Bowling Ball Weight Vs. Speed and Pin Carry | How To Bowl Better With Physics 

I switched to 14lbs years ago. My average went up drastically as I stopped leaving so many 9 pins. Great video!

I used to throw 15 all the time but switch to 14 and I really love it I just believe it depends on what the bowler is more comfortable in throwing since there so many styles and different rev rates.

After years of trial and error with 15 and 16-pounders, I made the switch to a 14-pound ball and haven't looked back. It's not just about the weight; it's about how you handle the game. With a lighter ball, my speed's up, and I'm nailing those pins with a force that feels like it doubles what I got from heavier balls. Plus, my arm's thanking me every game-less strain, more gain. It's all physics at the end of the day, and this strategy's been a game-changer for me.

Ok. I used the same equations to calculate the momentum for a 10lb ball, and predictably, the kinetic energy was even higher at 261 J. For a mere 1lb ball, the kinetic energy is a massive 2589 J! Clearly there is a problem here. No-one would suggest that a 1lb ball would strike with ten times the energy of a 10lb ball. The problem has arisen from using the same momentum for each ball. Momentum increases with the weight of each ball used, as momentum is a product of mass and velocity. Generally, a bowler's swing rate will be roughly equivalent despite the weight of the ball, because the swing rate is determined by bowling rhythm, which stays the same. This means that someone bowling with a 16lb ball at 18mp/h has a momentum of 58.4kg m/s. Someone bowling with a 14lb ball at 18mp/h has a momentum of 51kg m/s. The momentum of the 16ln ball is clearly greater. Now, if you plug this data into the energy equation, we see something closer to the correct results: A 16lb ball will exert 235J at 18mp/h. A 14lb ball will exert 206J at 18mp/h. Therefore, a sixteen 16lb ball (if thrown at the same speed as a 14lb ball) will hit the pins with over 10% more energy.

I've drilled and rolled them all. Multiple times. The results are always the same. #16 slightly slower ball speed and slight loss of rev rate but not ball motion. #15 standard #14 slightly higher speed and rev rate for a while. Carry seems to suffer somewhat and I tend to muscle ball . Probably the results of muscling. Swing timing is best with a exact weight. For myself it seems 15. Sometimes switching to a lighter or heavier ball is just fun to do. Lighter balls are easier on the joints. As we age it's natural to gravitate towards the lighter stuff Whatever is comfortable to you. But mostly relax and enjoy the sport. Be thankful .

I can't argue the math but as you pointed out with speed the 16 on ball always wins. I personally use a 14 because I find it easier on my body and more consistently hitting my mark.

as a physics major we actually used bowling in tons of examples, it's awesome for that. math aside, which obviously I apply to most things I do, most people notice if you're less sore you can bowl harder tomorrow

Good news for me. I have a fused back and was told every pound I drop will take 4 lbs off my back bowling. I dropped to 14 lbs and my back feels better and this video is the cherry on top.

I just dropped to 13 lbs. I haven’t suffered any issues or carry. Actually leaving less corners. BUT Motiv bowling balls are the only company that uses the same shape weight through the weights. That’s a very important factor. The other manufactures change the weight block design after 14 lbs. By doing that they have changed the dynamics, ie: RG,differential, plus the filler is weaker to bring down the overall weight. Motiv stays consistent with their weight block. Thus the 13 vs 14 wasn’t anything I could see in ball reaction, carry, or defection

simply put, it's all relative. every one is different. so for example if you can bowl a 8lb ball well and get high scores, but can't do it at heavier weights, should you switch just because everyone says you need to use a heavier ball aka a 15/16lber? the answer is no.

I used a 14 lb ball for a year average went up 10 pins that year but really believe the light weight made it easier to make spares better control

Thank you I’m about to purchase my first bowling ball and I was convinced I needed a 15 but now I definitely will consider the 14!

I switched to a 16 lb ball a few years ago. I did not do so because I thought it would hit harder. I did it because I was able to control the ball a bit better. I’m no muscle man but 15 lbs felt light to the point I was pulling it a bit. I did not see an increase nor decrease in average. Throw what feels comfortable.

This helped me pick the weight of my next ball. Thank you.

