Question: When should I use a dull surface on my bowling ball?
Answer:
Use a dull (sanded) surface when you need more midlane traction or when the lanes have medium to heavy oil. It helps the ball start hooking sooner and provides a more controlled, arcing motion. Most league bowlers keep at least one ball with a dull surface for oilier conditions or when they want smoother overall reaction.
Go Deeper With This Related Article
This guide shows how a ball’s surface (clean/polished vs. dull/sanded) controls up to 70% of its hook. It explains the difference in lane reaction and shares simple ways to manage the surface of your bowling ball using towels, cleaners, polishes, and sanding pads for better scores on any condition.
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