What weight bowling ball should I use?
The right bowling ball is the heaviest one you can throw comfortably and with control for a whole game. Here's how to find yours.
The quick rule
A common starting point is about 10% of your body weight, up to the 16-pound maximum. Treat it as a starting point, not a rule. Strength, age and how often you bowl matter just as much.
Typical ranges
- Young kids: 6 to 8 pounds.
- Older kids and teens: 8 to 12 pounds.
- Most adults bowling for fun: 11 to 15 pounds.
- Regular league bowlers: often 14 to 16 pounds.
16 pounds is the heaviest ball allowed in regulation bowling.
Too heavy or too light?
- Too heavy: your arm drops early, the ball pulls you off balance, you can't keep a straight swing, or your arm is sore after a game or two.
- Too light: the ball feels like you could throw it with your wrist, and you tend to muscle it or overturn your hand. Light balls also deflect more when they hit the pins.
A slightly heavier ball carries more pins, but only if you can throw it accurately. Control comes first.
Test it
Hold the ball with your arm by your side, then swing it gently back and forth a few times. You should be able to do this smoothly without your shoulder or wrist straining. Then throw a few practice balls. If your last few throws are as good as your first, the weight is right.
Fit matters as much as weight
A house ball that fits well in a lighter weight beats a heavier one that doesn't. Your fingers and thumb should slide in with a little room, and the span between them shouldn't stretch your hand. If you bowl often, a ball drilled to your hand at a pro shop makes a big difference.
Bowl every day
In Bowldle, every ball rolls the same on any phone. Practice your aim and lane reading with a new lane each day, then take what you learn to the alley.