I injured my wrist in Iraq in 2007, when I started bowling again in 2010 I dropped from 16 to 14. I've had a lot of people tell me over the years I'd have better carry, better ball motion, etc. if I switched to 15. I tried a couple times but there was too much pain, and lower scores, so I've stuck with 14 and been pretty successful. Thanks for the video!
I’m glad I watched this again. I remember commenting on how much more consistent you were with the 14lb. I’m looking at some new pieces and this will confirm my change to 14lb. I have a couple 14lb now and always feel like I throw them better.
I've recently made the jump from 15->14 when I picked up my Phaze 5 and this video is making me feel a lot better about the decision. I'm around a 210-220 house average throwing 15/16#, couple 800s, few 300s. I notice very little difference in how 14 and 15 HIT the pins. Same leaves, no deflections. I've even started throwing the ball SLOWER with the 14# than I did with 15 or 16 because it's easier to control and get off my hand correctly. Thanks for the video, been fun following this channel!
Good vid. I've been throwing 14 for a couple years now due to back issues. Saw improvements with lesser back fatigue and my ball speed. Always looking/interested in seeing vids like this. Especially in the core differences which can make two radically different balls between the two weights. Thanks Luis, keep these coming if you can.
The technology they build in today's balls is so advanced, that the weight difference isn't as big of a factor as it once was. I love my 14# weight. It allows me to bowl longer & hurt less. I do have to watch the core numbers a bit (especially with Storm gear), as can vary a lot between #14 and #15. Bowl with what feels comfortable!
They used to think a 1/2 oz of side weight was a big deal! Now I can take my thumb out, lay it on the 30 board, hang it off the right gutter and hit the pocket.
Core values would have to really differ a LOT before you could have any measurable difference. One thing I don't like about Luis's videos is that he puts way too much emphasis on cores. The core values only make for less than 10% of a balls performance with the cover stock and layout (especially the cover and cover surface) making by far the greatest effect on the ball. The differences in core values would be so slight by comparison, it would be very difficult to measure how much the core itself affected the ball differently. The difference in mass weight, by itself, would make a greater difference in performance than the core values would. The cores would have to be radically different to be noticed just by the cores themselves.
I came back to bowling after almost 20 years and used to throw 16lbs, started last Sept. in 16lbs, almost IMMEDIATELY went down to 14lbs and the transition was absolutely the right move, I don't feel like I have any disadvantages with ball weight whatsoever.
I bowl with a 15 lb ball last summer. I switched to a 14lb ball. Went back to the 15lb. I found that the 14lb ball deflected on pocket hit and shooting multi pin spares.
Thanks Luis for a great video! You explain your bowling subjects very well! I’m a 71 year old senior bowling, so the weight of my bowling balls have really made a difference in my averages. Because of just joint problems, aches and pains of getting older, I have gone to a 13lb ball vs 14lbs, but do use my 14lbs on occasion! (Versus’s 15 to 14)This one pound change, for me, has really helped, since the lighter ball allows me to be a little faster with ball speed and more accurate hitting my target! Most seniors use 14lb balls anyway, with a few using 13lb. It is really important to me to use the weight that allows me to hit the pocket well! I do bowl 200 and above, on occasion, with my 13lb balls, which is satisfying. The only big thing going from 14 to 13 for me is that the RG and differiental really change because the cores change! I have started using Motiv balls since they do not change the ball cores when you drop to 13 lb balls! Thanks again for this great video!
I'm also 71 and recently took bowling up again after 43 years off (with a few games here and there). Using a 15 lb. low flare hammer scorpion. When I throw it right, lot's of back end pop. Also use it for my spares and am finding success doing that. Wish I would have researched more prior, probably would have went with `14#. Back end speed around 12.3 mph results in more high hits than I'd like + my share of flat 7's (lefty). Having said that finding finger positioning to increase rev. rate is helping a lot, striking more recently. Have improved my average from 146 to 158 over 12 weeks. Back in the day averaged in the low 180's. Like you, arthritis all over, but the bowling seems to help my movement once I'm warmed up. With persistence, see getting back to near 170 or so next season.
Unfortunately the 12 and 13# balls don't come with the same cores as the higher weights. Most companies use a standard sym and asym core in all their 12s and 13s
Great video. I’d love to see more 14lb ball reviews. More comparison reviews like this one would be awesome as well. I’ve always thought it’s more how you release and roll the ball that makes the most difference. I’ve shot some very good series/games with a 13lb ball ( coming back from injury ). Thanks for the good information.
Great info! I'm still new to bowling and finally bought my first ball. The pro shop owner talked me into going with 14lb Storm Night Road, even though the "gifted" ball I had was a 15lb.
@@LuisNapoles I like the Night Road. My previous ball was some old 2013 high-performance ball that no one wanted. My Night Road is the first ball drilled to my hand, so it feels really nice to me.
You seemed to be more consistent with quality shots with the 14. Higher weight at the same speed and rev rate is more powerful, but if you throw faster or increase rev rate with a lighter ball it can match or surpass the higher weighted ball. I hear that the off-hits is where the heavier weight can be helpful, like taking out out the five pin. Overall, it is VERY bowler dependent.
I threw 14lb from 16 to 26, always felt fine to me, my 300s and 789 were with a 14lb reign of fire and had a high avg of 219 for 39g summer league. 15 has been good as well, definitely more carry here and there. I also think a good bowler will score high regardless of weight.
When I was around 14 years old I moved up to a 14 pound ball from a 12 pound ball. I have been comfortable with the 14 pounds so I have never bought anything heavier thinking it would ware me out faster. I don't bowl all of the time but I have been a bowler for around 30 years. :)
Great video Luis! I’ve always thrown 14 lbs and just play in a league 1x a week. Surprisingly a good amount of bowers in my league throw 14 and it isn’t just the old guys. I would like to see more comparison videos in 14 lbs as the numbers can vary depending on the ball.
I switched to 14 because I was having trouble repeating my shots and a constant pain in my elbow after bowling a few games. I should say I also added a pinky hole to take some of the pressure off my elbow as well and that also helped. I was able to throw the ball faster and with more rev rate due to the switch. What I have seen off your hand is it rolls much better and you are getting more consistent shots and pin carry with the 14. Pin carry/pin reaction really isn't any different at a lower weight from 14-16lbs.
I had been considering going down to a 14 from a 15 for a while. I finally got a new ball in a 14 and I really noticed a difference in the first game. I felt more comfortable. My back is not as good as it was when I was younger so I think this will help me to bowl more games before feeling fatigued. My son has been using 14 for a while and I have been encouraging him to keep at that weight. As soon as I don't have to keep getting my kids more balls I will get me more 14lbs.
I remember 20 years ago when dropping from 16 to 15 was the popular trend. At that time, I chose to drop down and noticed the positive differences in my game immediately. Due to not yet discovering the fountain of youth, I will drop to 14 in 5+ years.
Thanks for this video. I switched from 15lb my whole life to a 14lb zen soul 2 years ago. I don’t have anything concrete for numbers but sure feels like I am able to keep my speed up and I sure don’t see any difference in carry. I have raised my average from low 190’s to currently 207 in my league since switching. 1lb doesn’t seem like much but has sure helped my aging body
Excited to see this one! I throw 14 because it’s less fatiguing and it’s easier to keep my speed up as a 2 hander. One negative is the core specs are sometimes a lot different on 14 lb balls and most reviewers throw 15 lbs.
as a late bloomer starting bowling at 65 i went up from 13 to 14 but came back down to 12 (due to hand arthritis) and i have way more control throwing a lighter ball . i do see the change in how the ball reacts with different cores. thanks for the information and love the content.
I came back to bowling this past spring after 30 yrs away from it , I instinctively went to 14 lbs. just because I figured I wasn’t strong enough to roll 16lbs. Like I used to . I really feel like my instincts were right , and I’ve seen some science since that kinda proves that out . I’m happy with my results so far . When I quit I was averaging high 160s maybe 170. Since I’m back my avg has climbed to 180 and I feel like it will continue to climb .
Im in the same situation. I was a 194 bowler in 1990…….not bowled since…….16 pounder back then……..now, 14 pounds, but I’ve lost everything else!! Now people are averaging 220+? Unheard of back then. Anyway, watching videos to get my swing and timing back…..I feel so old!
Luis, great vid. I've been debating about going back down to 14 Lbs. I to have way too many 15 Lb equipment to just drop to 14 (which would be quite expensive). So I'm being very selective on when to venture back down. It did seem to look like you got a better release with the 14. And yes do more 14 vs 15 reviews. Its very informative. :)
I noticed you are as smooth as butter coming out of the 14lbs ball. I watch a lot of your videos and to my eye your smooth out the release of the ball.
