Expert: Chip Aki - 9/19/2006

Question
Ok, I frequently check the postings on a Columbia web site dealing with the latest technology and caring for a ball.  I see the word "sanding" and "polish" and have no idea what they are talking about.  In the old days, I did use sand paper to clean the track off my Manhattan ball.  With these new coverstocks, is soaking the ball in hot, soapy water sufficent as a cleaner and will it have any negative impact on the ball's performance.  I have a friend who bowls on the Sr tour and he never cleans any of his 14 balls.  I apologize for bugging you a 3rd time and I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Answer
I am not too fond of soaking the ball in water or heating them up.  Depending on the climate you live in, soaking the ball in water may let some moisture get in between the coverstock and the core, and if they get cold enough, will make them crack.  If you want to us heat to remove some of the oil, I suggest using a blow drier and a solution of water and Dawn detergent.
Having said that, I dont even own a towel.  I will polish mine from time to time, but rarely use a ball with surface so I may sand a ball once a year.

I would suggest using the ball manufacturers products to clean and prepare the surface of your ball.  Ebonite's hook again works wonders in restoring the balls reaction without changing the surface.

If you need a ball to have a smoother motion at the breakpoint, lightly sand it...........if you want a more violent reaction, then polish the ball.

The marvels of the new coverstocks are their ability to be altered for various lane conditions and still be able to return them to the out of box finish.

Good luck,
Chip