- Black Widow Purple Pearl Urethane

First Impressions
The Hammer Black Widow Purple Pearl Urethane combines the proven Purple Pearl Urethane cover with the legendary Gas Mask core. The specs show a 2.50 RG, a 0.058 differential and a 0.016 asymmetric differential. The surface comes out of the box at 360/800 Siaair, which is noticeably duller than the standard Purple Pearl. Hammer advertises this combination as "the best urethane cover since the '80s around the best core of our generation." The look pairs the traditional Purple Pearl design with the distinctive Gas Mask core technology of the Black Widow family.
Comparison
Compared directly to the standard Purple Pearl, both balls share the same cover but use different cores. While the Purple Pearl with its symmetrical LED core has a 2.650 RG and a 0.015 differential, the Black Widow version offers considerably more flare potential. Hammer positions this ball as the ideal choice for bowlers who didn't see enough hook out of the Purple Pearl Urethane. The recommendation is to start with the Purple Pearl and move to the Black Widow version if needed, since the Gas Mask core cuts through any carrydown effects that can show up with symmetrical urethanes. Compared to the Storm Pitch Black or other traditional urethanes, this ball should provide more length and a more controlled backend.
On the Lanes
The urethane cover should provide ultimate control across the entire lane without the violent reactions of modern coverstocks at the breakpoint. Ideal for situations where friction management and control are the priority. The ball is especially suited to you if you throw at higher speeds or with higher rev rates and can't get enough backend motion out of conventional symmetrical urethanes. Bowlers describe it as a "stronger urethane" that works ideally on medium to slightly heavier oil conditions. According to the manufacturer, this ball should have a permanent place in every competitive bowler's arsenal. The combination of controlled length and predictable but amplified backend reaction makes it the first choice when traditional urethanes are too weak but reactive balls already react too aggressively.