- Gauntlet

First Impressions
Released in February 2017, the Hammer Gauntlet marks a technological evolution for the brand, taking the popular "Carbon Fiber" technology (CFI) to a new level. Up to that point, carbon fiber had mostly been used only in the outer core for durability, but on the Gauntlet it was integrated directly into the shell: the Semtex Solid CFI reactive coverstock. This innovation should provide more energy transfer at pin impact. Inside works the newly developed asymmetric Gauntlet core. At 15 pounds this core delivers balanced but strong numbers: a 2.50 RG, a high 0.050 differential and a 0.012 intermediate differential. Out of the box the ball comes with a rough 500/2000 Abralon finish. The orange, black and silver solid look is extremely eye-catching and signals immediately: this ball is built for heavy oil and traction.
Comparison Compared directly to the Hammer Scandal (Solid), which had been the benchmark shortly before, the Gauntlet shows a slightly later and more continuous motion. Where the Scandal (with its extremely low 2.48 RG) often rolled very early and sometimes "died out," the Gauntlet's slightly higher RG (2.50) gives it more length and stores more energy for the backend. The CFI shell makes it grabby in oil without burning up immediately. Compared to the Storm Sure Lock (which arrived a month later), the Gauntlet is often a tick more versatile. The Sure Lock is a pure "traction monster," while the Gauntlet still works well when you have to move a bit further inside. Against the Black Widow series (Gas Mask core), the Gauntlet core offers a rounder, more controllable hook shape — less snappy than the Widow, but more stable in oil.
On the Lanes The Hammer Gauntlet is made for heavy to medium oil conditions. It is the ideal "benchmark ball" if you start on fresh oil. Thanks to the 2000 surface and the CFI particles, the ball bites through the oil film in the heads without hooking uncontrollably early. Its greatest strength is consistency: it smooths out the reaction on wet/dry lanes and prevents overreaction. If you throw the ball fast, it is excellent, since it offers enough traction not to slide. Rev-dominant bowlers will appreciate the fact that it does not react as jumpy as asymmetric pearl balls. Once the lane dries up, however, you should switch to a ball like the Hammer Phobia or later the Gauntlet Fury, since the solid Gauntlet would then lose too much energy.