- Black Widow Orange Sparkle Platinum

First Impressions
The Hammer Black Widow Orange Sparkle Platinum is an exclusive overseas release that immediately catches the eye with its striking color scheme. At the center of this model works the legendary and proven asymmetric Gas Mask core, considered one of the best-known engines in modern bowling. At a reference weight of fifteen pounds, this core delivers an RG of 2.50, a substantial differential of 0.058 and a mass bias of 0.016. These strong numbers should provide extremely high flare potential and very pronounced core dynamics. This asymmetric engine is wrapped in an Aggression cover, which is visually enhanced by the addition of mica particles and has its skid characteristics influenced by them as well. What makes this ball special is its factory finish: it comes out of the box with a 1000-grit Abralon sanding followed by polish. This high-gloss surface is tuned precisely to let the ball glide effortlessly through the front third of the lane without burning off energy early. The combination of an extremely smooth cover and a highly dynamic asymmetric core aims to save all of that rotational power for a massive, explosive release in the backend.
Comparison Putting the Hammer Black Widow Orange Sparkle Platinum next to the Storm Phaze II highlights the sharp contrasts between different ball concepts. The Storm Phaze II reads the lane very early thanks to its symmetric core and rough matte cover, and should produce an extremely even, forgiving and smooth arc toward the pocket. The Black Widow Orange Sparkle Platinum, by contrast, largely ignores early friction because of its polished surface. It stays on its original line considerably longer and should react much snappier and more angular at the breakpoint. Drawing an internal comparison with the original Hammer Black Widow 2.0, which also uses the Gas Mask core but has a matte solid surface, the Platinum version shows a completely different character. Where the Widow 2.0 is designed for control in oil and an earlier reaction, the Orange Sparkle Platinum version serves as the perfect complement for the later stages. It glides much cleaner through burned-up heads and should generate a noticeably sharper change of direction at the end of the oil pattern, drastically increasing the entry angle.
On the Lanes On the lane, the Hammer Black Widow Orange Sparkle Platinum is positioned primarily for medium to slightly heavier house shots, but should only show its true strengths as a set goes on. Once the oil pattern has broken down, the transition becomes noticeable and the outside boards up front dry up and get hard to play, this ball should offer an excellent solution. The smooth surface lets you project the ball through the dried-out heads without any concern about it grabbing too early. As soon as it reaches the dry areas at the breakpoint, the asymmetric Gas Mask core takes over and should deliver an extremely strong hook that hits the pins with enormous force. This late, sharp angle is designed to generate excellent carry, even when the ball is played from deep inside. If you have somewhat lower ball speed in particular, you can make the most of this ball's effortless length. But high rev players should also find a reliable tool here to move their starting position well inside as the oil volume diminishes. This is a model meant to be used specifically when matte, early-reacting balls no longer have any energy left to drive into the pocket and maximum reaction at the end of the lane is required.