Did you have wood-shop classes in your high school days? Then I guess you remember using sandpapers. Either use it to roughen up a smooth surface or smooth out a rough and bumpy wooden surface. Similar to that, bowling balls need changes in surface finish. But do you use regular sandpaper for that? No! Bowlers use Abralon pads with different grits for their bowling balls. So how do you use these special pads? It’s alright if you don’t know how to use one for your bowling ball. I am here to tell you how to use the Abralon pad, so you can get things done yourself next time. So stay tuned if you want to know more.
When to use Abralon Pad?
It’s normal to see changes in the oil pattern, and lane condition when you are bowling. You can switch to a different bowling ball, but that might not be the solution every time. So, instead of switching your ball, maybe you should sand your bowling ball. But will it help though? Well, you will definitely see a significant change in your ball’s performance on the lane.
If your dull, aggressive bowling ball is picking too much oil from the lane, that’s a great time to sand the ball’s surface. And what do you use? An Abralon pad, that’s right. An excessively oily surface will give off terrible ball motion down the lane. A little resurfacing with an Abralon pad will create dramatic changes in your ball motion and pick up less oil from the lane.
Abralon pas are bowlers’ best friends for those who intend to change the surface finish of their bowling balls. The original finish may not be up to your preference. This is when abralon pads save the day. Making this slight change to your ball’s surface will significantly boost the performance. Bowlers get to have a lot of options that allow them to modify the surface finish with these pads the way they want to.
Resurfacing your bowling ball in between shots or matches truly makes a difference, especially if your bowling ball has a matte coverstock. The oil build-up modifies the ball’s performance and makes it oily. Sanding with an abralon pad will resurface the ball, remove the unnecessary oil build-up, and will revive the ball’s true action on the lane.
How to use Abralon pad?
Since you are here learning about abralon pads, I’m assuming, you are planning to do it yourself at home. Do you think you have the necessary tools and materials at home? Then waste no money and get on track. To sand/resurface/polish a bowling ball, you are gonna need a bowling ball cup to hold it in place (or a ball spinner), some abrasives (500, 800, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 grit Abralon pads), ball polish or compound, water, and polishing pads or microfiber towels. Assembled everything you need? Then let’s get started!
Step 1
First, you should decide which surface finish you want with your bowling ball. Once that’s decided, select your abralon pad’s grit level. Lower grit abralon pads will give your ball more surface. So, it is suitable for heavy lane conditions. High ball speed, low grit, and low rev rate will deliver amazing ball performance. Contrarily, when you use higher grits you will have better control over your ball and it will ensure a longer hook phase.
Step 2
Once all the decision is made, place your ball on the bowling ball cup (or on the spinner) with the finger holes visible from the top. Whether you use a ball cup or a spinner, first, you will have to sand the top half of the ball first and then flip your ball to sand the other half of the bowling ball. Instead of rotating your ball at a full 180° angle, you can gradually rotate it at a 90° angle to sand the sides.
Step 3
Okay, let’s lubricate your bowling ball now. Not only it prolongs the ball’s life but also prevents dust from spreading in the air. So just spray some water to lubricate your ball. This will lower the frictional heat and dust when the abralon pad is being used on the bowling ball. Only lubricate the area you will use an abralon pad first and then do the remaining parts. If you are using a spinner, start with a slow-speed setting to dodge any mistakes.
Step 4
Let’s begin the main task now. Grab an abrasive pad and cup it in your hand and start moving it in a circular motion on the ball. Make sure to keep moving it around the ball’s surface. Keep an eye on your fingers so they don’t get in between the ball and the abralon pad. Never move the pad in the back-and-forth motion. Remember, it should be in circular motions at all times. Once the shiny wetness on the ball surface is gone, your ball is sanded. If you are happy with the outcome, then good. If not, go for a higher abralon pad. After doing the first half, reposition your ball as I have stated earlier and repeat the process.
Step 5
After you think you are happy with the outcome, let’s move on o the next step. Wet the ball surface again and wipe it clean with a clean and dry microfiber towel. So what if you want a polished finish for your ball? Just grab a good-quality polishing agent and apply that to give your ball a shiny finish. This will also give you a sharper and better backend reaction.
Step 6
Now, for the final step, take your ball off the ball cup or spinner, and give it one final touch-up. Wipe it one more time with a dry towel. Clean the finger holes too while you’re at it. And there you go! Your ball is now ready for some true action!
Benefits of Abralon Pad
Remember this general rule of thumb— “you should sand your bowling ball after every 60 games”. And what to use to sand your ball? An abralon pad, of course! Are you an avid bowler? Then you might notice some changes in your ball’s performance, sometimes during mid-game. This is when a little bit of sanding with abralon pads will help. Don’t forget to keep some abralon pads in your bowling bag.
Abralon pads revive the bowling ball surface and add a new definition to your game. Whether you want a quick sanding or a dramatic change, abralon pads are extremely handy. So keep some with you considering your current ball’s surface and the ball’s finish you’re opting for.
Conclusion
Prepare yourself to see the best reaction from your bowling ball. With the abralon pads, you can redefine the ball’s surface, something you can’t just overlook. Sanding or resurfacing is essential for bowling balls. As a bowler should be aware of that. I have carefully described the ways you can use the abralon pads. For any further questions, feel free to get in touch with me. Till then, good luck and keep on bowling, my fellow bowlers!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
