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Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 19th, 2018, 9:09 am
by soupy1957
I’m likely to buy a Hammer Black Widow.

Regardless of what each of you thinks of them, imagining that some will like it, and some won’t, because “that’s life,” I’m wondering if you might be able to answer these questions:

A. Are all “Black Widow” balls, Urethane?
B. Are all the Cores, in the “Black Widow”
group, the same shape? Type?
C. Will the local neighborhood hack (like me)
find that owning a Black Widow will help
or hurt their game?
D. What levels of reactivity are there, in
the “Black Widow” lineup?

I see a few different “Black Widow” balls available, but am having a tough time choosing. I want reactive response, and a solid black matte finish.

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 19th, 2018, 4:16 pm
by EricHartwell
The Black Widow Urethane is the Black one. Not a reactive ball.

There are several different levels of coverstock in the Widow lineup.
From plastice Urethane and several different reactive covers.

The cores in the 14,15 and 16 are Asymmetrical and very comparable to each other. 12 and 13 pounders are Symmetrical and not nearly as strong.

I have been a fan of the gas mask core since the started using it back in 2004. The dual angle system works very well with it.

It can be a very good ball for the neighborhood hack as long as the layout is chosen properly.

If you are shopping by color, the Most important ball characteristic, lol, I would suggest the Radical Tremendous for a matte black reactive ball.

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 20th, 2018, 9:24 am
by soupy1957
It is true that I like the “solid” colors, and not the multi-colored swirl balls, but that is not priority. I want more reaction and a lighter weight. Truth is, I’ll listen to ANY suggestions that will get me into the high end scores, and get me out of the 150’s!!

The Pro Shop guy told me yesterday, that their new scoring devices on the Lanes, are able to give me statistics about my throw. I don’t know which ones (PAP, Rotation, etc) but the next time I bowl, I will explore that option, to see if any of that data can be of some use in evaluating my game.

I HOPE that it points to a different ball, because I think ALL of us would LOVE any excuse to “buy a new ball,” yes?!

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 20th, 2018, 4:06 pm
by EricHartwell
What pound ball are you thinking about going down to?

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 20th, 2018, 7:04 pm
by soupy1957
I’m STRONGLY considering a 12 lb ball.

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 20th, 2018, 11:48 pm
by EricHartwell
The 12 pound Widow is a very low differential ball. Drill it Strong.
Double thumb layout for a Strong reaction.
Pin up Motion hole for Long and Strong

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 12:11 am
by soupy1957
EricHartwell wrote:The 12 pound Widow is a very low differential ball. Drill it Strong.
Double thumb layout for a Strong reaction.
Pin up Motion hole for Long and Strong
I don’t understand a word of what you just said, but I’ll bet the guy in the Pro Shop does. When that day comes, I’ll just read him what you wrote!

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 4:18 pm
by JohnP
If there's any way you can handle it, go up to 14 lbs. If you're using balls that aren't fitted to your hand a properly fitted ball is going to feel lighter than the same weight ball that doesn't fit. Work with your ball driller. -- JohnP

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 6:09 pm
by soupy1957
JohnP wrote:If there's any way you can handle it, go up to 14 lbs. If you're using balls that aren't fitted to your hand a properly fitted ball is going to feel lighter than the same weight ball that doesn't fit. Work with your ball driller. -- JohnP
I’m throwing a 14 lb now.....

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 7:47 pm
by EricHartwell
soupy1957 wrote:
I’m throwing a 14 lb now.....
What is it that is making you consider a 12# ball?

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 8:47 pm
by soupy1957
EricHartwell wrote: What is it that is making you consider a 12# ball?
My age and fatigue

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 9:28 pm
by kajmk
soupy1957 wrote:
My age and fatigue
Saw your video:
1) you are not that old partner
2) the better the ball fit, the lighter the ball will feel.
Example, if you pick up 2 barbell weight plates and hold them by the slots, they feel much lighter than holding them by pressing them together.
http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... p_Pressure" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Having to squeeze tires you out and can lead to physical ailments
One oh the best bowlers I know had grip pressure that would barely break an egg if at all.
3) Your swing speed suggests your grip needs tweaking
As suggested in other posts, study the Kegel tips and drills at
http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... ence_video" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Better bowlers make good use of their legs, footwork, and cadence.


Go to an IBPSIA pro shop with an open mind, let the tech assess your grip and help determine weight. If he can't watch you bowl, have him view your YouTube videos.

Other reading that may help
you may find elements of this three part article useful.
They are on http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Look for these -

The Six Basic Fundamentals Part 1

The Six Basic Fundamentals Part 2
subtitled - Eliminate the Kung Fu Death Grip


The Six Basic Fundamentals Part 3
subtitled -Criteria for ball fit continued

Re: Hammer Black Widow Balls

Posted: April 21st, 2018, 9:48 pm
by soupy1957
Cool beans! Thanks