Brickguy,
Per side. The more sides you do, the less time on each side due to overlap. For me it's usually closer to the 15 seconds than the 30. The point is that you want to barely smooth out the surface to provide length, but not do it long enough that you smooth out the "micro peaks and valleys" created by the 500. I like to use plenty of water, higher speed, and very little hand pressure.
Trial and error will teach you a lot. Take two similar covered balls (pearl reactives, for example) and start them both at 500. Then hit one for longer at your finishing grit than the other and throw them side by side on the same line of the same lane. You should see a difference as to the midlane and overall reaction. Find out what works best for you and the conditions you bowl on. Hope this helps you.
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Allstar Lanes
Brunswick Regional Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Edited by notclay on 1/7/2012 at 9:01 AM