BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: BackToBasics on December 09, 2016, 01:36:09 PM
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Pre-resin (i.e. original Blue Hammer) there was a distinct different in carry between 15 and 16lbs. Just wondering if there are still differences with "modern" urethane like the Black or Purple Hammers?
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You know, that's a very interesting question. I know that the USBC Bowling Ball Motion Study definitely proved that 15lb balls promoted the best carry, and they had the optimum entry angle calculated and all of that; however, I'm pretty sure that was only done using resin balls. I don't think anything was done to see how things changed when you switched from resin to urethane to plastic, etc. As you said, it seemed pretty obvious back in the day that 16 carried better than 15, so should we assume that's still the case when it comes to urethane?
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There are far too many variables to be able to quantify it as simply a difference in weight. Yes, in raw physics, E=MC2, but "carry" cannot be predicated on that factor alone.
All other factors being equal, a 16lb ball at 16mph creates more raw force than a 15lb ball at the same speed, but then you have to account for all the variables and how those interactions affect the balls interactions with the pins.
A lighter ball WILL carry better for some, but not for all. I've seen people who actually carried better with a 14lb ball than either a 15 OR a 16, but that is because it was more perfectly matched to their style than any other weights.
Those stinking, intricate variables. They'll screw up a great equation every time.