Im a 2 finger/Thumbless Bowler and I bowl with a 12lb ball Axiom 276 is my Best score on a house pattern ... no i do not play league or Tournaments im just a dude who bowls for fun

I believe the proof is that you need to be able to manage control, and that more than ball weight and speed, ones ability to deliver consistently provides the best benefit to the bowler in the form of KE. M1V1=M2V2 shows that we can also achieve better pin action with higher velocity. Where M2V2 is the transfer of the balls energy to the pins.

We will see. I coming back to bowling after a long time. I am now going to throw a 14 lbs ball from 15 lbs ball. My last league average was around 210. I decided on the change because of physical reasons. I’ll comment back after our season ends.

Because your strike percentage is directly determined by how much kinetic energy you impose on the pins... If speed is that imparative, why do we bother sanding a ball to get it to slow down and hook more? Why hook the ball at all? Why not go down to a 10 lb ball and throw it 25mph at the headpin. Pin carry is SO MUCH MORE than kinetic energy imparted on the pins.

I agree that this is an over simplified way to discuss the energy of a ball going down the lane this does not take into account angular momentum which is more important than the linear momentum the video talks about also friction is a huge factor when talking about energy loss. I still love the art of bowling sooooo ill look over it i guess

I have been using 15 pound bowling balls for almost 29 yrs now. And I have thought about going one lower than I use. Thank you very much

Poppycock is my new word of the week. :)

This argument only works when throwing the ball straight. Most bowlers throw a hook and lane conditions dictate speed based upon the amount of hook or angle you are trying to produce. In the case of most hook bowlers their ball speed tends to remain very similar regardless of ball weight. In fact, increasing ball speed with a lighter ball is only beneficial if you can also produce more hook revolutions so that the ball hits the same spot with more speed at the same angle. If you throw a 16 lb ball at 16 mph and switch to a 14 lb ball at 17 mph you may have to increase your rev rate by 100 to hit the same spot which is something most bowlers won't be able to do. For most league bowlers who throw a hook, the best advice is to use the heaviest ball you can that doesn't cause pain or fatigue. If you bowl well with a 16 lb ball and you switch to a 14 lb ball you will not see more carry unless you increase your ball speed and increasing your ball speed will likely cause you to be less accurate, will change your angle, and will force you to put more revolutions on the ball which will also reduce your accuracy.

What a conversation!

Whoaaa, that's awesome! I guess I'll be switching from 16 to 14 lbs now! Thank you

My son is virtually the only U17 bowler I know who still throws 14. He's bowled several tournaments across the nation against some of the best youth bowlers alive where he's outscored them all by a considerable amount throwing a 14 Lb ball. At a major national tournament he threw 279, 279, 268 in that order and then followed those scores up with a 243 throwing a 14lb ball. Junior Gold Champions where present at this event and he outscored them all. Does that mean 15 lb balls are not as effective? Of course not. But what that does mean is that if a 14 lb ball is thrown with enough accuracy, speed, a desirable axis tilt and rotation, and a high enough rev rate, the 14lb ball has the capability of knocking down as many or more pins than 15lb ball. One thing this gentleman didn't add to this equation is REV RATE. STORM Bowling did a similar video where they also factored in Rev Rate and they did the math and came to a similar conclusion to this gentleman. STORM Bowling concluded that Rev Rate in fact increase when throwing the 14lb ball which added in hitting power and potential pin carry benefits. The 14lb ball did outstanding. So one might ask, "If that's the case, what's the benefit to even throwing 15lbs"? The size, weight and strength of the human being throwing the ball. There is certainly the possibility of someone throwing a ball TOO fast because the ball is too light which can also cause control issues. If that's the case, there would be no reason to stay with 14 or even in some cases 15. I big, giant, strong human being might even throw 16 if there was a notable and measurable scoring benefit. And also, there are RG and Diff variations between each ball weight that often can benefit one bowler but take away from another. It's not just weight that has to be considered. RG and Differential are extremely important as well. My son prefers the lower diff options that occasionally can be found in 14lb balls and he takes advantage of that diff because he has such a high Rev Rate. It give him more control. So what works for one, many not work for another. But don't assume 14 is not good because it's lighter because the simply invalid. Fact

I have all 18 of my bowling balls 14 lb I like it because 14lb is comfortable enough for me and it gets the job done

