I've had a Phenom now for approximately 9 months. I've never gotten it resurfaced ever since, and I'd say there's well over 250 games on it. There's a lot of track wear, and the ball's reaction is very weak compared to what it used to be. The ball still hooks fairly well, but it doesn't seem to grip the lane like it use to. The hit is very weak and so is the pin carry.

I need some advice on how to restore the ball's reaction. Resurfacing may help, however, some say it's only sanding the ball and not really 'rejuvinating' anything. I was thinking of resurfacing then applying Track's Clean n' Smooth because in its description is says: "This mild abrasive will remove small scratches and re-activate particle coverstocks and the addition of a cleaning agent will tackify the ball to give you that out of the box reaction".

I'm also thinking of using Ebonite's Powerhouse Hook Again rejuvination system. I haven't heard any feedback from anyone using it so I'm not too sure if it would be worth spending money on it. Has anyone here tried Ebonite's Powerhouse Hook Again restoration treatment? How does it compare to resurfacing a bowling ball and does it really give you that out of the box reaction or anything close to it? Any help, suggestions, and/or comments are greatly welcome and appreciated. Thanks.
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-Dino

Icetink,

Rick was correct in saying that I use the kitty litter technique.  Save your money and don't use the Powerhouse thing.  Here's what you need to do.  Get yourself a 5 gallon bucket, a ball cup, some rubbing alcohol or Simple Green, a rag, and a 3-5 lb. bag of the cheapest kitty litter you can find.  The litter MUST BE THE 100% PURE CLAY KIND.  DO NOT BUY ANYTHIHG THAT IS SCENTED OR THAT HAS CRYSTALS IN IT.  Now that you have your supplies, follow these steps.

1. Wipe the ball off with your alcohol or Simple Green.  I actually use a 50-50 mixture of alcohol and Simple Green.

2. Cover all the holes with masking tape.

3. Place the ball cup in the bottom of the bucket and place the ball in there with the fingers and thumb facing up.

4. Pour your litter all over the ball and be sure to cover it up completely.  Leave nothing uncovered.

5. Let this sit for about 5-7 days at room temperature, undisturbed.

6. At the end of these days, take the ball out and wipe it off again with the alcohol, Simple Green, or both.

7. Have the ball resurfaced either by a person at the pro shop or do it yourself if you have a ball spinner.  If you're doing this to a Phenom, I'd follow Rick's advice and take it to 600 grit with some polish.

This all sounds funny, but I've been doing this for years and it really works.  In bowling, trust is a must.  Trust me.  I resurface balls for people at a lower cost than shops here in town since I have a spinner and I've done this for a lot of other people too.  They are impressed with the way the ball reacts once I'm done with it.  Give it a shot!
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Evolutionary.  Revolutionary.