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Author Topic: Cleaning a bowling ball  (Read 9163 times)

TDC57

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Cleaning a bowling ball
« on: December 31, 2012, 02:28:20 PM »
I'm sure this topic my have been touched a few times before but I don't think I've ever read it, so I'll bring it up again. I know a guy that is a top-flite bowler and he never cleans any ball after using it. I have watched him throw balls that are at least 3-4 years old and they react great for him. Is the ball cleaning thing a must (I always do it) or are there some balls that very little changes about their performance if unlceaned. The only thing I've ever noticed is that some that I own react stronger after about 5 or so frames of use than when clean at the start. Any thoughts?

 

charlest

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #16 on: January 01, 2013, 01:57:38 PM »
I'm not really willing to see if any of my stuff suffers from no cleaning. I more or less just started this topic because I am amazed he seems to continue to score with balls he just throws in the bag when he's done. From my eye, it seems he hasn't made any adjustments but that doesn't mean he hasn't tweaked things a bit. I was just wondering if anybody else does the same thing.

Understand the curiosity.
Of course they do, AND they say they do not adjust but I know and see that they do.

You continue to do what you do and you'll be happier, maybe just more satisfied in the long run. Knowledge is power.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

mainzer

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #17 on: January 01, 2013, 02:02:28 PM »
I use rubbing alcohol and take them to the shop every once in awhile to bring them back to the desired surface as needed. That is it never had gear die and very little if any loss of reaction
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MainzerPower

TDC57

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #18 on: January 01, 2013, 08:43:45 PM »
That's why I would never go to the no cleaning routine. I clean mine and also never had a ball die!

Rightycomplex

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #19 on: January 01, 2013, 09:30:09 PM »
TDC57,

Im glad you dont allow you equipment to get dirty. People need to understand the differences of where the ball hooks and stop confusing this matter. Good example, I have 2 Storm Crossroads. One with a strong drilling and a 600 grit surface, one with a weaker drilling and a 2000 grit surface. I can cover more boards with the weaker ball but have more hook on the heavier patterns with the stronger one.

A gentleman asked me about it because he saw my strong one not covering as many boards and thought the ball was dying. I then had to explain to him the difference to which he still looked confused. The more surface, the earlier and smoother the ball reaction. Even on my 2000 grit, when I apply a 2000 pad it smoothes the backend of the ball. As i throw the ball more, it shines, and the ball covers more boards, seeming to "backend" more.

As for your friend, his tilt, axis rotation, rev rate, speed, the lane conditions, are all at work to deliver the reaction. Their are people with lower rev rates but have a low tilt so they get the ball to axis faster thus creating backend reation and covering a lot of boards. Just depends on the bowler.
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Bowling4life10

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #20 on: January 10, 2013, 07:10:51 PM »
Im not sure if anyone else has tried this yet but I use Mister Clean Magic Erasers on my bowling balls along with 91% rubbing alcohol. Brings them to a reallyyyy nice dull surface and makes the ball snap a little harder.

JPbowling151

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Re: Cleaning a bowling ball
« Reply #21 on: January 10, 2013, 07:34:26 PM »
I make it a point to clean my bowling balls after each session with a bowling ball cleaner...currently I'm using Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner, when that runs out I'll break out a pouch of those Powerhouse Adrenaline Wipes from my locker. I just pick up whatever ball cleaner the local shop seems to be carrying at the time so it could be Power Wash, Ultimate Black Magic Rejuvenator..etc. Though the consensus here seems to be Powerhouse Clean & Dull, Neo Tac Hook-it, or LaneMasters ball cleaner if you can still find it works the best at deep cleaning. My only gripe with Clean & Dull is that it's a gel and I find it a little messy and less convenient than a liquid spray like a LaneMasters.

Speaking of ball cleaners, have any of you noticed pro shops are now carrying their own brand of ball cleaner? I'm guessing you order from a company and they bottle a cleaner with your pro shops name/logo on it?
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