1) Does anyone not practice with their main ball....to save wear and tear on the ball?
2) How often should one refinish a ball?  One VERY good bowler (avg 237) in my league NEVER refinishes his bowling ball
3) Are the plethora of bowling products, such as cleaners, polishers worth the time and money.  Many of my bowling friends (and some are ball drillers) say no...just clean with a low cost (simple green, diluted alcohol) cleaner.

Thank you,

Cav

I use older balls to practice if I'm working on technique....which is most of the time.  If I'm working on figuring out a particular lane pattern, then I'll use multiple balls to see what different shapes they make.

Clean balls everytime.  Surface depends on many factors including rev rate, lane surface, ball characteristics.  In general, about every 30 games should get some attention.  Many opinions on maintenance of balls.  Those of us with limited funds tend to maintain more to hang on to the best performance longer.

1. Depends on practice; I might use newer to figure out reaction differences so I can make ball changes easier. If working on mechanics, I'll use a different ball sometimes.
2. I'll have a ball resurfaced periodically, maybe once per year..
3. I just use a simple hot water/soap bath to clean when needed.  For me, When needed is ball motion thru pins.  If I start leaving "plastic ball" flat 7's, or if the ball isn't turning the corner right, sure sign to clean.

Be careful what type of soap you use...   I've heard that some soaps can emulsify with components of the lane oil and are even more difficult to remove.

The method is just as effective if you don't use soap.