I had a couple of these, and my experience with them was the same as my experience with my Vortex II's: polish made them godlike. I definately recommend getting atleast a light polish on this ball. For me, it allowed it to clear the heads but read the midlanes and backends with a nice hook/set reaction, as it was drilled to do. Again, definately throw it polished before you dispose of it, and I wouldnt high gloss it off the bat, start low. Good luck.