I have a Brunswick Slingshot (50 x 4 x 45).  At oob surface on the 35 foot Beijing WTBA pattern, I played up the 5 board and just could not get this ball to the headpin.  I have a decent revrate (350-380ish), but the ball is just way too clean.  I'm thinking of adjusting the surface to make it more usable on short/burnt patterns. Would 500-grit abralon be TOO MUCH surface?  (I'm considering putting this much surface on it just because of how long it skids at box finish.)  Or should I go with the more common 2000 or 4000 finish?

Yeah, I could do that.  But the main reason why I bought the Slingshot is to use it on shorter patterns. I don't like the current reaction, so I want to change the surface.  Just trying to get some feedback on what surface to change it to...

I took mine to 2000 for Sport patterns as an experiment and it was much more predictable than at box.  I say go for it. 

In fact, I'd been hoping for a slingshot solid (instead of using surface on the pearl) but this doesn't seem to be in Brunswick's plans.

Three suggestions: 1. Put the ball at an 800 grit, and then polish. If your looking for something more aggressive on the back end the 800 grit will prove to be a better reaction. 500 Grit or anything close to that....when playing on short/burnt pattens is going to give you such an inconsistent reaction and absolutely no forgiveness.

2. With the balls current surface, RG/DIFF, and drilling you have a pretty tame bowling balls. If you like to play up the 5 board this bowling ball is going to continue to give to light nose hits and washouts. Try moving your mark to 10 to 12, and adjust your feet as well. Dry conditions really force you out of your comfort zone.

3. If you don't want to change your speed, revs, and the bowling ball is not performing the way you'd like after the surface and feet adjustments. Consider buying some UFO Polish from us. Apply it to one of your medium oil bowling balls and it adds about 6 feet. This will allow you to play in your comfort zone but with a long skid.

-Kevin

Too much surface and the ball would respond slower to the friction. It would pick up the lid-lane, but might not cover as much as you're asking on the back end. 

Nothing wrong with taking the ball down to 500, just don't stop there.  I'd try 15 seconds each side with a 2000 pad and water then try it out.

I asked Brunswick for a stronger version of the Slingshot.  They said the Karma was released as step up from the Slingshot.   My inquiry was before the release of the Karma.  At that time, I was looking for a Slingshot with a PK18 cover.