Ric,
We've conversed on this topic before, but I'll make this as direct as possible:
Given proper care, the Intensity will last as long as any other balls available in the low-load particle category
I've owned my current Intensity for well over a year. I've put 100+ games on the ball during that time. It still rolls as close to new as I can remember. If you do the following, your Intensity will live a long productive life:
1) Wipe the ball with an oil-free towel between shots
2) At the end of the night, clean the ball completely with your favorite degreasing agent.
3) Every 25 games, apply a deep cleaning with one of the NeoTac or Track deep cleaning products.
4) Every 50 games or so, refresh the particles by hitting the cover with scothbrite on the spinner. I like first hitting all six sides with the green 600, followed by an application of grey 800. Follow with Ebonite Matte Finish polish.
5) Every 100 games, soak in warm water w/Dawn to bleed any excess oil.
If you follow the above regime, your particle Intensity will not die. And the same can be said for most other particle equipment. Those who claim their balls 'die' after 35-40 games do not take adequate care of their balls regardless of what they say.
Now go forth an enjoy an Intensity. Properly set up, this is one of the better agressive balls available.
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