- Black Widow Black Solid Urethane

First Impressions
The Hammer Black Widow Black Solid Urethane combines the proven urethane coverstock with the legendary Gas Mask core. The high-flaring Gas Mask core carries over unchanged from other Widow releases with a 2.50" RG, a 0.058" total differential and a 0.016" intermediate differential. The sanded 500 Abralon box surface makes sure this ball creates traction early in the lane so it doesn't skid past the breakpoint. This combination should provide the hook of the Black Widow with the predictability and consistency of urethane. The carbon fiber reinforcement in the core should add strength and durability.
Comparison
The matte urethane surface on this ball is earlier and smoother than the React-a-Thane surface of the Hammer Burgundy Hammer from several years back, but the added flare provides more motion at the breakpoint than the performance urethane surface used on the Hammer Blue Hammer. The Black Widow Urethane is the strongest of the four Hammer urethane balls and shows itself as an aggressive piece with a lot of surface — basically the most aggressive ball through the first 30 feet and then a urethane ball for the rest. Compared to symmetrical urethane balls, the asymmetrical Gas Mask core should provide better punch through carrydown.
On the Lanes
With the friction of its rough cover and the flare of the strong asymmetrical core, testers had the best results with the Black Widow Urethane on medium oil volume. The ball was developed for medium to heavy oil up front and strong midlane reaction — when it sees friction it grabs and starts its change of rotational direction, ideal for flatter patterns and control, but with more motion than the Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane. As rev rates go up, urethane becomes almost a necessity, and a strong urethane like the Black Widow Urethane is a good option when it's hard to find a step down to medium reactive balls. The extreme control and predictability make it a valuable addition if you need consistency on tough patterns.