- Diesel (2017, Black/Red/Orange)

First Impressions
The Hammer Diesel, re-released in June 2017, marks the return of one of the most popular names in the brand's history. Visually, the ball shows up in an aggressive combination of black, red and orange. Inside works the classic symmetrical Diesel core, which at 15 pounds carries a 2.51 RG and a 0.046 differential. Those numbers stand for strong, centered rotation and healthy flare potential. New to this release is the integration of Carbon Fiber Outer Core technology, which not only increases durability but should also optimize energy transfer to the pins. The cover is the NBT Hybrid Reactive shell. Unlike many hybrids that come polished, the Diesel ships from the factory with a 500/2000 Abralon finish. That dull texture immediately signals that this ball was not built for maximum skid, but for traction through the midlane.
Comparison Compared to the Hammer Rebel series that was relevant at the same time, the Diesel positions itself as a perfect complement. While the Rebel Solid grabs even earlier and creates a rounder motion, the Diesel offers a bit more length and a more defined backend motion thanks to its hybrid shell. Compared with the later Hammer Diesel Torque (solid), the 2017 Diesel described here shows a noticeably more continuous motion through the pin deck and feels less "sluggish" in the heads. Bring in a competitor like the Storm Hy-Road, and the Diesel reads the lane perceptibly earlier due to its lower RG (2.51 vs. 2.57) and dull surface, offering more stability in oil, while the Hy-Road is quicker and reacts later.
On the Lanes The Hammer Diesel (2017) is an excellent benchmark ball for medium to heavier oil patterns. Thanks to the 2000 Abralon surface, it doesn't "float" past fresh oil but digs reliably through the heads without burning up all of its energy too early. It's ideal as the first ball out of the bag to read the lane: it shows you exactly where the oil ends and the friction begins. Its symmetrical core provides a controllable, arcing hook that avoids nasty surprises at the breakpoint. If you're looking for a ball that forgives mistakes in ball speed and still has enough power for steeper angles once the lane transitions, this hybrid is a first-rate choice.