As a Silver Coach who has been coaching for many years, 43, I have seen bowlers adjust weight in bowling balls and I have seen speed changes on a free swing, which is what all Pro's strive for, of only 1/2 to 3/4 of mile per hour. As this formula proves that you need a significant speed change of over 1 and 1/2 miles per hour consistently, you are better off worrying about the weight of the ball that gives you the best and most consistent arm swing and release. If you are increasing your speed by 3 miles per hour by dropping weight, you are squeezing the ball, using muscles that interfere with a freeswing and are less consistent. While on house shots that give you 7 to 10 boards area on a sport shot or tournament when accuracy is needed you will be at a loss. Use the weight you can handle that helps you create a consistent swing or add a 12 pound ball to this formula and see how fast you can throw the ball. Also I am 63 years old use a 16 pound ball, both right and left handed and roll the ball at 18 MPH consistently.

Ya I agree with one of the comments below. I throw 16 because I can control it better. I lift way to much for 15. I throw it 18.5 to 19.5 with a 600+ rev rate one hand. I've tried 15 on demo days but I can not keep my balance or swing right. I would agree 15 is for most people. If I could throw 17 I would. I weigh 165. I am a bronze coach soon to be silver. The only difference I so between the 2 is comfort for the bowler. I get more pin action because my numbers are higher. I've seen older guys use 14 and throw it 14mph and go through the pins perfectly. It's just going to be matching the ball with bowler dynamics. I've used 16 for 15 years so far no issues. I'm also picky on my 16's. It has to be 16lbs 3oz or I feel it and it throws me off. People say I lie but I've been tested and handed balls different weights and my speed with style tells me the exact weight. Manly because I lift so much I can tell the weight even without a speed tracker. This is not a bad video. I would only say that one is better than the other in terms for the bowler. It will give you those greater stats with weight change.

I am a two finger, 214 avg bowler, 400-450 rev/16.5-17.0 speed, 15lb ball, I had an elbow injury (bad tendon strain in elbow), took about 3 months off, and when I came back I started throwing my buddies 14lb equipment to ease back into it.... Within 4 weeks of league (ths) had two 300 games and was avg'ing 237.... I found that I was carrying more with 14lb as I was getting more beneficial deflection off pocket hits. I decided to go all-in with 14lb and changed all my equipment..... as of now, avg'ing 223.. loving the change and not looking back... only problem with going to 14lb is finding balls sometimes, especially when they are discontinued.

Here is where I am confused…..correct me if I’m wrong but is this formula basically saying that because a ball is lighter, you can throw it harder so it will hit harder? Because if you throw a heavier ball at the same speed there will be less deflection and have more hitting power into the pins. However that being said, a certain amount of deflection is needed to go through the pins correctly which is why 95% of pros use 15# because it’s a good combination of both hitting power with deflection.

I’m switching to a 6 pound ball. Thanks for the math lesson.

Been throwing 14lbs for last couple of years and had thrown it for a while years ago. I actually see a slight improvement with carry using 14lbs.

It depends. If you're a type of player who muscle the ball, you will create more ball speed on a lighter ball. Otherwise, it will be about the same speed. This is just 1 factor in varying or fine tuning your game. More importantly is that we use the ball with the weight that is comfortable to us, well preferably from 14 to 16 lbs. For me, I use the 14 lbs ball as I'm not that strong of a bowler and also cannot bowl regularly.

I always thought the heavier the ball, the harder the hit, but i got the 3d offset drilled at 15 lbs tonight...and shot 709 with a clean 30, averaged 17.26 mph which is about .75 mph higher than i usually threw my 16 lbs, noticed no difference with how it crushed the pocket, in fact the strikes might have been more dynamic

I have always wondered if i should switch down from a 16lb ball to a 15lb and I think this actually helped my decision to make a switch down!

Although this was done almost 2 years ago, but I had someone ask about dropping from 16 and it came in very handy in explaining just that.

The work or energy a person can put into the ball is close to equal across sizes. Lighter balls can be thrown faster, but the energy imparted will be equal unless form is compromised, so a heavier ball and a lighter ball will have the same kinetic energy. It doesn't matter that the lighter ball is going faster because the maximum energy or work a person can transfer to the ball is conserved. Throw a golf ball as fast as you can and see if it is effective at knocking down pins. Once the ball is released from the hand, what is more important is momentum, and that formula is p=mv, where there is no advantage for velocity. The ball might be a little heavier and slower in one case and a little lighter and faster in another case. Once it hits something, momentum is conserved, mv=mv. The velocity of the pins will be proportionally affected by the increase in weight or speed. So it really comes down to which ball allows you to impart the most energy into it with control. The heavier ball will have greater friction with the floor due to its weight, so more opportunity to curve, but more inertia against changing directions. Well crap.

depends on your technique and physique.

