14 vs 15 lb Bowling Ball: Which One Is Better And Why?

Are you a bowler looking for the perfect ball to take your game to the next level? Choosing between a 14 and 15-pound bowling ball can be difficult, as each has its unique benefits.

In this article, we’ll discuss which one is better and why so that you can make an informed decision about which weight will work best for your needs.

Whether you are looking for accuracy or power, read on to find out what suits your style of play.

Which weight is best for different styles of play

Throughout my years of bowling, I’ve found that 14 and 15-lb balls are both equally great for different types of play. However, I do have some advice for each style:

• Accuracy-focused bowlers: If you’re looking to focus on accuracy and finesse more than power, a 14 lb ball is probably your best bet. Its lighter weight allows for more control and accuracy, allowing you to line up your shots perfectly.
• Power-focused bowlers: For those who want a bit more power behind their throws, I highly recommend opting for the 15 lb ball. Its heavier weight will give you the power you need to achieve maximum pin action and strike potential.
• For newbies who are just starting out: I’d recommend sticking with a 14 lb ball or even a 13 lb one until you get the hang of technique, power, and accuracy. It will be easier to handle and control compared to heavier weights.

See more: How much do bowling balls weigh?

Why do people keep comparing 14 and 15-lb bowling balls?

As a seasoned bowler, I’m always amazed at how often people compare 14 and 15-lb bowling balls. While the difference between the two weights may seem small, it can have a significant impact on how well you perform on the lanes.

For starters, it’s important to recognize that for many bowlers, the 14-lb ball is considered the standard weight. This is because it’s light enough for most bowlers to handle comfortably yet heavy enough to generate enough speed on an oiled lane to reach the pins. A 15-lb ball may prove too challenging for some bowlers to control and hurl down the alley accurately.

The main advantage of a 15-lb ball is that it can generate more power. This increased power can help you throw farther distances as well as increase your chances of striking more pins due to its greater momentum and force. However, this extra power also makes it harder to control and leaves less room for error when making subtle adjustments during a shot.

At the end of the day, whether or not you should use a 14 or 15-lb ball depends on your skill level and personal preferences. If you find that you’re able to control and manipulate a heavier ball easily, then using one could give you an edge in competition or just plain fun bowling with friends. On the other hand, if there’s too much resistance when using a 15-pound ball then it’s best to stick with one that’s lighter in weight.

Pros and cons of a 14 lb ball

I play with both the 14lb and 15lb balls. And for the 14lb ones, here are what I can say about their pros and cons.

Pros:

• On the plus side, this weight allows for greater power behind my shots.
• This means that when I get a good roll down the lane, my ball will pick up more pins than it would with a lighter weight.
• It also helps me stay on target more easily; since I don’t need to apply as much force to release it, I can trust that my ball will be well-aimed.

Cons:

• On the flip side, a 14 lb bowling ball is far heavier than many players are used to handling.
• It takes some getting used to so that you can control it comfortably and consistently; this may mean taking more time and effort in practice before seeing noticeable improvements in your game.
• Also, because of its weight, you’ll probably find yourself feeling fatigued quicker than usual after a few games.

Pros and cons of a 15 lb ball

Now, when it comes to a 15 lb bowling ball, it’s important to know that they are generally more popular among experienced bowlers. The greater weight can lead to some really powerful rolls and accuracy that lighter balls may not be able to provide.

Pros:

• The first advantage of using a 15lb ball is that it gives you increased power when releasing it down the lane.
• This makes it easier to pick up difficult spares and increases your chances of hitting strikes more regularly.
• Additionally, since the ball is heavier, it produces less deflection of the pins during impact, resulting in more accurate throws and greater predictability on the lane.

Cons:

• On the downside, a 15lb bowling ball can be extremely tiring to use over an extended period due to its weight.
• It requires extra effort to control the ball while throwing and can lead to sore wrists, shoulders, or arms if you’re not prepared for it.
• Furthermore, because you have less control over where exactly your shots land due to the additional force from the weight of the ball, your accuracy can suffer if you don’t get enough practice with it beforehand.

Why do pro bowlers use 15 lb balls more often than 14 lb ones?

I have some friends who are casual bowlers, and they often ask me why the pros and experienced bowlers use 15 lb balls more often than 14 lb ones. The answer is simple: using a heavier ball gives you more power, control, and accuracy when you know how to handle it.

For me, a heavier ball gives me more control over my shots, allowing me to make precise adjustments and stay more accurate at all times. The additional weight also helps increase power and accuracy.

The extra pound of a 15 lb ball helps create more centrifugal force when it is released from the hand, giving it more speed down the lane. This added speed increases the chance of knocking pins down with each strike or spare attempt. For bowlers who need maximum hook potential to get their desired reaction from their shots, a 15 lb bowling ball is an excellent choice as it will rotate faster than lighter balls for increased hook potential.

Also, there is another benefit to using a heavier bowling ball; it won’t easily fly out of your hand if you have too much spin on the release. This allows you to remain consistent in your delivery, especially with powerful shots like hook releases or power straight shots that require immense energy to be generated in your arm swing.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if you focus more on the correct technique and practice, you can get great results with either a 14 or 15-lb bowling ball.

As I said before, every person’s arm strength and preference are different, but once you find the right weight for you, it can make all the difference in your game!

So don’t be afraid to experiment and find out what works best for you. Good luck and happy bowling!