Expert: Chip Aki - 5/14/2007

Question
Since the impact or force the ball hits the pins is determined by both the weight of the ball and its velocity, which is more important?  I'm a 63 year old male, one night a week league bowler and in good physical condition.  Prior to this past year I've always used a 16 pound ball.  When buying a new resin ball last year the pro shop salesman told me that the new balls hit so hard that most of the balls he now sells are 15 or even 14 pounds.  I bought a 15 pound ball and averaged about 200 with it, but I've also averaged close to 200 when using a 16 pound ball.  I don't throw hard, ~13 - 14 mph, and throw a full roller.  Would I be better off to go to an even lighter ball?  I've seen a lot of these younger bowlers cranking the ball at 18 - 20 mph and averaging about 220, but have been told they're using 14 pound balls.

Answer
I too sell more 15 and 14 pound bowling balls than in the past.  I dont see much loss in power all the way down to 14 pounds.  If you can gain some ball speed, then dropping the extra pound would be worth it.  However, the full roller usually will not allow for a big changed o direction like the 3/4 roller will, thus will not hit with the same power.

Good luck,
Chip