How To Get Life Out Of Your Old Bowling Balls
Written By: Rich Carubba | Written On: Saturday, June 9, 2018 | Updated On: Thursday, January 23, 2025
How to Extend the Life of Your Old Bowling Balls
Resurfacing the coverstock of your bowling ball is essential in prolonging its usability. Over time, the surface of a bowling ball accumulates oil, dirt, and scratches that can affect its performance. If left untreated, the ball may lose its grip and react unpredictably on the lane. Regular maintenance, including resurfacing and deep cleaning, ensures that your ball remains effective. Before you begin the restoration process, evaluate the condition of each ball in your collection. Consider whether a ball still serves a useful purpose in your arsenal or if it should be retired. Some balls may benefit from resurfacing, while others may need a full replacement due to excessive wear. Understanding how to extend the life of your equipment can save you money and improve your overall performance on the lanes.
Identifying an Old Bowling Ball
An old bowling ball refers to both its physical age and the duration you’ve owned it. If you use three bowling balls regularly—one for dry lanes or spare shots, and two with aggressive coverstocks for different oil conditions—evaluate their condition before considering replacements. Over time, even high-quality coverstocks can become less effective due to repeated exposure to lane oil and debris. It is essential to inspect your ball for signs of deterioration, such as visible cracks, excessive wear, or loss of grip. Bowling balls with outdated coverstocks or poor performance characteristics may no longer be suitable for competitive play. However, an older ball with a unique reaction can still have value if it provides a motion that is difficult to replicate with newer equipment. Learning how to assess the effectiveness of your bowling balls will help you make better decisions about which ones to keep and which to retire.
Restoring the Surface of an Old Bowling Ball
If your older bowling balls have only minor surface damage, take them to a pro shop for resurfacing. This process smooths out scratches and restores the coverstock's effectiveness. A fresh surface can enhance a ball’s grip, allowing for better control and consistency. In addition to professional resurfacing, you can maintain your ball at home by using sanding pads and polishes. A proper maintenance routine includes deep cleaning, oil extraction, and adjusting surface textures to match your playing conditions. Resurfacing should be done periodically based on how often you bowl. Frequent players may need to resurface their balls every few months, while occasional bowlers can do so once or twice a year. Ensuring that your ball is in optimal condition will help maintain its reaction on the lanes and extend its lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment.
Modifying Bowling Ball Surfaces
Whether old or new, bowling balls can be customized using surface screening and polishing techniques at your local pro shop. These adjustments help maximize performance based on the lane conditions you frequently encounter. By altering the grit level of the surface, you can control the amount of friction between the ball and the lane, thereby affecting the ball’s hook potential. Using lower grit pads such as 500 or 1000 grit can create more traction, ideal for heavy oil conditions. Conversely, using finer grit pads such as 3000 or 4000 grit will allow for a smoother, more controlled reaction on drier lanes. Regularly modifying the surface based on your preferred playing style and lane conditions can significantly enhance your game.
Keeping a Balanced Bowling Arsenal
While older balls can be useful, avoid keeping redundant equipment. Many skilled players struggle by overcomplicating their arsenal with too many similar bowling balls. Instead, aim for a practical selection that suits varying lane conditions. A well-balanced arsenal should consist of a ball for dry lanes, one for medium oil conditions, and one for heavy oil patterns. Additionally, a plastic or urethane spare ball should be included to provide control for picking up single-pin spares. Keeping a balanced selection allows for better adaptability to different playing environments and enhances overall scoring potential.
Understanding Bowling Ball Coverstocks
Knowing how different coverstocks behave will help you make informed decisions about maintaining and replacing equipment. Bowling ball coverstocks generally fall into three main categories: plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. Plastic balls offer the least friction and are primarily used for spare shooting. Urethane balls provide more control and are effective on dry lanes. Reactive resin balls, which come in solid, hybrid, or pearl variations, offer the highest levels of hook potential and are best suited for competitive play. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type of coverstock will enable you to select the right ball for specific lane conditions.
Maintaining Proper Fit
Ensuring that any older bowling balls you keep fit your hand comfortably is essential for consistent performance and injury prevention. Over time, finger inserts may wear out, or your hand’s shape may change, necessitating grip adjustments. Visiting a professional ball driller to assess and refit your equipment can enhance control, reduce strain, and promote a smoother release. A properly fitted bowling ball allows for better leverage and improved accuracy, contributing to higher scores and an overall better bowling experience.
Pyramid Phoenix Revivor – Restore Your Bowling Ball
The Pyramid Phoenix Revivor is an affordable, high-quality option for restoring the performance of your bowling balls. This device effectively extracts oil and debris, helping your ball maintain its hook potential over time. The Pyramid Phoenix Revivor is patented under US 12,005,320, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability. Regular use of a revivor device can extend the life of your equipment by preventing excessive oil absorption. This tool is particularly useful for competitive bowlers who rely on consistent ball reaction. In addition to resurfacing, using a revivor keeps your coverstock in optimal condition, reducing the need for frequent replacements. If you are looking to maximize the performance and longevity of your bowling balls, investing in a high-quality revivor can be a game-changing addition to your maintenance routine.