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Author Topic: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes  (Read 6417 times)

Jeff Ussery

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The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« on: April 04, 2007, 01:52:27 AM »
Good morning everyone,

My name is Jeff Ussery and I am the new Powerhouse Brand Manager working under the Ebonite International umbrella of companies.  As you all know, Ebonite International acquired the Track brand in a recent asset purchase.  There has been an incredible number of requests for information concerning the future of Track cleaners and polishes.  I'm here to provide some details and information for the Track "Legion."

I'll explain something first so that you can better understand our direction.  Powerhouse is the pro shop equipment brand that we market all of our equipment and supplies through here at Ebonite International.  An intensive re-branding effort is occuring at this time here at Powerhouse.  We believe that it's important that our brand is recognized as the best solution for all pro shop operators in the field.  Powerhouse will now stand alone as it's own brand in the bowling industry.

Falling under that brand are all of the cleaners and polishes that were in the Ebonite line, as well as the acquired products from the Track brand.  At this time, we are taking a look at all products, both existing and potential.  Product justifications must be completed any time we add a new product to our line, and we are looking into this right now with regards to the Track cleaners and polishes.  What we are really looking for is "the best of the best."  So we are in the process of testing our existing products against the ones brought to us by the Track purchase.

There are a few things you should know:
1) Clean n' Dull will continue as Powerhouse Clean n' Dull
2) No Final Decisions have been made with regard to any other product from the Track cleaner and polish line.

So why am I on here explaining this information?  First and foremost, we want to clear the air of speculation concerning these products.  But more importantly, I'm looking for your feedback concerning the Track line of cleaners and polishes.  Reports and data can tell us one thing.  But we believe that "The Bowler is Our Boss."  That Bowler is you.  Right here, and right now.

Here's what I'd like if you're willing to actively participate.  Please send your e-mails to jussery@ebonite.com and provide the following information:

1) What Track cleaners and polishes do you find to be outstanding?
2) Why are they better than other products on the market?
3) Have you used any of the Powerhouse/Ebonite brand cleaners and polishes in the past, and how did the Track products compare to these.

Feel free to provide any other information you find to be beneficial.  Only e-mails with VALUABLE INFORMATION will be considered and kept for reference.

On a side-note, I know nothing about the Track bowling ball or bowling bag lines, so please do not send me e-mails for information concerning this.

I look forward to your responses.
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Jeff Ussery
Powerhouse Brand Manager
Pro Shop Help Desk Hotline - 866-464-3791
jussery@ebonite.com

 

shelley

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #31 on: April 04, 2007, 03:42:07 PM »
quote:
shelly
now do you really think that all of those so called bottles with labels that say USBC approved still have the original product in them???


That's entirely beside the point.  That "everyone" does it doesn't make it more right or less wrong, it just means that "everyone" doesn't care about the rules.  We wonder where integrity has gone in our sport, I say that cheating by either skirting or ignoring the rules in that way is just as bad as prebowling your own 900s.


quote:
are over.   so therefore the legal/illegal thing does not apply.


No, it still applies.  It's just harder to enforce.

SH

jls

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #32 on: April 04, 2007, 03:56:58 PM »
quote:
quote:
shelly
now do you really think that all of those so called bottles with labels that say USBC approved still have the original product in them???


That's entirely beside the point.  That "everyone" does it doesn't make it more right or less wrong, it just means that "everyone" doesn't care about the rules.  We wonder where integrity has gone in our sport, I say that cheating by either skirting or ignoring the rules in that way is just as bad as prebowling your own 900s.


quote:
are over.   so therefore the legal/illegal thing does not apply.


No, it still applies.  It's just harder to enforce.

SH



shell,   the world has real serious problems.
like iraq, iran, canada, just about every kid in school smoking pot. teacher's doing students,  that big tax outfit cheating our govt. out of $70 mil.
morgan presslers clubs are missing.   downtown chicago has been invaded by baby coyotes.  the cubs are for sale.

i really don't think using some clean and tacky is going to make the top 1,000,000 list.  it's another stupid rule by the usbc.  and people wonder why bowling is in the toilet.

little too much salt in your diet.

you really need to start watching more womens golf on the golf channel.
it will do you good.  
we don't want to see you at 39 or 42 in the paper.  obit section.

it was a joke about clean and tacky.  the fact that some "fee" counter at the usbc proberly overlooked this item and put it on the wrong list is just plain stupid.


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jls31316

Edited on 4/4/2007 3:59 PM

shelley

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #33 on: April 04, 2007, 04:00:22 PM »
quote:
shell,   the world has real serious problems
....
i really don't think using some clean and tacky is going to make the top 1,000,000 list.  it's another stupid rule by the usbc.  and people wonder why bowling is in the toilet.


No shti, sherlock.  I never said (or even intended to say) that using illegal cleaners was the end of the world.  Nevertheless, when every third post is about the loss of integrity in the sport, advising other bowlers not to follow the rules seems a bit, I dunno, wrong.

