- Envy

First Impressions
The Hammer Envy, introduced as the new flagship for heavy oil conditions, shows up in a dark combination of black, red and orange that radiates aggression right there on the shelf. Inside works the newly developed asymmetric Launcher core, which delivers massive technical numbers with a 2.505 RG, a 0.055 differential and a 0.021 intermediate differential (at 15 lbs). Those numbers guarantee an early revving and enormous flare potential. The cover is the Envy Solid Reactive coverstock, chemically designed to practically stick to the oil. Out of the box the ball comes with a coarse 500/1500 Siaair Micro Pad finish. This combination of a tacky surface and a rev-happy core means the ball builds traction in the heads immediately and is in no danger of sliding through the oil.
Comparison
Compared to the Hammer Redemption Solid, its spiritual predecessor in the "big ball" category, the Envy operates another step stronger. While the Redemption Solid was known above all for its early control, the Envy offers more "pop" in the backend through the Launcher core and better energy transfer at the pin deck, without sacrificing the necessary stability in oil. Bring in the legendary Hammer Black Widow 2.0 and the Envy ranks clearly above it: where the Black Widow with its Gas Mask core still looks for some length and turns more sharply on the back end, the Envy digs into the lane much earlier. It covers more boards overall and is the better choice when the Widow starts swimming in the swamp. Against a competitor like the Storm Super Nova, the Envy shows a similarly massive overall hook motion, but often comes across as somewhat more continuous through the pins.
On the Lanes
The Hammer Envy is clearly designed for conditions with plenty of oil. It's the classic "first ball out of the bag" on fresh, long or very high-volume oil patterns. Its strength lies in finding the pocket when other balls are still sliding. If you throw the ball fast, you'll love how reliably the Envy slows down and converts rotation into hook. For rev-dominant players it provides the control needed to play deep angles, as long as there's enough oil on the lane. As soon as the heads start to dry up or the lane goes into transition, though, you should switch to weaker material, because otherwise the Envy burns up energy too early and loses carry. It's a specialized tool for traction and safety in heavy oil.