Good stuff Luis! I had to go from 14 to 15 as I found myself flinging the 14lb balls and not rolling it. Not much better at 15, but it’s still a work in progress. 😂
the reasoning behind alot of the PROS changing to 14LBS as well is that it created more entry angle into the pocket, alot of the shots you threw with the 14LBS kept going left threw the pins. The 15LBS didnt go as left as hard. Check your Axis rotation as well between 14 and 15, i believe you created a couple more degrees of axis rotation with the 14lbs ball then when you throw your 15lbs. Great videos, keep up the great work Luis !
I notice that too…it looks like the 14 had more rotation which caused it to go further down the lane or it could be the colors playing tricks with my eyes.
I've always used 15s but recently moved up to 16s to see the difference. One thing I've noticed is my ball motion is more deliberate and smoother then with a 15. Of corse as I move up in weight people are moving down 🙄😆
Yes... 110% I would like to see you do more videos with 14lbs bowling balls; simply because I'm older now and I throw a 14lb ball. It would be nice to see the 14lb version of bowling balls that I may be interested in purchasing for my arsenal.
Timely review as I'm going to a 14lb ball. Currently I run a 15lb. but I just re-started bowling as I've not bowled in 25 years. I bought a 15lb Storm Summit on 1/3/2024 but at 65 years old, I can tell I'm not bowling like I used to at 35-40 yr. old. I used to run with 15 lb balls including the Summit. I'm now getting a 14lb. Summit Peak this coming Wed. and from what I watched on another RUclips channel regarding the exact test you're doing here, the % differences appears to be nearly negligible. But these are people that have been in the sport more than I so I'm glad you are doing this test. I'm hoping the 14lb ball from a stamina view, allows me to bowl 4 games in a row without fatigue and some pain.
I have been bowling since 1979, am 66, and 155 pounds. I throw 16 pound balls because they are more accurate and leave fewer 10 pins. When I can't throw 16 anymore I will step down. The problem with 16 pound balls is they don't stock them at pro shops anymore so the pro has to order it and wait a few days for arrival. Mr. Napoles is certainly big enough to throw 16.
@@LuisNapoles Every bowler is different. Maybe 15 is as good as 16 for most. But some bowlers do profit from throwing 16. Many of the very best bowlers I know throw 16. Coincidence?
I had thrown 15 fir a long time and I recently switched to 14 and I am very happy I have. My strength has not changed, but the technology and my years of playing have changed a lot for me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR Louis. Thank You for this video. It seemed I had a lot more room for error on shots that were a bit off, like a few of the shots you threw using15lbs when I used a 14lb ball. I also had higher ball speed. Now that I am almost 70 and combating some physical issues besides my wrist, I am seriously considering going back to 14lbs. What I like about the possibility of changing to a lower ball weight is that I could possibly increase my speed and also enhance my knee bend and height of my back swing. Another thing is that, if lowering ball weight can change the RG and Diff, is that it could have some benefits when the lanes have less oil and more friction as the night goes on during league. I am not really inclined to move in and send my ball past the third arrow and I really like to keep the ball more in front of me so I can more easily see how my ball is reacting down lane. I have purchased a couple of pearl reactives to get the ball down the lane because of my physical issues. I think going lower weight and using higher RG and lower Diff's if available might be a good thing for me at this time at my age. I used to leave a lot of nasty dirty 7 pins when I threw 14lbs, but I would rather have that leave than a ringing or flat 10. Like if was throwing 14 pounds and getting 4 Xs in a row and then 7 spare, then another 2 or 3 Xs in a row I was on my way easily to a 200 game. I was throwing 14lbs at 51 years of age and in 2006 USBC Nationals I averaged 191. My bowling balls were the Storm Shock Trauma and Brunswick Monster Bruiser. The only 2 balls I owned for practically 8 years at 14 pounds. The only tournament I bowl in is the yearly USBC Nationals and a Local Town 10 Pin No Tap Tournaments. As a kid it was bowling for Blue Chip Stamps.
For whatever it's worth, I recently went from an old 16 lb AMF Angle to a 14 lb Roto Grip Hyped and 14 lb Proton Physics. Averaging 191 in league and shot a 279 last week.
Really appreciate the video I am an older bowler and moved to a 14 pound ball about a year ago largely in hope that it might in crease my ball speed. From everything I have seen it did increase my speed by almost 2 miles per hour which has help a lot in being about to control overall ball reaction down lane. I personally would love to see more reviews of 14 pound balls as I sometimes wonder if I would get the same results as the review if I decided to try the lighter weight ball since the RG and diff would be a little different Thanks for the video it was a great help with valuable info.
I remember watching telecast long time ago when Marshal Holman hurt his hand and used maybe a 12# ball or was it 13 or 14#? But he was killing it! I wondered why he didn't just stay with the lighter ball. I saw where you mentioned 13# balls have completely different cores. But definitely going to 14#, I've been out of bowling for a few years and getting older. Getting the bug to bowl again and want to do what's right for me. Thanks!
I've rolled 14, 15 and 16 lbs. over my bowling career and I've preferred 15 lbs. since it's the most weight I'm comfortable holding, it's the most readily available weight when walking into a pro shop for a performance ball, and I find I don't leave as many 5-7, 5-6 splits on weak hits. (I'm a lefty). I don't think weight has much of a difference in ball carry considering today's core/cover tech, but I do think it made a difference back in the 70's-80's with urethane/plastic covers with low flaring pancake weight blocks. Informative vid Luis!!
I'm looking for a 14lb ball and I have 8 15lb balls drilled. I'm glad you brought up this subject. When I started bowling my first ball was 14lb. (I was 15) Moved up to 16lb at 18. Now i'm 65 and throwing 15lb but I am going to test a 14lb. Thanks for the video
I will say everyone who sees this comment! If you have taken a break from bowling and are coming back GO WITH A LOWER WEIGHT! I took a 6-7yr break from bowling and was throwing a 16lb virtual gravity nano pearl which felt amazing, I was a 180-190 average.. but yesterday May 31st I returned to bowling and bought a 15lb 900 global- eternity.. first 2 shots pocket strikes!! I also got a 4 bagger a couple games later, but as I continued to play I felt I couldn’t even feel my arm anymore! I used a lot of wrist and arm power. instead of playing loose i was having to hold the ball… I have definitely lose some muscles I use to use and need for bowling and seeing this video makes me feel I may have been a lot more comfortable dropping 2 weights going to a 14lbs instead of 15lb… the next ball I will be getting is the Storm- Summit releasing later this month and the RG and DIF are the exact same for 15lb-14lb so I’ll definitely be preordering a 14lb and seeing the difference between my 15lb eternity and the 14lb summit.. not looking for ball reaction difference but Speed, rev, and strain lol difference..
There are two points I think are important. 1. As we age, things like injuries, arthritis, and loss of muscle mass are inevitable. There are a few others as well. 2. Most PBA Pro's are bowling 40-50+ games a week. That is alot of wear and tear and 1 lbs. does make a difference. I am 50 and went from 15 lbs. to 14 lbs. years ago, and I have not noticed a difference in carry. Interestingly, my ball speed did not change much at all. It is more comfortable for me to throw a 14 vs. a 15 and comfort trumps everything in my opinion. Lastly, seems like 14 worked well for you and at the end of the day results matter not preconceived notions. Seemed like you were in more control of your body and your balance was better.
Thanks for the video. I only throw 14#. I changed from 15# about 8-9 years ago due to arthritis in the wrist. I don't notice any carry issues but do believe that my entry angle is steeper with the 14#; yours appeared more also. Your rev rate did appear higher too. Thanks again.
Due to Age (55) and injury (back & knee) I had moved down to 15 lb. to get better control. I am a high rev cranker and used to be high speed bowler, but I've had to move up on the approach dropping my ball speed from about 19 mph to under 13 mph. {I throw an arsenal of all plastic balls). A year ago I got a new ball, the KR Strikeforce Clear Rose which (at least for me) has an extremely strong back-end and a lot of hitting power, and it quickly took over as my new #1 ball. That ball happens to ONLY be available in 14.5 lbs. A few weeks ago I injured my shoulder after having to switch balls (the 15 lb. equipment felt about 30 lb. when I switched). Because of this I decided to change out my ball with 14 lb. balls, so I will move DOWN in weight when needed to change away from my #1.
Thanks for the comparison! I went up in weight from 12 lbs to 14 lbs. Although I had really good control of my ball at 12 lbs, I was getting bad pin carry too often. A LOT of ball deflection.
Outstanding video. I think that what I am seeing is that the fifteen lb ball is really good and the fourteen is even better than I thought. Will be getting the fourteen lb ball in two weeks for summer league so looks great to me
Just what I was looking for. Getting back into bowling after about 7 years. Been throwing 15lbs forever, but after my first outing, the next couple days I could really feel my hand and wrist were sore. Started to get wrist pain into the third frame also. I’m sure some of it was bc my fingers weren’t lining up perfectly from an old handprint, but some of it had to do with the fatigue I was experiencing throwing the 15lb all night. After I was done, the thought of getting a new ball in 14 crossed heavily on my mind. All in all, nothing replaces a well positioned shit. Great info!
