Well, Mark Willians dropped to 14 lbs in the early 90s.
I see no point to using a higher weight if anything else is scarified (rev rate, accuracy, consistency). I"ve used 14 and 15 lbs, see no difference at all. What matters is getting good roll on the ball and it into the pocked.
Before the reactive era though from what I remember most males threw 16lb. You sure see more of difference in carry going up with urethane and plastic (assume rubber too but never even seen 15lb rubber ball) than you do reactives in my experience. I only started throwing 16 due to it being so hard to find NIB gems affordable in 15lb but still only throw 15lb reactives when I need to score. Reactives have done a lot to level the playing field of the different weights imo.
I disagree. Maybe with older urethane/plastic with pancake blocks.
I moved from 15 to 14 2 years ago. Best decision I ever made. Since then, my average has went way up. I've beat my personal best game and series multiple times, and it's allowed me to do much more to the ball with less effort than before.
In terms of carry with urethane, let me remind you that my 300/800 was shot with the Hot Cell at 14lbs. I've also had big games/series with the Shadow Ops. And I've had some big games with symmetrical urethane balls as well. I see no difference in carry with plastic or urethane from 15lbs. In fact, it may be better due to my other gains.
All things given the same, then heavier weights will likely give better results. However, how often are all things the same? I suppose it is the same as swinging a bat. Most recommend to swing the heaviest bat you can until you lose bat speed.
