Well, my arsenal is starting to fill up, and I was feeling pretty good about it until my league altered our shot.

They are now completely stripping the lanes and laying down a med-light pattern... and I simply don't have a ball that's working for me. Unfortunately, my 2nd Dimension is my "weakest" ball, which isn't very weak at all on this pattern. As soon as I hit the dry it takes off. I need something that will be more predictable when it hits the dry, and hopefully give me some area to help my novice inconsistancies.

I'm probably a medium rev stroker player, which is why the 2nd dimension is typically a weaker predicatble ball for me on medium oil or carrydown conditions. I was initially looking towards a Fast, but now that the backends are this dry, I'm positive that would have been a bad move. I'm really considering the Natural, but I don't know what to expect with my medium rev throw. Thoughts, suggestions; all welcome.

Forgive my lack of understanding I really haven't played with surface prep a lot.

I thought
More polish = longer roll, snappier backend
Less polish = earlier roll, more overall hook

I assumed I'd want to stay away from more polish and go towards an abralon if anything... perhaps I'm mistaken?

I will second the thoughts for the surface changes.  What you have now, the ball is 1500 Polished.  I would say try adding some of that polish Kevin mentioned which delays the reaction and will tame it down overall, causing it to go further down the lane and hook less boards overall.

If that doesn't work, try upping the grit level underneath.  Take a 2000 or 4000 Abralon pad, then polish it.  The smoother underlying grit level will get the ball further down lane before making a move.  It wont necessarily be snappier, just longer.  I know that's a weird thought lol.

In my experiences, I use 4000 Abralon with Ebonite Magic Shine polish on bowling balls I use for drier lanes.  The polish is mild, and really helps the ball conserve energy but still be able to turn and carry corners.  

Hope this helps!
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Proud Supporter of Rob Stone
Obviously, you aren't a golfer.
Some stayed in the foothills, some washed logs like teeth.

I agree with n00dlejester, put 4000 abralon and polish with magic shine.

I agree with tdub about the Rapid Fire Solid. Bowled a 300 yesterday with mine (used and only bowled a couple of times with it) on the condition you mentioned. Not bad considering it was only my fifth game back after not bowling at all for 6 months.

In terms of handling some oil I think it is ok as long as there is some kind of back end, however I have seen people using one that has some surface (mine is polished) and it seems to be able to handle a decent volume of the slick stuff, though obviously not as well as some of the latest oil monsters.

For versatility it is definitely a 10/10 ball.
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I would have got away with it if it was not for those pesky kids (Behind my lane) and those blasted 10 pins.

Edited on 11/11/2009 11:27 AM

I,too,vote for the Natural.It will hook, but the backend will be smooth as butter. Still carrys pretty well, too!
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the pooh

n00dlejester,

I went with your advice and did 4000 abralon and polish before league last night... HUGE difference. I went with my Power Bolt to start things off, expecting to switch to my newly polished 2nd dimension in the 2nd game. After throwing a great (for me) first game of 202, I made the mistake of not switching to the 2nd dimension in time. Thankfully I ended the second game with my 2nd dimension for a sloppy 158. This is where I typically struggle, because the lanes are dry and squirly by the third game. I came back with the 2nd dimension for a 201 finish.

Thanks for the help, guys. I seem to learn valuable lessons every week. This week: surface finishing and not to be afraid of a ball change in the middle of a bad game.