Your days of not knowing the relevance between bowling ball speed and weight are finally over. Today, we have this interesting topic— “bowling ball speed vs weight” to discuss that will answer some of your unanswered questions. You may have dealt with a bowling ball’s weight and its relevancy with speed at some point in your bowling lives.
If you have first-hand experience, you will probably be able to tell what one got to do with the other. So to know more about this subject, continue to read forward!
Does bowling ball weight affect bowling ball speed?
A bowling ball’s weight got a lot to do with its speed. In other words, yes, your bowling ball speed is determined by the ball’s weight big time.
A bowling alley offers all kinds of bowling balls and that includes light and heavy balls too. Ever wondered if the heavier bowling balls give you any advantage over the lighter bowling balls? The bowling balls you see professionals use are always 16 lbs ones. It’s true that bowling ball weight is chosen based on a player’s physique. But pros use heavier bowling balls for greater advantages.
So many things happen when you bowl. You can’t observe them with bare eyes as everything happens so fast. So what are the hidden benefits of throwing a heavy ball down the lane? Let’s take a look at how ball weight influences speed and see whether heavier bowling balls go faster.
The Physics of Bowling—
When you release a bowling ball, its motion is determined by two main forces— Gravity and Friction. Gravity pulls the center of the ball toward the lane surface, and the contact between the ball and the lane surfaces causes friction. To get your ball moving faster, you have to put in as much force as possible.
But, here’s the thing. You can’t swing too hard by overusing your shoulder as it will only injure you. Plus, you also have to keep the friction to a minimum level.
The proper form during your approach and flawless ball release can be done with reasonable control over your arm during armswing, wrist snap, and follow-through. Now, I’m gonna blabber some scientific terms.
But hang in there. As our arm moves forward, centrifugal force is applied to make the bowling ball spin around its axis of rotation.
The amount of spin is determined by how fast your arm moves at release; this spinning motion reduces friction with the lane surface and causes the ball to travel farther before hitting pins. Every bowling shot also involves angular momentum that stores energy when the ball rotates.
So if you manage you apply a higher level of force to your ball, it will be conserved throughout the travel and the pins will get their full impact. With that added force, the ball will enter the pocket faster. That’s basically how the weight of the ball indirectly affects the ball’s speed.
Are there any other factors besides ball weight that contribute to ball speed?
Yes, there are plenty of major to minor factors that affect the ball’s speed. So what are they? The size and shape of a bowling ball. When a ball has a larger mass, it promotes more inertia when it accelerates down the lane. This results in extra momentum after it combines with angular entry, rotational energy, and proper hand position at the ball release point.
Resin coverstock bowling balls, when it comes to transferring kinetic energy from the bowler’s armswing into the ball’s rolling motion, are the most efficient. And you know what? They promote a faster speed than any other kind of bowling ball. Thanks to their high efficiency of friction on bowling lane surfaces
Lastly, we have lane oil patterns. This too can impact the bowling ball’s speed. As many of you already know, different ratios and volumes of oil promote different levels of friction. This can either slow down or speed up a bowling ball.
Which bowling ball roll faster: Heavier or Lighter Bowling Ball?
I’m gonna put the answer plain and simple. Bowling balls that are considered heavy, 15 or 16 lbs ones, tend to travel faster than those lightweight plastic or urethane bowling balls. However, the difference in speed is not as significant as you think. Allow me to explain.
The primary factors that contribute to a bowling ball’s speed are its inertia and momentum. Weight is just a secondary factor. That’s because it is possible to fasten up a light ball’s speed with extra force.
When you roll a heavier bowling ball down the lane, comparatively it has more inertia. As a result, a heavier bowling ball doesn’t slow down too early, even though it has encountered friction on the surface of the lane. So, heavier balls actually take longer to decelerate and will give you more length.
Despite having more momentum and inertia, it is not a guarantee that your heavy bowling ball will always roll at a higher speed. So, don’t be too confident just because the ball is a bit more heavy. Everything comes down to how you control the ball’s movement down the lane.
Most pro athletes opt for bowling balls that are heavy to enhance the possibility of strikes. And, of course, more strikes mean more scores! A heavier ball provides better control and accuracy without sacrificing anything. So if that seems like your cup of tea, and you have the physical ability, why don’t you give a heavy bowling ball a chance?
Conclusion
Whether you use a heavy bowling ball for a higher speed is up to you. If your ball’s motion is on track and nothing seems wrong, no need to up your ball’s weight. Plus, using a heavier bowling ball might not be the best idea if your body doesn’t support it. Just focus on your bowling skill and even if you decide to change your ball weight, consult your instructor or a pro shop operator first, and see what they recommend you to do. Good luck and enjoy the fun world of bowling! See ya, folks!
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.
