How Heavy Should My Bowling Ball Be? (HEAVY Vs LIGHT Weight)

So let’s get right to it. How heavy should your bowling ball be?

The answer is pretty simple. There’s no one “best weight” that works for everyone. The best bowling ball weight is the one that works best for you.

In general, a lightweight ball is nice and maneuverable, but it probably won’t have much power behind it when you hit the pins. A heavy bowling ball, however, will have plenty of power but maybe too hard to control because of its weight. 

An average bowling ball weighs between 14 and 16 pounds. But again, the right bowling ball weight depends on you!

If you think about sports like tennis and golf, you can see how having the right equipment can make all the difference in your game! So when choosing a bowling ball, think like an athlete (because you are!) and choose something that fits your body and ability level perfectly.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Bowling Ball

Your bowling ball should be an equal combination of the right weight, grip, and material. It should be heavy enough to knock over pins, but not so heavy that you can’t control the direction and speed at which it travels.

To determine what weight is best for you, consider your height and strength. If you are tall and strong, a heavier ball will be easier for you to handle than for someone who is petite or not as fit. 

A teenager or elderly person may struggle with a ball that weighs more than 12 pounds; however, this will depend on their individual abilities.

Another factor is your skill level. It’s okay to start off with a lighter bowling ball until you get good at it!

You should also think about your bowling style: if it involves throwing straight down the lane or hooking balls hard into corners where they bounce off walls before hitting pins (these two styles require different weights of balls).

Does Bowling Ball Weight Matter?

Have you ever wondered, “how heavy should my bowling ball be?”

The weight of your bowling ball can be a factor in how well you bowl. When it comes to heavy and lightweight bowling balls, there is a lot of debate about which one is best for scoring.

Some say that heavier balls are better for scoring because when you roll down the lane, the extra weight will destroy more pins.

 However, if the ball is too heavy then you may not be able to control it as easily which could lead to throwing off your timing or release point. This could cause your shots to go into the gutter!

Others argue that lighter balls are better because they are easier to control which means fewer gutter balls and ultimately higher scores but without sacrificing power when striking pins at full force.

In truth, there is no definitive answer as each person’s strength and skill level will determine whether they prefer using light or heavyweight bowling balls.

What Is The Average Bowling Ball’s Weight?

Since the weight of a bowling ball is determined by you, it’s always best to choose one that you’re comfortable lifting.

Most people use a ball that weighs between 10 and 16 pounds. On average, women and youths will use lighter balls than men. The average bowling ball weight for women is about 14 pounds, whereas for men it’s 15 pounds.

Can You Add Weight To A Bowling Ball?

You are indeed allowed to add weight to your bowling ball, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you do.

• First and foremost, make sure that the bowling ball you’re using is not at its maximum limit for weight. Most bowling balls can only hold up to five pounds of added weight. For example, if you have a 15-pound ball and want to add two pounds of weight, the most effective way of doing so would be by removing three pounds from the inside of the ball instead.
  
• Also, when adding weights to a bowling ball, it’s best to do so in small increments of a one-quarter pound or less until you find what feels right for you. This will prevent unnecessary damage to the ball itself and help ensure that it stays within the maximum limit for weight.

Benefits of Lightweight Bowling Balls

Lightweight bowling balls are often the preferred choice of bowling enthusiasts. They are easier to control, allow you to use your fingers more, and help you get that perfect strike every time.

If you’re just getting into the sport or even a seasoned pro, it’s essential to know about the different kinds of balls and their benefits. So without further ado, here’s a list of the benefits of lightweight bowling balls:

Better Ball Control

Since lighter balls are easier to control and handle, they’re great for beginners or players with smaller hands. Lightweight balls also allow you to use your fingers more while playing. This is because they require less force to be set in motion.

Better Strikes

When you’re able to control the ball better and use your fingers more, the chances of getting a perfect strike increase. There is no doubt that being able to hit more strikes can improve your game considerably.

Free Thumbs

Due to their weight, heavier bowling balls can end up hurting your thumb as well as other parts of your hand. However, since lightweight balls don’t cause such problems, it makes them much more enjoyable to play with.

Drawbacks Of Heavy Bowling Balls

Muscle Fatigue

As a bowler, the best way to improve is through practice. If you are using a heavy bowling ball, you are going to tire out quickly and your skills will suffer. A good rule of thumb is to use a ball that weighs about 10% of your body weight.

Injury

If you don’t have good technique when throwing a heavy ball, you run the risk of hurting yourself. This will not only hinder your ability to bowl, but it may also keep you from playing other sports that you enjoy.

Arm And Hand Injuries

Joint pain and muscle strain in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Back Injuries

Muscle strains and ligament sprains in the lower back.

Finger Injuries

Cuts or bruises from finger holes or from hitting pins.

Read: How to Clean Bowling Ball Finger Holes?

What Weight Of Bowling Ball Do Pro Bowlers Use?

You will be amazed at the difference the right weight of a bowling ball makes. Not only does it impact your game, but it also affects how you feel at the end of the day. 

If you aren’t sure which weight to buy, start with a lighter one to see how it goes; this is especially true for beginners as well as anyone bowling occasionally. 

For example, a 12-pound ball would be good for children or someone weighing less than 130 pounds. If you need something a little heavier, try 14 pounds if you weigh between 130 and 160 pounds.

If you are bowling more often or are on your way toward becoming a professional bowler, however, then heavier is usually better. You can use 15 or 16 pounds if you weigh between 161 and 190 pounds and 17 or 18-pound balls if you weigh over 191 pounds (this means most men). 

The heaviest normal bowling ball out there is 22 pounds; this might sound like a lot but not when compared to some of the competition balls used by professionals!

What Weight For What Bowler?

The weight of the ball is determined by the bowler’s strength. Simply put, if you are a muscular guy and you can easily carry heavy objects in your hands, then you should go for a heavier ball.

And if you are small and skinny, then you need to go for a lighter ball.

A small kid can’t throw a 16 or 17-pound bowling ball, that is why there are many bowling balls of lower weights.

It is not just kids who need smaller balls; adults with little physical strength also require lightweight bowling balls since they can’t handle heavy ones properly.

Ball Weight For Youth Bowlers?

So, how does this apply to youth bowlers? Well, it’s best for youth to use the lightest ball possible for them. By using a very light ball, they can gain confidence and strength in their bowling game.

The most important thing is that they are able to throw the ball comfortably. If they’re using a heavy ball and struggling to throw it properly, they will not be able to learn proper form. This will prevent them from gaining the correct skills needed later in life when they begin using heavier balls. Read More