Hammer Scorpion Sting Comparison

Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Scorpion Sting. The Hammer Scorpion Sting is the newest addition to the Mid-Performance line. It has been designed to add more motion at the back end and compliment the popular Hammer Scorpion’s shape.

Hammer Scorpion Sting 2.485 .045  (4-1/2”x 35*)

Comparison to the Hammer Scorpion, Hammer Web Pearl (’21), Hammer Ocean Vibe

The Scorpion Sting is built with a new LED 3.0 core and the return of the Semtex Pearl coverstock. The core has a lower RG and a slightly higher diff. The addition of flip block will generate a clean path through the heads on medium volumes or as transitions happen in during a bowling session. A choice could be to go to a stronger cover/core combo, but that may be too strong. This depends on volumes in different zones. I see this ball close to the Web Pearl but adding more shape down lane than the Scorpion. If you don’t have a Web Pearl, the Sting would fit between the BW Ghost and the Ocean Vibe. Depending on a center’s oiling procedures, a bowler’s style and adjustment ability I can see this ball getting a lot of use for leagues by many bowlers. A slight surface change may open up the motion a bit very much like the Ocean Vibe. Always move around the lane to see what each ball has in terms of strengths and limits in addition to your adjustment abilities.

Hammer Scorpion 2.520 .043 (4-3/4”x 30*)

When the Scorpion was released, I was very interested to roll this ball. The combination of the updated LED2.0 core with the proven Semtex Hybrid cover would give me a similar rolling shape as the Purple Pearl Urethane. It was stronger and more forgiving than the Purple on a daily center’s pattern. Not a long rolling path, but a more controlled motion that is easy to read and make adjustments as transition happens. The Scorpion as a benchmark without too much surface allows me to read the fresh quickly. The drilling layout was close to what I have in the Scorpion Sting and I also refreshed the cover to 500/1K/2K Siaair.

Comparison: The Scorpion Sting is longer than the Scorpion and more angular (not sharp) off the end of the pattern. Same part of the lane shows a slight difference, but changing hand positions give the Scorpion Sting more hooking shape later down lane. I could move 5/3 in, change to a more angular creating hand position and open my angles and the Sting recovered and struck.

Hammer Web Pearl (Jade/Smoke) 2.481 .048 (4-3/4”x 30*)

My current favorite choice as a non solid, smoother cover benchmark ball to start with. It seems I can use this ball everywhere. Comparing the two, the Sting is a bit cleaner and a more rounded shape off the end of the pattern. On a pattern with more oil in the middle and some built in friction toward the channels, most out balls can be played in the same area through the heads. I believe there would be a more shape separation on flatter patterns with the Scorpion Sting being later in motion. 

Comparison: The Scorpion Sting is close to the Web Pearl.But my targeting and angles were more closed to keep it in the oil for the Web Pearl. Friction is the friend of the Scorpion Sting. A great choice if upper mids are too strong.

Hammer Ocean Vibe  2.510 .042 (4”x 35*)

If you bowl on friction or medium and lighter volumes the Ocean Vibe will do the job. While the response to friction is pretty quick, it’s not super fast. But the directional change will tell you where the friction is. This is another great addition to the Vibe legacy. When the ball hits too much volume, it tends to over skid. However, slightly adjusting the cover allow for more miss room. The Scorpion Sting will handle more volume than the Ocean Vibe and is very hand position friendly to change ball roll and motion.

Comparison: The Scorpion Sting will fit almost directly between a stronger pearl (core and cover) Black Widow Ghost and the Ocean Vibe. Almost gives you the best of both worlds at a great price point. Even though the Scorpion Sting and the Ocean vibe are in the same level, they are different and there is a price difference.

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