I used water alittle too hot the first 10 minutes or so.  I took it out and refilled the bucket with cooler water, this time the water was warm to the touch not hot.  I let it sit 45 minutes or so.  When I pulled the ball out it was extremely dull.  Before I soaked it the color was a shiny black, afterwards it was a very, very dull black.  I sanded it with a Burgandy scotchbrite and can't wait to see what it does Sunday.

Andrew
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FUFU
"Act like you've been there before"

I've never had a ball really die.  However, my main Nighthawk M2 didn't seem to be hooking much lately.  I threw it against another M2 (different drilling, but similar enough) with much lower mileage to verify the change.  I did the hot water/Dawn treatment.  A little oil came out, but not much.  I didn't notice any change in the reaction.  I'm getting it resurfaced (hope some label is still left) and treated with Hook Again.  I've heard some good testimonials from those who have used it locally.  I'll post my results.

Let us know how your treatment works Andrew.
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Penn State Proud

*RESULTS*

Pattern:  Christmas tree to 32/33 feet buffed to 48 feet. Synthetic lanes, with 29 ML of oil, oil per board of 40.  I think that is heavier than anything the pros use.  

We bowled on the Tournament of Champions pattern earlier this year.  It is buffed to 50'.  The HPH was moving alittle on that pattern but not much.  I wet sanded the ball to 320 before league.  I was able to play right up ten board (sliding 13 or 14.  I didn't shoot bad, 559 and 570.  My spare shooting cost me one good game.  Overall, I was impressed with the reaction.  I will start soaking the rest of my equipment periodically.

Andrew
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FUFU
"Act like you've been there before"