15 vs 16 - The Diff

[Old Scratch]

I was looking at balls and their ratings and notice significant differences in the ratings of the same ball at different weights. For example,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RG . . . . Diff
Black Widow 16lb . . . . 2.51 . . .049
Black Widow 15lb . . . . 2.50 . . .060

or even crazier...

The One 16lb . . . . . . . 2.51 . . .037
The One 15lb . . . . . . . 2.46 . . .056

It seems to be that in every case the 15s have higher differentials than the 16s. So, if i want a ball with bigger hook potential all I need to do is ditch my 16lb gear and buy the 15lb versions. Right?

I don't think the 15 vs 16 can even be considered the same ball. All else being equal, that 16lb One up there should be out-hooked by a Cherry Vibe but the 15lb One will smoke an Anger.

I smell a rat. What's the skinny with these seemingly distorted ratings?

[blistershurt]

Umm, that's core differential, that means that those numbers just represent how much the core influences the ball motion overall, if The One (16lbs) and a Cherry Vibe (15lbs) were plastic balls with a core, you would be right, but there still is coverstock that makes up MOST of a ball's reaction, this is proof.

[BubbaRay]

The Rg is an indication of the resistance to rotating motion. This affects how easy the ball wants to rotate off the bowler’s hand. The higher the Rg the less rotation applied to the ball. Therefore, the ball will go longer down the lane before it wants to hook. A lower Rg will result in more rotation off the bowler’s hand. This will result in an earlier hook motion.

Differential is the other important core measurement. This property determines the track flare potential. Is it equal to the difference between the highest Rg value about any axis in the ball and the lowest Rg value about a different axis. The maximum allowable differential Rg is 0.060 inches. A ball with a differential on .030 will flare about 3”, a differential Rg of .050 will flare about 5”, etc. The more differential Rg a ball has the more potential for track flare. The flare allows a dry surface on the ball to contact the lane which create more friction then an oily ball surface. Thus a ball with a higher differential will flare more and hook earlier than a ball with less flare.

[slap]

Umm, that's core differential, that means that those numbers just represent how much the core influences the ball motion overall, if The One (16lbs) and a Cherry Vibe (15lbs) were plastic balls with a core, you would be right, but there still is coverstock that makes up MOST of a ball's reaction, this is proof.

No.

The rg and diff measurements are taken from actual balls. The cover and core are factored in.

[Old Scratch]

The rg and diff measurements are taken from actual balls. The cover and core are factored in.

This seems to support the notion that a 15lb Widow, or any other 15lb ball from what I can see, is stronger than a 16lb version of the same ball.

[slap]

This seems to support the notion that a 15lb Widow, or any other 15lb ball from what I can see, is stronger than a 16lb version of the same ball.

I've read that most balls are developed at 15 lbs because it's the most popular weight. Balls at that weight get the "ideal" performance.

[Old Scratch]

Thus a ball with a higher differential will flare more and hook earlier than a ball with less flare.

This is a quote from Hammer's Tech Specs page:

For differentials, the higher the differential number (.058), the greater the overall hook potential. The lower the differential number (.040), the lower the hook potential.

Bubba speaks to flare and earliness. Hammer suggests hook potential. Are these the same?

And still, 15lb seems to be superior in all cases in the numbers game (assuming I want a more aggressive ball).

[Old Scratch]

I've read that most balls are developed at 15 lbs because it's the most popular weight. Balls at that weight get the "ideal" performance.

I've thrown 16s all my life and have just started to putz around with 15s. So far, the 15lb balls I've tried have been... better. I've also always wondered why I could never get my 16s to react like other people's 15s (same ball). Maybe this is the answer.

[BubbaRay]

I also have thrown 16 lbs. all my life and I am considering going down to 15 lbs due to wrist aches after a long session. I compared the diff and rg values between both and the 15 lb.s seem like they rev up better and have a stronger motion on the back end.

[bluerrpilot]

The lighter, faster spinning 15lb ball will change directions quicker. Giving it that higher diff. Thats the way I look at it at least

[Old Scratch]

I also have thrown 16 lbs. all my life and I am considering going down to 15 lbs due to wrist aches after a long session. I compared the diff and rg values between both and the 15 lb.s seem like they rev up better and have a stronger motion on the back end.

We could be twins.

I've noticed the same thing in the 15s I've tried. They rev better (easier?) and are stronger on the back ends. This is even comparing balls drilled for other people vs stuff that is drilled for me.

[idlehourlegend]

We could be twins.

I've noticed the same thing in the 15s I've tried. They rev better (easier?) and are stronger on the back ends. This is even comparing balls drilled for other people vs stuff that is drilled for me.

I agree here also, the BWS I have is 16lbs and is a lot harder to rev for me, the 15's are a lot easier to rev and send pins flying a lot better than the 16's for me atleast.