Tag: #HammerBowling

Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Hazmat (WWRD 11/16/2023). 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 Hazmat 2.479 .055 (4-3/4”x30°) • HK22 Semtex Hybrid 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair Factory Compound
Comparison to Hammer Envy Tour Pearl (9/21/2023), Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid (2/23/2023) Hammer Bowling has added a big cored, shiny symmetrical to its line. Using the Semtex Hybrid additive package (Black Widow Dark Legend, Fierce Phobia, and Scorpion) with the hottest base product in the industry-HK22, bowlers will be getting a ball that picks up in the mid-lane and a continuous motion off the back of the pattern. The paperwork says the intent is for medium volumes, as always drilling options and surface changes may be needed to dial the reaction each bowler is looking to achieve. 

Hammer Envy Tour Pearl 2.469 .034 .013  (45°x4-1/2”x35°) • HK22 Envy Pearl 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair Factory Compound
If you haven’t seen the Hammer Envy Tour Pearl go down the lane, you are missing a lot. The cleaner version of the Hammer Envy Tour gives almost the same motion as its solid counterpart, but for less volume or higher friction lanes. It’s not too strong for most daily patterns, yet gives a smooth motion and some area down lane. Plus there is a great promotion with this ball and the Hammer Extreme Envy that gets you a Hammer hoodie or pullover FREE! This offer ends 12/31/2023, so act fast!

Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid 2.500 .058 .016 (45°x5”x25°) • HK22 Aggression Hybrid 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair Factory Compound
The Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid is still one of the best selling balls currently available. Nothing can be added to improve upon the motion of the famous Gas Mask core…oh wait….the HK22 base formulation does. This cleaner and quicker response to friction is keeping Hammer fans very happy and scores keep coming.

FINDINGS –
Knowing that the core numbers are higher than previous syms like the Scorpion (.043), Dark Web Hybrid (.048) and still a personal favorite the Web Pearl ’21 (.048), I knew I would need more volume in a flatter configuration based on my release specs. For me, if there is a starting cliff the Hazmat would read the friction as soon as it saw it. In the fresh volume, the ball seems to travel too far and the window down lane was smaller than I’d like. Straighter angles in the conditioner and speed control allowed me a better reaction, but I didn’t have the built in room that other choices would give me on a fresh pattern for this center. When I repeated shots, the Hazmat looked great and hit amazingly. Other than having more volume and flatter, I think removing the compound and having a smooth finish (2-4K) would give me better traction in the oil, a longer roll transition overall and more room for error off the hand. I can see using this on medium, flatter patterns in where I need a ball to get through heads with some friction built in. Higher speed players will like this ball banking the friction down lane. Slower speed bowlers can use this in the volume and get great results if they can’t use the bigger solid choices with asym cores. Changing your rotation and tilt will give you more ways to attack the lanes. All in all, I like this release. I just need to dial the surface in as every bowler should do with every ball they have. I’m not trying to turn this ball into something I have, just tweak it enough to be more effective for what I see. 

Hammer Envy Tour Pearl – This ball continues to be in my main arsenal. Clean, but not skippy in oil. Smooth, very readable and responds well to release changes. I can use this on the fresh where I do the comparisons. Starting close to the friction (never in it) about 11 at the arrows to 8-9 at 45’ and with slight launch angle with the feet at 22, not a problem striking from this starting point. Moving in quickly to see what was there, the Envy Tour Pearl wanted to go a bit too long this early. Moving back and switching to the Hazmat, it read earlier and kept going. Moving 2-2 left and adding a bit more rotation, I was able to strike. Visually I could see where I could keep moving as the ball was cutting through the pins. While continuing moving in and got the feet at 30 and 19 at the arrows (that’s 8/8!) and adding a little more tilt the Hazmat was striking. I actually had to add more rotation and tilt once my feet got past 25. What was happening is the ball got to the end of the pattern started to roll forward (for me) due to the clean back ends and my slower speed. Adding rotation and tilt created more continuation through the pins. This goes back to my earlier statements about a slight surface change to play more in the volume and elongate the reaction window. Please note that this comparison was after a morning trio league and not many bowlers move left of 13 at the arrows.

Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid – This ball comes into play after some games have been thrown and the friction starts to open up down lane. It is my “skid/snap” reaction on the higher end. It has been said that the Hazmat is close to the reaction as the BW 2.0 Hybrid, just a smoother off the pattern. At box finish, I see the BW 2.0 Hybrid longer and sharper. This comparison was on fresh and both balls would not be my choice until the lanes blended out and developed friction further down the lane. The Hazmat could be used just right of the beginning setup point to the Envy Tour Pearl. Starting with the feet at 24, 14 at the arrows with a focal point at the center of the 6 pin (9 board) striking was there but again seemed like I could get more room down lane with a surface adjustment. Possibly a stronger pin to PAP distance due to how the Hazmat clears the fronts in oil would work, as well.  I keep my layouts close to each other so get a better idea of what each ball does and how I would adjust them later. Once I got to 25/15/9 the BW 2.0 Hybrid left a 2-4-5. The Hazmat continued and struck. Moving 2/2 more the Hazmat went longer and again went a touch forward with my starting hand position. Adding more rotation, it was back to striking.

