At about 70 games this ball seems to have changed drastically.   I de-oiled it, and resurfaced, but it just doesn't pack the punch it used to have.  I loved this ball, but something has happened.  Input appreciated.

At about 70 games this ball seems to have changed drastically.   I de-oiled it, and resurfaced, but it just doesn't pack the punch it used to have.  I loved this ball, but something has happened.  Input appreciated.

Those are normal restoratives, if done correctly/properly.
May I ask how you de-oiled it?
Some methods work better than others. Sometimes, it just needs a longer processing to get all the oil out. Sometimes it does seem as if nothing can help the ball.

Another question: Is it possible that lane conditions have changed?

Also there's the possibility that after the de-oil & resurface, The new surface isn't the proper one to match up to the condition.

If the ball was being used with the original OOB surface before the resurface, the new surface most likely doesn't match it (even if you asked for the OOB surface, matching the OOB is pretty much impossible unless you have a surface scanner.)

You may have to dial the surface back in to match up to conditions again.

One other consideration is that in most parts of the country it's much colder now than it would have been 70 games ago.  I know here in Utah we haven't changed the oil pattern, but the lanes play about 3 boards tighter than they did in September-October.

Outside temperatures can have a big effect on how the lanes play.  We heat the inside of the building, but under the lanes it's much colder.  Less heat means less friction, and ultimately, less hook.  My Danger Zone doesn't seem to have lost any reaction that I can notice.  In fact, sometimes I end up asking myself "why don't I just use this ball all the time?"

With how these balls are designed these days, all balls (even with good maintenance)  loses some of its reaction overtime anyway.  Good luck to you.

Hook juice

Thanks again for all of your replies.