Expert: Russ King - 11/20/2006

Question
I am 35 years old, joined two leagues a few months back, was being watched by some leaguemates and was told that if my ball had more weight to it that it would not richochet from pin to pin as much.  I was informed that my strength behind the ball is very good and that my form is also, however, it appears that my strength is now too much for the ball to stay in central position to break through the center of the pins as planned which is preventing me from getting a strike.  I do not foresee any arthritic problems that would prevent me from using an 11 lb ball after I am used to it, frankly, my thought is that 11 lbs is probably what I would top out with, however, I am trying to avoid buying a 10 lb and then needing to buy another.  Is there a standard max weight for a female?  I know that men tend to gravitate to a 15 or l6 lb, but where does a woman usually end up?  If a 12 or more then I will consider a gradual upgrade and go with a 10 lb next, but if 11 seems fairly typical I would like to get that, but again, am concerned that the increase might be too much from what I have been told locally.  I hope this gives you enough information, if not please let me know what else I can provide in order for you to better answer my question.  Thank you so much for your time in assisting me with this.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I am an adult female bowler and I recently started bowling.  I have an 8 lb ball but I feel that I can go a little heavier.  I am thinking that a 10 or 11 lb ball would be good.  I can't experiment with a house ball because non of them fit my fingers.   My question is, would a 3 lb increase in weight be too much at once?  When I first started about three months ago, the 8 lb felt good but now when I finish bowling at night on my league, my arm is not tired at all.
-----Answer-----
What is the reason you want to go up in weight?How old are you?Would there be any physical problems that might effect a heavier weight ball like arthritis? Please tell me as much as you can so I can suggest the right weight.

Answer
At 35,your body should handle the strain of 2 leagues easily.As for max female weight,it is 16 lbs.Heavier is not the total answer. If you buy a ball that is too heavy, your body will protest & refuse to do what you want it to do. MAX. WEIGHT FOR YOU is what you can manage 3 solid non straining games with.If you & I mean you not what your teammates say feel the 10 is too light,then go up in weight.
If you are getting stronger as you go,then get atleast an 11 maybe 11 1/2.Then as the season ends, you can buy another ball with the winning if the balls are getting light again.Theres no telling how strong you will get over the season.You might think about holding off a few more months like after the holidays to decide on weight. This will give you more time to find out how strong you will get.
If you only want to buy one ball, make sure you are certain about your choices.You will loose carry & control with one that is too heavy.You will also get wild with one that is too light. If a ball is too heavy,you will wake up the next morning hurting & stiff. The day will be awful feeling like this. This is where 50% of the people quit.So, take your time & be sure of the weight you go up to.As you swing the ball, it will feel like 3 to every 1 pound you go up.Remember, you are just starting out.Take your time in choices & you will be rewarded with no pain.16 is max weight. But , it won't do anybody any good if you can't even throw it.
Keep it fun for now & maybe wait till the end of the season to buy a new  ball with the right weight for you with those winnings from the leagues.