lighter equipment

Question
QUESTION: I want to drop in ball weight to 14lbs to have more control and revs on the ball. I currently throw 15, however, due to some wrist issues I am unable to control the ball as well as the night goes on. when I pick up my wife's 14lb ball, which is the same as my 15lb it feels less strenuous on my wrist. I can do the "ron clifton test," and hold the ball on the side cupped forward for more than ten seconds. With the 15, about 7 seconds before the wrist hurts.

So should I expect an adverse affect in carry with change in weights? I have 265 rev rate, and more tweener speed, around 17mph off my hand.

What do you think about changing weight downward? Carry issue?

ANSWER: I used 14# equipment after I had wrist surgery and did not lose much, if any, hitting power.  I would say that with the lighter weight, you can carry high hits a bit better.  Unless you have to play inside 4th arrow, you will not lose carry.

Good  luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Chip.

You are the first to mention carrying high hits and an issue moving inside the 4th arrow. I don't like moving inside the 4th arrow every if at all possible really. I prefer to keep my A game at the twig to about board 8, my B game about 14 to 7 angle, and C game about 20 board then I just try changing equipment.

Out of curiosity though what did you mean "unless I have to play inside the 4th?" Inside the 4th carry will be affected?

Answer
For some bowlers, there is a loss of carry when playing the deep inside angles, especially on the light pocket hits.
The only time I used a 14# ball and played that deep was in Reno at the USBC open 2001 and still shot over 1900 all events.  Having to play that deep doesnt happen that much anymore.

Chip