Hey man, Id bowl at least 3-6 games on the ball before using it in a tourney. For me personally, it seems like every ball releases just a touch different, even though everything is pretty standard. You dont want to lose 3 frames to a competitor with the ball either sticking or falling off or just not releasing properly.
Unless of course, you know you can whip the guy no matter what
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"Here we go folks, he is working off the first 8, and looking good. Looks good on the approach.... OH NO, its off his ankle and down the gutter!! OHH THE HUMANITY!"
-Name is Darrell, from Novi MI