As my main arsenal consists of 16lb balls for my league play, I am starting to believe in what you are tying to teach. I never liked math all that much but your results speak for themselves. Now I can start buying up 14 pounders and maybe I can go pro finally!! Woooooooo

this video made it better for me in dropping from 15 to 14lb balls

Years ago, I downsized to a 14 lb ball. My average leaped up into the 220's amazingly. It was a combination of easier control, and consistent speed. Prior to the 220's I was bowling around 195 or so in league. I agree with the presentation.....you may not get the deflection, but you will bowl without a lot of bad splits. I feel it is worth it, and the bowling proved it.

I dropped to 15 pounds after an injury 20 years ago. Best move I ever made. When I get older, and I have to drop to 14, I'll still be able to bowl well.

Great! Being senior im using 14 lbs ball..every time i played with my friends using their 15 or 16 lbs ball, im felt they have bigger advantage in hitting the pins because of heavier balls..now i have different idea..thanks for the information..i will wait about the deflection effect.

yes but if you throw a 16# at 17 mph its much better. E.J. Tackett!!

Also, from the Impulse-Momentum theorem if you give the bowling ball momentum from an applied force over a time t, if that time stays the same for different weight balls (proabaly a reasonable assumption), the momentum being the same means that the average force applied to the ball is the same.

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned, sometimes the lane dictates throwing slower, to allow the ball to hook up. So, your 14 pound ball has to be slowed down, to get to the pocket, or to get your ball into the roll phase, before it hits the pins. 16 pounds is still 16 pounds, 14 pounds is still 14 pounds, so then, the 16 will hit harder. That’s the only scenario where I see that the 16 would be really better though.

Simple math here. Spin/curve aside, the objective is maximizing momentum. It is momentum that carries your ball thru the pins. And the formula is: momentum = mass X velocity. So whatever combo of your strength and ball release skills generate a certain consistent speed, you get the ball weight that, when plugged into the equation, ends up generating maximum momentum. For some folks that will be 16 pounds. For others, 14 or 15 or 12 or whatever.

I have been using 14 pound balls for years. I have 4 of them. I didn't want to get worn out using a 15 or 16 so I went a little lighter weight. I have always been comfortable.

When I was still a youth and got on my first Bowling League all the coaches and adults pushed me to use the 16 pound ball. In my case they pushed me to use it to "slow me down" because I was taking off fast and launching my ball with little control. As I get better at controlling my ball I really started hating the 16 pounds. It always felt like I was struggling to keep a solid grip toward the end of my swing and sometimes would pre-release. Also I felt like my ball speed was low. When I finally got my own ball with my own money I got a 14 pounder and my scores shot up. I have always preferred a 14pounder and just assumed the speed was making up for my lack of weight. Now I know I was not far off the mark. The speed was actually giving me more power and the reduced weight gave me better grip control through the entire swing translating to more accuracy. One other odd thing is when I was about 11 or 12 I used to place the ball on the lane with an almost silent contact and very close to the beginning of the boards. Later when I took up bowling again at about 15 years old I was throwing it farther down the lane with a good ole thump lol. Not sure what caused that change. Now My ball contact with the lane is pretty standard.

This video has a great explanation of the concepts, thanks. I've just finished reading "Bowling Beyond the Basics" and think it's an excellent collection of useful information, and as an engineer I enjoyed the analytical rigor. However, I remember when reading this section of the book, I doubted whether a lighter ball will "automatically" or "inherently" travel faster than a heavier ball--your video implies that momentum will remain constant across the ball change. When I changed from 16 to 15, strangely, I find myself actually throwing the ball slower, not faster! That slowdown may be partially psychological--because of my reliance on the greater ease of control a lighter ball allows (FYI: my sense of control, entry angle, and strike percentage have improved with the lighter ball). I can see how a bowler might be tempted to hurl a lighter ball faster, but I'm still skeptical that a relaxed arm will "automatically" or "inherently" roll it faster. Thoughts?

