When you clean a reactive bowling ball you also want to draw some of the polymer (sp?) to the surface for that tacky feel.  Is that also true for particle bowling balls?


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Nicanor (Ten On The Deck)

If that is the theory of ball cleaning you like, yes.  Particle balls are just resin balls with particles added, the base is the same type of material, and the tacky feel comes from the same source.

One thing you want to be careful about particles is that you don't sand them smooth.  Newer balls don't usually have that problem, but some older balls with really soft particles could have them sanded smooth, essentially killing the particle effect.

SH

Particle balls DO require an extra maintenance step, at least on occasion.  The particles on the surface can be knocked out, damaged, or crushed by use.  The surface of a particle ball needs to be refreshed by some kind of abrasive at least occasionally, even if you use it polished.  This brings fresh particles to the surface and removes broken or damaged ones.  There are abrasive polishes or cleaners that do this effectively, like Ebonite Matte Finish and Neo-Tac Khameleon Particle Sand High Tech Ball Restorer.  Scotch-Brite pads or Abralon pads work also.  Some manufacturers have lightened up on their stance against using sandpaper on particle balls, but I personally still think it's not advisable--you may find otherwise.  This procedure will keep that particle ball effect in play.  So, even if you use a particle ball polished, scuff it up and repolish it or it will lose most of the effect you are looking for in a particle ball.

Shiv
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Listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desk top

Edited on 1/5/2006 3:22 PM