Cleaning your balls.

[Quest36X]

I'm new to the site, but old to the game. First about me, 26 years old, 17 sanctioned 300s, 6 800s, and have been working in a pro shop for just under 10 years. I've picked up quite a bit of knowledge from my pro shop owner and several seminars we have attended.

Do NOT ever, i repeat NEVER, use any nail polish remover, acetone, or anything with alcohol in the composition of the formula. Not only is it illegal, but you will damage the coverstock of the ball.

We all know these balls are called reactive resin. This "resin" is an additive called plasticizer. When you use an alcohol based product you will remove plasticizer and clog the "pores" of the bowling ball removing hook potential.

We all have our favorite balls in our bags. Use proper maintenance and common sense. Don't leave them in your car when it's hot or cold outside, don't bake them in the oven, and don't put them in the dishwasher. (When customers tell me they do this to their equipment, I cringe.)

Bowling balls are not cheap and if you think that there is a effective but cheap way to maintain it, you will be buying a new paperweight for your desk sooner than you think.

Think of a bowling ball as an investment. Take proper care of your equipment and rely on your pro shop, they're not there to hurt you, we are here to help.

If any of you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me or just respond to this thread.

[gchief]

Quest36x,

I have a Columbia Scout Reactive that I have had since 7/06 and have about 250 to 300 games on it. I have been told it is wearing out, fortunately I have ordered a new Hammer Blue Vibe and should be in soon. I am wanting to know what is a proper maintenance schedule as to what/when things need to be done for proper care. If properly maintained what is a normal life expectancy of a Blue Vibe? Are they a durable bowling ball? Thanks for your input and advice.

[EIGHTBALL033]

ARE THE BALLS TODAY PRONE TO NOT LAST AS LONG AS OLDER BALLS,EVEN THOUGH YOU GET BETTER REACTION WITH THE AGGRESSIVE COVERSTOCKS?:eek:

[BradM]

I'm new to the site, but old to the game. First about me, 26 years old, 17 sanctioned 300s, 6 800s, and have been working in a pro shop for just under 10 years. I've picked up quite a bit of knowledge from my pro shop owner and several seminars we have attended.

Do NOT ever, i repeat NEVER, use any nail polish remover, acetone, or anything with alcohol in the composition of the formula. Not only is it illegal, but you will damage the coverstock of the ball.

We all know these balls are called reactive resin. This "resin" is an additive called plasticizer. When you use an alcohol based product you will remove plasticizer and clog the "pores" of the bowling ball removing hook potential.

We all have our favorite balls in our bags. Use proper maintenance and common sense. Don't leave them in your car when it's hot or cold outside, don't bake them in the oven, and don't put them in the dishwasher. (When customers tell me they do this to their equipment, I cringe.)

Bowling balls are not cheap and if you think that there is a effective but cheap way to maintain it, you will be buying a new paperweight for your desk sooner than you think.

Think of a bowling ball as an investment. Take proper care of your equipment and rely on your pro shop, they're not there to hurt you, we are here to help.

If any of you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me or just respond to this thread.



Where are ya from? Welcome to the forums, be sure to post often. And good luck getting any of the guys here that use acetone/alcohol/dishwashers to quit. They seem to be pretty set in their ways. I know it's wrong, several other people know it's wrong, heck they even know it's wrong, but they don't won't to admit it.

Brad

[Quest36X]

Hi all. Just got home from the shop, so I have a few minutes before I head back out to bowl tonight.

I'll try to answer all of these questions as quickly and simply as possible, but at the same time giving you the exact answers you seek.

1.) A Columbia Scout with 250-300 games on it is amazing. This is a low end reactive resin bowling ball obviously with a low hook expectation. With this ball, the plasticizer isn't as prevalent as in higher end bowling balls. This being said, the Scout will have lost its hook.

As for proper maintenance of your new Hammer Vibe, take care of it. This is regarded as an entry level reactive resin, however, it's characteristics are more like a mid-level resin ball. Keep it clean using your favorite cleaner every 12-15 games and get a fresh coverstock (abralon or sanding) once a month. I find that when my customers come back to do this, they're happy and my shop makes a little bit more money.

Thanks for the question.