Your comment on speed is spot on. I went from 16 to 14 for a short while due to an elbow injury, and there was very little speed difference. I throw 16 to 18 mph normally, and switching to 14 resulted in the same range. Speed comes more or less from conscious effort in increasing the speed of your footwork and/or changing your swing. In your video notice switching to 14 lbs. increased neither your backswing nor the speed of your footwork -- thus the minor change in speed. Now if you switched to an 8 lbs. ball...
As an older person I use an 8 lb ball and I love it. I have no shoulder pain now or back pain or neck pain now. Bowling is fun for me and that is enough for me. Plus, I do not have to worry about wear and tear on my shoulder the more I bowl if used a bowling ball twice the weight I currently use.
This was a very good comparison my PSO thinks I should shift from 14 to 15 with my modified thumbless approach but I feel comfortable with 14 and I have 1 15 pound ball to just dip my feet in.
Back in the 1960s and 1970s PBA Hall of Famer Dave Davis used a 14 lb. ball off and on throughout his career. This lefty’s reasoning was that the lighter ball let him swing the ball more freely and to speed up when he needed to. He also tended to leave a lot of 6-8 splits and he thought the lighter ball helped him to leave that less often. This guy was really good, and he won a lot of money using 16lbs. as well. Around the same time there was a pro bowler and coach named Bill Bunetta who experimented with balls as light as 13 lbs. Bunetta claimed that the lighter ball produced more wall shots and trip four strikes, but performed at its worst on half pocket hits, resulting in more 5-7 and 8-10 splits. This all makes sense to me, taking into consideration the rubber balls that most pros were using at the time. Nowadays I feel that a stroker would be better off using the heaviest ball that is comfortable, because of the lower entry angle that shot will generally produce. A bowler with more hand has a lot more in the way of choice, because of the higher rev rate and greater entry angle. Ball speed obviously matters here, so that might factor into a bowler’s choice of weight. Personally, I roll a 16 lb. ball at almost exactly the same speed as a 14, and being a stroker, would use the heavier ball as long as it suited the conditions I am rolling on.
Those are some excellent points. I'm 64 and returning after a 20 year layoff. I'm a LH stroker and roll it like Earl Anthony without Ear's talent. My speed is about 12.5 with a 14# or 15#. I'm using 14# now, but I have a couple of 15# balls from the past. I didn't have pain issues with the 15#, but I need to bowl more games with it to see if that does become a problem. I have no plans of bowling more than 3 or 4 games at a time, so there may not be any physical issues from using a 15# like there could be from bowling 6 or 8 game blocks. The extra weight could help me offset the lack of revs and power. Regardless of ball weight, my biggest issue in my return is weak legs especially in the quads. I need to work on that issue first and foremost.
@@carlchilders4813 The decision to use an older 15# ball may hinge upon just how old it is. If it’s something like an AMF Angle or a Columbia U-Dot, it’s probably not worth it because balls that old don’t have a large, deep weight block, just a thin pancake block underneath the label. The newer balls with the big blocks are a lot better at carrying the pins. It’s usually easy to tell if a ball has a modern weight block-there will be a prominent round “pin” usually located 2-6” from the center of gravity mark. If there’s no pin then you’re probably dealing with an older ball that’s not worth using. Balls like that were okay back in the 80s and 90s when they were only putting a thimble full of oil on the lanes. Nowadays they’re putting more like a shot glass full, and those older balls just can’t cut it. If you work with your pro shop operator he or she can drill you something 14# that will be more effective than even an outdated 16# ball. Recently I’ve had to go down to 14# because of arthritis in my thumb and wrist, and I’ve also had to change my grip. I drill my own stuff so it doesn’t cost me a lot to experiment. The grip I’m using is a short semi-fingertip. It’s so short it’s practically a long conventional. This grip takes a lot of the pressure off my thumb and wrist and my carry is still pretty decent. At my age of 67 I doubt if I’d ever be able to go back to a heavier ball and a full fingertip grip. You can still enjoy the game without risking injury even if you have to go down to a 12 or 13# ball. Good luck, and I’m glad to hear that you’re getting back into the sport again!
@@lumberlikwidator8863 Thank you for the helpful and informative reply. I agree 100% about the older equipment. I didn't clarify in my comment that the balls would be modern whether they are 14# or 15#. People tell me the same thing about the oil amount, and I believe them, but I'm able to hook the ball with no problem due to my lower ball speed than before. I wasn't a hard thrower then, but it's definitely sloer now. Even a Purple Hammer hooks a lot for me. I picked up a Hammer 78D, which is supposed to be for pros on tough conditions, but it floats up nice to the pocket to me. It's not powerful, but I like the control. The NU Blue is a good ball for me. My favorite Reactive ball so far is the Hammer Scorpion Low Flare. I'm not the typical bowler in today's game, but that's okay. It appears that balls labeled Smooth Arc, or Strong Arc, seem to be the best for me. I got a good deal from my PSO on a used 14# Black Widow 3.0. I have a ball spinner so I've resurfaced it and took it to P5000D and polished it. It's almost too pretty to use LOL. I would probably have no chance to keep it in the pocket at the original surface. I may not be able to do it now, but it will fun to try.
@@carlchilders4813 Those sound like good choices to me. With today’s equipment you don’t need to throw it 20 mph to knock a lot of pins down. Good luck!
This is exactly what I have found to be true. I have both 14 and 15 pound balls. My ball speed rarely changes but the rev rate goes up so most balls become more responsive on the backend. I have found very little difference in pin carry. Good shots carry and bad shots don’t. 14 pound balls move me left faster than I like.
That's what I've noticed as well w 14lbs. Speed stays the same, timing is a bit better but rev rate goes up. As a coach in training. Do what works for you. Know your game and tailor it. Good luck out there!
I just picked up a 14 lb DNA and IQ Ruby. I've been thinking about going from 15 to 14 for a while. I'll see how it goes after they are drilled up. In my opinion, it looks like the 14 lb comes off of your hand really well.
Following your instructions; I expected to see you visibly throw the 14 faster… which means I thought I would see it shape less. But the 14 looks good so far at 06:38 in.
I have talked with several bowlers who think they are less than what they were, because they have had to drop ball weight. I think 15 is the norm these days. I threw 16 for years, then met Mo Pinel around 2014. He spent some time with me and was adamant that I was dropping from 16 to 15. He measured me up, and decreased my span about 2 inches. Also tightened up my thumb. I don’t feel like I’ve struggled at all with the weight loss, basically because the cores are so good. If in several years I need to drop to 14, I really don’t think I’ll have any problems with it. From watching you throw, I could see how you could have an easier time making adjustments, and coming around the ball a bit easier. As usual, another interesting video. You throw a very consistent shot. I’m interested in your league average? Thanks 🙏
After a 18 year layoff, I started back with 16 lbs but dropped to 15 very quickly. After half of a league of bowling the arthritis in my hand required me to drop to 14. Honestly, I carry better at 14 lbs because the entry angle is different due to increase in rev rate. 10 pins have dropped significantly with the change. I will say that solid covers carry even better with the lighter weight. I have the Innovator pearl and solid and the solid is smoother and crushes on the house shot.
I definitely switched from 15 to 14 6 yrs ago because of the stress of my wrist because i loft the ball but i didnt feel no difference in ball profromance and I love 14 alot better but I believe it's what a person is more comfortable with that 14 really looked good coming off your hand speed is alot faster as well.
I play 14lb equipment. I really want to add a Hy-Road to my arsenal, but the 14lb Hy-road numbers are so drastically different compared to the 15lb version. If you would be willing to compare those two, that would be fantastic.
Recently changed from 14 to 15 pounds as a two hander for a couple of reasons. Was very rev dominant and was hoping with the change I would see lower revs with no change in ball speed and move closer to being matched up. This has worked out for me. The 2nd was so I could drill two GOAT balls (Hy-road and purple hammer) which have significant differences from 14 to 15 lbs.
I went from 15 to 14 last year and I'm not gonna lie. If I changed a decade ago, I would have AT LEAST cashed in a regional. 14 feels better, I can get more power, I can get better timing, and most importantly WAY less pain. Been averaging about 195 with 14 lbs just joking around and with VERY limited equipment (pretty much a bunch of aggressive asym stuff). I'm very glad Luis did this, and once my bag is set and once I master throwing the ball thumbless, I'll be WAY better than I used to be. Let's go.
Paused at 6:35 - I wasn't expecting too much of a difference between 14 and 15 pounds. I switched from 16 to 15 pounds about 17 years ago when i started throwing more tournaments and I was looking to to be more consistent across longer formats than a 3 game league night.
I watched it to the end... I didn't post any comments until the 2nd time of watching this review. I am not surprised the speed and revs were a little faster and that there was a feel of more control of the 14 lb ball. I'm not sure how much of a benefit it would be to do ball reviews with 2 different ball weights. To the viewers, it looks the same, but to you (throwing the ball) there is definitely a difference with the feel. Good job. I think questions were answered with this one.
