Maintenance Tips for Different Types of Balls

While bowling can certainly be a lot of fun there’s a good chance you won’t be able to play as while as you could if you aren’t taking the time to properly maintain your bowling ball. That means also taking the time to learn about the specific type of cover your bowling ball has and how it should be properly maintained.

Today, bowling balls are constructed of a variety of different materials. These materials are known as coverstocks. They consist of either polyester, which is really plastic, urethane, micro particle urethane or reactive resin urethane. Be aware that each type of coverstock requires a specific type of maintenance in order to both provide good performance as well as last as long as it should.
Plastic balls provide low fiction and also have the advantage of requiring very little maintenance in comparison to other types of coverstocks available on the market. All that is required to maintain a bowling ball with this type of cover is an easy cleaning with some mild detergent and a little polish. Be aware; however, that you should only use a polish made specifically for bowling balls. You can find these products at your local pro shop. In the event your ball is heavily tracked, the plastic coverstock can be resurfaced.

Urethane balls tend to have open pores and this can cause glazing in the track area. To counteract this you will need to clean your ball using an abrasive pad and a ball spinner. A resurfacing machine can also be used. Using a correct pan and polish you can give your ball the finish you desire. Typically, a urethane ball will need this type of procedure at least twice during the season.

Because reactive resin urethane balls have a surface that is tack and open pores, they tend to attract more dirt and oil than the standard urethane ball. This means, of course, that they also require more maintenance. After you have played a couple of dozen games or so, this type of ball will likely be covered in oil. It is imperative that this oil be removed in order to restore movement back to the ball. Be aware; however, that this type of restoration should only be performed by a pro shop professional who has access to the right equipment, otherwise you could run the risk of damaging the ball. The surface finish can be brought back by asking your pro shop professional to resurface the entire ball.

Micro particle reactive resin balls have a microscopic abrasive material in the coverstock. While this type of material tends to be more durable than other materials and last longer between resurfacings, that does not mean they can go forever without maintenance. This type of ball will need to be resurfaced using special sanding materials. They will also need to have the oil removed much like reactive resin urethane balls after about every 30 or so games to continue providing good performance.

To make sure your ball continues to provide optimal performance regardless of which type of coverstock it has make sure you observe the following tips:
Never leave your ball out in extreme weather conditions, such as your car during very cold or hot weather. This can cause damage to the ball that will not be covered by the warranty.

Always make sure you have your ball resurfaced by a certified professional to ensure your equipment provides long lasting, optimal performance.
By taking the time to educate yourself about the proper way to maintain your specific ball, develop a routine maintenance schedule and provide proper care for your ball you can be sure you will receive great performance for a long time to come.