What size bowling ball should I use?

Question

Currently when I goto the bowling alley, I grab a plastic house ball that is normally 12-13 lbs heavy. I normally use a ball that my thumb and fingers are about 2-2 1/2 inches apart. My buddy just gave me his Ebonite 100 Nitro/R2 15 lb ball which is drilled to his specifications. Our hands are the same size. I need some advice on wether or not I should use a lighter ball. Going thru the motions with his ball tonight, my hands are flat on the ball and I think my wrist may be too weak. Do all good bowlers have their balls drilled so that their hands are flat with the ball? Would it be smart to buy say a 13 lb bowling ball instead? I am thinking that maybe the holes are drilled too far apart for me to be comfortable with my wrist. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am 5'11 200 lbs and I am a strong kid, shouldn't I be using a heavy ball?

Answer 1

The lightest bowling ball you should use is a 14 pounder. It's not a matter of how it will strike the pins or what score you can get, but a matter of comfort. If a 15 or 16 pounder is not too heavy, go for it. To get ready for constant bowling, lifting weights and constantly practicing with the heavier weight bowling equipment will help your wrist get stronger. Also, there are wrist and arm supports that will help you hold the ball up before delivery and assist you in not wearing your wrist and arm out too quick.

I've been bowling for over 25 years and have used different weights, manufacturers' equipment and types of bowling balls, and it is not an easy sport to learn or master. Practice and experimentation is the key to make it fun. Good luck!

Answer 2

Bowling Ball Sizes

Answer 3

If your wrists are too weak to throw a 15 lbs. ball, then yes, you should be using a lighter ball. A 12 or 13 pound ball would be an okay investment. It's not too heavy on the wrists (a couple pounds can make a huge difference) and can still hit the pocket like a heavy ball.
Personally, I use a 14 lbs. ball with fingertip grips drilled slightly off-center for more back-end hook. But that's just me. You do what you want.
Remember, the ball doesn't do you any good if it hurts you.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What size bowling ball should I use?
Currently when I goto the bowling alley, I grab a plastic house ball that is normally 12-13 lbs heavy. I normally use a ball that my thumb and fingers are about 2-2 1/2 inches apart. My buddy just gave me his Ebonite 100 Nitro/R2 15 lb ball which is drilled to his specifications. Our hands are the...

Answer 5

Suggest you try different weights to get a feel of the bowling ball you wish to purshase. That way you dont end up wasting hard earned money for a ball you will end up regretting. If 15 lbs is to heavy then suggest you start out with 12 lbs as a begining and see how you do with it.

Have a nice day:)

Answer 6

Dude, if you are 5'11 and 200lb, I think you are fine with the 15 one. I'd suggest you to start with a 14 one, as time goes one, I mean years, you will learn the sport of bowling better and you will be able to to decide what is right for you. As far as finger holes, I suggest that you get the holes that are on it sealed, and get the balled drilled to exactly your specifications.

I disagree that your hand is same as your friend. No two hands are the same my friend, even I thought that way. Some times your thumb is oval shaped, some other people have it round shaped. Also remember, every ball can be drilled in different ways depending on the player and what ball motion he wants to get from it, all depends on your game and lane conditions.

Your best bet is to get the current holes sealed by a pro shop, get the ball cleaned of all the oil it has on the coverstock from your friend's usage, get it polished or sanded according to the lane conditions (for very oily lanes you need a aggresive coverstock that generates sufficient friction for a controlled spin and travel down the lane), and finally GET IT DRILLED ACCORDING TO YOUR HAND.

Trust me, you will feel it much different when you release a ball according to your hands.
House balls are of standard size drilling, and they are made to fit most hands for just house shots, but for league players and for players who really wish to improve their average, they need to create adjustments for themselves.

Answer 7

You just need a bowl big enough that he could fit in it if he wanted to soak.