Expert: Susie Minshew - 8/2/2009

Question
hello my name is chip and i live in ohio.  I have had my black widow pearl for about 1 1/2 years now and for some reason my ball varys alot on the hook.  when i first got it was consistently hooking into the pocket but about three months into using it the balls hook started to vary every time i throw it.  one time it could hook normal and another time i cant get any hook out of it at all i am also not getting to rev rates like i used to.  i would like to know what i could do to fix it thanks for you time

Answer
Unfortunately, bowling balls die. Sounds weird, I know. The truth of that matter, though, is that the plasticizers and chemicals used to create the coverstock 'go away'. You'll often hear people say that their ball just doesn't hit like it used to. It sure doesn't. That's why the pros change balls weekly. We can't afford that obviously.
It's a shame whoever sold you the ball didn't explain that or inform you about the products you can use to prolong life. Cleaning the ball after you bowl and before you put it in the bag will add several months to its limited life span. You can get these products at your local Pro Shop. They are all pretty much the same. You would want to use a cleaner first and then a product that will renew the surface a bit. Nothing will get it back like it was out of the box. Total life of an untreated ball is about 6 months. Maintenance of the coverstock is a critical component of ball life.
Currently, manufacturers are including exactly what cover preparation they used at the plant so that the Pro Shop Dude can get as close as possible when you bring the ball back into the shop for resurfacing. That (resurfacing) is something you should do about every 30 games (don't forget practice linage). That's in addition to the cleaning after every single time you roll it. It's really too late for your Black Widow. Good luck to you!