Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Extreme Envy (WWRD 9/21/2023). We continue to present more information to help you make better choices when purchasing equipment replacements or additions. All numbers are for 15lb equipment
Hammer Extreme Envy 2.479 .054 .022 (90°x2”x30°) • Envy CFI Solid 500, 2000 Siaair
Comparison to Hammer Envy (9/23/2022), Hammer The Sauce (6/18/2019)
One of the concerns of bigger core, aggressive coverstock bowling balls is that they “burn up”. I will attribute this to older lane surfaces and bowlers using balls that “over power” the amount and type of lane conditioner that they are bowling on daily. Taking a step forward, Hammer has slightly changed the Launcher core found in the Hammer Envy. This is called the Launcher LRG core. By lowering the RG & Diff (2.505/.055 to 2.479/.054) and adjusting the Asym Diff from .021 to .022, then using the same Envy Solid formulation but adding CFI in the coverstock allows the ball to match up better to cut through medium-heavy volumes and add more motion off the pattern. Carbon Fiber Infused (CFI) is an additive to the cover to gain traction. Hammer also uses CFI in most of its equipment’s inner core to add durability and hitting power. Bowlers that are speed dominant will like it when other balls go too far down the lane.
Hammer Envy 2.505 .055 .021 (45°x4-1/2”x45°) • Envy Solid 500, 1500 Siaair
Personally, I don’t use the Higher Performance balls often due to the combination of my specs and the age of the lane surfaces and conditioner volume. I can use them during some tournaments and higher volume sport patterns, though. When the Envy came out, I drilled it to replace older balls in that performance level. I saw a higher RG and hoped it would give me more continuation off the pattern and through the pins. It did but that didn’t last long for daily use as the lanes transitioned quickly. However, I could use it more often during higher volume and longer pattern tournaments. So it continues to be in my tournament set up. Surface adjustments can be made, but keep them rational. There might be better choices than highly polishing a ball designed for traction. Talk to your favorite shop tech to help you make a better choice.
Hammer The Sauce 2.470 .049 (85°x2-1/2”x45°) • Aggression Solid CFI 500, 2000
The Sauce was an early release that used CFI on the coverstock and was later used on a bigger Asym. Being in bowling for over 45 years, I have played a little will layouts and surfaces. What I did in 2019 with The Sauce is short pin a strong ball. I’ve had done it in the past with a mid range Asym (2.50/.46 Diff/.011 Asym Diff) in 2015, but I decided I needed something stronger. As with Syms, the drilling angle (first number) doesn’t matter, but I use the angle number on most layouts. This is measured from a straight line 6-3/4” from the pin through the CG (if correct but always balance out the ball, just in case). With any Syms, the technical Mass Bias will be in or near the thumbhole as it will be the biggest void in the ball. No thumbers can use the angle for reference. I chose this layout to take advantage of the cover on shorter patterns with volume up front. My angles will be more closed and I can use it to control the back end friction. Sound familiar? Urethane-type motion, but with a stronger move later that may also open up the backend.
FINDINGS-
While having a short pin layout isn’t a true test to compare the Hammer Extreme Envy to the Hammer Envy, I wanted to see the difference if any, in the response to friction with the CFI addition. Bowling on the fresh (see below) there is enough built in hold and blended friction, so there’s no need to “carve out a shot”. High Performance balls don’t usually do well for me at this center unless there’s more volume. So I moved into the volume to use it as best as possible, keeping my angles a little straighter.
Hammer Envy- Early on I knew I would be getting out of this ball fairly soon; too strong for this volume. Sliding 23 (instep), with a laydown at 17 and targeting 13 at the arrows with a focal point between the 6/10. The Envy would be at 9 board at 40’ and although striking, the exit point would be at 14 off the deck. The ball stands up and rolls forward very quickly here (but better than earlier HP releases) and carry might become an issue quickly. More axis rotation helped, but there were better choices to use at the time.
Hammer The Sauce- With a short 2-1/2” Pin to PAP, the motion was very clean and when it touched the lighter volume down lane, the roll was very strong and hit very well. The launch angles were a touch more closed; sliding 24, target 14 at the arrows and focal point the left side of the 6 pin. The Sauce revved up quickly and was manageable. I moved a bit left to see if it would get back (4/3 and opened the focal point to the 6 pin) and it made it back and still hit well to carry. This is a benefit of short pin layouts. When you can use them, they are very versatile. They may have limitations, but is just another option to scoring.
Hammer Extreme Envy- Right away, I can see the cover is cleaner than the Hammer Envy. Again while drilled with a 2” Pin to PAP, the Extreme Envy was longer than The Sauce and had more pop off the friction, but still was controllable. Drilling the same as the Hammer Envy will give a more distinct motion off the friction compared to other balls in this performance level. If you are looking for that ball for medium-heavy volumes and get some later motion, the Hammer Extreme Envy will fill that spot in your bag. Lighter weights have an alternate core, but the numbers are still strong in the 12-13lbers.
Here is a comparison of flare separation between the two. Comparing the Hammer Extreme Envy to another short pin layout with a similar surface was as close as I was going to get without a time machine or finding a Sauce in someone’s secret stash.
BONUS! FREE SWAG!!!
With the purchase of either the Hammer Extreme Envy or the Hammer Envy Tour Pearl (see related Comparison Report), you can receive a free Hammer Hoodie or Pullover (A $70 value!). Check the Hammer website for more info! Be sure to follow the directions to get your SWAG!
These are my observations on how I compared the balls on a 12:1 42’ daily pattern with added buff to 48’. Your results may vary depending on your release specs, skill set & lane environments. Ball choices, surfaces and layouts should be considered before making a purchase to get the benefits of every bowling ball.
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