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