2.) Of course you will have different reactions from newer and older bowling balls. Newer bowling balls hook more, but why? It's all about the technology. Simple as that. The resin additive (plasticizer) is getting better, the core technology is getting better. That being said, will the newer balls last as long? Yes, if you take care of it properly.

Thanks for the question.

3.) I'm in Raleigh, NC. Home of High Rollers Pro Shop. The website should be up soon, as soon as it is, I'll post the link here for you guys.

Thanks again, and I'll post my scores tonight just in case you guys care.

[BradM]

Sure post'em up! Do you use any Hammer equipment? What's you're current arsenal?

[Quest36X]

Gm 1: 256
Gm 2: 224
Gm 3: 279 (front 9, stone 9 pin)
Set: 759 not too shabby I guess.....team did well....but couldn't win a pot all night, oh well.

All with Black Widow and spare ball.

[bigsexyhammer]

Good stuff.

BTW, I like your screenname. I could only dream of a nine hundo. However, from your credentials, it could indeed someday be a reality. :eek: Sweet.

[perek]

So if Rubbing Alcohol is a no no, what do you use? I have been using Rubbing Alcohol for I dont know how long.

[EIGHTBALL033]

So if Rubbing Alcohol is a no no, what do you use? I have been using Rubbing Alcohol for I dont know how long.

IS MY FAVORITE,BUT EBONITE IS RECOMMENDED:cool:

[can-ham]

Gm 1: 256
Gm 2: 224
Gm 3: 279 (front 9, stone 9 pin)
Set: 759 not too shabby I guess.....team did well....but couldn't win a pot all night, oh well.

All with Black Widow and spare ball.

Dude nice shooting! So either your house puts out an easy shot or you should be hitting the tour! Do you have your card?

http://www.egsa.seas.ucla.edu/image/kingpin.jpg

[dw800seeker]

Dude nice shooting! So either your house puts out an easy shot or you should be hitting the tour! Do you have your card?

http://www.egsa.seas.ucla.edu/image/kingpin.jpg

Can-Ham: Please be nice to our guest.

900seeker: It is a treat to have someone here who knows their stuff. I hope you find this site interesting and continue to contribute. I have been wiping alcohol all over my bowling balls for years. Does that make all my scores illegal?

[BradM]

Can-Ham: Please be nice to our guest.

900seeker: It is a treat to have someone here who knows their stuff. I hope you find this site interesting and continue to contribute. I have been wiping alcohol all over my bowling balls for years. Does that make all my scores illegal?

Not as long as it's Isopropyl Alcohol aka rubbing alcohol. That's fine but I think it can't be applied during a game.

[can-ham]

Can-Ham: Please be nice to our guest.

What are you talking about?

Mad props to Quest36X. I seriously want to know if he has his PBA card. I'm stoke he is posting on these forum and I bet he's won a few tournaments. The fact that he posted a causal 759, leads me to believe this is normal scoring for him so the question was legit. The picture of Big Ern was not meant to be a cut, it is only there for my enjoyment!

My goal is to one day bowl in a PBA regional event, but I've got a long way to go before I even come close to getting my card...

[dw800seeker]

[S]o either your house puts out an easy shot . . .

This is the part I was talking about.

See if the guest would like a fluffy pillow, a refill on his drink, or perhaps some more corned beef and cabbage?

[can-ham]

This is the part I was talking about.

See if the guest would like a fluffy pillow, a refill on his drink, or perhaps some more corned beef and cabbage?

Ok look if your shooting 759 with a 279 and you don't win a pot? I'm sorry but your either bowling with other professionals or the shot is easy. I'm still extremely impressed though!

Quest36X can you comment on the type of conditions you are bowling on? And I apologize if I've offended you in any way. Mad props!

[dw800seeker]

Ok look if your shooting 759 with a 279 and you don't win a pot? I'm sorry but your either bowling with other professionals or the shot is easy. I'm still extremely impressed though!

I guess I missed that 279 not winning any money.:eek: Can-Ham: Sorry about busting your bowling balls your points are astute! Mad props on your contributions.

