Compared to the Hammer Black Widow 2.0, Hammer Dark Web, Hammer Obsession Tour Solid
As you may know, I am an ambassador under the Hammer Bowling Brand. This comes with having the availability of using the other 6 brands under the Brunswick Bowling umbrella. These include the Brunswick, Columbia300, DV8, Ebonite, Hammer, Radical and Track brands. Every now and then I see a ball that would be a good fit for many bowlers due to it being unique or a replacement of an older release. So I ordered one to try it out. The Track Stealth is a ball that the brand hasn’t had in awhile- a big symmetrical at a great price point. I decided to compare it twice. Once on a slightly bowled on condition (Hammer Raw Solid starting ball) and on the same fresh condition the next day getting lined up with the Brunswick Knock Out. Saying I was pleased with the results in an understatement. Below are my observations.
The pattern is a 42’ pattern that is approximately 8:1 ratio with a moderate taper. The first testing was done after the Hammer Dark Web comparison report after about 2 games on fresh. The second comparison with the Brunswick Knock Out and the Hammer Obsession Tour Solid was on the fresh. I have not been able to get the exact number from the center so this is my best guess. My PAP is 5-1/4”x1/4”^ with low tilt at 1.67* and I’m considered matched rev rate to off the hand ball speed which is about 17.25 mph. All core numbers are at 15lbs pre-drilled.
Track Stealth – 2.482 .056 • (4-1/2”x 35*)
First comparison to the Hammer Black Widow 2.0, Hammer Dark Web
With 2 games bowled, the Raw was still reading the lane very well. Standing 24, targeting with an open angle at 13 and a focal point of the 10 pin got me lined up quickly. Stronger covers in this center read well and being in the volume helps the ball shape out and the pin carry is very good.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 – 2.500 .058 .016 • (45*x5”x25*)
With the Aggression Solid cover and the most popular core for Hammer of all time (Gas Mask), the Black Widow 2.0 had me move quite a bit to 10/6 left of the Raw Solid. Changing to a hand position that creates some axis rotation, hitting the pocket and striking happened often. The 2.0 still wanted to change direction a little early in the midlane, so I switched to the Hammer Dark Web.
Hammer Dark Web – 2.514 .048 • (4”x35*)
Changing to the Dark Web kept me in the same part of the lane, but the core dynamics allowed for a cleaner motion through the heads and early mid part of the lane than the 2.0. The hook phase out of the pattern was perfect and made that zone look huge. As the lane transitioned a bit, I could keep moving in. Please check out my Hammer Dark Web comparison report. It is a ball all bowlers should look at.
Track Stealth – 2.482 .056 • (4-1/2”x 35*)
The cover was previously used on the Track Tactix solid that was released in September of 2018. I liked that ball a lot and wasn’t sure if it was the cover, the unique core or the combination or the two. The Track Stealth is a strong symmetrical that might be too strong for most house volumes without a surface change. Starting where the Dark Web was striking, the Stealth was almost as clean as the Dark Web but out of the pattern the still clean back ends had it stand up for me and didn’t create a lot of room. Closing down my angles slightly (31/19) with a focal point of the 6/10, the Stealth was very good. Again with this volume and with my base release, I would have to adjust the surface to something smoother and maybe add a touch of compound or polish. Had I bowled this year at the USBC Nationals, the Track Stealth definitely would have been in the bags. Higher speed bowlers will like the Stealth and bowlers who like a smoother shape and have trouble with Asyms on medium-heavy or higher volumes should ask about it at their favorite shop.
On the next day fresh with the Brunswick Knock Out (4-3/4”x30* and lane shine for disclosure) I got lined up standing 23, targeting 13 at the arrows and with a focal point of between the 6 and 10 pins. The original Knock Out and the Raw Solid are my lane readers.
Hammer Obsession Tour Solid – 2.469 .034 .013 • (55*x4-1/2”x 35*)
The cover and core combo of the Obsession Tour is really good for a controlled motion on med-heavy volumes. Since the lanes were fresh, I could use it without over reaction on out of the pattern. Moving 3/1 left (26/14) and closing down the focal point to the center of the 6, striking was very good. A lot of the time, patterns that centers use make a lot of equipment playable in the same area, but with a shape difference. This is what elite bowlers look to adjust, getting the ball to go through the pins correctly to carry and monitor the motion from there as the competition goes on. I normally use the Hammer Obsession Pearl as my strongest ball on daily conditions.
Track Stealth – 2.482 .056 • (4-1/2”x 35*)
Changing to the Track Stealth, a bigger move on the approach and more open launch angle was needed. Once I got to 32 with my feet, targeting 18 at the arrows and the focal point moving to the center of the 10 pin, the pocket was found with consistency. I keep moving and adjusting my axis rotation and tilt and was surprised how the ball took to the changes and not burning up too early as long as I kept it in the volume. Early friction is not a friend of the Stealth, unless the bowler is speed dominant. The Track Stealth will be in my tournament bag with bigger Asyms. There are not a lot of higher volume conditions in my area unless the tournament calls for it.
As stated above, on this volume, in this center, a surface adjustment could help greatly, but it would change the ball into something I currently have. I will keep it as is and keep the cover clean and refreshed. I did do a quick test to see how fast the cover absorbs oil. It was slightly over 4 minutes before most of the early flare had disappeared. This shows that for the Track Stealth to perform maintenance is needed and the uniqueness of the ball will keep bowlers happy. Never neglect to maintain your equipment.
I hope this View helps give you a better understanding between balls in the past and current Hammer lines. As always, what you bowl on and more importantly you skill set will determine your choice in equipment. You can always contact me with any questions or schedule a consultation session on your current equipment. Visit the Coaching & Services page on our website, email us at www.info@filltheframes.com or you call and text messages to (310) 784-1901.
Thanks, be well & safe!
Juan Fonseca
Fill The Frames Bowling Services