- Black Widow Gold

First Impressions
The Hammer Black Widow Gold was released in August 2017 and shows up in a striking, all-gold look. Technically, this ball is built around the legendary Gas Mask Core, an asymmetric core known for its high dynamics. In a 15-pound ball the RG comes in at 2.50, while the differential is very high at 0.058, with a mass bias of 0.016. This combination should deliver enormous flare potential. The coverstock is Semtex Pearl Reactive, finished at the factory with 500/1000 Abralon and then polished to a high shine with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. This material package is designed to get through the heads effortlessly and store energy for the back part of the lane. Encasing the core in a carbon fiber outer core should also increase durability and optimize energy transfer to the pins.
Comparison Compared to the Storm Phaze II, the Hammer Black Widow Gold shows a clearly different character. While the Storm Phaze II, with its symmetric core and solid surface, is known as a benchmark ball for control and an earlier, smoother reaction, the Hammer Black Widow Gold should react considerably later and more angularly. It offers more length in the heads and a more aggressive change of direction at the breakpoint. Compared to the Ebonite Warrior Supreme, which has a stronger midlane presence and a more continuous motion, the Hammer Black Widow Gold is noticeably more sensitive to friction and generates a stronger hook in the backend. Even within its own brand family it ranks as one of the most angular options, and compared to the Hammer Dark Legend Solid it should allow a cleaner motion through the oily parts of the lane before it unleashes its power at the end of the pattern.
On the Lanes The ideal use for the Hammer Black Widow Gold is on medium to heavy oil conditions, especially when the heads are already slightly broken down and a clean ball path through the first third is needed. Thanks to its polished pearl surface, it slides stably through the transition and reacts only late, but then very decisively, to the dry areas at the end of the oil pattern. If you have a high rev rate, this ball gives you the option of playing wide angles and opening the lane far to the left, since it should have enough backend potential to get back to the pocket reliably. But if your rotation is more moderate, you'll also benefit from the chemical makeup of the Semtex cover, which should help create a dynamic entry angle for better carry. In tournament scenarios it is often the first choice when solid balls roll too early and lose their energy too soon, since the Hammer Black Widow Gold should conserve its power all the way into the pins.