- Pure Envy

First Impressions
The Hammer Pure Envy was introduced in September 2024 as the fifth ball in the successful Envy line and shows up in an eye-catching color combination of black, pink, and purple. The ball grew out of the effort to combine successful traits from various Hammer balls into a new flagship product. At its center works the proven Launcher core – the same asymmetric core already used in the original Envy from Hammer. With an RG of 2.505, a high differential of 0.055, and an intermediate differential of 0.021 (each at 15 lbs), the core should deliver powerful overall motion and high flare potential. The cover consists of the innovative HK22 - Cohesion Hybrid coverstock, a technology first introduced on the Hammer Effect from Hammer and now combining the proven HK22 base with the Cohesion additive. The factory matte surface prep at 500, 2000 Siaair gives the ball the traction it needs for heavy oil conditions. Like all modern Hammer balls, the Pure Envy also features DOT (Durability Optimization Technology) for flexible drilling options and DynamiCore technology for improved durability and hitting power.
Comparison
The Pure Envy positions itself as the fourth matte ball within Hammer's Envy line. The Envy series uses three different core designs: the Pure Envy and the original Envy use the asymmetric Launcher core with a higher RG (2.505) and strong differential (0.055). The Hammer Extreme Envy from Hammer uses the Launcher LRG core with a reduced RG of 2.479 and a slightly lower differential of 0.054. The two Envy Tour releases (Solid and Pearl) use the Obsession Tour core with the lowest RG (2.469) and lowest differential (0.034) in the series. The development goal was to complement the Extreme Envy's performance in oil while delivering backend motion in a matte ball reminiscent of the Hammer Effect from Hammer. Compared to the Extreme Envy, the Pure Envy offers slightly more length and cleaner motion, while it shows more backend than the original Envy from Hammer. The higher RG compared to the Extreme Envy and the new hybrid coverstock keep the ball from starting too early and losing backend energy. Against the Hammer Envy Tour from Hammer and the Hammer Envy Tour Pearl from Hammer, the Pure Envy is clearly more aggressive with its stronger core. Compared to the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 from Hammer and the Hammer Hazmat Solid from Hammer, the Pure Envy shows more overall hook and a bigger change of direction at the breakpoint, while it doesn't start quite as early as those balls, which allows for harder breakpoint reactions.
On the Lanes
The Hammer Pure Envy was developed specifically for heavy oil conditions and shows its strengths on fresh, oily lane patterns as well as on higher oil volumes. For strokers, the ball offers effortless hook with strong backend recovery. The Pure Envy makes it possible to play open angles on fresh heavy oil without worrying about getting back to the pocket. Adjusting through the transition is straightforward – continuing to move left as the lane breaks down works without issue. Compared to the original Envy from Hammer, the Pure Envy shows slightly more length and a stronger backend reaction, with the Pure Envy being playable on wider lines and responding more quickly off the spot, while the original works earlier and smoother. The matte hybrid cover combines traits of solid and pearl coverstocks and allows precise grabbing in the midlane along with backend power. Users report impressive versatility across multiple games – the ball can stay in your hand from game 1 through 3. Surface adjustments expand the range of use even further: at 3000 grit the ball can be played from straight angles all the way to inside lines within three games, while some bowlers work with a 4700 finish plus lane shine. If you're speed-dominant, the ball is an excellent fit, since the core characteristics allow it to rev up quickly. High rev players benefit from the low RG and high differential for powerful, continuous motion. The Pure Envy establishes itself as a reliable top ball for fresh oil and as an excellent choice for tournament players on demanding patterns, offering control on longer Rick Steelsmith patterns as well as response on shorter Del Ballard patterns.