Hammer Black Widow Solid Bowling Ball

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The Hammer Black Widow has been designed to give the bowler more length and more angle at the breakpoint than any Hammer ball to date. The Black Widow features the Gas Mask core with added flip block and Hammer's new Violent Reactive coverstock to produce excellent length, strong backend and enhanced drilling versatility for a variety of bowling styles. The Engine: The Black Widow features the asymmetric Gas Mask core design with added flip block providing a High Mass Bias rating of .014. By desigining the core shape to be a High Mass Bias ball, the Black Widow will produce strong hook motion with aggressive backend. The Tiires: Hammer's Violent Reactive coverstock will give the bowler more length and stronger move on the backend. Combining the Gas Mask core shape with added flip block and the Violent Reactive coverstock produces a strong and aggressive movement at the breakpoint. Featuring the High Mass Bias Gas Mask core with flip block and Violent Reactive coverstock, the Black Widow goes long and attacks violently on the backend. There's no lane condition out there that's safe. 16# 15# 14# 13# 12# RG DIFF RG DIFF RG DIFF RG DIFF RG DIFF 2.51 .049 2.50 .060 2.49 .057 2.53 .055 2.60 .039 Mass Bias Rating High
LineBlack Widow
ColorBlack/Red
CoverstockReactive
Core2-piece Asymmetrical
RG2.50
Differential0.060
Intermediate Diffn/a
Factory finish4000 grit Abralon
Weights12 thru 16lbs
Cleared USBCYes

203 Reviews

  • bowlinu

    Posted by bowlinu on Sep 2nd 2006

    <p>i dont know yet cause i dont throw mine that much i threw it like twice and i dont know if i like it but they say that is suppose to go a lil longer than the big rig and i do like the big rig. but i am goin to throw it this weekend in tennessee so i might like it. it might go on the arsenal. hammer is the company this year and im goin to stay wit ebonite too. i like the color of it. it looks like its black. it has a little bit of red in it really it looks like the big rig</p>

  • AngryBall

    Posted by AngryBall on Aug 26th 2006

    Ok one caveat to this review, I drilled this particular ball for one of my customers that happens to have my same span and specs (I think so he can throw my stuff to try it out). So it wasn't set up for me. Pin over the ring about 5" from PAP, MB est. 4" from PAP was the set up for my customer. This ball came back from every angle. It never quit. It crushed the pins. I actually had people behind me laughing when they saw the reaction as I could lob the lane to the right of me gutter, my left gutter and send it right just to see it break off of 5 at 42 feet and destroy racks. Ridiculous! How is this ball legal?!? The only problem I had with it was on a 44' sport shot that it got a little squirty and came in at an extremely sharp angle leaving me max penalty at the slightest miss. But if you don't bowl on a long pattern or on a sport shot, then this could be one of the best balls I have ever seen. If nothing else it is one of the most fun balls to throw.

  • AngryBall

    Posted by AngryBall on Aug 26th 2006

    <p>Ok one caveat to this review, I drilled this particular ball for one of my customers that happens to have my same span and specs (I think so he can throw my stuff to try it out). So it wasn&#039;t set up for me. Pin over the ring about 5&quot; from PAP, MB est. 4&quot; from PAP was the set up for my customer. </p><p></p><p>This ball came back from every angle. It never quit. It crushed the pins. I actually had people behind me laughing when they saw the reaction as I could lob the lane to the right of me gutter, my left gutter and send it right just to see it break off of 5 at 42 feet and destroy racks. Ridiculous! How is this ball legal?!?</p><p></p><p>The only problem I had with it was on a 44&#039; sport shot that it got a little squirty and came in at an extremely sharp angle leaving me max penalty at the slightest miss. But if you don&#039;t bowl on a long pattern or on a sport shot, then this could be one of the best balls I have ever seen. If nothing else it is one of the most fun balls to throw.</p>

  • gfuertes

    Posted by gfuertes on Aug 21st 2006

    I bought my black widow last week and tryed it as soon as I drilled it. What most surprised me was the incredible performance and predicability of the ball throughout the lane. It goes long and in the last quarter of the lane hooks hard directly to the 1-3 pins. For instance, let me tell you that my very first game with this ball was a 220, followed by similar average games. However, considering all previous reviews, I thought that its hitting power was going to be harder, anyway, still have to play with it much more to have a more precise idea of its overall performance.

