Except for the "Little Rocks" program, all curing is done with a granite rock weighing between 42 and 44 pounds (including the handle and hardware). Little Rocks are for kids aged 7 to 12. They come in two physical sizes (most are smaller than the real rocks but other are the same size) and weight about 15 pounds.
As previously stated, the "power" to deliver the rock is really from the pushing out of the hack. Years ago, the standard delivery was to actually pick it up in a swinging motion backward and then fling it forward. That style has been replaced to the "no lift" method that you see now. The "no lift" is more accurate and easier on the back. It is easier to deliver the rock through the house rather than a guard in my opinion (easier to throw it harder than to throw it with enough weight to stop 6 feet in front of the house).
The main difference between men's and women's curling is the style of play. With men's, you will see more aggressive strategies (double take-outs, heavy weight shots, etc.). The ladies play a milder form of the game.
I have played since 1978 in high school. My inlaws are in their mid-80's and they still play.
