Hammer Envy Tour Comparison
Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Envy Tour. We continue to present more information to help you make a better choice in equipment replacements or additions.
Hammer Envy Tour 2.469 .034 .013 (45*x4-1/2”x35*)
Envy Solid 500, 1000 Siaair
Comparison to Hammer Purple Solid Reactive, Hammer Obsession Tour
This Hammer release will be the big control ball for cliffed league and flatter tournament patterns where controlling the friction is needed but there is conditioner in the heads. I started by using what is currently my lane reading ball, the Hammer Purple Solid Reactive. The theme you’ll see through this report is control. But control for different conditioner ratios, but shapes that are similar.
Hammer Purple Solid Reactive 2.586 .027 (5”x30*)
Reactive Solid 500, 1500 Siaair
When Hammer announced this release late last year, I was excited to roll it. As we learned about this “experiment”, I knew this would be a ball as an option to my current lane reader- Hammer Raw Solid. I still use the Raw on occasion, but the Purple Solid has less diff so I get a better read from front to back as it pushes further down the lane, too. Cores are one thing, but matching the cover to get a motion is how anyone can build a workable arsenal. The cover is very adjustable, if needed.
Hammer Obsession Tour 2.469 .034 .013 (45*x4-1/2””x35*)
TourV2 Solid 500, 1000 Siaair
One of my favorite balls is the Hammer Obsession Tour Pearl. The motion is what I liked due to the core dynamics and the coverstock worked well at the centers in my area. For more volume, the Obsession Tour is the next choice where more flaring balls where too much Ex: Black Widow 2.0, Hammer Obsession (retired) or Hammer Envy. Smooth ball motion and controllability is where the Obsession Tour shines. Hand release changes can change the length through the fronts but off the friction the directional change was still manageable. It continues to be a tournament favorite for many styles of bowlers.
Hammer Envy Tour 2.469 .034 .013 (45*x4-1/2”x35*)
Envy Solid 500, 1000 Siaair
The Hammer Envy Tour uses the same Obsession Tour core, but changes the cover to the Envy Solid found on the stronger Hammer Envy released on 9/23/2022. The Envy Tour is the same shape as the Obsession Tour just earlier and can handle more volumes. Both box finishes are the same, but it’s the formulation that makes the motion distance difference visible. Bowlers who need more traction due to higher speeds but like to play straighter up the lane will like this release. Tournament bowlers where the fresh is very cliffed will be able to smooth it out and still have great hitting power. Bowlers with slower ball speeds and bowl on lighter volume patterns should look toward other options. I’m sure the cover can be adjusted, but to add more surface would give you’re a stronger directional change, just earlier and smoothing it out will push the ball a bit further down the lane. Personally, I am not a fan of polish. Polishing certain balls takes them out of their intent and there are other equipment choices. I see this ball being making the trip to the Open Championships this year in Reno and other tournaments.
| Brand | Ball | Feet | Focal Point | Set Down | Arrows | 42' | Exit Board | PAP 5-1/4" x 1/4"up | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Purple Solid Reactive | 24 | 6 pin | 18 | 13 | 9 | 20 | X | 5" | 30* | X |
| Hammer | Obsession Tour | 28 | Between 6/10 | 22 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 45* | 5" | 25* | X |
| Hammer | Envy Tour | 30 | Between 6/10 | 24 | 19 | 9 | 21 | 45* | 5" | 30* | X |
| Hammer | Envy Tour | 33 | 10 pin | 27 | 22 | 9 | 21 | 45* | 5" | 30* | X |
The Hammer Envy Tour will be used a lot for tournament play. If you are not sure if it fits in your arsenal, ask your favorite shop or contact Fill The Frames Bowling Services.
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. 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
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid Comparison
Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid. We continue to present more information to help you make a better choice in equipment replacements or additions.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid 2.500 .058 .016 (45*x5”x25*)
HK22 – Aggression Hybrid 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
Comparison to Hammer Black Widow Ghost, Hammer 3-D Offset Attack
Hammer adds the newest base formulation (HK22) to the Black Widow line. This gives a motion that will be sharper in the friction down lane. The 12 (RG 2.612) and 13 (RG 2.589) pound balls will have an alternate core (Diff of .043 and Asym of .011), but the motion will still be sharper based off the bowler’s release. You will notice that both Black Widows are drilled the same and the surface is their box finish that has been refreshed and cleaned. We added the 3-D Attack because it has the HK22 base formula and the VAL angle is slightly higher and the core is somewhat milder.
