Managing and restoring a bowling ball is crucial information for any bowler. If you notice a decrease in scoring due to too much oil sticking to the ball and affecting its motion performance, it might be a sign that the ball hasn’t been properly maintained. Use these helpful tips and methods to effectively restore your ball and maintain its top performance.
The Core of Ball Management: Checking and Removing Oil
A ball that has absorbed a lot of oil creates its hook. While this is fundamentally a performance-enhancing feature, too much oil can reduce friction and impact your score. Checking for fingerprints on the ball’s surface with the palm of your hand can help gauge the amount of oil. If there’s a lot of oil, it needs to be removed.
Effective Methods for Oil Removal
There are various ways to effectively remove oil. If you notice a lot of oil after checking for fingerprints, it’s important to remove this oil. At this time, use an oil remover or cleaner to wipe the surface of the ball clean. It is effective to spray the cleaner on the oiled area, wait, and then wipe it off.
The Importance of Surface Management: Sanding and Polishing
The surface of the ball absorbs oil and creates a hook. However, if it can no longer absorb oil, the ball’s response can become dull. At this time, the surface needs to be treated to restore its hooking ability. This requires sanding to shave off the surface and polishing to add shine.
The Harmonic Balance of Polishing and Sanding
Polishing increases the friction between the ball and the lane surface. This sharpens the reaction at the backend. However, considering the characteristics of the ball, there are times when sanding is needed. Sanding makes the surface of the ball rough, enhancing its ability to overcome oil. Therefore, it’s important to harmoniously use both polished and sanded balls to adapt to various lane conditions.
The Features of a Glossy Ball
A glossy ball has the feature of being relatively less oily. Polishing makes the ball similar to a coated one. On the other hand, a sanded ball has a rough surface, so its oil-holding property is strengthened. If you want to preserve your ball for a long time, it’s good to polish it regularly.
Ball Storage and Management
Proper ball preservation requires correct management and storage conditions. Avoid places with heat or direct sunlight, and it’s best to store it in a cool place where the sun doesn’t shine and there’s no huge temperature difference. The lockers provided at the bowling alley are ideal for meeting these conditions.
The Timing of Bowling Ball Restoration
The surface of a bowling ball absorbs oil and creates a hook. However, if there’s too much oil, friction can decrease, reducing performance. The recommended time for ball restoration among bowlers is generally after 250-300 games. Using an ultrasonic cleaner can remove even deeply ingrained dirt, restoring the ball’s performance to its maximum.
Managing Scratches and Marks on Bowling Balls
Inevitable scratches and marks are related to ball usage. Straight track scars are a good indicator of lifting skills. It’s also a good idea to use the scratches on the surface of the ball as an indicator of bowling to understand the state of ball usage.
Regular sanding and polishing are important for maintaining ball performance, and it may be difficult to do every time. After the game, clean the ball thoroughly and maintain the proper storage conditions to use the ball for a long time. This can maintain the condition of the ball for a long time.