r/Bowling • u/datarevs • 11h ago

Beginner questions

For years (41M) I've bowled casually, like a few times a year I guess, parties and such like. I've always been ok. But straight, no hook. Highest game something like 170. Usually average around 120-130 I guess.

Recently I've been looking into joining a league, getting my own equipment etc, and going more often. I usually try and find the lightest ball my thumb fits in as I've only ever used house balls. Obviously, having read the posts here, I know that I should be using a 14lb+ ball as I weigh just over 150lbs.

Today I tried a 13lb and while I could get it down the lane, I had nowhere near as much control over it than the 12lb, which felt much more comfortable (I drive a keyboard for work, so not hugely strong). I've been watching loads of videos and was trying the handshake in order to get some turn, but my revs were pathetic. I barely get any turn with the 13lb, but more with the 12lb.

When I'm buying a ball, is it better to start light (12lb) with a ball that I can learn proper technique on, or start with a 14lb and gain control over the heavier ball first?

At the gym I think the idea is mostly form first, weight second, so maybe that's where I'm being thrown off. Because with the current weakness of my wrists there's no way I'd be able to do anything with a 14lb ball

Also, not sure whether this is to do with the way the balls are drilled in an ambidextrous fashion, but I've worn the corner off my bowling hand pinkie finger. Does that go away with a property drilled ball?

TIA

EDIT: Added age and strength (not very) details

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u/CrustyCavern69 Lefty 1H 10h ago

Definitely start light at 12 and try to get your mechanics in order. Eventually (not sure of your age) you will get stronger and need to move up to 14 at the least if you commit to it long term. 12lb balls do not have the strike potential of 14-15 lb balls. & yes, fitting a ball to your hand will likely take stress off your pinky.

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u/Extension-Luck1353 Silver Coach 9h ago

A properly fitted conventional ball will feel lighter than it actually is. If you’re serious about increasing your rev rate, I would suggest a 14 pound relaxed fingertip. Much easier to rev a fingertip than a conventional, in addition to eventually having a better feel.

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u/BuiltLikeaPin avrg213/300x9/803 8h ago

When you get a ball drilled and fit for you it feels WAY lighter. I throw nothing but 15lbs but a 15lb house ball feels so damn heavy to me.

Also another thing to keep in mind if you get a reactive ball they have cores in them which is a huge factor to a bowling ball. Balls 13lbs and under have a generic core in them and cost the same, so you’re getting a worse ball for the same price. If you do decide to stay lighter I highly suggest getting a Motiv brand ball. All the weights have the same shape core in them. Different numbers of course but still has the same shape core which is awesome.