all particle coverstocks die eventually. i haven't heard much about the activator particle dying on people other than the norm.

i've had mine since december of 2003 and i've noticed no loss in hitting power. i thought my house was very slick due to a fill-in oil pattern, no cleaning, and carrydown. i had the raging inferno scuffed with a green scotch-brite pad and this was way too much ball. keep your ball as clean as possible by cleaning it after every time you use it. brunswick also recommends using the rejuvinator about every 60 games---you may also need to scuff/resurface the coverstock as well.