Static Weight Study
Since completion of the Ball Motion Study in 2008, USBC has stated that if factors were determined to have a high impact on ball motion, a specification would be developed if one was not in place. Conversely, if factors were determined to have a lesser impact on ball motion, further studies would be conducted to investigate if modifying or removing specifications relating tothose elements needed to occur.
Bowlers, pro shop operators, some manufacturers and much of the industry has expressed concerns that static weights are no longer relevant in today's world of high-performance bowling balls that are affected more by ball dynamics and cover stock chemistry. Many called for an increase in the maximum static weight allowance or an outright elimination of the USBC static weight specification altogether.
In response, the USBC began studying the degree to which static weights affect ball motion. This study - partially completed this past May 2011 - illustrated that if the current USBC static weight limits were eliminated or increased, the typical three-phase motion of bowling balls as they travel down a lane (skid, hook, then roll) would be significantly altered. A fourth phase of unpredictable motion begins to occur that would cause problems for bowlers and pro shop operators leading to an undesirable effect on the lanes.
