What little difference I see on polished balls I don't care for.  It seems to make the reaction too squirty.  However, on anything with some surface, or any particle ball, I use the Elixir.  Doc admits that the Elixir seems to give a bit more length, so he suggests taking the ball's surface down a notch before applying it.  If you can't get an Angle Evolution Tour/Super Carbide Bomb/Animal... to hook at 400 grit + Doc's Elixir, it's not the Elixir's fault.  Either you don't throw an effective ball, or nothing was going to hook anyway.
--------------------
Penn State Proud

Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive

I recently purchased a bottle of Elixir with the intent of trying it on my NIB Super Carbide Bomb.  I have an old SCB, and I loved it until it gave up the ghost, even with regular cleaning and maintenance.  I figured if there was a way to extend the life of a SCB, I would be very interested.

To date, I have not applied the Elixir because there seem to be varying opinions as to the most effective use of the product.  The out-of-box finish/reaction of the SCB with the extended life of the ball is what I am after, and I am nervous that application of the Elixir would cause irreversible problems with the finish/reaction portion.  I don't want the ball to go longer or even necessarily turn harder, just do what my old SCB did when it was fresh out of the box.  I would have far less reservations about applying the Elixir on a pearlized ball, but those in my experience seem to have a greater lifespan in the first place.

I would like to hear from anyone who has experience specifically with the Elixir on a Super Carbide Bomb.  My feeling is, if you can safely use Elixir on a SCB, you can probably use it on any ball.  Also, if anyone has tips on how to specifically restore my old SCB to out-of-box finish/reaction, I'd like to hear them, as well.


--------------------
Predicting my next opponent runs into a BUZZSAW!

Member- FOS

LUCK is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Sorry gang been traveling around and just came to check the forums.

In answer to your questions.  Added length only occurs with some people and that all depends on bowling ball and bowling styles.  If your speed is greater than your rev rate you will tend to see added length and high tilt will often times do the same.

Increase in length is often times a foot or two.  If you take the cover down a notch you will be in the same ballpark and handle the carry down condition much better.  

As to the difference in coverstocks.  Shiny covers tend to see a stronger reaction off the dry and dull covers often have stronger finish and less deflection.  This is what I have experienced and have seen with other bowlers and this is often what is reported to me.

My personal take is that if you apply the Elixir and don't like what it does, it can be removed with a light resurface.  Secondly if it makes that much difference and have a loss of control, than you often times have a ball that is too sensitive for the condition.  

It is all about matching up.  The Elixir is just made to help a protect the coverstock from premature wear.  If you start from day one with the Elixir you cannot have any preconceived notions on what the ball will do.

I myself like all covers with a bit of surface as this makes the ball less skid snap and helps create a smoother transition. By the way I am not that great of a bowler.

I have used this on the carbide bomb and the super carbide too.  I did not notice a change in reaction but I did notice that my shot held up longer than usual.

Strider and Nicanor have what I would say is the typical reactions of all bowlers. The squirty reaction is often times the stored up energy and the strong snap from the ball because of not picking up too much oil.  This is why even a 1500 or 2000 matte finish will help.  Still have length but smoother on the transition.

Remember if you don't like the reaction you can always take off the Elixir with a light resurface.

I think the effectiveness of having a ball last longer outweighs a little surface prep to get the ball working right.

Feel free to message me on any concerns and I will help out as much as I can.
--------------------
Doc
Owner and Inventor of
DOC'S MAGIC BOWLING BALL ELIXIR
For more information click on the link below
http://home.comcast.net/~docsmagic/
or message me at:
http://Doc65@aol.com