  • gfuertes

    Posted by gfuertes on Aug 21st 2006

    <p>I bought my black widow last week and tryed it as soon as I drilled it. What most surprised me was the incredible performance and predicability of the ball throughout the lane. It goes long and in the last quarter of the lane hooks hard directly to the 1-3 pins. For instance, let me tell you that my very first game with this ball was a 220, followed by similar average games. However, considering all previous reviews, I thought that its hitting power was going to be harder, anyway, still have to play with it much more to have a more precise idea of its overall performance.</p>

  • txrock7

    Posted by txrock7 on Aug 12th 2006

    First off, I am a 148 avg in my league. Out of the box I threw a 180, 201, and 212. Obviously I am going to have nothing but love for this ball. I had mine drilled to go longer. It has incredible backend, and when it hits the pins explode. So far it has not mattered if I hit the pocket, head pin, or the brooklyn. Strike on all just about everytime. I do not know what Hammer does, but it works. This will be a everyday ball. First and last out of the bag. I have owned nothing but Storm previously, but if all Hammers are like the Black Widow, I will own nothing but Hammers from now on.<s

  • txrock7

    Posted by txrock7 on Aug 12th 2006

    <p>First off, I am a 148 avg in my league. Out of the box I threw a 180, 201, and 212. Obviously I am going to have nothing but love for this ball. I had mine drilled to go longer. It has incredible backend, and when it hits the pins explode. So far it has not mattered if I hit the pocket, head pin, or the brooklyn. Strike on all just about everytime. I do not know what Hammer does, but it works. This will be a everyday ball. First and last out of the bag. I have owned nothing but Storm previously, but if all Hammers are like the Black Widow, I will own nothing but Hammers from now on.&lt;s</p>

  • perek

    Posted by perek on Aug 7th 2006

    Awesome hook on medium oil conditions, on heavy oil the ball does skid quite a bit @4000G and the movement is more smooth and less flare. Ball hits harder than anything I have thrown, my buddies look on in awe as some of my crap shots turn into strikes. This ball rarely leaves a 10 pin, or any pin for that matter! Light oil is a challange and requires shooting from way outside or getting to the right pocket is almost impossible. Ball can be a little unpredictable at times when the ends are dry. My strike average has more than doubled from my Ebonite Gyro. Last week in 7 games I rolled 14 strikes, today I rolled 29. I also, would have beaten my high game, but I always have one pesky frame that ruins the game.

  • perek

    Posted by perek on Aug 7th 2006

    <p>Awesome hook on medium oil conditions, on heavy oil the ball does skid quite a bit @4000G and the movement is more smooth and less flare. Ball hits harder than anything I have thrown, my buddies look on in awe as some of my crap shots turn into strikes. This ball rarely leaves a 10 pin, or any pin for that matter! Light oil is a challange and requires shooting from way outside or getting to the right pocket is almost impossible. Ball can be a little unpredictable at times when the ends are dry. My strike average has more than doubled from my Ebonite Gyro. Last week in 7 games I rolled 14 strikes, today I rolled 29. I also, would have beaten my high game, but I always have one pesky frame that ruins the game.</p>

  • JJoeC300

    Posted by JJoeC300 on Jul 20th 2006

    My Black Widow has a 3.5" pin out and is drilled with the pin under my ring finger and the cg out 2 inches from my grip center line. With this layout I get a large amount of midlane movement (the ball stops sliding outward toward the gutter and clearly straightens out) and still has energy to make a sharp move on the backend. The couple times I used this on my home house's house shot I had to stand in front of the ball return and if my wrist weren't hurting me as much as it is, I'd probably not be able to throw it at all. I'm also usually able to throw any ball straight at spares but this one has to be left on the ball return.

  • JJoeC300

    Posted by JJoeC300 on Jul 20th 2006

    <p>My Black Widow has a 3.5&quot; pin out and is drilled with the pin under my ring finger and the cg out 2 inches from my grip center line. With this layout I get a large amount of midlane movement (the ball stops sliding outward toward the gutter and clearly straightens out) and still has energy to make a sharp move on the backend. The couple times I used this on my home house&#039;s house shot I had to stand in front of the ball return and if my wrist weren&#039;t hurting me as much as it is, I&#039;d probably not be able to throw it at all. I&#039;m also usually able to throw any ball straight at spares but this one has to be left on the ball return.</p>

