Hammer
Taboo
PatternStTwCr
Oily:999
Medium:887.5
Dry:554
Sport:7.577

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

Coverstock Info
Name:
Grand Theft Reactive
Type:
Reactive Solid
Box Finish:
800 / 1000 / 2000 / 2000 Abralon
Color:
Black / Purple / Blue
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.50
Total Diff:0.060
Int. Diff:0.016

When a new high performance ball is brought to the market, it usually features a new core and a new cover that have never been used before. With this new high performance release, Hammer took a slightly different approach. They tested their new Grand Theft Reactive cover on a wide variety of cores, both new and old. The core that matched up best with this new cover wasn’t one of the new ones. It was an older core that had been used in the Black Widow line, which was probably the best selling line of balls ever.

Using an older core at a higher price point is something we never see. Generally, cores are dropped down to lower price points and eventually phased out. If it was any other core, consumers would feel like they are overpaying for old technology. But as many of us know, core technology has gone about as...

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

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7
We found the Taboo to be very aggressive at the breakpoint and back end, even with the 2000 Abralon factory finish.
Length
(1-25)
11
The factory finish of the Taboo allows it to handle almost any medium-heavy to heavy oil pattern around. Those with higher ball speeds may want to look into a 1000 Abralon finish for the heavy and long stuff.
Back End
(1-20)
16.5
The aggressive nature at the breakpoint adds to the Taboo’s ability to make it back to the pocket from wide angles. Recovery downlane will never be an issue with this new high performance release.
Total Hook
(1-100)
53
The overall hook potential is among the highest of all balls on the market. Unlike many that read the lane extremely early, the Taboo does it all from the midlane to the pins.

Strengths: The motion downlane is what stood out the most during our testing. This ball revs up quickly and flares a ton, making for a rather impressive move when it turns the corner.

Weaknesses: Short and dry patterns will be this ball’s nemesis. Drier patterns will require the Taboo to be polished in order to get the necessary length. That will increase the response to friction at the same time. Short patterns will bring the breakpoint closer to the user, making it hard to keep the ball off the headpin.

Overall Summary: The Taboo starts a new high performance line for Hammer. It features a brand new cover wrapped around the most successful core Hammer ever produced. The combination of the two provides moderate traction in the oil with a huge move downlane.