@LuisNapoles I understand. The feel is the most important part. If you have more control with 14 pounds and it pretty much goes through the pins the same way as 15 pounds, then switching would make sense. I think drilling the ball a little different to compensate for the RG / Differential differences is all that would be needed.
Great video! I’ve always bowled with 14lbs. and I’ve often wondered what the difference would be going up. I’m glad you demonstrated that I’m not missing anything by not moving up, I’ll never wonder again.
Went from 15 to 14 lbs. 6 months ago. I expected to be throwing the ball a bit faster and that happened. I expected the carry to be decreased and that did not happen! Since force = mass x velocity squared, the increased speed made up for the 1 lb lighter ball. The giant surprise was with the lighter ball, I have more control and throwing the ball more consistency. So what I may lose in hitting power, I gain in better ball control and better shots. Average is up 5 pins.
I switched to 14 more than 25 years ago, when the balls got stronger on the shorter oil patterns. My speed and rev rate increased , stamina over a long haul increased, and less wear & tear on my thumb & fingers. With a rev rate close to 480, and speed around 18 - 19, I was able to keep tighter angles to the pocket for a longer period of time. It sure made a heck of a difference.
Started back bowling after 10 years and several surgeries to my bowling arm and neck. Went to 14 from 15, since all my 15lb stuff was old. I was disappointed in my carry. The ball pretty much hooks like it always did for me, but I simply could not carry. It was a running joke that I'd leave the entire back row throughout the night. One night, they were just hooking a bit much, or maybe I was too tired, but I went to the one 15lb I had to fill out the back, a Hammer Jigsaw Trap. It was the last 15lb ball I bought before I stopped years ago. Never liked it. But it doesn't hook that much now. Carried everything. I still kept starting off with the 14lb balls, but kept switching to that Jigsaw earlier and earlier, till I finally just gave my 14lbs to my son and went and drilled a new 15lb ball and switched back. I thought there wouldn't be much difference, and I LOVED how much easier it was to throw the 14lbs...It was like going from 16 to 15 back in the 90's. But the carry just wasn't there for me. I still have one of them, might try it some more to see if it will start carrying now that I'm bowling more like I used to.
Started in 16, went down to 14 for speed and control but I kept noticing my higher revs and ball speed weren’t matching my game lol. So I went up to 15 and loving it so far. Still have high revs but my speed is perfect without having to purposely slow down. No honor scores in 15lbs yet but getting close!!
I changed to 14 lb a few years ago due to hand / finger surgery (twice). I find I can get a bit more on the 14 lbs balls and throw with more speed. Carry is similar but I leave more back row pins (7, 8, 9, and 10) with 14 lb. than I used to with 15 lb balls.
So as someone who has started getting some lower back pain. I made the switch to 14. Here is what I’ve seen for the first 10 days of being in a 14 I feel like there have been a few times that it was a good shot that didn’t carry the corner but for the most part very little change in carry. Speed is up, Revs are up but I have noticed I’ve left a lot of splits I think the 15 just happens to knock a pin or 2 down to save me from the split and the 14 doesn’t seem to do that. Just my experience with the 14 lb so far.
There is a bowling book written called Bowling Beyond The Basics. It discusses this very thing and the advantages of throwing 14lb vs. 15lb equipment. It's a good read. In saying that, I switched to 14lbs years ago because of my shoulder issues.
I can tell you my thoughts as for years i was always a 15lb bowler but being a detailed guy i was feeling the ball was manipulating my arm more then i feel it should. So after doing research and determining that the power hitting between the 2 weights were not enough to stop me from trying 14 lb. I actually tried a friends 14lb ball and instantly fell in love with it as it gave me the control of the ball more and allowed me more versatility in my game because now i could do what ever i wanted with the ball. For example if i was missing high it was an easy adjustment because without changing lines i just added 1/2 to 1mph speed and it fixed going high. summary going to a lighter ball gave me more versatility because i had more control without sacrificing hitting power. Going lighter also improved my accuracy which rose my scores also. I would say i was 20% higher in hitting my target.
I haven’t gotten a ball in at least 6 years and was looking at getting a new one since all my old balls need the weight hole filled anyway. Always just figured I would get another 15 since all my others are 15. Might look into 14 even though I have no pain while bowling of any sort.
What I notice is that your timing is slightly better with the 14lb ball and the reaction shows this. This is because at the top of your back swing you pull up the ball, less weight will make a difference of how fast this happens. With your comment about your down swing feeling faster the weight should have nothing to do with it as gravity acts the same on both balls, this means that your pushing the ball and in my opinion this leads back to your timing. A good test would to not be switching balls as often to get your swing feeling more natural with the new weight. Good video.
I started out with a 16# ball, playing down and in. Once I got into challenge shots, I went to 15#. I noticed that I wasn't really warming up until way into the 1st game, that is when I switched to 14# - to warm up faster and have better accuracy.
Thanks for the video. As I'm getting older dealing with knee issues I've been considering 14lbs to help increase ball speed, but it seems there wasn't much difference for you.
Soon to be 68yo. Ave. 210, 210, and 212 throwing 15#. Spent the entire week as a volunteer at the Masters and heard Bill O'Niel is redrilling 15# while Tom Smallwood had a great tournament with 14#. I'm thinking my last year at 15 is coming but it's an age thing and with technology for me personally 14# will be fine.
I am a large man I would like for you do do the magic gem at 14 lbs. From 15 to 14 my 14 magic gem had much much more angle. I would love to see that review.
Big dog.! Your form and accuracy was better with 14 I have been researching this as well like you I have a lot of 15 but I will start changing to 14. More consistent to repeat shots.
Great comparison. I throw both 14 and 15 and haven’t noticed any carry differences. I threw 16lbs with high ball speed for many years and my carry increased when I dropped to 15 lbs since I wasn’t blowing pins back as quickly. I am of the opinion that carry decreases for ball weights below 14lbs.
I’m changing to 20lb
Luis should pin this. haha
I love this comment 😂 I’d love to try this with you!
I'd go 25lb. Be like the tool man, MORE POWER!
lol , this guy!
@@jl4560 25 I'm pretty sure it will hit worse
I injured my wrist in Iraq in 2007, when I started bowling again in 2010 I dropped from 16 to 14. I've had a lot of people tell me over the years I'd have better carry, better ball motion, etc. if I switched to 15. I tried a couple times but there was too much pain, and lower scores, so I've stuck with 14 and been pretty successful. Thanks for the video!
if its comfortable than stick with it!
I’m glad I watched this again. I remember commenting on how much more consistent you were with the 14lb. I’m looking at some new pieces and this will confirm my change to 14lb. I have a couple 14lb now and always feel like I throw them better.
I've recently made the jump from 15->14 when I picked up my Phaze 5 and this video is making me feel a lot better about the decision. I'm around a 210-220 house average throwing 15/16#, couple 800s, few 300s. I notice very little difference in how 14 and 15 HIT the pins. Same leaves, no deflections. I've even started throwing the ball SLOWER with the 14# than I did with 15 or 16 because it's easier to control and get off my hand correctly.
Thanks for the video, been fun following this channel!
Thanks so much!
Good vid. I've been throwing 14 for a couple years now due to back issues. Saw improvements with lesser back fatigue and my ball speed. Always looking/interested in seeing vids like this. Especially in the core differences which can make two radically different balls between the two weights. Thanks Luis, keep these coming if you can.
Thanks! def will
The technology they build in today's balls is so advanced, that the weight difference isn't as big of a factor as it once was. I love my 14# weight. It allows me to bowl longer & hurt less.
I do have to watch the core numbers a bit (especially with Storm gear), as can vary a lot between #14 and #15.
Bowl with what feels comfortable!
They used to think a 1/2 oz of side weight was a big deal! Now I can take my thumb out, lay it on the 30 board, hang it off the right gutter and hit the pocket.
The difference is 14lb has the scientific best balance between drive and deflection,15lb was always a useless burden of a wasted pound
Core values would have to really differ a LOT before you could have any measurable difference. One thing I don't like about Luis's videos is that he puts way too much emphasis on cores. The core values only make for less than 10% of a balls performance with the cover stock and layout (especially the cover and cover surface) making by far the greatest effect on the ball. The differences in core values would be so slight by comparison, it would be very difficult to measure how much the core itself affected the ball differently. The difference in mass weight, by itself, would make a greater difference in performance than the core values would. The cores would have to be radically different to be noticed just by the cores themselves.
AGREED!
I would like to see this experiment continues, interested in the results over bigger sample sizes
yea def gonna make that happen!
I came back to bowling after almost 20 years and used to throw 16lbs, started last Sept. in 16lbs, almost IMMEDIATELY went down to 14lbs and the transition was absolutely the right move, I don't feel like I have any disadvantages with ball weight whatsoever.
So funny because I just came back to bowling as a hobby after two decades and I now only throw 14s and used to exclusively threw 16 also.
