Expert: Chip Aki - 1/18/2009

Question
I recently obtained a bowling ball from my late father. It is a 16 pound Columbia 300 Icon 2 Bowling Ball. I am thinking about joining a league and had a few questions about the ball. What type of ball is it designed to be? Also, I was wondering on the price that my father may have paid for it. I cannot find a price on this ball being that it is retired now. I did not know if this ball was a cheaper ball or a more expensive type of ball. Also, I am wanting to know what at home products are safe to use in cleaning the ball. I hope to eventually buy some products specifically for bowling balls but for now am looking to simply get it cleaned up and the oil off of it. I appreciate you taking my question and I very much look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks!

Answer
The Icon 2 was a low load particle, reactive coverstock.  It can be sanded or polished depending on the hook potential you are looking for.  Dull will hook sooner with more of an arcing reaction and shiny will hook later with more of a snapping reaction.

It was considered a high end ball when it came out and would retail around 200 in most places.

You can clean it with simple green if you want it dull and a rubbing or polishing compound if you want it shiny.

Good luck,
Chip