Hammer
Blue Hammer
PatternStTwCr
Oily:333
Medium:44.55
Dry:88.59
Sport:665

(1-10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR))

Coverstock Info
Name:
Performance Urethane
Type:
Urethane
Box Finish:
800 / 1000 / 2000 / 4000 Abralon
Color:
Blue
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.57
Total Diff:0.032
Int. Diff:NA

Of all of the new Hammer releases, this is the one that bowlers have been requesting for years. The old school colors and logos will attract them at first and the performance will remind them why. This version of the Blue Hammer will perform the best on medium dry to bone dry patterns. While it is not the same coverstock formulation or core as the original, the Blue Hammer still provides a smooth urethane type hook and that’s the reaction that has been requested. The key to success with the Blue Hammer is to know when to use it–to attack short or drier oil patterns.

Short and dry perfectly describe our dry test pattern and it was no surprise that all three testers had the most success on this pattern. We were...

To read the full review, please visit:
https://www.bowlingthismonth.com/bowling-ball-review/hammer-blue-hammer/

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
5
Low diff and a coverstock aimed at urethane shape reaction will make for a very smooth breakpoint for the Blue Hammer. The reaction is definitely what we would describe as urethane shape.
Length
(1-25)
16
Despite the 4000 Abralon sanded finish, the Blue Hammer will slide on any trace of oil that is on the lane. Keep a microfiber towel handy. The oil will sit on the cover unlike modern resin bowling balls.
Back End
(1-20)
11
The smooth breakpoint sets up for an arcing back end movement. Urethane bowling balls are known for their smoothness and predictability, not for covering a lot of boards at the end of the lane.
Total Hook
(1-100)
41
As to be expected, the Blue Hammer offers the least amount of total hook from any Hammer ball in recent history. Hammer loyalists now have the urethane reaction they have been asking for.

Strengths: The smooth controlled urethane reaction is perfect for the dry stuff. Late games in tournament blocks, old wood lanes, or short oil patterns that offer tons of friction will be when the Blue Hammer will get most of its play.

Weaknesses: Oil. Oil. Oil. For bowlers who don’t have 500+ RPM releases, the Blue Hammer will not create enough friction to handle medium oil patterns on smoother lane surfaces.

Overall Summary: With the addition of the Blue Hammer to their product line, Hammer has answered fans calling for a urethane ball to combat drier lane conditions. When even the weakest resin balls like the Backlash are still too hard to control, Blue Hammer will step up to the challenge.