  • RORRO+ZULE

    Posted by RORRO+ZULE on Jul 15th 2006

    THIS BALL ITS GREAT ONLY IF YOU'RE a very consistent player if roll a little more the ball the tend to lose power also if tou open the ball about one or two inches "watch out" this ball just never get back if you hit the pocket to hig leave weaks 4-9's and a lot a los of 4's maybe is the way that i drilled i drilled with the pin over the bridge and the Cg kicked out 1 inch aways the center grip and i polishh the ball to 2000 i like balls very polished but this ball just doesnt like me too much!!!!!! well the good thing of the black widow if you hit the pocket with the precise power rotation maybe you will get a strike or a 10 pin hit it with the messenger because this ball has a great pin deck reaction and alot of messenger (only the precise bowlers)

  • RORRO+ZULE

    Posted by RORRO+ZULE on Jul 15th 2006

    <p>THIS BALL ITS GREAT ONLY IF YOU&#039;RE a very consistent player if roll a little more the ball the tend to lose power also if tou open the ball about one or two inches &quot;watch out&quot; this ball just never get back if you hit the pocket to hig leave weaks 4-9&#039;s and a lot a los of 4&#039;s maybe is the way that i drilled i drilled with the pin over the bridge and the Cg kicked out 1 inch aways the center grip and i polishh the ball to 2000 i like balls very polished but this ball just doesnt like me too much!!!!!! well the good thing of the black widow if you hit the pocket with the precise power rotation maybe you will get a strike or a 10 pin hit it with the messenger because this ball has a great pin deck reaction and alot of messenger (only the precise bowlers)</p>

  • snipez

    Posted by snipez on Jul 6th 2006

    Drilled 4.5" pin to PAP, CG directly below, mb 90 degrees balance hole was needed and was placed on PAP, pin just above and right of ring finger. This ball is clean through the heads, very angular and predictable. So far ive used it on a freshly oiled medium conditon and broken down conditon after 2nd shift of bowling leagues. Went a tad too long for a freshly oiled lanes.Surface adjustment is now in the plans for added traction. Seemed Stronger than my The One and more controllable but not quite as strong as my Big One. Given the proper layouts and surface prep IMO it compliments the PAIN very well.

  • snipez

    Posted by snipez on Jul 6th 2006

    <p>Drilled 4.5&quot; pin to PAP, CG directly below, mb 90 degrees balance hole was needed and was placed on PAP, pin just above and right of ring finger. This ball is clean through the heads, very angular and predictable. So far ive used it on a freshly oiled medium conditon and broken down conditon after 2nd shift of bowling leagues. Went a tad too long for a freshly oiled lanes.Surface adjustment is now in the plans for added traction. </p><p>Seemed Stronger than my The One and more controllable but not quite as strong as my Big One.</p><p>Given the proper layouts and surface prep IMO it compliments the PAIN very well.</p>

  • soufrog

    Posted by soufrog on Jul 6th 2006

    Watched my buddy throw this ball threw it myself a couple of times. Drilled it up long and strong like my ONE. I have never been a big fan of my one, but this ball is a lot like it but smoother. Left a few 8 pins other then that it just shattered the racks. Deffintly going to have to get one for myself. I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here

  • soufrog

    Posted by soufrog on Jul 6th 2006

    <p>Watched my buddy throw this ball threw it myself a couple of times. Drilled it up long and strong like my ONE. I have never been a big fan of my one, but this ball is a lot like it but smoother. Left a few 8 pins other then that it just shattered the racks. Deffintly going to have to get one for myself. I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here I hate the min word thing on here</p>

  • hawkpilot

    Posted by hawkpilot on Jul 5th 2006

    This is the eighth Hammer I've bought in the last three years (Doom Raw Hammer, Sharp Blade(2), Big Block Diesel, Big Rig Diesel, Big Deal, Real Deal). I've never bought a ball before it has been released, but I took a chance with this one. I must say I'm not disapponited at all. This ball plays well on a variety of lane conditions and shots. The backend action of this ball is extraordinary. It is very easy to read . I've noticed that you have to watch your ball speed. It gives you room for error, but not much.

