Yes, heavier balls are better than lighter balls. That’s why we observe most of the professional bowlers using heavier balls ranging in 14-16 pounds.
But, Why are Heavier Bowling Balls Better?
Whereas, kinetic energy formula tells us opposite,
K.E. = 1/2 m v^2
It is the product of half of the object’s mass into its speed.
This equation makes us think the lighter balls have more speed. In result, the lighter balls will have more kinetic energy to knock down the pins.
So, it makes lighter bowling balls better than heavier ones?
Right? No, wrong.
Calm down your nerves, no more complex explanation further, I will explain to you in the simplest way possible why heavier bowling balls are still better than lighter ones!
You just need to stay with me for a few seconds.
So, listen…
No doubt, because of having more speed lighter balls can have more kinetic energy as compare to the heavier ball,
But,
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3 Reasons – Why are Heavier Bowling Balls Better?
1. Greater Momentum:
“Momentum is the mass of an object multiplied by its velocity. A heavier ball has more momentum than a lighter ball traveling at the same speed.
Momentum is important for knocking down pins because it is a measure of how much force the ball exerts on impact.”
Mark Baker, Bowling coach
So, while it is true that a lighter ball could be thrown faster, professional bowlers are able to generate a lot of speed with a heavier ball. This is because they have strong muscles and good technique.
This gives them the best of both worlds: a ball with a lot of kinetic energy and a ball that is easy to control.
2. More Hooking Ability:
Hook is the curve that the ball takes as it travels down the lane. A heavier ball is more likely to hook than a lighter ball.
This is because a heavier ball has more inertia, which makes it more resistant to changing direction.
As a result, the ball hits the pins at a specific angle, which increases the chances of a strike.
3. Easier Control:
“A heavier bowling ball is generally easier to control than a lighter ball. This is because a heavier ball is more stable and less likely to deflect.
Control is important for knocking down pins because it allows the bowler to throw the ball accurately and consistently.”
In addition, professional bowlers often compete on lanes that are heavily oiled.
This oil can make it difficult for the ball to hook.
Yes, a heavier ball is more likely to cut through the oil and hook properly.
But, wait!
Beginner bowlers should be cautious.
Disclaimer: Being a bowling expert I won’t recommend beginners to start with heavy balls because they won’t be able to throw them properly.
So, despite knowing that heavier balls are better, beginners must start with the lighter ones because:
2 Reasons – Why Should Beginners Start With the Light Bowling Balls?
- Lighter balls are easier to lift and carry. A lighter ball is less tiring to lift and carry, which is important for beginners who may not be used to the weight of a bowling ball.
- Lighter balls are less likely to cause injury. A lighter ball is less likely to cause a wrist or shoulder injury, which is important for beginners who are still learning the proper form and technique.
Once a beginner has mastered the basics of bowling, they can gradually move up to a heavier ball as their strength and skill improve.
My Final Verdict:
As we discussed in the start, lighter balls can gain more speed as compared to the heavier ones.
But, heavier balls have more momentum, generate more hooks, and are easier to control. These factors play an extremely important role in knocking down the pins.
So my final verdict is, the advantages of using a heavier bowling ball outweigh their disadvantages so heavier bowling balls are better than lighter ones (especially for pro bowlers).
FAQs
Q1: Why are heavier bowling balls better?
Heavier bowling balls are better because they have greater momentum. Momentum is the mass of an object multiplied by its velocity, and a heavier ball has more momentum than a lighter ball traveling at the same speed.
This increased momentum allows the ball to exert more force on impact, increasing the chances of knocking down pins.
Q2: Why use a heavier bowling ball?
Using a heavier bowling ball offers several benefits. Firstly, a heavier ball generates more hook, which is the curve the ball takes as it travels down the lane. This increased hooking ability enhances the chances of hitting the pins at the optimal angle for a strike.
Secondly, a heavier ball is easier to control because it is more stable and less likely to deflect.
This control is crucial for accurate and consistent throws. Lastly, heavier balls are more effective in cutting through oil on heavily oiled lanes, allowing them to hook properly.
Q3: What are the benefits of using a heavier bowling ball?
Using a heavier bowling ball provides three main benefits.
Firstly, it offers greater momentum, allowing the ball to exert more force on impact and increase the chances of knocking down pins.
Secondly, a heavier ball has more hooking ability, which enhances the chances of hitting the pins at the optimal angle for a strike.
Lastly, a heavier ball is easier to control, providing the bowler with increased accuracy and consistency.
Q4: Is it better to use a heavy or light bowling ball?
The choice between a heavy or light bowling ball depends on the bowler’s skill level and experience.
For professional bowlers with strong muscles and good technique, heavier balls offer the best of both worlds – a ball with a lot of kinetic energy and easy control.
However, beginners should start with lighter bowling balls as they are easier to lift, carry, and less likely to cause injury. As beginners progress and improve their strength and skill, they can gradually transition to heavier balls.
Q5: Why are bowling balls so heavy?
Bowling balls are heavy to optimize their performance on the lane. The weight of the ball contributes to its momentum, which is important for knocking down pins.
Heavier balls have more momentum and can exert greater force on impact, increasing the chances of a strike.
Additionally, the weight of the ball affects its ability to generate hook and its stability during the throw, allowing for better control and accuracy.