Ok here's the deal I'm making a new lane 1 arsenal.  I was wondering if there is much difference of hitting power between 13 and 14.  Right now I throw 13lb, but I don't get the hit I want.  This has already messed up my first 300.  I had the front 10, and in the 11th I left a seven pin(I'm left handed).  I was wondering if it could be the weight of my ball.  I tried a 14 and threw it about 14-16 mph when I usually throw 15-17 mph with my 13.  I couldn't really tell much about the 14 though because the lanes hadn't been oiled in 2 days.  Thanks for the help.
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Lane1Lefty15

Proud Member of F.O.S.

EITHER CUT 'EM DOWN WITH THE SAWZ OR BE CUT DOWN BY THE SAWZ!

 

The SAWS will prevail!!!

While Lane #1 balls are available in weights down to 13lb, not all ball companies have the same ball available in both 13 and 14#.  Often either the 13# is a different core (Track does this, I believe) or a pancake core like a typical plastic ball with a reactive or particle shell.  If you ever don't throw Lane #1, you may have trouble finding a "real" ball.

Also, some shops like Buddies don't make any promises about pin positions and top weights on 13# and lighter balls.

Further, with 13# there may be a tendency to overthrow it, the ball just blows through the breakpoint.  With 14# and slightly slower speed, you may have a little more control and accuracy.  I'd go with 14# if you're really capable of using it.  Since you say you throw 14-16mph with 14# balls, I think you have more than enough strength to use 14#.

SH

It's just easier to find good balls in 14# than 13#.  You'll find almost no used equipment (at least here) in 13# that's not plastic and little then as well.  If 14# is comfortable, there are lots of benefits to using it over 13#.

SH