- Flawless

First Impressions
The Hammer Flawless, released in January 2019, presents itself as a technologically advanced option in the mid-price segment (High Performance). Visually, the ball impresses with a luxurious color blend of red, gold and black that shines extremely bright thanks to the factory Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. Inside works the specially developed 40 Watt Core. This symmetrical core differs noticeably from many other Hammer cores due to its very high RG value of 2.54 (at 15 lbs). Combined with a solid 0.048 differential, this core geometry aims to help the ball store energy for as long as possible. Wrapped around this core is the Juiced Pearl coverstock. This shell is known for gliding very cleanly through the front part of the lane and only delivering a fast response to friction at the end of the oil pattern. Another important feature at Hammer is the carbon fiber outer core, which not only maximizes durability but should also optimize energy transfer to the pins. The overall package promises maximum length and a lively backend reaction.
Comparison
In a direct comparison with the Hammer Black Widow Gold, one of the brand's most popular pearl balls, the Flawless shows a distinctly different character. The Black Widow Gold uses the asymmetrical Gas Mask Core, which stabilizes the ball earlier and creates a heavier roll phase. The Flawless, on the other hand, uses its symmetrical high-RG core to push even further through the heads and often responds more quickly and more directly at the breakpoint, though with less overall hook than the Widow. Compared with the Ebonite Game Breaker 3 Pearl, the GB3 Pearl reads the midlane considerably earlier due to its low RG value (V2 Core) and offers a rounder arc. The Flawless ignores the midlane almost completely and saves all of its dynamics for the last few feet. Next to a Storm Hy-Road, which is also based on a high-RG concept, the Flawless often seems somewhat more aggressive in its change of direction (higher differential), while the Hy-Road is known for its legendary, smooth controllability. The Flawless is sharper in angle than a Hammer Vibe, but offers less traction than a Hammer Web.
On the Lanes
The Hammer Flawless is the ideal ball for medium to drier oil conditions and shines especially during transition. It is the perfect solution when the heads are already burned up and balls with lower RG (like solids or strong hybrids) start to roll too early and lose energy. Thanks to the 40 Watt core, the Flawless glides effortlessly over the dry areas of the heads and uses the stored energy for an explosive move on the backend. It is excellently suited if you like to open up the angle to the pocket and play from left to right, since the ball recovers reliably even from wide angles. The carbon fiber technology provides excellent carry, especially on light hits, because the ball goes through the pin deck very hard. On fresh, heavy oil it should be avoided, however, since it would slide through the breakpoint there for lack of traction ("washout"). It is a specialist for length and backend snap.