what size ball so you use and why?

I've been bowling since I was a little kid. The smallest ball you can use is 6 which is what I used when I was little. As I got older and stronger, I did go up in weight. I think my current ball is around 11 or 12 lbs. I was supposed to get a new ball last week, but there was a problem with the pro shop as he did not receive the ball like expected. I should have mine this week and its going to be 13 lbs. I was told the minimum I needed in order to throw a hook to have 13 lbs so that is what I will be bowling with. Even if a ball is a bit heavy at first, it usually does not take to long to get used to the ball as you build your arm strength.

I used to play bowling and I used 13 lbs. But technically, the ideal weight of the ball that you should use is 10% of your weight. However, it's your choice, if you can throw the ball which is beyond 10% of your weight, it is OK.

Use the heaviest ball you're comfortable with... and make sure it's drilled to fit your hands perfectly. I'm 17 and most people my age that I know use 15 but I still use 14 because that's what I'm more comfortable with. But the disadvantage is that 14-pounders are harder to come across because they're not nearly as popular as 15 and 16-pound balls.

As a kid I started with an 8 lb ball also. but now the ball I have is a 10 lb ball. I have never used a 12lb- I think that would be too heavy for me.