- Fierce Phobia

First Impressions
The Hammer Fierce Phobia was released in January 2018 as a powerful solid addition to the Phobia series and catches the eye with its blue, charcoal and silver cosmetics. Technically, the ball is built around the symmetrical Phobia core, which with a low 2.49 RG and a high 0.054 differential at 15 pounds is designed for maximum rotation and flare potential. The decisive component is the Semtex Solid CFI coverstock, reinforced with carbon fibers. This Carbon Fiber Infusion is said not only to increase the structural integrity of the ball, but also to provide extremely efficient energy transfer at impact in the pocket. Out of the box the ball comes with a dull 500/2000 Abralon finish, which underlines its purpose on heavier volumes of oil.
Comparison Compared directly to the original Hammer Phobia from the previous year, which has a polished hybrid surface, the Fierce Phobia shows a considerably earlier reaction in the midlane and greater overall hook. Where the hybrid version relies on length and backend snap, the Fierce Phobia is tuned to read the oil early and describe a controlled, massive arc. Compared to the Storm Phaze II, the Fierce Phobia offers very similar benchmark characteristics, though thanks to the carbon fiber technology it often looks a touch more violent in its pin action. Compared to the Hammer Rip D Solid, which also came out in early 2018, the Fierce Phobia behaves more predictably and less jumpy due to its symmetrical core, which makes it the safer choice especially on sport patterns. Against the Hammer Rebel Solid it offers noticeably more traction and handles higher oil volume without any significant loss of energy.
On the Lanes The Hammer Fierce Phobia is conceived as a true workhorse for medium to heavy oil conditions. Thanks to the rough Semtex Solid surface, it should ensure that the ball doesn't slide out in the heads even with plenty of volume, but instead finds a stable path to the pocket early. It's the ideal choice to open a set, to read the pattern and get a reliable reaction at the breakpoint. If you throw the ball fast, you'll benefit particularly from the early traction, which keeps the ball from shooting past the breakpoint. On typical house shots, the Fierce Phobia allows a line through the oily boards in the middle, and thanks to its strong core it maintains excellent carry even at wider angles. As the lanes dry up during transition, the Fierce Phobia offers enough stability to move the line inside, before a switch to a pearl surface eventually becomes necessary to preserve the required length.