Bowling balls typically weigh between 6 and 16 pounds. The range of ball weights available to bowlers is wide enough to accommodate everyone from beginner to expert bowlers. Most bowling alleys will have a selection of different weighted balls, allowing bowlers to choose the best option for their individual needs.
Lightweight bowling balls are usually 6 -10 pounds and are recommended for children, lighter adults, or those who don’t want to strain their arm muscles with heavy throws. These lighter balls can also be easier for beginners to control as they learn how to throw a strike.
Mid-weight bowling balls range from 10-14 pounds and are suitable for most adults, including beginners and intermediates. These weights are often used by men and women alike as they provide a good balance between power and control.
Heavyweight bowling balls typically weigh between 14-16 pounds and are better suited for more experienced players or people who prefer a heavier ball weight to generate more power when throwing strikes.
And the 15-lb balls have become increasingly popular among male bowlers recently due to their increased momentum, while 12 lbs are still the most popular choice amongst female senior bowlers due to their ease of control.
Also, a senior bowler might benefit from picking up a slightly lighter ball. Lowering 1-2 pounds in bowling ball weight could be the ideal option. This weight change will help reduce the amount of strain felt when carrying and swinging the ball, without sacrificing control over accuracy during delivery. It may also provide increased speed, as well as more consistent reaction and pin action on the pins.
When choosing a bowling ball for children, there are a few key factors to consider. Some professionals suggest matching the ball weight with the age of your child, but gender and physical condition should also be taken into account.
How heavy are bowling balls weigh in kg and g?
Based on the above numbers, we can calculate that:
- A 6-lb bowling ball weighs 2.72 kg
- An 8-lb ball weighs 3.63 kg
- A 10-lb ball weighs 4.54 kg
- A 12-lb ball weighs 5.45 kg
- A 14-lb ball weighs 6.35 kg
- A 16-lb ball weighs 7.26 kg
In grams, this means that a 6 lb bowling ball would weigh 2720 g, an 8 lb one 3630 g, a 10 lb one 4540 g, and so on up to 7260g for the 16 pounders.
So it is clear that there is quite a large range of weight options available when choosing your bowling ball depending on your skill level and strength capabilities. Just make sure you pick the right size and weight to suit your bowling style and arm strength.
How to choose the right bowling ball weight for yourself?
It’s of utmost importance to consider your physical strength and fitness level when deciding on bowling ball weights. To handle a heavier ball, you must be physically strong to do so. Or else, there is the risk of an injury waiting for you down the lane. Start by determining what weight feels comfortable in your hand when throwing the ball. If you can easily lift the ball off the rack, then congratulation, you’ve found your ideal bowling ball.
It’s also necessary to factor in how long and frequently you bowl. As well as how much spin and control you have over the ball. A heavier ball will offer you power but less accuracy. Whereas a lighter ball will grant greater control at the expense of momentum. The key is to find a balance between power and control that works best for you.
Want a quick trick to determine if the ball you’re looking at is for you? Try this. Firstly, extend your arm out, palm facing up, then place the ball onto your hand. If you can comfortably hold the ball without shaking your arm, then this indicates that it is the proper weight for you. However, if you find it challenging to hold and/or experience any trembling in your arm while doing so, then you should throw it away and pick up a lighter one.
The 10% rule pro bowlers often suggest
Professional bowlers suggest following a 10% rule when selecting the right ball weight. This means that the weight of the ball should equal 10% of their body weight. However, it is important to note that the ball should not exceed 16 pounds regardless of body weight.
It is also recommended for those who are out of shape or new to bowling to start with a light ball and gradually work their way up to 10% of their body weight over time. This will allow them to build strength and improve form while preventing any potential injuries caused by an overly heavy ball.
Is it possible to add weight to a bowling ball?
Yes, it is possible to add weight to a bowling ball. The most common way to do this is with static weights that are inserted into the ball itself. This can be done in a variety of ways such as adding lead tape, sanding down the inner core of the ball, or even drilling holes in the shell of the ball and adding adjustable weights into them.
However, many leagues consider such alterations illegal because the proper balance of force metrics for an optimal shot pattern is altered when weights are added. As such, some leagues have strict regulations on what types and quantities of weights are allowed if any are allowed at all. Therefore it is important to always check with your league administrators before making any changes to your bowling ball.
How much do pro bowling balls weigh?
Professional bowling balls typically weigh between 13 and 16 pounds, depending on the gender of the bowler. On men’s professional tours around the world, most bowlers throw a 15-pound ball, while women tend to throw a 14-pound ball.
While there are some exceptions with some male bowlers using lighter 14-pound balls and some female bowlers using heavier 15-pound balls, the majority of both genders tend to gravitate towards these two weights. Some professional bowlers may even opt for the maximum 16-pound ball weight allowed by regulations. In general, heavier bowling balls are more commonly used as they provide more momentum and power with each roll.
Optimal bowling ball weight for beginners
For adults, male beginner players should look at balls in the 14-16 pound range while female beginner players should choose between 10-14 pounds. For young bowlers, 6-14 pounds is ideal depending on their age, size, and strength. It is also important to consider the type of ball; urethane or plastic balls tend to be heavier than reactive resin balls. When in doubt, beginners should start with a slightly lighter ball and progress from there as their technique develops.
Optimal bowling ball weight for beginners depends largely on the individual’s height, strength, and skill level. Generally, a lighter ball will be easier to control but lack power while a heavier ball will have plenty of power but be more difficult to control.
How to know exactly how much your bowling ball weighs
There are a few ways to find out exactly how much your bowling ball weighs.
The most precise way is to take your ball to a pro shop and have it weighed using a certified scale. Most pro shops will do this for you at no charge. If you don’t have access to a pro shop, several other methods can give you an estimate of the weight.
One popular method involves putting the bowling ball in a bucket of water and measuring how much water it displaces. Depending on the specific gravity of the material used for your ball, this will give you an estimate of its weight in pounds or kilograms.
Another method is to use a bathroom scale. You can start by weighing yourself first to see how much the scale reads. Note down that number. Then, you scale again holding the ball, and see the difference. Subtract the number you wrote down from the one with the ball, and you have your approximate weight of the bowling ball.
Finally, many manufacturers will list the average weight range for a particular model or size of the ball. This is not exact since each ball may be a little different in terms of balance and other factors that affect its overall weight, but it can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Conclusion
Bowling balls come in a range of weight options, from 6-16 pounds. Lightweight balls are ideal for children and lighter adults, while heavyweights are great for more experienced players who need more power on their throws. When choosing the right ball weight for your child, it is important to consider age, gender, and physical condition to ensure they have the best possible bowling experience. With the right fit and practice, you’ll be able to set up your kids for success at the lanes!
References:
- How A Bowling Ball is Made: https://bowl.com/welcome/how-a-bowling-ball-is-made
- How Much Should Your Bowling Ball Weigh?: https://www.liveabout.com/how-much-should-your-bowling-ball-weigh-420732
Jerry Coleman is a professional bowler and experienced bowling blogger. He founded and owns the www.voelkersbowling.net website, which provides news and information about the sport of bowling. Jerry has competed in numerous tournaments over the years and has won several awards for his bowling skills.