The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball isn't just another bowling ball; it represents a significant leap forward in bowling equipment innovation. Developed by Hammer, a brand synonymous with quality and performance, this ball combines advanced core technology with a high-performance coverstock to deliver exceptional hook potential and pin carry. Whether youre a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is designed to help you achieve your bowling goals. Its unique blend of features makes it an excellent choice for bowlers looking to add power and control to their game while consistently striking down pins. Let's take a closer look at what sets this ball apart.
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball boasts a sleek, modern design that is as visually stunning as it is functional. Its eye-catching color schemea striking combination of grey and white with vibrant purple accentsmakes it stand out on the lanes. But beyond its aesthetics, this ball's real power lies beneath the surface.
At the heart of the Black Widow Viz A Ball is Hammers revolutionary Helix Core 2.0. This core features a unique asymmetrical shape with a large differential and mid-differential RG (Radius of Gyration). What does this mean for you? It translates into incredible angular momentum, which provides exceptional hook potential without sacrificing backend reaction. The larger the differential, the more dramatic the ball will react on the back end of the lane. The Helix Core 2.0's asymmetrical design shifts the mass bias towards the outside edge, creating a powerful and predictable arc that is ideal for medium oil patterns and dry conditions. This core technology allows bowlers to generate a strong, consistent hook while maintaining control over their balls reaction.
The Black Widow Viz A Ball features Hammer's award-winning R2X Solid Reactive Resin coverstock. This coverstock offers an excellent balance between traction and durability. It provides the grip needed to generate a strong hook on medium oil patterns while still maintaining enough slide to carry pins effectively when conditions become drier. The R2X formula is engineered for optimal performance across various lane conditions, making it versatile enough for both league play and tournament competition. Its robust composition resists wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance. The Viz-A-Ball finish adds a touch of gloss, further enhancing the balls hook potential on medium oil patterns.
One of the standout features of the Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is its exceptional durability. Hammer's R2X Solid Reactive Resin coverstock is known for its resilience and resistance to wear, ensuring that your investment will last for a long time. This ball can withstand repeated impacts with pins without chipping or cracking, even when youre throwing it hard on dry lanes. While regular maintenance such as cleaning and resurfacing is recommended to extend the life of any bowling ball, the Black Widow Viz A Ball requires less frequent attention than many other reactive resin balls.
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball comes in a wide range of weights, from 12 pounds all the way up to 16 pounds. This allows bowlers of all sizes and strengths to find the perfect weight for their game. Typically, heavier bowling balls tend to generate more hook potential because they carry more momentum through the lane. However, it's crucial that you choose a weight that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to maintain control throughout your delivery. Heres a general guideline based on bowler size:
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is designed to perform exceptionally well on medium oil patterns and dry lane conditions. Its Helix Core 2.0 combined with the R2X Solid Reactive Resin coverstock delivers a powerful, controlled hook that will leave your opponents in awe. Heres how it performs under different lane conditions:
User reviews consistently praise the Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball for its impressive performance, durability, and versatility. Here are some excerpts from actual user feedback:
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is priced competitively within the range of mid-to-high performance bowling balls. You can typically find it online or at your local pro shop for around $190-$250, depending on weight and availability. While this might seem like a significant investment, keep in mind that high-quality bowling equipment lasts longer and performs better than cheaper alternatives. Considering the Black Widow Viz A Balls exceptional durability and performance, it offers excellent value for your money. It's an investment that will pay off with improved scores and increased enjoyment on the lanes.
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is a truly remarkable bowling ball that deserves serious consideration by bowlers of all skill levels looking to elevate their game. Its advanced Helix Core 2.0 technology combined with the R2X Solid Reactive Resin coverstock creates an aggressive yet controlled hook that delivers exceptional pin carry and consistent strikes.
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is a premium bowling ball designed for experienced bowlers looking to achieve maximum hook potential and pin carry. Its unique coverstock formula, core design, and color scheme make it stand out from other balls on the market. It's perfect for those who need extra control in medium-to-heavy oil conditions.
