Hammer
Plague
PatternStTwCr
Oily:99.59.5
Medium:8.587.5
Dry:654
Sport:777

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

Coverstock Info
Name:
Level 2 Reactive
Type:
Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:
500 / 1000 / 2000 Abralon
Color:
Purple / Red / Gold
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.50
Total Diff:0.055
Int. Diff:NA

The Plague is the latest upper mid-price introduction from Hammer. This new piece features both a new core and cover. The new core features RG and differential numbers that are similar to the original Black Widow. The Biohazard core gives the Plague a similar ball motion to the Black Widow. What gives the Plague a leg up on the Black Widow is the new Level 2 Reactive cover. This new cover provides more continuation after the breakpoint than the Black Widow (which was the most continuous ball on the market at the time).

Due to the 2000 Abralon factory finish, all three of our testers found the Plague to match up best with our oily and long patterns. The key to success on this pattern is...

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

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7.5
Most balls are either incredibly strong in the midlane or at the breakpoint. The Plague is strongest from just after the midlane all the way to the pins, giving it tremendous strength down lane.
Length
(1-25)
11.5
With the final sanding stage stopping at 2000 Abralon, the Plague has the ability to work extremely well on oilier patterns for all styles. Those with medium to low rev rates will get equally great reactions on both medium and oily patterns.
Back End
(1-20)
16.5
The Plague provides tremendous recovery at the back of the lane. This is one of those balls that will provide the same strong move shot after shot.
Total Hook
(1-100)
53
The overall hook potential is best suited for medium-oily to oily lane conditions. Minor surface adjustments will allow the Plague to handle medium to medium-light oil patterns as well.

Strengths: What stood out most in our testing was how strong this new Hammer release is from just after the midlane to the pins. This makes for a strong consistent entry angle into the pins shot after shot.

Weaknesses: Lighter volume patterns will cause the most trouble for the Plague, especially for players with high rev rates. Surface adjustments will help those with lower rev rates, but those with higher rev rates would be doing this ball an injustice by using it on an undesirable lane condition.

Overall Summary: The Plague was designed as an improvement on the original Black Widow. The overall ball motion reminded us of the Black Widow but was slightly stronger in the midlane, giving it the ability to handle more oil.