Good to know Coach. Should I change to 15 pounds then? I like the way that particular ball feels when I throw it, and if there is a limited advantage to throwing 16 pound balls should I switch?

Granted I need to do a few things before I decide to switch weights but still it has been something weighing (no pun intended) on my mind. Is it something I should consider?

Its true the Pros don't change ball weight on a regular basis but they have been known to do it. At this years US Open, at least that is the tournament I heard it on, Doug Kent started using 15s and it wasn't working well in practice and I think maybe his first squad, so he went out and drilled up several 16s. Of course he has very good timing and is able to make the change easily. Sometimes on heavy oil you need the heavier ball to get it to set down in the oil, but its better to use one weight.

As for 15s being easier on the arm when bowling many games, with a completely free arm swing it won't matter. If you aren't using muscle you won't get fatigued.

There's more behind Doug's change in ball weight than what was going on at the US Open. He had a very hard time all year with the subtle changes they made to the lane condition and he wasn't able to string strikes all year.

I think now I remember them talking about him having some issues all year. Regardless, they don't make those changes on a regular basis, they think it over thoroughly and then do a wholesale switch with a new arsenal. Any one that is still struggling with timing issues and a controlled arm swing should pick a weight and stick to it in order to work on a free arm swing and getting their timing in order.

There is still the issue of keeping ones wrist straight/cupped, which can end in fatigue effect no matter the freeness of your armswing.

I had issues with the trapezius muscle in my back and going down a pound also helped. Just the weight of the ball hanging off my shoulder would make that muscle cramp. I've got issues with that muscle without bowling at all, but going down a pound has made it much easier. Right before I switched from 16 to 15, I was bowling sweepers. A couple games into match play it would end up going into spasms. That hasn't happened since I went down in weight.

There is a strong probability to over throw, put too much side rotation, and pick up speed with a lower weight. I tried it, and quickly went back to 16. There was no need to complicate what I work hard to get rid of.

I have absolutely no strain with a relaxed swing and 16 pounds. I could bowl all night without any pain, although, I rarely go beyond 8 games. My wife wants me to come home. Isn't she sweet?

my wife dont want me to come home when i tryed moving up in weight i couldn't get my release to be consistent. but that was just me. i couldn't get use to it. so i stayed at 15. but i like it. i'm more consistent now but i think i just got the hang of it more now. never can tell.

Different strokes for different folks. I had a ball that was a light 16 and I could feel a difference. When I buy balls now, I want the weight at 16lb 2oz so when they drill it I am close to 16. My spare ball actually came up too heavy last year at Nationals.

Interesting that you say that Pounder. 2 years ago, my favorite ball, TS&A showed up an ounce and a half over at Nationals. They drilled out my finger holes to make it legal. I never felt it rolled the same way afterwards.