Bright eyeball with a 12lb two finger Style and I find it very effective at crushing pins

i just started bowling 2 weeks ago and use a 10 pound ball and hit speeds of 23 mph and it feels great.. Pretty sure i can get that ball up to 30 mph with time. At 25 mph its hard not to get a strike even if the middle pin is missed. Also i can roll 20 games before burning out because the ball is lighter. Getting in the 150/160 range... i don;t think that's bad for only starting 2 weeks ago but i could be wrong

nice report - can't wait to hear the next section because deflection is definitely a worry

And on top of that Rev rate effects the same thing. So the more revenue you put on a ball the more work it does the more work it does the less energy the ball has down the Lane, which also contributes to lack of drive in the pocket.

Thanks for letting us know that

I bowl with a 16. I have a violent throw w plenty of rev and can peak around 17mph, but usually get about 15.85 to 16.20. That's good enough to carry well, but I've been thinking of dropping to a 15lb, or at least trying it. That extra consistent mph, or even the same but increase the revs, might actually help a lot. Something to be considered. God damn 16lber is heavy too over the course of many games through a lot of bowling.

So according to this "math" a 6 lb ball is stronger than 16 lb because of speed. I'll stick with the GOAT 15 lbs

I've been getting made fun of for not upping my 14lb ball, but my strike percentage has gone through the roof in the last couple months.

I have the book and have read it. You can’t argue with science however it really comes down to a couple of things. First, does swinging a heavier ball feel comfortable; if it’s feeling heavy (or if it’s wearing you down quicker) then drop down in weight. The other issue is control.....you don’t want to lose control by dropping down in ball weight. Bottom line.....choose the heaviest ball weight that feels comfortable and that you can control.

Way back when I was a starting bowler & owned a 14 lbs. bowling ball.my pocket strikes are like thunder only at 16 mph. in an instant "No single pin standing" on the pin deck. This also one reason I am with disagreement & cringe on some coaches because they want some little or young kids to use a 15 lbs. ball,when they physical weight at about 100 to 110 lbs..

The lighter ball only hits harder if you actually get a higher speed out of it. I'll stick with increasing energy by throwing more mass since I throw with a consistent ball speed regardless of the weight of the ball.

You are my Jedi master

I have read bowling beyond physics and am an engineer major going into my senior year. Unfortunately, the equation is not as simple as you state. There is no regard for for the weight/energy of the person throwing the ball, rotational motion, friction, inertia, or even gravity. Especially in today's game inertia and rotation are extremely relevant. In saying that there is honestly not enough of a difference to justify throwing a 16 lbs ball. For someone with more strength or mass a 14 lbs will be really hard to control or make adjustments as the lane breaks down. That is the only reason throwing a 16 lb. Ball makes sense in my opinion.

I'm extremely happy switching to 14 I just have to be consistent. But it clearly makes the pins deflect much less.

OMG YOU ARE FUNNY🎳😂. THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO. NICE TO KNOW THAT . I AM MOVING FROM A 12 POUNDS THAT I USE BEFORE TO A 14 pounds. I ALSO LEARNED LAST FRIDAY THAT MOST OF THE REACTIVE BOWLING 🎳 BALLS CORE IN 12 or 13 pounds is SMALLER THAN THE ONE THEY PUT IN THE 14,15 and 16. THE GENTLEMAN THAT TOLD ME THAT IS A PRO SHOP OWNER AND COACH ALSO . HE SAID THAT MOST COMPANIES USE GENERIC CORES IN SMALLER BALLS LIKE 13 and under .

I went down to a 15lb ball and it did wonders for my game

I personally throw 15 put of comfort. I use to throw 16 but switched to 15 because it came off my hand nicer. I tried a 14 once and felt too light for me.

My most consistent flush strikes that sent pins out onto the lanes was a 12lb plastic ball I used for a long time. You had to be accurate with it though..It did have some good pin action as well because it had the speed and deflection. However, my "rack blaster" lately has been my 15lb Black Widow Ghost... Although I throw it much slower....when it hits pocket it absolutely destroys the pins with all that energy....the issue is, trying to stay accurate with it hooking the lane so much. I have recently decided to drop to a 13lb ball on a couple of balls that share the same weight block 12-16lbs (like the Dark Code).... and 14lbs on other balls. Ball speed and accuracy is more important to me to match my very high rev rate...and trying to ramp speed up on a 15lb and stay accurate is killing my consistency. Don't let people talk down to you for not throwing "man weight". I am in good shape and have no problems handling the weight...but I find I am far more accurate with 14 and under..... and the difference is literally a 155 avg vs. a 202 avg for 50 games throwing my 13 and 14lb and 50 games with my 15lb balls. I keep track of stuff like that.