I used to bowl with 16 and I came back and have 15lb now
I bowl with a 15 lb ball last summer. I switched to a 14lb ball. Went back to the 15lb. I found that the 14lb ball deflected on pocket hit and shooting multi pin spares.
I throw 14, 15 and 16 pounds doesn't make any difference to me.
I do prefer 16 pounds because of how it drives through the pins.
Thanks Luis for a great video! You explain your bowling subjects very well! I’m a 71 year old senior bowling, so the weight of my bowling balls have really made a difference in my averages. Because of just joint problems, aches and pains of getting older, I have gone to a 13lb ball vs 14lbs, but do use my 14lbs on occasion! (Versus’s 15 to 14)This one pound change, for me, has really helped, since the lighter ball allows me to be a little faster with ball speed and more accurate hitting my target! Most seniors use 14lb balls anyway, with a few using 13lb. It is really important to me to use the weight that allows me to hit the pocket well! I do bowl 200 and above, on occasion, with my 13lb balls, which is satisfying. The only big thing going from 14 to 13 for me is that the RG and differiental really change because the cores change! I have started using Motiv balls since they do not change the ball cores when you drop to 13 lb balls! Thanks again for this great video!
Thanks!
I'm also 71 and recently took bowling up again after 43 years off (with a few games here and there). Using a 15 lb. low flare hammer scorpion. When I throw it right, lot's of back end pop. Also use it for my spares and am finding success doing that. Wish I would have researched more prior, probably would have went with `14#. Back end speed around 12.3 mph results in more high hits than I'd like + my share of flat 7's (lefty). Having said that finding finger positioning to increase rev. rate is helping a lot, striking more recently. Have improved my average from 146 to 158 over 12 weeks. Back in the day averaged in the low 180's. Like you, arthritis all over, but the bowling seems to help my movement once I'm warmed up. With persistence, see getting back to near 170 or so next season.
would love to see a 12 lb comparison for those with injuries or our aging bowlers. Thanks for the vids
Unfortunately the 12 and 13# balls don't come with the same cores as the higher weights. Most companies use a standard sym and asym core in all their 12s and 13s
I had to make that change and it kept me bowling but my scores really suffered.
ill try and make that happen!
Great video. I’d love to see more 14lb ball reviews. More comparison reviews like this one would be awesome as well. I’ve always thought it’s more how you release and roll the ball that makes the most difference. I’ve shot some very good series/games with a 13lb ball ( coming back from injury ). Thanks for the good information.
I wish I could drill more 14 lb stuff for videos
Great info! I'm still new to bowling and finally bought my first ball. The pro shop owner talked me into going with 14lb Storm Night Road, even though the "gifted" ball I had was a 15lb.
How do you like them??
@@LuisNapoles I like the Night Road. My previous ball was some old 2013 high-performance ball that no one wanted. My Night Road is the first ball drilled to my hand, so it feels really nice to me.
You seemed to be more consistent with quality shots with the 14. Higher weight at the same speed and rev rate is more powerful, but if you throw faster or increase rev rate with a lighter ball it can match or surpass the higher weighted ball. I hear that the off-hits is where the heavier weight can be helpful, like taking out out the five pin. Overall, it is VERY bowler dependent.
14 was executed better IMO
I threw 14lb from 16 to 26, always felt fine to me, my 300s and 789 were with a 14lb reign of fire and had a high avg of 219 for 39g summer league. 15 has been good as well, definitely more carry here and there. I also think a good bowler will score high regardless of weight.
thats prob truer!
When I was around 14 years old I moved up to a 14 pound ball from a 12 pound ball. I have been comfortable with the 14 pounds so I have never bought anything heavier thinking it would ware me out faster. I don't bowl all of the time but I have been a bowler for around 30 years. :)
Great video Luis! I’ve always thrown 14 lbs and just play in a league 1x a week. Surprisingly a good amount of bowers in my league throw 14 and it isn’t just the old guys. I would like to see more comparison videos in 14 lbs as the numbers can vary depending on the ball.
Thanks!
I switched to 14 because I was having trouble repeating my shots and a constant pain in my elbow after bowling a few games. I should say I also added a pinky hole to take some of the pressure off my elbow as well and that also helped. I was able to throw the ball faster and with more rev rate due to the switch. What I have seen off your hand is it rolls much better and you are getting more consistent shots and pin carry with the 14. Pin carry/pin reaction really isn't any different at a lower weight from 14-16lbs.
I felt better in 14
I had been considering going down to a 14 from a 15 for a while. I finally got a new ball in a 14 and I really noticed a difference in the first game. I felt more comfortable. My back is not as good as it was when I was younger so I think this will help me to bowl more games before feeling fatigued. My son has been using 14 for a while and I have been encouraging him to keep at that weight. As soon as I don't have to keep getting my kids more balls I will get me more 14lbs.
def try it!
I throw 14 for about 6 years now. Some of the best consistant reaction and carry ive ever had. Like you said Lou it does have more pop
maybe I'll drill some more 14
I remember 20 years ago when dropping from 16 to 15 was the popular trend. At that time, I chose to drop down and noticed the positive differences in my game immediately. Due to not yet discovering the fountain of youth, I will drop to 14 in 5+ years.
you'll love it!
I felt like you threw it better with the 14.Seemed to have better control and a more consistent release.
agreed!
Thanks for this video. I switched from 15lb my whole life to a 14lb zen soul 2 years ago. I don’t have anything concrete for numbers but sure feels like I am able to keep my speed up and I sure don’t see any difference in carry. I have raised my average from low 190’s to currently 207 in my league since switching. 1lb doesn’t seem like much but has sure helped my aging body
Thanks!
Excited to see this one! I throw 14 because it’s less fatiguing and it’s easier to keep my speed up as a 2 hander. One negative is the core specs are sometimes a lot different on 14 lb balls and most reviewers throw 15 lbs.
I was going to say the same thing and I am also a 2 hander
I throw 14lbs as a 2 hander as well.
Yep I def saw some big time core spec differences. I went with a 14 lb Phaze II and really like it.
Hope you enjoyed the video!
as a late bloomer starting bowling at 65 i went up from 13 to 14 but came back down to 12 (due to hand arthritis) and i have way more control throwing a lighter ball . i do see the change in how the ball reacts with different cores. thanks for the information and love the content.
control is everything!
I just changed 15-14 recently and i really like the change im seeing. Helps execution and fatigue alot.
I want to change but thats to expensive haha
I came back to bowling this past spring after 30 yrs away from it , I instinctively went to 14 lbs. just because I figured I wasn’t strong enough to roll 16lbs. Like I used to . I really feel like my instincts were right , and I’ve seen some science since that kinda proves that out . I’m happy with my results so far . When I quit I was averaging high 160s maybe 170. Since I’m back my avg has climbed to 180 and I feel like it will continue to climb .
yea these days no need at all to throw 16
Im in the same situation. I was a 194 bowler in 1990…….not bowled since…….16 pounder back then……..now, 14 pounds, but I’ve lost everything else!! Now people are averaging 220+? Unheard of back then. Anyway, watching videos to get my swing and timing back…..I feel so old!
Good stuff. Can't believe I missed this video. I hope to see Luis in the comments like the old days. Congrats on 32K subs
Yea I’m back in the comments 100%
Luis, great vid. I've been debating about going back down to 14 Lbs. I to have way too many 15 Lb equipment to just drop to 14 (which would be quite expensive). So I'm being very selective on when to venture back down. It did seem to look like you got a better release with the 14. And yes do more 14 vs 15 reviews. Its very informative. :)
Definitely try it!
I noticed you are as smooth as butter coming out of the 14lbs ball. I watch a lot of your videos and to my eye your smooth out the release of the ball.
I noticed that as well!
Good stuff Luis! I had to go from 14 to 15 as I found myself flinging the 14lb balls and not rolling it. Not much better at 15, but it’s still a work in progress. 😂
Always a work in progress!
This was a good and interesting vid Luis! I like very much. I would like to see more comparisons with other balls like this one. Thanks. 🤙🏿🤙🏿🤙🏿💯💯
I def wanna do that
the reasoning behind alot of the PROS changing to 14LBS as well is that it created more entry angle into the pocket, alot of the shots you threw with the 14LBS kept going left threw the pins. The 15LBS didnt go as left as hard. Check your Axis rotation as well between 14 and 15, i believe you created a couple more degrees of axis rotation with the 14lbs ball then when you throw your 15lbs. Great videos, keep up the great work Luis !
I notice that too…it looks like the 14 had more rotation which caused it to go further down the lane or it could be the colors playing tricks with my eyes.
yea I noticed that also. 14 was DRIVING
Your release was much smoother/quieter with the 14 vs the 15. You can tell when the ball hits the lane surface.
Great Job.
PM
Thanks!
I've always used 15s but recently moved up to 16s to see the difference. One thing I've noticed is my ball motion is more deliberate and smoother then with a 15. Of corse as I move up in weight people are moving down 🙄😆
I know that feeling 😂
@@LuisNapoles 😂
Same I’m moving up from 14 lbs to 15lbs to get more pin-action and power through the pocket.
