Expert: Chip Aki - 12/17/2006

Question
I just bought a Storm baseball 14 pound ball..The first day I got it I used it at the lanes where I bought it..I noticed on the inside of the ball (the white baseball part) a couple of ripples in the white of the ball..After a few frames more ripples happened..Then they started splitting open like tears under the clear coat of the ball. The pro shop was amazed at the transformation of the balls inners and I kept showing them as I continued to bowl..They said not to worry as it's under warranty...But I'm curious as to what was going on to the ball and I'm wondering if I should replace it with another baseball (is it common?)..To best describe what my ball looks like after 3 games ; about 5 splits looking like cracks on the inside of an ice cube with no damage to the outside of the ball...Pretty wild isn't it...  

Answer
I know that here has always been some problems with the clear type of bowling balls.  I would not worry about it, especially if they are going to replace it.  I would also not expect you to get another one with the same problem.

When these balls are put together, slight changes in the environment can make them set up differently.  The inner core might be a little softer on this one and at impact, it compresses more than the cover and causes these slight cracks.  It may only turn into a cosmetic problem.  Just take the new one and not worry about it.  It should be fine.  I have never had one brought back to me.

Chip