Great formulas. With a lighter ball, most veteran senior bowlers are also able to get more revs as well that can also increase pocket angles as well as create drive through the deck and/or minimize deflection. I went down to 14lb due to injuries, but found a significant increase in revs. My ball speed decreased however due to delivery changes necessitated by injuries.

Awesome. I've been explaining this to bowlers for years. Great video!

Well I think the lighter weight can be rolled faster and smack the pins as apposed to the heavier ball pushes the pins rather than the explosive effect of a faster moving ball

I'm 6'4 225 lbs and don't have an issue throwing a 16 but I bowl a 14lb strike ball and a 13.4lb spare ball just for comfort and I can smash the pins throwing an easy 18mph medium hook(varies with oil patterns of coarse). The same amount of effort with a 16lb ball and my speed drops to about 15.5-16mph. I could throw the 16lb 18mph but then my wrist/arm starts to feel it and I lose my rev rate. I'm a believer in velocity shock but that's just me. Also there's also a fine line when experimenting with weights. I wouldn't throw anything less than 13 if I had money on the game

Good information! I shared this with my league teammates. Thanks

I can believe it but never thought of dropping below 15

I bowled with a 13-pound-spare ball along with my 15-pound main arsenal. I throw the 13-pounder MAYBE anywhere from 0.5-1 mph faster than the 15-pound balls. The main takeaway from this is: sure, lighter balls CAN surpass heavier balls in KE assuming you can make up for the difference with an increase in speed AND being able to do so without compromising your approach with the added effort. I doubt most people can throw a 16-pound ball comfortably, so don't bother. 14-15 pound balls hit the sweet spot because those weights offer the best and biggest difference in differential among other stats compared to other offered weights. A 16 pound ball will provide a negligible improvement in pin carry vs a 15-pound ball, and a 14-pound ball is usually the minimum manufacturers will work with when using the original weight blocks intended for w/e ball you purchase. Go lower and they'll be using alternate weight blocks which will dampen the performance of your ball. 14-15 pound balls are king /)

I've seen examples of people switching to 14# and having great success. However it is usually short lived. And I believe that is because they are used to throwing a heavier ball and this allows them to throw the lighter ball harder and with a higher Rev rate. As time passes I believe you get used to this lighter weight and the speed and Rev rate work back to what they were with the heavier weight. This results in now much less hitting power with the new weight. Just my opinion based on what I've seen in real life application.

I've been bowling for 50 years and the above is true if you are rolling the three bowling balls of different weight off a ramp. What makes the difference is how many revolutions a bowling ball has when it hits the pins. I've seen guys throw a 16 pound ball with lots of speed but no revs and continuously knock down less pins. This is because the ball has 'nothing' when it hits. The ball with lots of revs is like a tornado when it hits around the head pin. The pins just fly everywhere. More spin action down at the back end will top a straight, no rev ball every time.

When your ball collides with the pins - in physics this is called force. The equation for Force = Mass X Acceleration. The equation for Mass includes weight. The equation for Acceleration includes speed (velocity.) Of course if you throw a heavier bowling ball you will throw it more slowly!

I'm glad I came across this video, but I think it would be fascinating to see this information for the 11, 12, 13 lb ball weights. As someone new to bowling and not exactly in shape, I bowl with a lighter bowl. My Pro Shop recommends my next ball being a 13 pound ball, but I feel like an 11 pound ball makes more sense for me. At present I bowl with a 12 pound ball and get quite a few pins left when bowling due to inconsistency. The problem I see is at least for someone newer is as you're learning more and you find an interesting ball with a unique core, it may not be offered in a lighter weight, which is frustrated. :(

I’m gonna sum it up for y’all… if you’re weak, throw a 14. If you are strong enough to get the same speed out of a 16, do it. I lost about .25 mph on a normal shot going from 15-16. I never leave 10 pins anymore. It’s super rare. The carry through the pins is awesome

Also you did not take into fact the rg or rotation of gyration of the ball. A lot of 16s have a much higher RG which means they save energy until further down thr lane there for expending less energy til the end, the 14 revs up sooner and burns energy quicker before it hits the pins a lot of time the cause for a flat 10 or a pocket 8-10.