Yes... 110% I would like to see you do more videos with 14lbs bowling balls; simply because I'm older now and I throw a 14lb ball. It would be nice to see the 14lb version of bowling balls that I may be interested in purchasing for my arsenal.
ordered a 14 pound eternity on monday! loved seeing this today! looks like it rolled smoother, super excited! Great video!
I hope you love it!
Timely review as I'm going to a 14lb ball. Currently I run a 15lb. but I just re-started bowling as I've not bowled in 25 years. I bought a 15lb Storm Summit on 1/3/2024 but at 65 years old, I can tell I'm not bowling like I used to at 35-40 yr. old. I used to run with 15 lb balls including the Summit. I'm now getting a 14lb. Summit Peak this coming Wed. and from what I watched on another RUclips channel regarding the exact test you're doing here, the % differences appears to be nearly negligible. But these are people that have been in the sport more than I so I'm glad you are doing this test. I'm hoping the 14lb ball from a stamina view, allows me to bowl 4 games in a row without fatigue and some pain.
Excellent video. Everything I thought the differences would be, you showed it in the video. I'm gonna stay with 15 pounds for now as well.
Thanks for that!
I have been bowling since 1979, am 66, and 155 pounds. I throw 16 pound balls because they are more accurate and leave fewer 10 pins. When I can't throw 16 anymore I will step down.
The problem with 16 pound balls is they don't stock them at pro shops anymore so the pro has to order it and wait a few days for arrival.
Mr. Napoles is certainly big enough to throw 16.
no need to throw 16 anymore. Its been proven scientifically that there's no carry increase
@@LuisNapoles Every bowler is different. Maybe 15 is as good as 16 for most. But some bowlers do profit from throwing 16. Many of the very best bowlers I know throw 16. Coincidence?
@@drwisdom1 Dr Wisdom >>>>>> you're full of do do
I had thrown 15 fir a long time and I recently switched to 14 and I am very happy I have. My strength has not changed, but the technology and my years of playing have changed a lot for me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR Louis. Thank You for this video. It seemed I had a lot more room for error on shots that were a bit off, like a few of the shots you threw using15lbs when I used a 14lb ball. I also had higher ball speed. Now that I am almost 70 and combating some physical issues besides my wrist, I am seriously considering going back to 14lbs. What I like about the possibility of changing to a lower ball weight is that I could possibly increase my speed and also enhance my knee bend and height of my back swing. Another thing is that, if lowering ball weight can change the RG and Diff, is that it could have some benefits when the lanes have less oil and more friction as the night goes on during league. I am not really inclined to move in and send my ball past the third arrow and I really like to keep the ball more in front of me so I can more easily see how my ball is reacting down lane. I have purchased a couple of pearl reactives to get the ball down the lane because of my physical issues. I think going lower weight and using higher RG and lower Diff's if available might be a good thing for me at this time at my age. I used to leave a lot of nasty dirty 7 pins when I threw 14lbs, but I would rather have that leave than a ringing or flat 10. Like if was throwing 14 pounds and getting 4 Xs in a row and then 7 spare, then another 2 or 3 Xs in a row I was on my way easily to a 200 game. I was throwing 14lbs at 51 years of age and in 2006 USBC Nationals I averaged 191. My bowling balls were the Storm Shock Trauma and Brunswick Monster Bruiser. The only 2 balls I owned for practically 8 years at 14 pounds. The only tournament I bowl in is the yearly USBC Nationals and a Local Town 10 Pin No Tap Tournaments. As a kid it was bowling for Blue Chip Stamps.
Thanks!! Same to you!
For whatever it's worth, I recently went from an old 16 lb AMF Angle to a 14 lb Roto Grip Hyped and 14 lb Proton Physics. Averaging 191 in league and shot a 279 last week.
thats awesome!
Really appreciate the video I am an older bowler and moved to a 14 pound ball about a year ago largely in hope that it might in crease my ball speed. From everything I have seen it did increase my speed by almost 2 miles per hour which has help a lot in being about to control overall ball reaction down lane. I personally would love to see more reviews of 14 pound balls as I sometimes wonder if I would get the same results as the review if I decided to try the lighter weight ball since the RG and diff would be a little different Thanks for the video it was a great help with valuable info.
most important is to use what's comfortable for YOU
I remember watching telecast long time ago when Marshal Holman hurt his hand and used maybe a 12# ball or was it 13 or 14#? But he was killing it! I wondered why he didn't just stay with the lighter ball. I saw where you mentioned 13# balls have completely different cores. But definitely going to 14#, I've been out of bowling for a few years and getting older. Getting the bug to bowl again and want to do what's right for me. Thanks!
I've rolled 14, 15 and 16 lbs. over my bowling career and I've preferred 15 lbs. since it's the most weight I'm comfortable holding, it's the most readily available weight when walking into a pro shop for a performance ball, and I find I don't leave as many 5-7, 5-6 splits on weak hits. (I'm a lefty). I don't think weight has much of a difference in ball carry considering today's core/cover tech, but I do think it made a difference back in the 70's-80's with urethane/plastic covers with low flaring pancake weight blocks. Informative vid Luis!!
Thanks!
I'm looking for a 14lb ball and I have 8 15lb balls drilled. I'm glad you brought up this subject. When I started bowling my first ball was 14lb. (I was 15) Moved up to 16lb at 18. Now i'm 65 and throwing 15lb but I am going to test a 14lb. Thanks for the video
try your favorite 15 ball in 14 to see!
I will say everyone who sees this comment! If you have taken a break from bowling and are coming back GO WITH A LOWER WEIGHT!
I took a 6-7yr break from bowling and was throwing a 16lb virtual gravity nano pearl which felt amazing, I was a 180-190 average.. but yesterday May 31st I returned to bowling and bought a 15lb 900 global- eternity.. first 2 shots pocket strikes!! I also got a 4 bagger a couple games later, but as I continued to play I felt I couldn’t even feel my arm anymore! I used a lot of wrist and arm power. instead of playing loose i was having to hold the ball… I have definitely lose some muscles I use to use and need for bowling and seeing this video makes me feel I may have been a lot more comfortable dropping 2 weights going to a 14lbs instead of 15lb…
the next ball I will be getting is the Storm- Summit releasing later this month and the RG and DIF are the exact same for 15lb-14lb so I’ll definitely be preordering a 14lb and seeing the difference between my 15lb eternity and the 14lb summit.. not looking for ball reaction difference but Speed, rev, and strain lol difference..
I can agree with this !
There are two points I think are important.
1. As we age, things like injuries, arthritis, and loss of muscle mass are inevitable. There are a few others as well.
2. Most PBA Pro's are bowling 40-50+ games a week. That is alot of wear and tear and 1 lbs. does make a difference.
I am 50 and went from 15 lbs. to 14 lbs. years ago, and I have not noticed a difference in carry. Interestingly, my ball speed did not change much at all.
It is more comfortable for me to throw a 14 vs. a 15 and comfort trumps everything in my opinion.
Lastly, seems like 14 worked well for you and at the end of the day results matter not preconceived notions. Seemed like you were in more control of your body and your balance was better.
agreed!
Luis, can you do a ball video using one of those green dinosaurs in the background. Personally, I would be on the floor laughing until I cried.
lol lets make it happen!
Thanks for the video. I only throw 14#. I changed from 15# about 8-9 years ago due to arthritis in the wrist. I don't notice any carry issues but do believe that my entry angle is steeper with the 14#; yours appeared more also. Your rev rate did appear higher too. Thanks again.
Thanks!
I bought a new middle-of-a-bag ball this week @ 14 Lb 4 oz. About a full pound lighter and so far I really like it! Glad I made the move.
That is awesome!
Due to Age (55) and injury (back & knee) I had moved down to 15 lb. to get better control. I am a high rev cranker and used to be high speed bowler, but I've had to move up on the approach dropping my ball speed from about 19 mph to under 13 mph. {I throw an arsenal of all plastic balls).
A year ago I got a new ball, the KR Strikeforce Clear Rose which (at least for me) has an extremely strong back-end and a lot of hitting power, and it quickly took over as my new #1 ball. That ball happens to ONLY be available in 14.5 lbs.
A few weeks ago I injured my shoulder after having to switch balls (the 15 lb. equipment felt about 30 lb. when I switched). Because of this I decided to change out my ball with 14 lb. balls, so I will move DOWN in weight when needed to change away from my #1.
I hear that!
Thanks for the comparison! I went up in weight from 12 lbs to 14 lbs. Although I had really good control of my ball at 12 lbs, I was getting bad pin carry too often. A LOT of ball deflection.
I haven't tried those lower weights like that
Outstanding video. I think that what I am seeing is that the fifteen lb ball is really good and the fourteen is even better than I thought. Will be getting the fourteen lb ball in two weeks for summer league so looks great to me
Yea I was surprised as well!
