Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Purple Solid Reactive.
The Hammer Purple Solid Reactive is the newest addition to the Mid-Performance line. To keep the comparisons more streamlined, I will be comparing the new releases to the balls that are closest to them in their current line. If that’s not possible, I’ll use a ball I believe is close from other lines.
Hammer Purple Solid Reactive – 2.586 .027 (5”x30*)
Comparison to Hammer Raw Solid, Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane.
The R&D department had an idea about using the same core as the wildly popular Purple Pearl Urethane and wrapped it with a solid reactive coverstock. This experiment created something special. You will notice that the core numbers have changed and this is due to the density of the solid reactive cover. This raises the diff and creates more flare and a stronger motion down lane. I have stated (my views) that urethane is not a good choice for certain bowlers. This could be dependent on their style, skill set and environment. The Purple Solid Reactive is a very good choice for those players and a great addition to any bowler’s bag. At the time of this writing, I have not seen a surface change from other staff members. This goes to the versatility of the ball itself.
Hammer Raw Solid – 2.537 .038 (4-3/4”x30*)
Currently the Raw Solid is my benchmark solid for daily use. It gives me a predictable ball motion and tells me where the friction is and a good idea on the length of a pattern. The layout used is on most of my syms so I can get really good feedback on the differences in cover/core from ball to ball. Getting lined up pretty quickly, you can see the differences in the grid below. I had less room moving in compared to the Solid Reactive as the Raw is a more rounded shape overall and responded slower.
Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane – 2.650 .015 (4-1/4”x25*)
The Pearl read the lane much earlier and rolled forward too long on this pattern. Urethane is used to control friction, on the back when other balls are too jumpy, when there’s volume up front but the pattern is shorter or for total ball motion control. Higher rev/speed bowlers have more success using this ball to me. Testing on a freshly oiled lane with some built in friction right of 10, I kept the Pearl straighter (see chart below). Pin carry was ok, but not optimum. Flare was less than 2” and limits scoring. This is why I don’t use urethanes for daily use.
Hammer Purple Solid Reactive – 2.586 .027 (5”x30*)
Simply put, this release is amazing! If you like a more smooth reaction and directional change off the pattern, the Hammer Solid Reactive is a ball you should look into. As I rolled the ball and kept moving in along with changes in hand positions, the ball kept clearing the heads and had the same readable motion down lane and makes it easy to read lane transition. In the grid below you’ll see where I started and where ended striking as the ball seemed to find its limits for that day. The Hammer Solid Reactive will be a great addition/replacement to the majority of bowler’s bags. If you are looking for a quicker motion of the end of the pattern, I don’t believe polishing will add much more. There are better choices for that option. The Solid Reactive seems to blend out cliffs, which are seen a lot these days. This ball will be with me in both league and tournament play.
Hammer Purple Solid Reactive Ball Comparison
| Brand | Ball | Feet | Focal Point | Set Down | Arrows | 42' | Hand Position | PAP 5-1/4" x 1/4"up | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Raw Solid | 25 | 6 pin | 18 | 13 | 9 | R2 | 4-3/4" | 30* | X | |
| Hammer | Purple Pearl Urethane | 23 | 6 pin | 16 | 13 | 9 | R2 | 4-1/4" | 25* | X | |
| Hammer | Purple Solid Reactive | 29 | Between 6/10 | 22 | 17 | 8 | R2 | 5" | 30* | X | |
| Hammer | Purple Solid Reactive | 35 | 10 pin | 28 | 21 | 8 | R3 | 5" | 30* | X | |
Starting position: Instep of the slide foot. • Focal point: Swing projection toward the pins. • Set Down: Ball contacts the lane. Hand Position: 1 = Stable, more roll. Usually starting hand position on fresh. 2= Fingers rotated to the left a bit for more length and angle down lane. 3= More hand rotation at set up. Provides my max clearance through the heads and most of the midlane and creates the biggest change of direction when the ball reads the most friction and what the cover allows. S=Solid, H=High, T=Trip, F=Flat L=Light C=Crossover.
I hope this Comparison helps give you a better understanding with these 3 balls. As always, what you bowl on and more importantly your 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. For more information, please visit the Coaching & Services page on our website at www.filltheframes.com or you may call or text messages to (310) 784-1901. Thanks, be well & safe!
Juan Fonseca
Fill The Frames Bowling Services