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Author Topic: 16 Lb to 15lb ?  (Read 1693 times)

tloy

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16 Lb to 15lb ?
« on: January 12, 2018, 07:19:23 AM »
Anyone dropped from 16 to 15 recently? I am considering but cant decide for sure. I know a lot of the 15's have higher diff than 16 from Roto and some Storm. Any issues going back and forth between 15 and 16? Thank you


 

Gene J Kanak

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2018, 08:11:36 AM »
I guess the notion of whether or not this is a good idea depends upon why you're considering it and what you hope to get out of it.

If you don't see a difference in your delivery and ability to repeat shots when you switch weights, then there shouldn't be an issue switching or even going back and forth. If there is a difference (change in ball speed, revs, ability to be accurate, etc.), then, obviously, you need to go with whatever you throw best consistently.

In regard to ball dynamics, yes, core numbers vary a bit depending on the weight, but you have to remember that those are all pre-drill numbers that are changed the second you put holes into the ball. As such, I wouldn't get too caught up in that. It's not like you're talking about the numbers difference between their light-weight cores and their 14-15-16s.

tloy

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2018, 08:26:51 AM »
Good point. Thank you

JazlarVonSteich

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2018, 10:13:06 AM »
As Gene said, no real reason to switch because of the differential numbers. I would only switch if you feel you have trouble throwing 16.

I originally went from 16 to 15 because a friend sold me a ball that happened to be 15. He said it was 16, but it did not weight up as 16, even factoring in drilling. However, I liked how it rolled so I switched over. I did throw a combo for awhile and didn't really have issues. Last ball I switched out was my spare ball.

Fast forward some years later and I dropped to 14 about a year and a half ago. This was done for a number of reasons - one getting older and bowling a lot (plus ball in the summer). 14s tend to have lower differential and higher rg out of the box. This has not been an issue at all. I've noticed an increase in speed, revs, etc. and the ability to manipulate the ball more than when I was throwing 15. I have not noticed a lack in hitting power or carry. In fact, I probably carry better in 14. All 4 of my leagues broke my previous high average last season and I'm continuing to bowl well this year. My high average is currently better than my highest finishing average last season.

HackJandy

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2018, 10:30:02 AM »
I have noticed virtually no difference in carry between my 15lb Hy-Road and my 16lb Hy-Road pearl.  Bigger diff doesn't make up for weaker cover stock either.  So my opinion is for reactives it doesn't matter much (other than 16lb helps slow some people down and prevent muscling).  Where it does make a noticeable difference going down at least in carry is with urethane balls which is partially why you don't see near as many 15lb Faballs from back in the day.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2018, 10:34:22 AM by HackJandy »
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

avabob

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2018, 10:58:13 AM »
15 lb has become the weight of choice for the majority of bowlers.  The reason is that the modern game rewards rev rate and speed, both of which are more easily gained through a drop in weight from 16 to 15. 

JazlarVonSteich

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2018, 02:45:30 PM »
I have noticed virtually no difference in carry between my 15lb Hy-Road and my 16lb Hy-Road pearl.  Bigger diff doesn't make up for weaker cover stock either.  So my opinion is for reactives it doesn't matter much (other than 16lb helps slow some people down and prevent muscling).  Where it does make a noticeable difference going down at least in carry is with urethane balls which is partially why you don't see near as many 15lb Faballs from back in the day.

I have noticed no less carry with urethane in 14 than 15. Didn't throw many urethanes in 16. In fact, I might carry even better in 14 with urethane due to the other advantages.

HackJandy

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2018, 04:14:15 PM »
I have noticed virtually no difference in carry between my 15lb Hy-Road and my 16lb Hy-Road pearl.  Bigger diff doesn't make up for weaker cover stock either.  So my opinion is for reactives it doesn't matter much (other than 16lb helps slow some people down and prevent muscling).  Where it does make a noticeable difference going down at least in carry is with urethane balls which is partially why you don't see near as many 15lb Faballs from back in the day.

I have noticed no less carry with urethane in 14 than 15. Didn't throw many urethanes in 16. In fact, I might carry even better in 14 with urethane due to the other advantages.

Very possible and probably is style dependent.  Don't have the exact same urethane in both 16 and 15 to compare to so little bit apples to oranges but my 16lb Sumo, Blue Hammer, and Red Razor hit noticeably harder on flush pocket hits than my 15lb Faball Burgundy and Black Hammers.  Have high axis tilt and and a low rev rate though.
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

DCNetBoy

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2018, 06:54:28 PM »
If you want better control, higher revs, a stronger hand and wrist, less wear and tear on your shoulder and knees, and possibly higher scores, then make the switch from 16 to 15lbs as soon as possible.  LOL.  I did it years ago and it was the best bowling move I ever made.   

Seriously, the ball covers and cores are stronger and more dynamic these days from what they used to be.  The only real problem you will have is how fast will you replace your whole arsenal.  ;) 

Go for it!  Highly recommended. 

tloy

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Re: 16 Lb to 15lb ?
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2018, 07:40:24 PM »
Thank you for all the great input. I tried this one time about 15 yrs ago and felt like it messed with my timing. My biggest concern( Thanks DCNetBoy for bringing this up ;) ) is replacing my signifigant investment I have in 16lb equipment .... LOL