Hammer Arson Bowling Ball Review

The Arson is a new hybrid cover addition for Hammer. It looks to replace the Hardcore line of bowling balls from last season. This ball offers more movement through the entire lane, especially in the back end, compared to the Brawl. To achieve this Hammer went with a new half solid/half pearl hybrid cover that creates more traction from start to finish.

While we found a decent look on the heavy pattern with the layouts we used, the ball really showed its stuff on our medium test pattern. All three testers were impressed with the added traction in the oil without sacrificing hook potential at the back end. While all three testers were playing slightly deeper than they would usually, all enjoyed the free wheel they had with the Arson at the box finish. We added Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish to all three balls to see how different our reaction would be on the medium pattern. The change in finish gave us more skid through the front and a sharper, more defined breakpoint down lane.

It is no surprise that Cranker and Tweener had the best looks on the heavy pattern because of their higher rev rates. We changed the surface of Stroker’s test ball in order for it to get to the pocket with sufficient power. The adjustment we made was taking the cover down from the 2000 grit Abralon box to 1000 Abralon. With stronger layouts we are confident we could have had just as good a reaction on the wet pattern as the medium.

Our dry lane condition was simply too short for a ball this strong. We again added Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. It gave us added length, but it also made the ball too strong at the breakpoint.

The reaction this ball gave us on the sport pattern was above average for a ball as strong as this. The Arson has the right combination of power and control for this pattern compared to other strong balls that hook too early and do not have the energy to carry on this flatter oil pattern.

Strengths

The coverstock blend is the thing that stands out to us about the Arson. A large amount of total hook with a strong back end movement is a reaction missing from symmetrical Hammer releases.

Weaknesses

Friction in the first 30 feet of the lane will cause the Arson to use up too much energy and labor down lane. Polish will be the remedy for the Arson to glide past the early hook.

Overall Summary

The Arson is the first ball marketed as a Hybrid reactive coverstock for Hammer. The Arson will be a ball to turn to when the Taboo is too strong for the lane conditions.