Expert: Chip Aki - 4/5/2007

Question
Sorry in advance for the long-winded question!

I've been bowling pretty much all my life (on and off) and as an adult have maintained a 165-170 average using a now 15 year old Rhino ball.  I'm a lefty.  Recently I noticed that I wasn't happy with the way my ball finished in the pocket so I went to the local pro and asked his opinion.  I figured with the new technology in the game over the last decade there had to be some cool new balls to consider.  He recommended the Brunswick Wizard.  I immediately fell in love with it.  Since buying the ball I've averaged above a 190 (and for a short time I was at 202).  Now a problem has started.  At first the ball used to break hard, taking a sharp turn into the pocket as it reached the pins.  After about 50-60 games with the ball it seems to have lost it's "zip" and is arcing into the pocket much the way my old Rhino used to.  I've tried washing the ball with alcohol and various sprays on the market thinking it might just be oil & dirt that has accumulated, but that has resulted in only minor improvement.  Another note: a few weeks ago I was experiencing pain in my middle finger and had the finger hole widened slightly.  My finger feels much better but I'm wondering if this could've resulted in less lift?  Could it be something in my approach/armswing -- could I just be throwing it too hard?  I'm sort of grasping at straws here and would love to hear an expert opinion!

Thank you!

Answer
The Wizard has a sanded out of box finish.  As you use the ball, it will shine up due to the lane oil, oil off of your hands, and the friction of going down the lane.  This will cause the ball to hook less than when new.  Cleaning it will help some, but you will need to have the ball sanded to get it back to the out of box finish.  I am not exactly sure what that finish is, but your pro shop should be able to help you out with that.  I doubt if opening up the finger hole has made as much difference as just using the ball.  The balls of today require much more maintenance than the balls of the past.

Good luck,
Chip