I know that the night that I shot 300, 252 and 222 I got knocked out of the brackets in the second game when I lost to a 257-ish and a 268-ish. Oh yeah, but my lanes are "easy":o

[Quest36X]

Yes, my scores are legit. But I do bowl in a league that has around 15 or more 220 bowlers. This THS is typically known as the easiest in the area, and most bowlers that average 220+ there usually don't do well outside of that house. Just the way it is. For example, one bowler that averages over 230 there couldn't average more than 165 on a THS in a house across town (where my pro shop resides). So, yes it is easy, however, it does not equate to automatic high scores. Bone dry condition outside and the back ends, you have to have high ball speed (16-19 mph, at least), and a high rev rate. Me, I can throw anywhere from 16 (very slow, for me) to 22 (very hard, for most anyone) consistently. Just depends on the line for the night.

Do I have my PBA card? No. Answer simply being why would I? There is much more money out there in side tournaments and mega buck tournaments. The PBA is much more of a grind, and then who would run the shop? I absolutely love what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything.

However, I will be bowling in a few PBA regional events soon enough, just to see what it's like, but I will not be getting my card anytime soon.

Thanks for the questions guys, I don't mind them, so keep shooting them my way.

[can-ham]

Can-Ham: Sorry about busting your bowling balls your points are astute! Mad props on your contributions.

Seeker, it's all good. I like this form because we're not afraid to challenge each other and there is always a good level of respect even when we're ridding each others bowling balls!

Cheers!

[can-ham]

Yes, my scores are legit. But I do bowl in a league that has around 15 or more 220 bowlers. This THS is typically known as the easiest in the area, and most bowlers that average 220+ there usually don't do well outside of that house. Just the way it is. For example, one bowler that averages over 230 there couldn't average more than 165 on a THS in a house across town (where my pro shop resides). So, yes it is easy, however, it does not equate to automatic high scores. Bone dry condition outside and the back ends, you have to have high ball speed (16-19 mph, at least), and a high rev rate. Me, I can throw anywhere from 16 (very slow, for me) to 22 (very hard, for most anyone) consistently. Just depends on the line for the night.

Do I have my PBA card? No. Answer simply being why would I? There is much more money out there in side tournaments and mega buck tournaments. The PBA is much more of a grind, and then who would run the shop? I absolutely love what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything.

However, I will be bowling in a few PBA regional events soon enough, just to see what it's like, but I will not be getting my card anytime soon.

Thanks for the questions guys, I don't mind them, so keep shooting them my way.

Very cool! Thanks for the insight, I think the easy house plays into it a bit but to average over 220 you still need to throw strikes and pick up spares. Sounds like you bowl with a good group of people that are pushing each other to preform.

So when you bowl some regionals, please let us know the details so we can cheer for you. It's cool to have another hammer head in the mix!

[BradM]

Hey Quest, what do you think about soaking balls to get the oil out of them? Do you think it hurts to get water in the finger/thumb holes while they soak?

[Quest36X]

I have no first hand knowledge of soaking bowling balls. The only thing that i endorse is the Ebonite Hook Again center. I do recognize that MoRich promotes soaking your balls in hot water, but as for long term effects, no one is quite sure what happens to a bowling ball.

I do know, however, that oil is absorbed into a bowling ball rather quickly and water is not. Short term effect I'm sure this is okay, but long term, no one knows.

[jman69]

I agree with everyone else. It is nice to have someone who really knows what they are talking about on here.:cool:

[BradM]

I have no first hand knowledge of soaking bowling balls. The only thing that i endorse is the Ebonite Hook Again center. I do recognize that MoRich promotes soaking your balls in hot water, but as for long term effects, no one is quite sure what happens to a bowling ball.

I do know, however, that oil is absorbed into a bowling ball rather quickly and water is not. Short term effect I'm sure this is okay, but long term, no one knows.

Cool. Just thought maybe you had an opinion. A lot of people say not to let the water get in the holes when it's soaking but I've never plugged them up.

A lot of people on the board have had good results soaking. I know it's restored my ball. I've never tried Hook Again but, I bet it works pretty well. I plan on picking up a kit at some point.

[TenPinSniper]

Something to think about... all resurfacing is done with water. They dont worry about water getting the holes.

*** That being said, I'm not endorsing water getting the finger hole, my stance has not changed.***

I have soak most every ball I've owned. Probably around to 15-16, in last eight years or so, plus my wifes stuff. No ill effects, have bowled with old Faball stuff earlier this season on ill effects.