Expert: Russ King - 8/20/2007

Question
Hi,

I got a bowling ball when I was in high school, about twenty years ago.  I can't tell you what brand it is, but I can tell you it wasn't very expensive (for the time).  It has been living in its case for most of the time since then, in a fairly controlled environment.  It is a bit dusty, but otherwise not visibly damaged.  Can you tell me what the performance life is (approximately, since I can't give you specifics regarding the ball) and, if it is still good, how best should I clean it?  I'm joining a league with some coworkers, and would like to use this ball.  Thanks.

Answer
Use Windex to clean the surface.Also , dampen a towel with Windex & rub down inside the holes.Look for cracks in the shell inside the holes . If there is any cracks, you could catch your fingers on it & slice them up. If there is any rough spots,you can lightly sand it with 800-1000 grit sandpaper or even coat it smooth with finger nail polish.To make the ball shine, you can give the surface a few coats of Turtle Wax car wax.
Your hand may have (probably has) changed since you last threw it.Pot your fingers in first then your thumb.See if your thumb comes out smoothly. If it feels rough or rubs, coat your thumb where it rubs with a pinch of powder or Chap Stick(no flavor) & rub it in on that spot.You may want to try to release the ball a few times by rolling it onto the couch or pillows on the floor.It is better to know if it will be ok in the couch than ripping a blister in the first game.The Pro Shop should be able to tweak the holes if there not right.
DON'T COAT INSIDE THE HOLES WITH THE CAR WAX.JUST POWDER OR CHAP STICK & MAYBE THE NAIL POLISH ON THE ROUGH SPOTS.