The Hammer Purple Solid Reactive (5”x30*) with slight lane shine was used as the lane reading ball.
Hammer Black Widow Ghost 2.500 .058 .016 (45*x5”x25*)
Aggression Pearl 500, 1000, 1500 – Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
The Ghost is cleaner than the 2.0 Solid. Again the engine is the Gas Mask core which is one of the strongest cores in the upper mid level balls of all time. The cover is stronger than a lower level pearl. Technology is moving the familiar Solid-Hybrid-Pearl step down in covers and shuffling it around with additives to give different response times to friction.
Hammer 3D Offset Attack 2.489 .053 .008 (45*x5”x30*)
HK22 – Neoflip 25 – 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
We wanted to compare the different cores (close Diffs and ½ of the Asym diff) with the different pearl formulas but the box finishes are the same. Both balls with HK22 are a quicker response than other balls in their lines that are comparable. On a previous report the Attack was 7/7 left and more launch angle than the earlier Hammer 3-D Offset release.
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid 2.500 .058 .016 (45*x5”x25*)
HK22 – Aggression Hybrid 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound
Personally what I see in my area on a daily basis is that the Black Widows are too strong for me without drastically changing the surface. This is due to the amount of conditioner put down, the age of the lane panels, my release specs, the covers and the strong Gas Mask core.
I have been able to use Black Widows with the cleaner covers (BW Black & Gold), but not for very long due to transition. After drilling up the 3-D Attack and the Brunswick Defender Hybrid due to them having the new Brunswick HyperKinetic22 base formulation, I was excited to see what it could do for me in a Black Widow. As I tested and compared it, my hopes were confirmed. This release clears the fronts better, reads the midlane later and is sharper when it reads the friction. Even with this I still started deeper on fresh just like the bigger balls in my arsenal. I had to make room for the directional change (hook) down lane. In the graph below, you can see two different launch angles both resulting in strikes, The more closed angle was a high pocket strike but not a trip 4 pin. This showed me how much room was created off the pattern and carry was still present.
The Ghost was a little bit smoother and flatter going through the pins on the fresh. I moved into the volume a bit and added more tilt and rotation, but the Ghost still wanted to roll a bit too early. Usually if I have to move in, I have to adjust my release to get a ball to skid and recover harder (not a big zone change with more volume) as I did with the Ghost. I moved in and kept my more rolly release. The 2.0 Hybrid still cleared and reacted quickly at the end of the pattern. This gives me another ball reaction tool in the upper-mid line. Usually this is done on medium-light volumes and balls that are not as dynamic but still can create pop, Ex: Scorpion Sting or Ocean Vibe.
The late high strike was with a more delayed release and I probably could have kept moving and adjusting angles and tested speeds. Another option when a “weaker” ball would clear but doesn’t make it back to the pocket. Since both finishes are identical, this clearly shows the difference in the base formulations. What was surprising (and I’m seeing it more often) is some formulations are producing length reactions different than what was the norm for so long. As always, watch your reactions and adjust accordingly. An info sheet can only tell you so much.
You can find more information about HK22 https://brunswickbowling.com/products/hyperkinetic22
| Brand | Ball | Feet | Focal Point | Set Down | Arrows | 42' | Exit Board | PAP 5-1/4" x 1/4"up | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Purple Solid Reactive | 24 | 6 pin | 18 | 13 | 9 | 20 | X | 5" | 30* | X |
| Hammer | Black Widow Ghost | 26 | 6 pin | 20 | 14 | 8 | 9 | 45* | 5" | 25* | X |
| Hammer | 3-D Offset Attack | 32 | Between 6/10 | 26 | 17 | 8 | 20 | 45* | 5" | 30* | X |
| Hammer | Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid | 34 | 10 pin | 27 | 19 | 7 | 18 | 45* | 5" | 25* | X |
| Hammer | Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid | 34 | Between 6/10 | 28 | 21 | 11 | 23 | 45* | 5" | 25* | High X |
I hope this report helps give you a better understanding between the new Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid, the Black Widow Ghost and the 3-D Offset Attack. Feel free to contact FTF with your questions. Please be specific, that way I can get you the best possible for you.
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. 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
Hammer Purple Solid Reactive Comparison
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