Choosing the right bowling ball weight plays a big role in your scores, comfort, and long-term progress. Many bowlers start with a random house ball, while others try the heaviest ball they can lift, hoping for more strikes.
Both approaches often lead to back pain, bad shots, and poor results.
This guide explains how bowling ball weight affects your game. You will learn how to choose the right weight for your body, strength, and experience. You will also find real examples, simple rules, and practical tips you can use next time you go bowling.
If you already know your bowling ball weight and want more help choosing
bowling balls, you can also read our
Best Bowling Balls 2025 and
Best Bowling Ball for Beginners reviews!
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, BowlingLife might earn a small commission that helps support our work, at no extra cost to you.
Why Bowling Ball Weight Matters
The right bowling ball weight helps you to stay consistent, score better, and keep your body safe. A ball that is too heavy reduces your bowling ball speed and accuracy. On the other hand, a ball that is too light reduces pin action.
Weight affects four main things:
-
Your shot speed
-
Your control
-
Your timing
-
Your stamina over many games
When the weight matches your strength, your shots stay steady from the first to the last frame.
What Is the Heaviest Bowling Ball Weight?
The heaviest legal bowling ball weight is 16 pounds under USBC rules. However, some bowlers have made homemade bowling balls that weigh up to 20 pounds.
Many bowlers think they must throw 16 pounds to score well. That is not true. Most bowlers use bowling balls between 12 and 15 pounds. The best weight depends on age, physique, and grip.
Bowling Ball Weight Chart
This simple bowling ball weight chart gives you a clear starting point.
| Bowler Type | Suggested Weight |
|---|---|
| Kids under 8 | 6–8 lb |
| Kids 9–11 | 9–11 lb |
| Teens | 12–14 lb |
| Adult Women | 12–15 lb |
| Adult Men | 15–16 lb |
| Senior Bowlers | 13–15 lb |
These numbers are not strict rules. They help you find a ball that feels good from the first shot.
How to Choose Your Bowling Ball Weight
Choosing the right bowling ball weight comes down to feel, comfort, and control. You want a ball that gives strong pin action without hurting your body.
A simple method is this:
Divide your body weight (in pounds) by 11.
Example:
150 lbs ÷ 11 = 13.6 → start with a 13 or 14 lb ball.
This number is only a starting point. You then adjust based on how your body reacts.
Signs Your Bowling Ball Weight Is Too Heavy
Your bowling ball weight is too heavy if:
- Your grip is too loose
- Your wrist or elbow feels stressed
- Your ball speed drops fast
- You lose control during the swing
A heavy ball may give strong hits, but only when you can handle the weight. If you cannot keep your speed, a lighter ball will score better.
Signs Your Bowling Ball Weight Is Too Light
Your bowling ball weight is too light if:
- You feel like you are “tossing” instead of swinging
- You throw too fast and lose control
- You get weak pin action
- Your ball deflects too much
If these signs match your game, try heavier bowling ball.
Bowling Ball Weight for Kids and Teens
Kids and teens need a bowling ball weight that protects their hands and wrists. Choose a weight that feels smooth and safe. Do not force heavier balls on young players. Their muscles and joints are still developing.
Most young bowlers stay between:
- 6–11 lb for kids
- 2–14 lb for teens
Comfort and proper form matter more than weight at this stage.
What Bowling Ball Weight Do Pros Use?
Pro players do not use bowling balls you can fing in bowling alley. They use high-erformance bowling balls, that is pecifically drilled to their hand measurements. Having a good grip allows to throw heavier bowling balls.
Most male pros use 15-pound balls. Some use 16 pounds, but this number is much lower. Meanwhile, most female pros use 14 or 15 pounds.
House Balls vs Custom Balls and Bowling Ball Weight
As we mentioned before, house balls often feel heavier because the holes never match your hand perfectly. You grip harder, your swing gets tight, and your arm gets tired fast. It all affects your accuracy.
A custom-drilled ball spreads weight across your hand. This makes the same bowling ball weight feel lighter.
Many bowlers can easily handle a ball 2–3 pounds heavier when it is drilled for their hand.
How to Test and Find Your Ideal Bowling Ball Weight
Try this simple method:
-
Start with a weight that feels safe (for example 11-12 lbs).
-
Throw 5–6 shots.
-
Move up or down based on feel.
Your ideal bowling ball weight should:
- Feel smooth during the swing
- Keep your speed steady
- Avoid pain and soreness
- Give strong pin action
- Let you bowl many games without fatigue
Listen to your body. It will tell you when the weight is right.
Experiment, Listen to Your Body, and Build Up Slowly
Your ideal bowling ball weight may change over time. As you get stronger, you may move up in weight. You may also stay at one weight for years. Both paths are fine.
Stay patient and pay attention to your body. Do not force heavy weights too soon. Smooth progress always wins.