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

Welcome to Fill The Frames Bowling Services’ ball comparison report of the Hammer Envy Tour Pearl (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 Envy Tour Pearl 2.469 .034 .013 (45°x4-1/2”x35°) • HK22 Envy Pearl 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Factory Compound

Comparison to Hammer Envy Tour (2/23/2023), Hammer Obsession Tour Pearl (9/24/2021)
The Obsession Tour core is just flat out good. Bumping up the new Envy Pearl’s cover with the hottest cover base in the industry-HK22, I see a winner for many styles of bowlers. Early word is that this may be one of the best league condition balls ever. Time will tell. The Chrome color will stand out going down the lane or just sitting on the ball return. If you bowl on higher volumes, you can pair this with the Hammer Extreme Envy or your favorite heavy to Medium/Heavy conditioner ball choice. As the oil gets removed and a predictable ball motion is needed, switching to the Hammer Envy Tour Pearl makes sense.

Hammer Envy Tour 2.469 .034 .013 (45°x4-1/2”x35°) • Envy Solid 500, 1000 Siaair
I previously compared this ball before its release date, my observations still stand and the report can be found on the FTF website under the Comparison Reports tab. The Hammer Envy Tour should be in every serious competitor’s bag. It’s just a great motion that is versatile across many patterns and volumes. If you like keeping your angles more in front of you, you can. If you want to get around it a little more to get a later yet still have a smooth reaction, you can do that too. Both the Envy Tour Solid and Envy Tour Pearl are drilled the same and can be a great compliment to each other or a better choice for bowler’s with less speed and matched or are slightly rev dominant. Higher rev and speed bowlers have also said they like the control the Hammer Envy Tour gives them. See? Versatile! 

Hammer Obsession Tour Pearl 2.469 .034 .013 (55°x4-1/2”x35°) • TourV2 Pearl 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/Factory Compound
What can I say? I love this ball, but it is no longer in production. The controllable core shape and numbers just matches up well to me and many other styles of bowlers. The comparison should be interesting as the core and finish is the same for the new Hammer Envy Tour Pearl. The Envy formulation seemed a little stronger than the TourV2 formula. The drilling angle is slightly different but wouldn’t be visible to the eye as transition happens very quickly in my area. The HK22 base will tell the story.

FINDINGS –
Hammer Envy Tour- With early morning fresh, I could use the Envy Tour due to the smooth motion the cover and core combo provides when the ball hits friction. Dry is not a choice for this cover. The ball has some lane shine and I touched up the cover by hand for this comparison. Getting one shot with my angles slightly open (Sliding 21, targeting 10 and focal point the 10 pin) the Envy Solid had a good read from oil to friction. Carry was good, but knowing how fast this center transitions fast outside of 10, I moved in a bit. Sliding 22 (instep) targeting at the arrows was 13 and the focal point was the 6 pin. Striking from here was easier and there were little signs of over/under again due to the Envy Sold cover.

Hammer Obsession Tour Pearl- This was a more friendly choice moving closer to the friction, but still had to stay inside of 10 at the arrows. Of course, it’s a few feet longer than the Envy Tour, but the shape is still there. A better choice for medium patterns with some hold to the left and friction to the right. This ball always came with me went I went into competition. Should have grabbed a couple when they were retired. One of the things that happened with the Obsession Tour Pearl is when lanes crashed, this ball still wanted to pick up a bit too early. Added axis rotation helped, but only for so long. If there was more volume in, the Obsession Tour could still be used. It just didn’t have a super quick response to friction with the lower diff core. When it read, it read smoothly.

Hammer Envy Tour Pearl- Good things come to those who wait. Since I didn’t grab more Obsession Tour Pearls, Hammer made the choice easier. “Let’s make a great ball even better”. Adding the base HK22 formulation has created what will replace the Obsession Tour Pearl and let me use it longer. The ball is clean through the conditioner and the ball roll through the lane is very readable. Its fantastic core, stabilizes and creates a motion that is pleasant to many bowlers’ eyes. I truly believe we will be seeing many of these on the racks for competition. I tried 3 different hand positions from approximately the same setup while changing my launch angles and focal points. All three struck with ease. This shows a great versatility and no need for “trick layouts”. Put in your favorite layout and go to town. Up the back of the ball I could get the ball to 12 @ 40’ and out to 5 at 40’ with much more axis rotation and tilt. With my most used release, the ball was at 9 @ 40’. Again, all struck…hard. Keep in mind the ball did go further down the lane than 40’ with different releases, I just used that distance as a common location target. The response is quicker and can be used longer if needing to move in and create more shape with a release adjustment. The Envy Tour Pearl might not be the first ball out on heavier volumes, but I can see it used a lot after some traffic has gone down the lanes. If you bowl on higher friction lanes or less volumes, this will be a great match up!

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

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

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