Expert: - 2/23/2009

Question
I recently bought a ball from a friend that cranks same as me,I used it right after I bought it on my league and did average. Than I decided to resurface it and put new plugs in and every since that it has seem to lost hook, The ball is a columbia 300 Bully w/ m80 coverstock the pin position is almost directly between my middle and ring finger and about half an inch above my insert fingers. I bowl around a 160-170 average and just looking to higher it so Should I just get new ball chalk it up to ball been around too long, or move pin position and sand/ polish? anthing will help thanks.
 Justin

Answer
Justin,
The changes you made (resurface and new grips) allows for more/earlier hook. (I assume when you say resurfaced, the ball has been sanded to remove nicks and gouges, exposing a fresh and probably rougher, surface.) New grips allow for better lift and turn. You probably created an earlier reaction. Earlier often means a burned out reaction when thrown on too much friction.

The less aggressive surface worked ok. So make the current surface less aggressive by changing it to smoother or smoother and shiny.

Or take your ball and move 5 boards left (assuming your right handed) with your target and your feet and try it. If it still doesn't react enough try another 5 boards. I'm curious, why did you buy the ball? What were you looking for?

FYI, bowling balls are the tools of the trade for bowlers. You should be looking to buy a "tool" that provides a reaction you need or want, on a particular lane condition. Buying balls, with no specific intent, can be confusing and steer your game in a direction (trying to control a new ball reaction) that is detrimental to your skills. Good luck. Thanks for the question.