If you want a polished ball that doesn't go too long, I'd go with a compound type of polish instead of a true polish. The standard Rough Buff finish (220-grit plus RB), Track's Clean 'n' Sheen, or Storm's Step 1 should give you some length without going too long. You could also try 2000-grit or 4000-grit Abralon, those have a very polished looking finish but without some of the squirtiness that real polish might give.
What sort of polished ball do you have that's hooking too late? What sanded equipment is reading too early for you? If it's a 4000-grit polished ball (like Ebonite's been putting out lately) vs. a 400-grit solid particle, it's no wonder one is too early and the other too long, there's a gap a mile wide between those two finishes.
SH