Hammer
The Chalk
PatternStTwCr
Oily:446
Medium:999
Dry:767
Sport:666

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

Coverstock Info
Name:
Grand Theft Reactive
Type:
Reactive Solid
Box Finish:
500 / 1000 / 2000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
Color:
Red/Purple/Blue
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.48
Total Diff:0.056
Int. Diff:NA

The Chalk is the latest Hammer release for TNBA. This is the third TNBA ball we have received for testing and this is not The Chalk of black and white coloring that was released as a limited edition a few years ago. This ball combines the Raw Hammer Assault core and surrounds it with the Grand Theft Reactive coverstock from the original Taboo. The ball is finished at a 500/1000/2000 with Powerhouse Factory Finish polish which provides a lot of skid through the front of the lane.

We were lined up on the medium test pattern and all three testers were striking with light mixers. While it may not be as “pretty” as throwing ten pins off the back of the deck, we knew if we were going light, in a few shots the pattern would break down and the ball would start going higher in the pocket. Between the polished shell “breaking in” and the lane drying up, it did not take long for the...

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

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7
The Chalk makes a good move at the breakpoint for a ball with a low RG core. The cover stores energy incredibly well.
Length
(1-25)
15
This cover is very versatile. With the sanded finish like the Taboo, it can handle heavier oil. With it polished, this ball provides easy skid down the lane.
Back End
(1-20)
15
The back end is higher than the previous symmetrical core TNBA release, the Rhythm. The polished cover stores plenty of energy.
Total Hook
(1-100)
48
The total hook is the lowest of the TNBA balls. The polished cover makes this one better on medium conditions.

Strengths: The big move at the breakpoint is what impressed us from this release. The easy length is helpful for high rev or low speed players.

Weaknesses: The angle created down lane can be difficult to control on fresh lanes. We really liked this ball once some oil carried down.

Overall Summary: The Chalk is the third release with the TNBA stamp we have tested. This is the first one that comes shiny out of the box and creates a different motion than the Swagga and Rhythm.