SH

DanR

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #34 on: April 04, 2007, 04:33:12 PM »
Can someone explain what the Power Wash is?  Is this Track's version of a ball cleaner?

shelley

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #35 on: April 04, 2007, 04:47:13 PM »
quote:
who has integrity????   how many out there right now cheat on their imcome tax.
drive 10 miles over the speed limit, bang who is ever bangable,
take all putts from 5 feet.  count every other stroke.  put items on the bottom of the shopping cart hoping the checker won't see it.


So far as I know, I don't cheat on my income taxes.  I send all the envelopes I get in the mail that say things like "Important Tax Documents Enclosed" to my aunt (a CPA, she's awesome).  If she's cheating for me, I'd never know it, but I don't believe she would do that.

I drive more like 8 miles over the speed limit,

I don't play golf, I dress badly enough as it is.

I've gone back into the store to pay for something I found in the bottom of the cart.

I don't bang whoever is bangable, but that's less by choice than those other things.

I do feel that integrity in sports is a cornerstone of fair competition.  I'll not cheat to win, thank you.

I fully expect to make it to Easter Sunday, I have a wedding (not mine) to go to on Saturday.  I consume very little salt; in fact, my BP is on the low side, as is my cholesterol.  Heberts are pretty hardy and we have pretty good genes.

SH

jls

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #36 on: April 04, 2007, 04:55:04 PM »
shelley

are we, you saying that golfers dress poorly.

is your tele broke.  have you ever seen natalie, paula etc dress.

now don't even get me started on how bowlers dress!!!!!!

sure glad we are off the clean and tacky thing.

and glad to hear about your good health.

personally,  i really don't care if someone uses clean and tacky before, during, or after.  if one is worried about when one is using that product, one has problems.
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jls31316

Edited on 4/5/2007 10:40 AM

cnimsk

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #37 on: April 04, 2007, 09:56:48 PM »
Dear Jeff:

I've used both Ebonite and Track cleaners and much prefer Track. Reason: Superior cleaning by Clean n' Dull and the fact that Ebonite's Powerhouse cleaner tends to leave a sheen on matte surface bowling balls after a couple of uses. Clean n' Dull doesn't, maintaining the finish of a bowling ball whether it's polished or matte. Plus it's a deeper cleaner than the Powerhouse. I have cleaned a bowling ball with the Powerhouse at the lanes after use, driven someone home, returned to my residence, (about thirty minutes elapsed time) and recleaned the ball with Clean n' Dull and still gotten more "black" stuff off the ball. Now....not much to be sure, but still some more oil does come off, wiped off with a white terry cloth towel. I will say I've had a similar experience using Storm's Recta Clean. Again...the difference isn't much but it is there. That's what convinced me of the power of Clean n'Dull. I haven't tried either Power Wash nor Clean n'tacky.

I'm gratified and happy that Ebonite is going to continue the production of Clean n'Dull. It's a great cleaner. And congratulations on your new job as well. The best of luck to you!

Chuck

Fluff E Bunnie

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #38 on: April 05, 2007, 07:37:50 AM »
quote:
Can someone explain what the Power Wash is?  Is this Track's version of a ball cleaner?


It's a powerful spray cleaner.
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Aloarjr810

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #39 on: April 05, 2007, 08:23:38 AM »
Ebonite Powerhouse-Energizer Cleaner
-VS-
Track Clean'N Dull

See attached picture.
Click Here CND Test

Balls used in test-
Ball#1-A Track EMB with the coverstock freshly dulled with a green Scotchbrite.
Ball#2-A Ebonite NitroR2 Classic with the coverstock freshly Dulled to 600grit.

Ball condition at time of test-
Ball#1 was used for 3 games in a night Mixed league. After the league the ball was shiny with oil and a normal amount of grime & dirt. The ball sat for 30 minutes before cleaning.

Ball#2 was used for 3 games in a night Men's league. After the league the ball was shiny with oil and a normal amount of grime & dirt. The ball sat for a week before cleaning. The oil now had been absorbed and surface dirty.

Cleaning procedure used-(This was done without a ball spinner.)
Cleaner was applied to half the ball and allowed to soak in 30-45 sec. Then rubbed in by hand with a papertowel until cleaned and then allowed to dry. A 2nd application would be used if needed.

What was looked for from product-
Cleaning ability,Ball dullness and amount of tacky feel as compared to the fresh surface of the ball. Tacky feel is rated "No tack 1"-"5 Most tack"

The Results-
Ball#1-Energizer Cleaner was applied to the 1st half of the ball and it removed from the surface most of the visible oil & grime.
The coverstock had a slight shine to it and oil lines could still be seen in the track area. Tacky feel rated "2"
A 2nd application was used and a little more grime seemed to be removed.The coverstock still had a slight shine to it and oil lines could still be seen in the track area. Tacky feel rated "3"

Next Track Clean'N Dull was applied to the other half of ball#1 and it removed all of the visible oil & grime. The coverstock dullness was returned to the freshly dulled condition. Also no oil lines were visible in the track area. Tacky feel rated "5". No 2nd application needed

Ball#2-Energizer Cleaner was applied to the 1st half of the ball and it removed from the surface most of the visible dirt grime.
The coverstock had a slight shine to it and oil lines could still be seen in the track area. Tacky feel rated "3"
A 2nd application was used and no more grime seemed to be removed.The coverstock still had a slight shine to it and oil lines could still be seen in the track area. Tacky feel rated "3"

Next Track Clean'N Dull was applied to the other half of ball#2 and it removed all of the visible grime. The coverstock dullness was returned to the freshly dulled condition. Also no oil lines were visible in the track area. Tacky feel rated "5". No 2nd application needed.