  • hawkpilot

    Posted by hawkpilot on Jul 5th 2006

    <p>This is the eighth Hammer I&#039;ve bought in the last three years (Doom Raw Hammer, Sharp Blade(2), Big Block Diesel, Big Rig Diesel, Big Deal, Real Deal). I&#039;ve never bought a ball before it has been released, but I took a chance with this one. I must say I&#039;m not disapponited at all. This ball plays well on a variety of lane conditions and shots. The backend action of this ball is extraordinary. It is very easy to read . I&#039;ve noticed that you have to watch your ball speed. It gives you room for error, but not much.</p>

  • Ogreinabox

    Posted by Ogreinabox on Jul 2nd 2006

    i drilled this one up with the strong layout reccommended by hammer. pin 4" from the PAP and MassB at the 75 degree angle low and right of the thumb hole. With this layout the ball is very agreesive on the backends. What i love most about this ball is the versatility. As long as there is a dry spot somewhere this ball is great. In heavy or medium oil i was able to skid the ball outside and witness a tremdous backend reaction to pocket. Someone watching me described the reaction as " bouncing off a wall". When there was carry down or wetness outside i was forced to play down the boards and still had great success. i will be drilling another one with a less agressive layout since i love the reaction of this ball. For Comparison........ i find the black widow to be an almost exact match with my Big One. In fact i think the widow is alittle more angular and forgiving then my BIg One drilled rougly the same way( pin 3-3/8PAP , MB 75 degree) The black widow definately out hooks my no

  • Ogreinabox

    Posted by Ogreinabox on Jul 2nd 2006

    <p>i drilled this one up with the strong layout reccommended by hammer. pin 4&quot; from the PAP and MassB at the 75 degree angle low and right of the thumb hole. With this layout the ball is very agreesive on the backends. What i love most about this ball is the versatility. As long as there is a dry spot somewhere this ball is great. In heavy or medium oil i was able to skid the ball outside and witness a tremdous backend reaction to pocket. Someone watching me described the reaction as &quot; bouncing off a wall&quot;. When there was carry down or wetness outside i was forced to play down the boards and still had great success. i will be drilling another one with a less agressive layout since i love the reaction of this ball. </p><p></p><p>For Comparison........</p><p></p><p>i find the black widow to be an almost exact match with my Big One. In fact i think the widow is alittle more angular and forgiving then my BIg One drilled rougly the same way( pin 3-3/8PAP , MB 75 degree) The black widow definately out hooks my no</p>

  • festus2520

    Posted by festus2520 on Jul 1st 2006

    Just got this ball yesterday. Drilled it with the pin 4" from my axis point with the mass bias out to 75 degress. Threw on a 40 foot medium/heavy shot with wall to wall oil. I was able to play from 12 out to about 7 (with speed) without any fear of throwing through the breakpoint. This ball came back HARD. Didn't leave many 10s but did leave a few solid 8s. Also was able to move even further right and throw directly up the 5 (once again, with speed) and kill the pocket. This is indeed the ball I've been looking for. Glad to see Hammer use the Gas Mask core in a reactive ball. Really solid piece of equipment.

  • festus2520

    Posted by festus2520 on Jul 1st 2006

    <p>Just got this ball yesterday. Drilled it with the pin 4&quot; from my axis point with the mass bias out to 75 degress. Threw on a 40 foot medium/heavy shot with wall to wall oil. I was able to play from 12 out to about 7 (with speed) without any fear of throwing through the breakpoint. This ball came back HARD. Didn&#039;t leave many 10s but did leave a few solid 8s. Also was able to move even further right and throw directly up the 5 (once again, with speed) and kill the pocket. This is indeed the ball I&#039;ve been looking for. Glad to see Hammer use the Gas Mask core in a reactive ball. Really solid piece of equipment.</p>

  • The Prophet

    Posted by The Prophet on Jun 28th 2006

    This ball is amazing. Its clean throw the heads, starts to pick up mid-lane and destroys the rack. It hits hard. It knocks out the 9 and 8 pins all these other "hard hitting" balls can't carry. It's also forgiving, depending on your lane conditions. This ball tends to pick up some substance (I don't know exactly what it is) from my home house, so cleaning is important. I clean mines after everyday of bowling and I've kept my super aggressive reaction so far. Thanks Hammer Bowling, for this amazing ball. Nothing hits like a Hammer.

  • The Prophet

    Posted by The Prophet on Jun 28th 2006

    <p>This ball is amazing. Its clean throw the heads, starts to pick up mid-lane and destroys the rack. It hits hard. It knocks out the 9 and 8 pins all these other &quot;hard hitting&quot; balls can&#039;t carry. It&#039;s also forgiving, depending on your lane conditions. This ball tends to pick up some substance (I don&#039;t know exactly what it is) from my home house, so cleaning is important. I clean mines after everyday of bowling and I&#039;ve kept my super aggressive reaction so far. Thanks Hammer Bowling, for this amazing ball. Nothing hits like a Hammer.</p>

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