I'm sure this topic my have been touched a few times before but I don't think I've ever read it, so I'll bring it up again. I know a guy that is a top-flite bowler and he never cleans any ball after using it. I have watched him throw balls that are at least 3-4 years old and they react great for him. Is the ball cleaning thing a must (I always do it) or are there some balls that very little changes about their performance if unlceaned. The only thing I've ever noticed is that some that I own react stronger after about 5 or so frames of use than when clean at the start. Any thoughts?

I use rubbing alcohol and take them to the shop every once in awhile to bring them back to the desired surface as needed. That is it never had gear die and very little if any loss of reaction

TDC57,

Im glad you dont allow you equipment to get dirty. People need to understand the differences of where the ball hooks and stop confusing this matter. Good example, I have 2 Storm Crossroads. One with a strong drilling and a 600 grit surface, one with a weaker drilling and a 2000 grit surface. I can cover more boards with the weaker ball but have more hook on the heavier patterns with the stronger one.

A gentleman asked me about it because he saw my strong one not covering as many boards and thought the ball was dying. I then had to explain to him the difference to which he still looked confused. The more surface, the earlier and smoother the ball reaction. Even on my 2000 grit, when I apply a 2000 pad it smoothes the backend of the ball. As i throw the ball more, it shines, and the ball covers more boards, seeming to "backend" more.

As for your friend, his tilt, axis rotation, rev rate, speed, the lane conditions, are all at work to deliver the reaction. Their are people with lower rev rates but have a low tilt so they get the ball to axis faster thus creating backend reation and covering a lot of boards. Just depends on the bowler.

I make it a point to clean my bowling balls after each session with a bowling ball cleaner...currently I'm using Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner, when that runs out I'll break out a pouch of those Powerhouse Adrenaline Wipes from my locker. I just pick up whatever ball cleaner the local shop seems to be carrying at the time so it could be Power Wash, Ultimate Black Magic Rejuvenator..etc. Though the consensus here seems to be Powerhouse Clean & Dull, Neo Tac Hook-it, or LaneMasters ball cleaner if you can still find it works the best at deep cleaning. My only gripe with Clean & Dull is that it's a gel and I find it a little messy and less convenient than a liquid spray like a LaneMasters.

Speaking of ball cleaners, have any of you noticed pro shops are now carrying their own brand of ball cleaner? I'm guessing you order from a company and they bottle a cleaner with your pro shops name/logo on it?