- Rhythm

First Impressions
The Hammer Rhythm was released in April 2012 in a special collaboration with the TNBA and shows up in a striking color combination of black, purple and orange. Inside this bowling ball works the proven symmetrical Arson core, which is characterized by a low 2.48 RG and a moderate 0.045 differential. This core structure should provide a quick rev-up and build stable rotation early, which is especially an advantage on wet lanes. The core is wrapped in the Grand Theft Reactive solid cover, an extremely tacky shell blend that was originally developed for stronger asymmetrical balls within the Taboo series. Out of the box, the surface is prepped with a fine progression of 800 Abranet plus 1000, 2000 and again 2000 Abralon. This evenly scuffed surface makes sure the ball finds enough traction in the oil and doesn't start sliding too early in the heads. Because of the low RG, the energy transfer begins as early as the midlane, which should build a continuous but controllable move toward the pocket. The interplay of a strong cover and a forgiving symmetrical core aims to give the bowler a lot of predictability without having to give up the strength needed in heavier oil volumes. The physical properties are clearly laid out to leave a distinct footprint in the oil and to hit the pin deck with enormous power.
Comparison Head to head with the Hammer Arson, the Hammer Rhythm shows clear differences in ball motion, even though both models use exactly the same core. Thanks to the stronger Grand Theft Reactive coverstock material, the Rhythm acts noticeably more aggressively through the middle of the lane and generates noticeably more traction in the deeply oiled zones. While the Arson draws a smoother and longer line through the heads, the Rhythm starts reading considerably earlier and responds more markedly to the first signs of friction at the edge of the oil pattern. Compared with a modern, established benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Hammer Rhythm shows a very similar preference for high oil volume, but due to the older cover generation it offers a slightly different reaction through the transition. The Storm Phaze II usually preserves rotational energy a bit longer and responds more sharply at the breakpoint, while the Rhythm unfolds its hook in a rounder, flowing and continuous arc. Compared with a ball with a weaker cover like the Ebonite Game Breaker 2, it's also noticeable that the Hammer Rhythm picks up considerably earlier and reacts less sensitively or abruptly on drier boards out to the outside. Its absolute strength lies in its high stability in oil, where, unlike weaker balls, it never loses its footing but always generates consistent rotation and excellent carry.
On the Lanes The ideal range of use for the Hammer Rhythm is medium to heavy oil conditions where a reliable and above all early reaction is a must. If you throw the ball fast or have a lower rev rate, you'll benefit greatly from the rough surface and the strong core, since the ball builds up enough power entirely on its own to find its way to the pocket early and safely. On fresh, very dense oil patterns, the low RG helps stabilize the chosen line and forgives inaccuracies at release, since the ball doesn't unexpectedly slide well past the breakpoint. As soon as the lane dries up and the inevitable transition sets in, however, the ball may grab too early and lose valuable energy, which then leads to flatter hits at the pin deck and reduced carry. In those situations, a timely switch to weaker, pearlized equipment is absolutely advisable. For bowlers with very high rev rates, the ball offers the tactical option of playing extremely deep from inside and using the outside boards deliberately as a backstop, provided the oil pattern in the middle of the lane is still dense enough. The balanced combination of a dull, tacky surface and a predictable hook makes it an excellent choice as the first ball out of the bag on unfamiliar or freshly oiled lane conditions, since it gives the bowler honest feedback about the actual oil volume.