Conclusion-
Ebonite Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner is a good citrus based ball surface cleaner and is a easy to use spray. It removes most surface oil and grime. But does not draw out oil from the coverstock well (The visible oil lines left).

Track Clean'N Dull is a excellent surface cleaner and is a easy to use gel.It removes all surface oil and grime and It draws the oil out of the coverstock very well. (No visible oil lines left).

Ebonite Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner makes a good quick to use cleaner, But Clean'N Dull is a better deep cleaner. Which would give the ball longer life do to it's ability to draw more oil out of the coverstock.

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Aloarjr810
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Aloarjr810
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DanR

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #40 on: April 05, 2007, 02:23:31 PM »
I perfer the Powerhouse BALL CLEANER than the Energizer because it dried cleaner without leaving a haze on the ball.  The ball seems to feel slick using the Energizer cleaner.

shelley

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #41 on: April 05, 2007, 02:27:34 PM »
quote:
I perfer the Powerhouse BALL CLEANER than the Energizer because it dried cleaner without leaving a haze on the ball.  The ball seems to feel slick using the Energizer cleaner.


Excellent.  That happened to me when I tried Powerhouse Energizer.  The ball felt greasy, slick after using it.  Seemed like no amount of rubbing would get it off.    I thought for a long time it was a bum bottle of cleaner, I had gotten it from the shop about half full, which he topped off out of a larger bottle in the back room.  I thought he had put the wrong stuff in it.

SH

jls

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #42 on: April 05, 2007, 05:13:11 PM »
quote:
quote:
I perfer the Powerhouse BALL CLEANER than the Energizer because it dried cleaner without leaving a haze on the ball.  The ball seems to feel slick using the Energizer cleaner.


Excellent.  That happened to me when I tried Powerhouse Energizer.  The ball felt greasy, slick after using it.  Seemed like no amount of rubbing would get it off.    I thought for a long time it was a bum bottle of cleaner, I had gotten it from the shop about half full, which he topped off out of a larger bottle in the back room.  I thought he had put the wrong stuff in it.

SH




my point exactly about the rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

now say your sorry.
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jls31316

RCKYURWLD

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #43 on: April 05, 2007, 08:56:37 PM »
Jeff

Why can't Ebonite market all the Track cleaners with the Track Product line? Just as you bought out Hammer, you can go to the Hammer website and get Hammer balls, Hammer bags. Why not have a complete Track line to include the cleaners and polishes? It's all money in Ebonite's pocket anyway? You know there was something special going on with Track. You guys can take it and run with it. Track was putting out some excellent equipment. If you guys can continue in the direction Track was headed by producing the same kind of innovative equipment You know it will be a good thing for all. Why not have all the gear, the polishes and THE LEGION remain intact?

The cleaners; Power wash, Clean and Dull/Tacky are excellent. Clean and sheen is base compound 1,000. Clean and Smooth 1500...  I like them all

I use the Magic Shine and find that to be great. Miss the Clean and Polish which was 5000 and the Delayed Reaction is just that.
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RCKYURWLD
Cleveland, Ohio

One of the last holdouts that will continue throwing the last of the San Antonio made Track equipment

Current Arsenal in use
Rule GP2
Animal 2  1 Pin up/out. 2 Pin below fingers
Mutant
Rule   2  1 Pin up. 2 Leverage
Thrash
Freak Out
Track Magic
Sugar Ray Glove spare ball  

Currently stocking up on the last of the Track San Antonio products to be drilled at a later date

I don't need the newest, The Track products made in Texas over the last few years are phenominal. I'm sure they will serve me well for years to come.

SteveAustin2808

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #44 on: April 05, 2007, 11:33:45 PM »
HEY JEFF!

I have gotta agree with Randy on this one. The following Track has on this site and just in general is really amazing. My recommendation is to keep everything and see how the data stacks up. If the profit is there, then you keep it. If it isn't, that is when you start thinking about what goes and what stays. Hope this helps buddy! God Bless You and have a great week!

--Michael--
--------------------
McCorvey's Pro Shop Staff
http://www.mccorveysproshop.com/http://

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"Building Success Stories, One Bowler at a Time!"

Evolution Tag Team Member # 1
Michael Price - Office Manager
McCorvey's Bowling World Staff - Phone: (256) 539-1560
Hammer Amateur Staff
michaelp@mccorveysproshop.com

Jeff Ussery

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Re: The Future of Track Cleaners and Polishes
« Reply #45 on: April 06, 2007, 08:36:11 AM »
I assure you that Track will continue to put out innovative, high quality equipment.  You WILL NOT be disappointed.
--------------------
Jeff Ussery
Pro Shop Services Manager
Pro Shop Help Desk Hotline - 866-464-3791
jussery@ebonite.com