Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Dark Web Hybrid. We continue to present more information to help you make a better choice in equipment replacements or additions. Tester Specs: PAP 5-1/4”x1/4”^ – Tilt 6* – Rev/Speed Range Matched – Ball 15lbs
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Solid and Hammer Dark Web complimented each other very well on medium to heavy volumes. With the release of the Hammer Dark Web Hybrid (07/13/2023), the same core is built using D.O.T. (Durability Optimization Technology). This allows more drilling versatility, keeps the warranty valid and produces a predictable shape. The difference here is the coverstock. Using the same cover as the Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid, the shape is again smoother from front to back but with the HK22 base and the flip block, the motion down lane is more pronounced than the original Dark Web.
Hammer Dark Web – Modified Spheroid D.O.T.- 2.514 .048 (4”x35*) • Aggression Solid 500, 1500 Siaair
When the Hammer Dark Web was released (07/08/2022), my views were that this ball is a good choice as a shape difference than the Black Widow 2.0 Solid (11/19/2020). Both had the same cover formulation and the Dark Web has a slightly more textured finish. The Dark Web would have a smooth motion front to back with a roundish shape off the back of the pattern compared to the Gas Mask core. Medium to heavy volumes is the best environments for most bowlers at the box finish. Speed Dominant bowlers can use if closer to the friction in the front part of the lane. Slower speed bowlers may have had to smooth, compound or polish the Dark Web as it was too strong for where they bowled daily. During the comparison, the differences are the more textured surface and the Aggression solid cover. The Dark Web Solid started its roll earlier and had a smoother yet stronger motion off the pattern than most solid syms due to the flip block on the core. The Dark Web Hybrid added more entry angle changes with different hand positions. Using a more rolling release, the cover still pushed a bit further down lane. With a release that creates more skid and angle change (more axis rotation and tilt), the Hybrid had much more continuation through the pins. Using the same release, the Solid didn’t have as much angle due to the box surface. The versatility points goes to the Hammer Dark Web Hybrid.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid – Gas Mask- 2.469 .034 .013 (45*x5”x25*) • Aggression Hybrid HK22/500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid is currently my cleaner more angular ball when I need to open my angles. Going to something earlier but still Asymmetrical would be the Hammer 3D Offset Attack or the Brunswick Defender Hybrid. The common theme here is the HyperKintic22 (HK22) base formulation. Using the Hammer Dark Web Hybrid on a fresh pattern with more volume in the center of the lane, the strong core wanted to rev up, but the compound finish was a bit too under/over until the lane blended out. Getting to the pocket was fairly easy, but the miss area was smaller than with the Dark Web Hybrid. The Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid for me would be a better choice to open up angles as the heads began to go away. One thing about the 2.0 Hybrid, if I used a more rotation/tilt release the ball was very clean and very angular down lane. This made it a bit too sharp. Using a more rolling release, the 2.0 Hybrid cleared and gave me a more manageable reaction. This was a surprise to me when I tried it. It’s pretty much the reason it’s in my bag.
Hammer Dark Web Hybrid – Modified Spheroid D.O.T.- 2.514 .048 (5”x35*) • Aggression Hybrid HK22/500, 1000, 2000 Siaair
Comparison to Hammer Dark Web, Hammer Black Widow Hybrid 2.0
For this comparison, I drilled the Dark Web Hybrid slightly different than the original. The only change was an additional 1” longer Pin to PAP. For a symmetrical ball, a 4”-5” Pin to PAP is used for later reactions. Drilled in 2 of the same balls, the length/shape difference wouldn’t be noticed to the eye and could blend in together as the surface changes. However the combination of the pin distance change, HK22 base, additives and surface prep gave a different ball motion. This created a quicker response time and more entry angle when it saw friction, but not as early as the solid. The Dark Web Hybrid was more forgiving on shots inside the intended targeting line and further away from the reaction point down lane. More traction in the conditioner is a strong positive of the HK22 formulation. For the comparison, The Hybrid revved up as soon as the original but cleared the front part of the lane easily, saving the reaction for down lane. Where the solid read friction as soon as it saw it and if it was in the friction too early the ball would start losing axis rotation too soon and carry could suffer. This is why I suggest it is better for more volumes, the higher volume portion on the lane or for higher speed bowlers.
I see the Dark Web Hybrid as a great choice as a benchmark ball for matched bowlers. Also, a nice choice for a transition ball from a stronger cover symmetrical like a Track Stealth. Bowlers who are on the slower ball speed side and need more angle change down lane, the Dark Web Hybrid could be the answer. Surface prep is always a major ball motion change and I see this cover as one that can be fine tuned.
| Brand | Ball | Feet | Focal Point | Set Down | Arrows | 40' | Exit Board | PAP 5-1/4" x 1/4"^ Tilt 6* Rev/Speed Matched | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Dark Web R1 | 23 | 6 | 17 | 12 | 9 | 18 | X | 4" | 35* | X |
| Hammer | BW Hybrid 2.0 R1 | 26 | 6 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 18 | 45* | 5" | 25* | X |
| Hammer | Dark Web Hybrid R1 | 27 | 6 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 17.5 | X | 5" | 35* | X |
| Hammer | Dark Web Hybrid R3 | 28 | 6/10 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 23 | X | 5" | 35* | X |
As always, what you bowl on and more importantly your release numbers and skill set will determine your choice in equipment. You can always contact me with any questions or schedule a consultation session on your personal release specs or current equipment. For more information, please visit the Coaching & Consulting page on our website at www.filltheframes.com or you may call or text me at (310) 784-1901. Thanks, be well & safe!
Juan Fonseca
Fill The Frames Bowling Services