Do you like your bowling ball heavy or light? Is there any rule for the right bowling ball weight? Well, you sure can’t just grab any ball you want. If you randomly pick a bowling ball that isn’t the right weight for you, be ready to see the consequences. So do you see how important it is to know the right weight for your bowling ball?
There is no universal size that everyone can use. So you can’t just fool around with your bowling ball weight. It depends on your gender, age, physical condition, and bowling skills.
How much does bowling ball weight matter?4
In a nutshell, yes, bowling ball weight does matter. But how impactful the ball weight is? As previously mentioned, there is not a particular size of bowling ball everyone can use.
Generally, bowling ball weight ranges from 6 lbs to 16 lbs, and based on a few factors only one size will be fitting for you. The plastic bowling balls are the lighter ones, starting from 6 lbs. Then comes the urethane, reactive, and other bowling balls that can weigh up to 16 lbs.
The weight of a bowling ball matters for several reasons:
- Control: The weight of the ball affects how much control a bowler has over it. A heavier ball may provide more stability and control, allowing the player to target specific pins more accurately.
- Power: A heavier ball can generate more power when thrown, resulting in a stronger impact with the pins and potentially knocking down more of them.
- Speed: The weight of the ball can influence the speed at which it travels down the lane. A heavier ball tends to have more momentum and can maintain a higher speed, while a lighter ball may slow down more quickly.
- Fatigue: The weight of the ball can also impact a bowler’s physical stamina. If a ball is too heavy for a player to comfortably handle, it can lead to fatigue and potentially affect their accuracy and performance over time.
It is important for bowlers to choose a ball weight that matches their physical strength, skill level, and bowling style. It is recommended to try different weights and see which one feels most comfortable and provides the desired level of control and power.
So how do you figure out the right bowling ball weight for you? Well, the old way is to try out a bunch of different weighted balls and see which one lets you bowl comfortably. But the best way to do that is by performing a simple calculation using the universal bowling ball weight calculator.
The standard bowling ball weight = 10% of a bowler’s body weight + 1
So as you can see the calculation is pretty straightforward. Just stand on a weight scale and learn the numbers. Make sure the scale shows the weight in lbs. And calculate what will be the 10% of your weight. What’s next? Just add 1 with that calculated number, and there you go! That’s your standard bowling ball weight.
Here’s a simple example.
Let’s assume that you weigh 140 lbs.
Now, what is 10% of 140?
That’s right, it is 14.
Now add 1 with 14 and that gives you 15.
So if a person weighs 140 lbs, the ideal bowling ball weight will be 15 lbs.
Now, what if someone weighs 145 lbs. What would the standard bowling ball weigh?
Like before, 10% of 145 is 14.5.
And, 14.5+1 = 15.5
Since there is no 15.5 lbs bowling ball size, the bowler will have the advantage of choosing between 15 or 16 lbs bowling balls. The bowler can try both sizes and pick the one that feels more comfortable while bowling.
Now, if we go back to the first example where the bowler weighs 140 lbs and he decides to use a 16 lbs bowling ball. What do you think will happen? First things first, he is putting himself at lots of risk. Besides jeopardized shots, there is a high chance he will get injured bowling with a heavier bowling ball. Similarly, if he picks a lighter bowling ball, he will never see the desired ball action, let alone back-to-back strikes. So indeed, bowling ball weight matters immensely.
But here are some contradictions. As a beginner, you should never go straight to heavier bowling balls as it will do you no good. Plus, it can cause serious damage to your physique. Besides your age, gender, and body weight, consider starting with a lightweight bowling ball. If you weigh 150 pounds or more, it is always safe to go a size down when you first start to bowl. Most young beginners begin bowling with a ball that weighs around 6-9 pounds. Adults can start with 10 lbs or heavier bowling balls.
How can bowling ball weight make a difference in your bowling performance?
I’m not here to scare you. Using a wrong-size bowling ball may not be the end of the world, but continuing it is surely destructing. Using a bowling ball that is non-standard even by a pound, you are gonna see lots of changes in performance. Why? Well, a heavier bowling ball will deliver unnecessary ball action, which we like to call ball overreaction. You won’t be benefited by this. Moreover, a heavy bowling ball can be injurious to your body.
Yes, pro bowlers prefer heavier bowling balls because it gives them more striking ability. But if the ball is too heavy for you, the controlling will get harder and so you will end up with off shots. Plus, your free swings will be hard to perform. So from the very beginning, a heavier bowling ball will ruin your game. You will easily encounter wrist strains and tiredness.
Oppositely, when you use a bowling ball that is lighter than your standard bowling ball weight, you will never see satisfactory results. The ball won’t give you enough pin action, it won’t roll fast enough, the rev rate will be off, and so on.
Have you ever seen any professional bowler use a 12 lbs bowling ball? You didn’t, did you? That’s because it is impossible to become a pro without bowling with a heavier bowling ball. It takes years of practice and hard work to become a pro bowler. By the time you can begin to bowl professionally, you are likely to use a heavier bowling ball. But remember, it all depends on your body capacity and level of play. So do you now understand how paramount it is to bowl with the correct bowling ball weight?
Conclusion
So there you go, buddies! Many bowlers will say that ball weight is totally up to a person’s preference. But know that, your bowling experience and your overall physical condition matter most significantly. The numerical calculation is just an estimation. I would always recommend going to a bowling center and trying out different ball weights to find out the optimum bowling ball weight for yourself. Make sure the ball isn’t too heavy or too light. If needed, go a size down or up. Good luck and see you later!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