Just what I was looking for. Getting back into bowling after about 7 years. Been throwing 15lbs forever, but after my first outing, the next couple days I could really feel my hand and wrist were sore. Started to get wrist pain into the third frame also. I’m sure some of it was bc my fingers weren’t lining up perfectly from an old handprint, but some of it had to do with the fatigue I was experiencing throwing the 15lb all night. After I was done, the thought of getting a new ball in 14 crossed heavily on my mind. All in all, nothing replaces a well positioned shit. Great info!
Thanks for sharing this! Yea no need to jump to 15 if you’re not ready for it!
Your comment on speed is spot on. I went from 16 to 14 for a short while due to an elbow injury, and there was very little speed difference. I throw 16 to 18 mph normally, and switching to 14 resulted in the same range. Speed comes more or less from conscious effort in increasing the speed of your footwork and/or changing your swing. In your video notice switching to 14 lbs. increased neither your backswing nor the speed of your footwork -- thus the minor change in speed. Now if you switched to an 8 lbs. ball...
I wanna try larger differences in weights to see
As an older person I use an 8 lb ball and I love it.
I have no shoulder pain now or back pain or neck pain now.
Bowling is fun for me and that is enough for me.
Plus, I do not have to worry about wear and tear on my shoulder
the more I bowl if used a bowling ball twice the weight I currently use.
That’s all that matters!!
I worked up to 14. Then went to 15 but it started tearing up my shoulder too much. so back to the 14 and loving it.
Better to be bowling than not!
I dropped from 14# to 13# in mid October & it was the best decision I've ever made. Strike more than I have in a long time. Still averaging over 200.
lets go!
This was a very good comparison my PSO thinks I should shift from 14 to 15 with my modified thumbless approach but I feel comfortable with 14 and I have 1 15 pound ball to just dip my feet in.
If youre comfortable then dont switch!
Back in the 1960s and 1970s PBA Hall of Famer Dave Davis used a 14 lb. ball off and on throughout his career. This lefty’s reasoning was that the lighter ball let him swing the ball more freely and to speed up when he needed to. He also tended to leave a lot of 6-8 splits and he thought the lighter ball helped him to leave that less often. This guy was really good, and he won a lot of money using 16lbs. as well. Around the same time there was a pro bowler and coach named Bill Bunetta who experimented with balls as light as 13 lbs. Bunetta claimed that the lighter ball produced more wall shots and trip four strikes, but performed at its worst on half pocket hits, resulting in more 5-7 and 8-10 splits. This all makes sense to me, taking into consideration the rubber balls that most pros were using at the time. Nowadays I feel that a stroker would be better off using the heaviest ball that is comfortable, because of the lower entry angle that shot will generally produce. A bowler with more hand has a lot more in the way of choice, because of the higher rev rate and greater entry angle. Ball speed obviously matters here, so that might factor into a bowler’s choice of weight. Personally, I roll a 16 lb. ball at almost exactly the same speed as a 14, and being a stroker, would use the heavier ball as long as it suited the conditions I am rolling on.
I van see that
Those are some excellent points. I'm 64 and returning after a 20 year layoff. I'm a LH stroker and roll it like Earl Anthony without Ear's talent. My speed is about 12.5 with a 14# or 15#. I'm using 14# now, but I have a couple of 15# balls from the past. I didn't have pain issues with the 15#, but I need to bowl more games with it to see if that does become a problem. I have no plans of bowling more than 3 or 4 games at a time, so there may not be any physical issues from using a 15# like there could be from bowling 6 or 8 game blocks. The extra weight could help me offset the lack of revs and power. Regardless of ball weight, my biggest issue in my return is weak legs especially in the quads. I need to work on that issue first and foremost.
@@carlchilders4813 The decision to use an older 15# ball may hinge upon just how old it is. If it’s something like an AMF Angle or a Columbia U-Dot, it’s probably not worth it because balls that old don’t have a large, deep weight block, just a thin pancake block underneath the label. The newer balls with the big blocks are a lot better at carrying the pins. It’s usually easy to tell if a ball has a modern weight block-there will be a prominent round “pin” usually located 2-6” from the center of gravity mark. If there’s no pin then you’re probably dealing with an older ball that’s not worth using. Balls like that were okay back in the 80s and 90s when they were only putting a thimble full of oil on the lanes. Nowadays they’re putting more like a shot glass full, and those older balls just can’t cut it. If you work with your pro shop operator he or she can drill you something 14# that will be more effective than even an outdated 16# ball. Recently I’ve had to go down to 14# because of arthritis in my thumb and wrist, and I’ve also had to change my grip. I drill my own stuff so it doesn’t cost me a lot to experiment. The grip I’m using is a short semi-fingertip. It’s so short it’s practically a long conventional. This grip takes a lot of the pressure off my thumb and wrist and my carry is still pretty decent. At my age of 67 I doubt if I’d ever be able to go back to a heavier ball and a full fingertip grip. You can still enjoy the game without risking injury even if you have to go down to a 12 or 13# ball. Good luck, and I’m glad to hear that you’re getting back into the sport again!
@@lumberlikwidator8863 Thank you for the helpful and informative reply. I agree 100% about the older equipment. I didn't clarify in my comment that the balls would be modern whether they are 14# or 15#. People tell me the same thing about the oil amount, and I believe them, but I'm able to hook the ball with no problem due to my lower ball speed than before. I wasn't a hard thrower then, but it's definitely sloer now. Even a Purple Hammer hooks a lot for me. I picked up a Hammer 78D, which is supposed to be for pros on tough conditions, but it floats up nice to the pocket to me. It's not powerful, but I like the control. The NU Blue is a good ball for me. My favorite Reactive ball so far is the Hammer Scorpion Low Flare. I'm not the typical bowler in today's game, but that's okay. It appears that balls labeled Smooth Arc, or Strong Arc, seem to be the best for me. I got a good deal from my PSO on a used 14# Black Widow 3.0. I have a ball spinner so I've resurfaced it and took it to P5000D and polished it. It's almost too pretty to use LOL. I would probably have no chance to keep it in the pocket at the original surface. I may not be able to do it now, but it will fun to try.
@@carlchilders4813 Those sound like good choices to me. With today’s equipment you don’t need to throw it 20 mph to knock a lot of pins down. Good luck!
This is exactly what I have found to be true. I have both 14 and 15 pound balls. My ball speed rarely changes but the rev rate goes up so most balls become more responsive on the backend. I have found very little difference in pin carry. Good shots carry and bad shots don’t. 14 pound balls move me left faster than I like.
So my goal is too throw it like I do with 14 but with a 15 ball
That's what I've noticed as well w 14lbs. Speed stays the same, timing is a bit better but rev rate goes up. As a coach in training. Do what works for you. Know your game and tailor it. Good luck out there!
I just picked up a 14 lb DNA and IQ Ruby. I've been thinking about going from 15 to 14 for a while. I'll see how it goes after they are drilled up. In my opinion, it looks like the 14 lb comes off of your hand really well.
I agree with that!
I'm using a 15lb Code X and Hy-road for strikes and a 14lb Dark Code and house ball for spares and do pretty well!
Following your instructions; I expected to see you visibly throw the 14 faster… which means I thought I would see it shape less. But the 14 looks good so far at 06:38 in.
that can be visible if the swing is more free, his isn't that free, he engages muscles a lot. At least from what i see.
yea I loved the 14
I have talked with several bowlers who think they are less than what they were, because they have had to drop ball weight. I think 15 is the norm these days. I threw 16 for years, then met Mo Pinel around 2014. He spent some time with me and was adamant that I was dropping from 16 to 15. He measured me up, and decreased my span about 2 inches. Also tightened up my thumb. I don’t feel like I’ve struggled at all with the weight loss, basically because the cores are so good. If in several years I need to drop to 14, I really don’t think I’ll have any problems with it. From watching you throw, I could see how you could have an easier time making adjustments, and coming around the ball a bit easier. As usual, another interesting video. You throw a very consistent shot. I’m interested in your league average? Thanks 🙏
for me its all about throwing what's comfortable to you!
After a 18 year layoff, I started back with 16 lbs but dropped to 15 very quickly. After half of a league of bowling the arthritis in my hand required me to drop to 14. Honestly, I carry better at 14 lbs because the entry angle is different due to increase in rev rate. 10 pins have dropped significantly with the change. I will say that solid covers carry even better with the lighter weight. I have the Innovator pearl and solid and the solid is smoother and crushes on the house shot.
I can def see that! Glad youre still bowling!
I definitely switched from 15 to 14 6 yrs ago because of the stress of my wrist because i loft the ball but i didnt feel no difference in ball profromance and I love 14 alot better but I believe it's what a person is more comfortable with that 14 really looked good coming off your hand speed is alot faster as well.
I hope you love it!
I play 14lb equipment. I really want to add a Hy-Road to my arsenal, but the 14lb Hy-road numbers are so drastically different compared to the 15lb version. If you would be willing to compare those two, that would be fantastic.