WOW! Can't wait until the next episode.

63, in shape, Love my 13's!!!

I realize this video is ~3 years old, but: at in your graphic at 1:55 , to visualize v^2 you should turn the blue velocity arrow into a blue square, not duplicate it

Good one, Arthur. I read the book and the video coverage really helps comprehend this. I would add that one needs to be cautious not to take this principle to the extreme and start throwing 8 pound balls however, as you and I both know the dangers to accuracy of swinging a ball that’s too light.

I’m a stroker I can barely tell a difference between a 16 and a 15 . 16 is the absolute weight limit so all 16 pound balls are shy of 16 lbs So you’re looking at 15 1/2 pounds maybe a little more I like the “16” two piece!! bang!!!

I have always used a 16 lb ball but next week I am buying a new ball and it will be a hammer black widow ghost 14 lbs, I just feel my current 16 lb hammer is just to heavy and I cant control the ball on the lane excited to see the results of the widow ghost.

I don't argue the physics of the argument that you're making but guys like me throw a bigger ball and so I get better pin carry with a 15 or 16 pound ball than I do with my 14 Ib. ball and that's why I stopped using it. It's about the curve into the pocket, not just the weight of the ball, as you know because you're a bowling pro

I'll stick with the 16 thank you. It may be heavier and harder to throw, but the extra weight keeps my body slower and more in time with my swing to my foot steps. And I dont launch the ball way to fast for the ball to react on the lane. The game is about speed and consistency, and if the speed and consistency match up then the 16 is the king of the lane for me. Last time I threw a 14 pound ball I launched it about 4 feet before the masking unit before it hit the lane

By the way, I don't want to come across as a know it all. Your arguements are the natural starting point for this conversation. I am just worried it is a little more complicated of a problem. I am a large person (6'6", 300+ lbs) who has stuck with a mix of 15-16 pounds because I don't notice a difference physically (and the difference in speed over 60 feet is too hard to eyball). I would love to know for sure if I should just drop to 15 (it certainly is easier to get equipment). This problem is just screaming for some good experimental evidence.

I was considering moving up from a 15-pound ball to 16... but after this, I’m good with staying with 15

I’ve been bowling a 16 pound ball and after 3 games I fell like my arm is going to fall off. So I got myself an early Christmas present by buying the Columbia 300 Baller 14 pounds and it’s much better

As someone who started out as 14lbs and now throwing 15lbs. I can say...sure, the 14lb did hit harder because it was lightweight, there was less reaction time on the hook so the speed was all there and didn't slow down as much. BUT IF EACH ball were thrown at the exact speed (taking bowling science out the equation) We're not counting on the initial momentum.... The heaviest will hit harder? I'm saying it as same axis tilt, same line, same speed just rolling straight. Purely straight no hook. Obviously the 16 hits harder? No?

Subscribed!! Loved it

I am not a physics major. But I can only imagine that the core of the ball has something to do with carry on a lighter ball.I was considering dropping to a 14 lb ball.A friend of mine had one.A Hyper Cell fused with hardly no games on it at all.I shot my first 300 with it the first time I rolled it so...😃

Unfortunately due to bad knees, I can't thrown a ball 16 mph. I had to go to a 14 pound ball but can only throw it about 10 mph. I'm guessing that is not good.

Granted ,,, I haven’t rolled a ball since 2001 until last weekend. But this just made me think. Huh. Board says my ball speed is 14.7 - 15 mph , an i have a 16 lbs ball. 1st thing I wondered was “When did they start showing ball speed & second was ,, where is the overhead projector “ But i think maybe I should get a new ball at 14lbs

definitely knew this and argued...........this is a great video......now I can out math them

I throw a 16, i used to throw 13. I switched to 16 after i felt 13 was too soft. I do much better with it but had to adjust my technique

The main thing is what weight is comfortable for you. I had to drop down from 16 to 15 to 14 and with the reactive coverstock and the weight blocks of today's balls I did just as well with 14 pound as 15. I had already switched to 15 before reactive came out so I can't compare it to 16. If the weight is too heavy and you can't roll the ball properly then the added weight will hurt you more than help you. I feel ball would make a difference with Rubber and Plastic Bowling Balls