Expert: Chip Aki - 3/24/2006

Question
when is it time for me to buy a new bowling ball? I bowl about 6 games a week and i've had my ball for 20 to 25 years. Recently the past season or so, I've had trouble with ball returns. My ball just won't come back. The guy at the front desk tells me its about time to buy a new ball and that my old ball is the reason for it not coming back. Is he Pulling my leg? or is the machine? If it could be the ball, would you mind explaining why that is?

Answer
I would not think your ball is worn out, but it is made out of a very hard material.  With the amount of lane conditioner, or oil, that most centers use today, your ball will become very slick and can cause problems with some ball returns.
Having said that, the plastic balls of today would be very similar to what you have, so the center should be having some ball return problems with those as well.
Some pro shops have a ring they can check the bowling ball with to determine the overall size of the ball.  If the ring fits over the ball with a lot of room to spare, yours may be a bit small and can cause the ball returns problems.

Good luck,
Chip