Expert: - 11/23/2007

Question
I had shoulder reconstruction surgery approx. 6 months ago and have resumed bowling, with my doctor's blessing,I'm bowling OK but was wondering if i should reduce the weight of my equipment, due to fatigue after several games and the fact that I had surgery. My current equipment was purchased at 16 lbs., prior to drilling. If i switch to 14 lbs _oz. equipment (after drilling)will my "hit" suffer and if so what kind of equip. could help make up for the loss of hitting power? Current equip.: Morich,Awesome Hook(heavy oil);Columbia,Messenger Titanium (med to heavy)& Storm,Trauma Recovery(light) Bowling Style: Tweener, Stroker. Speed:slow to medium(13 mph avg)

Answer
Paul do you feel you are 100% physically?

Dropping 2 pounds is a big change. You may want to consider just a one pound drop. Any change of weight will effect your timing. The possibility of gaining ball speed with a drop in weight, is very good. As a Tweener, do you swing the ball, cover a lot of boards? due to the slower ball speed? Do you use the milder equipment more? Slower speed and strong equipment (which you have) often times dictates where you can play on the lane.

You didn't mention your average? You won't give up much in the area of hitting power. The 14 and 15lb balls, these days, contain tremendous dynamics in the cores. When drilled correctly, the cores can create tremendous effect at the pins. The ability to turn the lighter ball more and throw them harder, changes the path of your shots. You may see a different look, but you should get solid, usable reaction.

Your doctor's OK clears you to continue but if age, concern about your shoulder, other medical concerns, general physical well being motivates you to change weight, a learning curve will happen. Expect a season (at least) of experimenting and adjusting to different reactions. Good luck with the change.