I have the 14 pound hy road , very solid ball one of my favorites
yea I can try and make that haoppen
Recently changed from 14 to 15 pounds as a two hander for a couple of reasons. Was very rev dominant and was hoping with the change I would see lower revs with no change in ball speed and move closer to being matched up. This has worked out for me.
The 2nd was so I could drill two GOAT balls (Hy-road and purple hammer) which have significant differences from 14 to 15 lbs.
im glad it helped!
i have the same sentiments but will continue 15lbs for now as my equipment are mostly 15 like you.
thanks for the review
Thanks!
I went from 15 to 14 last year and I'm not gonna lie. If I changed a decade ago, I would have AT LEAST cashed in a regional. 14 feels better, I can get more power, I can get better timing, and most importantly WAY less pain. Been averaging about 195 with 14 lbs just joking around and with VERY limited equipment (pretty much a bunch of aggressive asym stuff).
I'm very glad Luis did this, and once my bag is set and once I master throwing the ball thumbless, I'll be WAY better than I used to be. Let's go.
make it happen now then!
Paused at 6:35 - I wasn't expecting too much of a difference between 14 and 15 pounds. I switched from 16 to 15 pounds about 17 years ago when i started throwing more tournaments and I was looking to to be more consistent across longer formats than a 3 game league night.
I watched it to the end... I didn't post any comments until the 2nd time of watching this review. I am not surprised the speed and revs were a little faster and that there was a feel of more control of the 14 lb ball. I'm not sure how much of a benefit it would be to do ball reviews with 2 different ball weights. To the viewers, it looks the same, but to you (throwing the ball) there is definitely a difference with the feel. Good job. I think questions were answered with this one.
I think I preferred the 14 off my hands
@LuisNapoles I understand. The feel is the most important part. If you have more control with 14 pounds and it pretty much goes through the pins the same way as 15 pounds, then switching would make sense. I think drilling the ball a little different to compensate for the RG / Differential differences is all that would be needed.
Great video! I’ve always bowled with 14lbs. and I’ve often wondered what the difference would be going up. I’m glad you demonstrated that I’m not missing anything by not moving up, I’ll never wonder again.
Thanks!
I was expecting the results I am seeing which is a very minimal difference and people should throw what they are comfortable with. Thanks for sharing.
FACTS
Would love to see the same comparison with the iq tour and also the ruby. Loved this video
I kinda wanna drill more 14 lb stuff!
Went from 15 to 14 lbs. 6 months ago. I expected to be throwing the ball a bit faster and that happened. I expected the carry to be decreased and that did not happen! Since force = mass x velocity squared, the increased speed made up for the 1 lb lighter ball. The giant surprise was with the lighter ball, I have more control and throwing the ball more consistency. So what I may lose in hitting power, I gain in better ball control and better shots. Average is up 5 pins.
Thanks for sharing that!
No, Force = Mass * Acceleration. It's Kinetic Energy that equals 1/2 * Mass * Velocity squared.
I switched to 14 more than 25 years ago, when the balls got stronger on the shorter oil patterns. My speed and rev rate increased , stamina over a long haul increased, and less wear & tear on my thumb & fingers. With a rev rate close to 480, and speed around 18 - 19, I was able to keep tighter angles to the pocket for a longer period of time. It sure made a heck of a difference.
Well thats def good then!
Started back bowling after 10 years and several surgeries to my bowling arm and neck. Went to 14 from 15, since all my 15lb stuff was old. I was disappointed in my carry. The ball pretty much hooks like it always did for me, but I simply could not carry. It was a running joke that I'd leave the entire back row throughout the night.
One night, they were just hooking a bit much, or maybe I was too tired, but I went to the one 15lb I had to fill out the back, a Hammer Jigsaw Trap. It was the last 15lb ball I bought before I stopped years ago. Never liked it. But it doesn't hook that much now.
Carried everything. I still kept starting off with the 14lb balls, but kept switching to that Jigsaw earlier and earlier, till I finally just gave my 14lbs to my son and went and drilled a new 15lb ball and switched back.
I thought there wouldn't be much difference, and I LOVED how much easier it was to throw the 14lbs...It was like going from 16 to 15 back in the 90's. But the carry just wasn't there for me. I still have one of them, might try it some more to see if it will start carrying now that I'm bowling more like I used to.
I went from a 16 lb to a 15. Now thinking of going to a 14. Great info keep it up.
try it!
Started in 16, went down to 14 for speed and control but I kept noticing my higher revs and ball speed weren’t matching my game lol. So I went up to 15 and loving it so far. Still have high revs but my speed is perfect without having to purposely slow down. No honor scores in 15lbs yet but getting close!!
Yep! The extra weight of the 15 just gives me that tad more control for better pocket hits.
all about being comfortable!
I changed to 14 lb a few years ago due to hand / finger surgery (twice). I find I can get a bit more on the 14 lbs balls and throw with more speed. Carry is similar but I leave more back row pins (7, 8, 9, and 10) with 14 lb. than I used to with 15 lb balls.
I acylly liked the 14 more
So as someone who has started getting some lower back pain. I made the switch to 14. Here is what I’ve seen for the first 10 days of being in a 14 I feel like there have been a few times that it was a good shot that didn’t carry the corner but for the most part very little change in carry. Speed is up, Revs are up but I have noticed I’ve left a lot of splits I think the 15 just happens to knock a pin or 2 down to save me from the split and the 14 doesn’t seem to do that. Just my experience with the 14 lb so far.
There is a bowling book written called Bowling Beyond The Basics. It discusses this very thing and the advantages of throwing 14lb vs. 15lb equipment. It's a good read. In saying that, I switched to 14lbs years ago because of my shoulder issues.
I might check it out!
Luis…1200 likes. You’re sure coming up. Good job!
Mine is 15 and I love it would never change it sticking to the 15 i feel it gives you more help then an 14 but thats Just me
if thats how you feel then thats all that matters!
I can tell you my thoughts as for years i was always a 15lb bowler but being a detailed guy i was feeling the ball was manipulating my arm more then i feel it should. So after doing research and determining that the power hitting between the 2 weights were not enough to stop me from trying 14 lb. I actually tried a friends 14lb ball and instantly fell in love with it as it gave me the control of the ball more and allowed me more versatility in my game because now i could do what ever i wanted with the ball. For example if i was missing high it was an easy adjustment because without changing lines i just added 1/2 to 1mph speed and it fixed going high.
summary
going to a lighter ball gave me more versatility because i had more control without sacrificing hitting power.
Going lighter also improved my accuracy which rose my scores also. I would say i was 20% higher in hitting my target.
Thanks for sharing that!
I haven’t gotten a ball in at least 6 years and was looking at getting a new one since all my old balls need the weight hole filled anyway. Always just figured I would get another 15 since all my others are 15. Might look into 14 even though I have no pain while bowling of any sort.
What I notice is that your timing is slightly better with the 14lb ball and the reaction shows this. This is because at the top of your back swing you pull up the ball, less weight will make a difference of how fast this happens. With your comment about your down swing feeling faster the weight should have nothing to do with it as gravity acts the same on both balls, this means that your pushing the ball and in my opinion this leads back to your timing.
A good test would to not be switching balls as often to get your swing feeling more natural with the new weight.
Good video.
Thanks!
I started out with a 16# ball, playing down and in. Once I got into challenge shots, I went to 15#. I noticed that I wasn't really warming up until way into the 1st game, that is when I switched to 14# - to warm up faster and have better accuracy.
That’s interesting
Thanks for the video. As I'm getting older dealing with knee issues I've been considering 14lbs to help increase ball speed, but it seems there wasn't much difference for you.
None at all for me
Nice job...very informative.
Thanks so much!
ive considered this for myself. thanks for the comparison
I hope it helped!
I’ve always wanted to see someone compare the Hyroad core in 14 vs 15 lbs since the specs are so different. Night road would be a good one for this!
maybe Ill add that
This dude is hella accurate. wow nice shots.
Appreciate it!
I like the 14 vs 15 lb comparison as I'm getting into my 60s and need better control and have been worried about going down to 14lb
hope this helps!
Soon to be 68yo. Ave. 210, 210, and 212 throwing 15#. Spent the entire week as a volunteer at the Masters and heard Bill O'Niel is redrilling 15# while Tom Smallwood had a great tournament with 14#. I'm thinking my last year at 15 is coming but it's an age thing and with technology for me personally 14# will be fine.
Great video!
you'll be fine no doubt!
I am a large man I would like for you do do the magic gem at 14 lbs. From 15 to 14 my 14 magic gem had much much more angle. I would love to see that review.
Big dog.! Your form and accuracy was better with 14 I have been researching this as well like you I have a lot of 15 but I will start changing to 14. More consistent to repeat shots.
agreed!
Great comparison. I throw both 14 and 15 and haven’t noticed any carry differences. I threw 16lbs with high ball speed for many years and my carry increased when I dropped to 15 lbs since I wasn’t blowing pins back as quickly. I am of the opinion that carry decreases for ball weights below 14lbs.
maybe less than 14 but def not 14