Do bowling ball weights really matter? Bowling balls are a great investment for any bowling enthusiast, but do you know how much weight should be on the bowling ball to get the best results?
Bowling ball weight can have a serious impact on the game. That said, generally, when going bowling, pick a bowling ball with a weight that is manageable, not too heavy, or too light.
A bowling ball that is too heavy will feel uncomfortable and can cause wrist or hand damage. A bowling ball that is too light will not cause physical damage but will not be able to hit the pins with as much power as a heavier ball. In this article, we will discuss how bowling ball weight matters for your overall gameplay. Keep reading to learn about why bowling ball weight matters!
Why Does Bowling Ball Weight Matter?
Bowling ball weight is important because bowling balls are made using different materials that have varying weights. Many times, the bowling ball’s material will determine how much it weighs.
Bowling balls can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights, with the most common weights being between 12 to 16 pounds.
Why are bowling balls so heavy?
The following table compares heavy and light bowling balls:
| Gameplay characteristics | Heavier bowling ball | Lighter bowling ball |
| Hitting power | Increased | Decreased |
| Drive power | Increased | Increased or decreased. This depends on the player’s finesse. |
| Pin action | Increased | Decreased |
If this table does not highlight the reasons for getting a heavier ball, we don’t know what would. For someone serious about their score, a heavier bowling ball is by far superior to a light bowling ball. The only reason to use a lighter ball is if your wrist and hand are not physically able to handle it.
What size bowling ball should a woman use?
What Are Bowling Balls Made Of?
Much of what contributes to a bowling ball’s weight is that it can be made of different materials. The simple fact is that most of the time, it is what is on the inside rather than the outside of a bowling ball that contributes the most to its weight.
The following is a common list of materials used to make bowling balls:
- Polyester
- Urethane
- Resin
These three cover stocks make up much of the bowling ball market. And the bowling ball itself also has a core. The core is where the weight is stored, and multiple materials are used to make the core.
Each bowling ball core is covered with a cover stock material. The following are the different combinations of core materials you will find on the market:
- Bismuth graphite
- Barium
- Ceramic
- Plastic
- Resin
- Iron oxide
Generally, ceramic-fired cores are the best bowling ball core you can have. And many bowlers prefer a urethane ball. These balls require less upkeep than a resin cover stock ball, and they offer good weight distribution.
How Does Bowling Ball Weight Effect Gameplay?
Unfortunately for bowling newbies, bowling balls range from six pounds and up, depending on your preference or strength level.
Bowling ball weight does not only affect how accurate you are during gameplay, but it affects other aspects such as pin action and drive power.
How much does a bowling pin weigh.
This means that a heavier bowling ball will slow down when hitting the pins, which allows bowlers with weaker arms to be able to knock all ten pins over. This is one advantage to a heavier bowling ball; you need less power from your body, and you can let the bowling ball do more work.
A lighter bowling ball will move more quickly towards the pins allowing stronger players to enhance their game by:
- Increased speed
- More accuracy
A lighter bowling ball relies heavily on the bowler’s strength to knock down all ten pins. The bowling ball will move faster towards the pins with less power required from your body.
Why does a bowling ball move without acceleration?
