Best ball available

Question
Warren, I am a youth bowler that shoots down and in. What is currently the best ball out there for maximum pin action and carry for my style of game? Should I use a 15 or a 16 pound ball?

Answer
Joe,
I recommend practice and coaching for Junior players. The more you can develop your skills, at your age, the more effective you'll be your whole career. Becoming too focused on balls, starts you down a path that makes you a slave to the lane condition if you don't have just the right ball (reaction).

Bowling equipment designs address multiple needs. Without knowing your rev rate, ball speed, axis tilt and axis rotation and some idea of what lane surface you play on and how it's conditioned, suggesting a ball is just guessing.

Ball weight is a reflection of your size and athleticism. Ball weight is an element of potential effect. To much weight can sometimes push pins too hard, and they don't deflect enough. The ball only hits 4 pins, those 4 must move correctly to carry the other 6.

Likewise, weaker handed players with less turn (or players that can exercise control of their deliveries) can benefit from the lack of deflection of a 16, when rolled from a more direct line. Example, while Norm Duke is a very skilled player (he's not a huge hulk of a guy), his straighter play with a 16 pound ball is devastating. Norm doesn't throw very hard and can play parts of the lane that less skilled player won't attempt.

Thanks for your questions.