Expert: Chip Aki - 2/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am in my 50s, less than 5' tall, about 110 pounds.  I have about 3 years of bowling experience with an average about 90-100.  I bowl weekly in a small ladies' league.  

I used to bowl with an 8-pound ball but was encouraged to begin trying a 10-pound (house ball).  I had some improvement with the 10-pound ball.  

A Christmas gift was a 10-pound Tropical storm bowling ball that was drilled for my hand placement (somewhat wider handset than the house ball).  I haven't bowled my average consistently with the new ball.  I also have less power and less pin action (which, with my limited strength, was not much before).  I am also having a little elbow and shoulder pain.  

My question is quite straightforward.  Can weight be successfully removed from a ball to make it a 9-pound or 8.5 pound ball and not ruin the ball?

Thanks.

ANSWER: It is not possible to remove that much weight from a bowling ball.  Sorry.

If you are having pain, then I would have the fit of the bowling ball looked at.  If you did not have pain with the ten pound house ball you should not be having pain with the new ball.

The Tropical Storm is a reactive ball and may want to roll sooner than what you are used to.  It will also react more to whatever rotation you have on the ball.  This may be what is causing you to not get the scores you are used too in the consitant manner you are accustomed to.

Check the fit and make any changes that would be needed.  No pain will improve your game too.

Good luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Chip!  How much weight can be removed from the ball?  Also, at my weight and height, what pound ball do you suggest.  There are several ladies in my league who are younger than I am and larger (height mostly but weight as well) that throw an 8 pound ball.

Answer
At most, you might be able to take out a couple of ounces.
I feel the best way to determine what ball weight you can use it to place the ball in the palm of your bowling hand and have the elbow at 90 degrees.  If you can hold the ball there 15-20 seconds,  you should be able to use that weight.  However, the ball fit is the most important part of the equation.  A light weight ball that is fitted poorly will feel a lot heavier when trying to bowl with it.

Good luck,
Chip