This ball is best suited for bowlers with a higher rev rate and more advanced bowling skills. Its aggressive nature makes it ideal for players aiming to generate significant hook and reaction while maintaining consistent accuracy. Beginners or those new to the game may find this ball challenging to control.
The Hammer Black Widow features a Reactive Resin (RZ50) coverstock with a 2000-grit Abralon finish. This combination provides excellent friction on lane surfaces, resulting in strong hooking action and impressive pin carry. The Viz-A-Ball technology enhances the ball's visibility down the lane for improved sighting.
The core of the Black Widow is the Carbon Core 2.0. This asymmetrical core design generates a significant amount of flare potential, contributing to its strong hook characteristics and overall power. It delivers both angularity and length, allowing for versatile bowling styles.
"Viz-A-Ball" refers to the ball's unique color scheme that uses high-contrast colors to improve visibility down the lane. The grey base color with white accents helps bowlers easily track the ball's path, making it easier to adjust their release for better accuracy and pin carry.
The Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball is available in weights ranging from 12 lbs to 16 lbs. It offers a wide variety of options for bowlers who prefer different ball weights based on their personal preference and bowling style.
While this ball excels in medium-to-heavy oil conditions, it can also perform well on drier lanes if properly adjusted. You may need to reduce your rev rate or use a slightly different release angle to control its reaction on slicker surfaces. It's not specifically designed for the slipperiest lanes but can be adapted with proper technique.
The Black Widow is known for its strong, continuous hook and excellent pin carry. Compared to other aggressive balls like the Storm Phaze 4 or Roto Grip RST X-1, it offers a slightly more predictable reaction with less overreaction on heavier oil conditions. However, it's definitely not recommended as an entry-level ball due to its powerful nature.
Drilling the Black Widow requires careful consideration of your bowling style and lane patterns. Typically, a layout with higher differential (e.g., 40-degree X-hole or more) will maximize flare potential and hook characteristics. However, it's best to consult with an experienced ball driller who can tailor the drilling to your specific needs.
While you can technically polish the coverstock of the Black Widow, it is not recommended as it will reduce its overall hook potential and grip. The existing 2000-grit Abralon finish provides optimal friction for maximum performance in medium to heavy oil conditions. Polishing may be considered if you're consistently overreacting on heavier patterns but should only be done with the guidance of a professional ball driller.
Yes, the Hammer Black Widow can certainly be used for league play. Its versatility and performance make it an excellent choice for bowlers who bowl in various lane conditions on a regular basis. However, you should consider your local league's rules regarding ball surface preparation and finish.
The lifespan of any bowling ball depends on how often it is used, the type of lanes bowled on, and maintenance practices. With proper care (e.g., cleaning after each use), a well-drilled Black Widow can provide consistent performance for several years. However, its reactive coverstock will eventually wear down over time.
Some bowlers may struggle to control the strong hooking action of the Black Widow, especially if they're new to aggressive bowling balls or have a lower rev rate. Over-drilling can also lead to excessive flare and unpredictable reaction. It's crucial to work closely with your ball driller to ensure proper drilling and layout for optimal performance.
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the grip and lifespan of your bowling ball. After each use, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove lane oil. You can also use a mild soap or dedicated bowling ball cleaner if necessary. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the coverstock. Allow the ball to air dry completely before storing it in a protective bag.
Consider investing in quality bowling shoes for optimal slide and grip on the approach, as well as a microfiber towel for quick cleaning between frames. A ball spinner can help maintain consistent surface texture over time. You may also want to explore different types of polishing pads or resurfacing techniques with your ball driller to fine-tune its reaction based on lane conditions.
You can purchase the Hammer Black Widow Viz A Ball from various online retailers, bowling pro shops, and sporting goods stores that carry bowling equipment. Buying directly from a reputable brick-and-mortar store allows you to consult with experienced staff for personalized advice on drilling and layout.
Hammer Bowling offers a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty covers repairs or replacements if issues arise due to manufacturing errors but does not cover damage caused by misuse, improper maintenance, or normal wear and tear. Contact your local pro shop or Hammer Bowling customer service for more details.