I posted this topic in this forum because I'm interested in the opinions of advanced bowlers (moderators feel free to move it).

I am very comfortable with 16 lb strike balls.  Currently throw an old 16 lb polished pearl urethane for spares, but the thumb isn't right.  I was planning to have a new insert put in the thumb, then I began to think about buying a new polyester ball for spares.  Then I had the dumb idea "what about 15 lbs for the spare ball?"

Does anyone do this?  Would this tend to make me a) more accurate, b) less accurate, c) as accurate, or d) a bowler who thinks too much?

-Scott in Pennsylvania

I've got 16-, 15- and 14-pound equipment for strike balls, and will occasionally use a 14-pound Visionary Slate Blue Gargoyle (urethane pearl) for spares.

However, I'm currently using a 10-pound plastic ball to shoot spares with. Once you practice the change in timing, it's not difficult. It allows me to throw straight without having to worry about even the slightest bit of hook in the back.

Jess

16lb strike ball (sometimes 15), 14lb spare. No big deal even at 2 lbs for me.