself short and limit the amount of pin carry and general back-end violence you can create with your shot by selecting a ball that’s a pound or two lighter.
Our bowling ball weight guide is intended to take the guesswork out of the equation by telling you about everything and anything related to selecting the proper bowling ball weight for you.
In this article, I will discuss what pound bowling balls pros use. So let’s discuss it.
Professional bowlers primarily adhered to the “larger is better” philosophy for a lengthy period. Not long ago, the bulk of elite bowlers tossed 16-pound bowling balls — the maximum permissible weight.
This has shifted substantially during the last few years. Approximately 70% of professional bowlers on men’s tours around the world, according to most reports, hurl a 15-pound bowling ball.
While a few elite bowlers use 14-pound balls, most of the field uses the maximum 16-pound bowling ball.
The average bowling ball weight thrown is approximately 14 pounds regarding women’s professional bowlers.
A few 13-pound bowling balls and several 15-pound bowling balls are in use. However, the bulk of female professional bowlers utilizes 14-pound balls.
If you’re in the market for a new bowling ball, you may peruse our list of the most excellent bowling balls here.
One typical rule of thumb is to pick a bowling ball as nearly 10% of your body weight as possible. A person who weighs a specific amount may not throw a ball by this regulation due to various causes.
The essential truth about choosing the proper bowling ball weight for you is, to be honest with yourself. It’s fantastic if you can throw a 16-pound bowling ball. But can you toss it repeatedly for numerous games without getting hurt or tired out and losing overall shot efficacy?
If you have trouble finishing games with a 16-pound bowling ball, consider shedding a pound or two. Instead of starting strong and then burning out due to overexertion, being able to throw at your best capacity consistently can boost your bowling scores.
In brief, use the heaviest bowling ball you can comfortably throw for numerous games.
Bowlers come in varied forms, sizes, and ages, so it’s impossible to achieve a precise average. Nevertheless, data indicate that the average adult can throw a 14-pound bowling ball. The average adult male’s weight ranges between 13 and 16 pounds; however, there is always some variation depending on upper body strength, pre-existing injuries, age, and overall physical condition.
The average adult female weighs 12 pounds, the most popular weight for an ardent bowler who visits the lanes once a week.
The average adult female weighs between 10 and 14 pounds, with the restrictions above and variations being applicable.
When it comes to young bowlers, a widely accepted rule of thumb is that the average child’s age exactly correlates to the average weight of the bowling ball they will feel comfortable throwing.
Thus, an eight-year-old will typically throw an eight-pound bowling ball; a six-year-old will typically throw a six-pound bowling ball, and so forth.
Does the Weight of the Bowling Ball Matter?
Yes, for a variety of reasons. The first is straightforward physics. The heavier the bowling ball you can safely throw, the more natural force you can utilize due to the bowling ball’s bulk. It’s all about matching your ability to comfortably repeat a maximal force toss with the lightest possible bowling ball.
This way, you can find the optimal combination of average bowling ball throw speed, revolutions, and overall efficacy and accuracy to maximize your total shot and significantly enhance your scores.
The weight of the bowling ball likewise matters in the other direction. If you attempt to do too much by tossing a bowling ball too heavy for you, your shot will be compromised, and you will be forced to compensate with poor form. Not only will this harm your grades, but it may also result in injury if you are not careful.
On the other hand, tossing a bowling ball that is far too light will have a detrimental effect on your shot, as it will lack the essential resistance and force to produce the best pin action possible for your particular image.
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What Is the Weight of the Lightest and Heaviest Bowling Balls?
While there are probably lighter options available for kids, the most lightweight bowling ball available at most pro shops and bowling alleys is six pounds. Six-pound bowling balls are often reserved for minor children or individuals with severe physical limitations that preclude them from throwing more giant balls.
A giant bowling ball permitted by most bowling alleys, leagues, and the United States Bowling Congress is sixteen pounds.
This provides bowlers with a ten-pound weight range from which to choose a bowling ball — an extensive range, which makes a bowling ball weight guide like this a fantastic idea when in doubt about what to do or what to choose!
What Weight Should Bowling Ball Seniors Use?
