Expert: Chip Aki - 9/5/2007

Question
My dad is getting older and wants a lighter ball. He wants a 13lb ball but I want to make sure all of the potential dynamics of the ball are present. Do 13lb balls have a different core then the 14, 15 and 16lb balls? If they don't then what is the cut-off weight where the core is no longer the same as the heavier ball?

Answer
Ball companies keep the dynamic properties of the ball core down to 12 pounds now.  However, the biggest change in the numbers occurs once you drop below 14#.  If he picks up some ball speed, the loss in the core may not be significant, but if he can handle a 14#, it would give him a bit more power.

Good luck,
Chip

I am getting my Dad to drop down to 14# as well, but we are considering a 13# as well.