As we age, our muscles gradually degenerate, and we cannot perform the same tasks or at the same level as we once could. When determining the proper bowling ball weight for seniors, the same rule of dividing by 11 applies.
However, once you have that starting weight, you should deduct 1–2 pounds, depending on your degree of fitness. Bear in mind that a lighter ball will be gentler on the joints and will allow you to transfer more energy into the ball throughout your swing and ultimately into those pins — so if your current ball is causing you pain, consider switching to a lighter ball.
As children, there is a guiding principle that will assist you in determining the proper bowling ball weight for adults.
This is accomplished by multiplying your body weight (in pounds) by 11. Thus, if you weigh 150 lbs, 150/11 Equals 13.6.
If you’re a guy, begin with a 14-pound ball; if you’re a woman, start with a 13-pound ball. As with children, swing it back and forth in your arms a few times to experience how it feels.
The bowling ball may be too hefty for your child; use a lighter ball.
Additionally, if you’ve identified the weight of the ball that works best for you through the use of alley balls, you’ll likely want to add a pound when purchasing your ball.
Having holes drilled for your hand provides you with additional grip and control that you do not get with ordinary house balls.
You’ve undoubtedly heard the popular rule for selecting the proper bowling ball weight for children: “The ball weight should be equal to the child’s age up to around ten years old.”
This is an excellent starting point. If your child is eight years old, begin with an eight-pound ball; if they are ten years old, start with a ten-pound ball.
Allow them to swing it back and forth a few times slowly to gauge their reaction. If they cannot do the full swing action, the bowling ball is probably too heavy for your child; substitute a lesser ball.
If they’re throwing it around like a toy, consider adding a pound. Another common principle is that girls lose one pound while sporty lads gain one pound.
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Which Bowling Ball Weight Range Should I Use?
Here are some broad guidelines to assist you in determining whether your blood pressure is within the normal range:
As noted at the beginning of this article, the weight alone does not determine your ability to knock down all of the pins.
The easy answer to whether or not to use a heavy ball is whether or not you can throw a 16-pound ball for ten frames and many games.
If you can, that is quite remarkable. However, if you reduce the ball’s weight by one pound from your maximum comfortable weight, you may discover that you have better control, and the ball travels faster.
Because energy is defined as E = 1/2 mv2, increasing the speed down the lane significantly increases the total energy delivered to the pins. Now, let’s crunch the figures to put this into perspective:
The heavier the ball, the greater the hitting and driving force, and the greater the pin action. Bowlers were more concerned with deflection when the ball was lighter.
Carry percentage is measured by ball speed, weight, and ability to roll before hitting the pins.
If you cannot comfortably throw a 16-pound ball, you will bowl poorly and risk injuring yourself. If you go to a 15 or 14-pound ball, your game will improve significantly, as you will be able to throw the ball all night without putting your body under unnecessary effort. This also reduces your risk of harm.
190
12 strikes
16lb
Approximately 70% of professional bowlers on men’s tours around the world, according to most reports, hurl a 15-pound bowling ball. While a few elite bowlers use 14-pound balls, most of the field continues to use the maximum 16-pound bowling ball.
When the bowling ball strikes the pins, the ball’s weight is significant. If it is too heavy, it will just drive through the pins. Even at 16 pounds, if the ball is thrown at a sufficient pace, it will not just run over the nails without bouncing off them. If the ball is too light, it will just bounce off the pins.
No. A heavier bowling ball rolls at a slower rate than a lighter ball. A heavier ball gives more energy than a lighter one, which explains why striking as many pins as possible is simpler.
Conclusion
Finally, it would help if you were your bowling ball weight guidance. When you’re at the lanes, use your best judgment and pay attention to your body.
Consider shrinking if the bowling ball you’re using requires additional work and reduces the effectiveness of your overall performance as the frames progress.
The bowling ball’s weight is a critical component of any bowler’s shot repertoire. However, the true secret is determining the optimal weight, not the maximum.
Only the proper weight of the bowling ball will inflict the appropriate amount of damage at the correct times, regardless of whether it’s your first game of the day or multiple games in.
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Originally published at https://bowlingon.com on January 23, 2022.
