Ball NPS Score: Not Available
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The ball is a particle ball that uses the next generation of Hammer Particle Technology in the cover and the recently introduced Spike Core on the inside. The Dull-Compound Matte Red cover is also one of the first particle balls whose surface can be changed through sanding or polishing.



Inside, the Spike HPT core is double tapered. Starting at the bottom and moving upward the core body opens as it gets to the center and then closes at the top. A Flare Cap is added to the top of the upper core and gives the ball more flare potential.



Outside, the Spike HPT cover is the next generation of Hammer Particle Technology and is derived from the 4D-HPT and 4D-HPT Tour balls. The Matte Red cover grabs the lane surface even when the oil condition is medium or heavy. This lane grabbing effect creates friction, which results in hook.



Since Spike HPT is a particle ball, its best performance (hook and backend potential) will be on medium to heavy oil lane conditions. The heavy roll caused by the design of the Spike core and the friction created by the particle cover do not stop when the ball hits the oil. The new material formula does allow for alteration of the ball surface. Spike HPT can be sanded or polished to adapt to specific lane conditions.



The specifications are: Core: Spike-Single Piece; Cover: Hammer HPT Particle "Active"; RG: Low 2.50; Coefficient of Friction: Medium-High; Differential: High .070; Lane Conditions: (Oil) Medium to Heavy; Hook Potential: Overall (Scale 1-20) 20; Flare Potential: (Inches) 4"- 8"; Typical Length: (Scale 1-20) 10; Factory Surface Finish: Dull-Compound Matte; Typical Backend: (Scale 1-20) 19; Hardness: 75-78; Color: Spike Red Matte with Glow White Spike Finger Logos, C.G. Mark and Dual Side Hammer Logos. White Pin. Available weights: 13-16 lbs. Spike Core, 10-12 lbs. Hammer Lite Elliptical
Core.

Well I must say this is ball is a tremedous improvement over the 4D hammer.  This ball will finish and not use up all of its energy too early.  Mine was drilled 5x5 and left at factory finish.  I tested the ball on a decently oiled synthetic lanes.  I was bit skeptical about hammer's particle balls but I pleasantly surprised since it cleared the front easily and finished very strongly.  Excellent carry, the only complaint I have is that as the lanes required a bigger move inside, it didn't recover that well, but I guess that is where other balls can take over.  I am going to try and apply some polish to add some length and see if this allows for a deeper inside line.

Recently tested this hook monster against 3 other companies hook monsters.

1.Ebonite Pantera

2.Track Enforcer

3.Pro Zone Azure

4.Spike HPT

All were good.  All were tested before oiling and after on a pretty heavy oil shot.

Above is a listing of how these balls compared.  Ranked by total

hook and backend.

This ball was smooth early and I think good  Just not the best.

Particularly in backend.  I'm going to attempt a strong balance hole to increase the backend, and I'll get back to post the results of that experiment.

I have not given up on this ball yet!

I had a Spike HPT drilled by Frankie at the hammer booth in Albuquerque, but haven't been able to use it much due to not enough oil most of the time.  I did get to practice with it last night and what a ball!  I did have to add some polish to increase the length but this ball really turns and hits!!  It is a great compliment to the regular Spike which I also love!  I could use the Spike up the outside or move in and swing the Spike HPT.  Both balls just destroy the pins!!

Spec: Lefty 15.5-16.5mph, med revs, up the backer.

Ball: 15lb drilled stack leverage (33/8X33/8)

Review: This ball is a good all arounder if you have oil. I have polished it and scuffed it as needed. With its high amount of differential it can really turn the corner. I have used this ball on an off for 8 months. It glides very easy through the fronts for a particle ball with a hard turn on the back. I usually keep this ball scuffed (600) for long oil. I can play up the boards or swing into the dry with this ball. I own a Chaos,Rock Pearl,Super Power and the Spike for oil. Of all of them this ball is the most versitale. Carry is excellent. If you are a stroker or tweener with less than 60degree axis rotation you should love this ball. People with too much axis rot. have a tough time with the diff. produced from this core.

Rating: 9.5 of 10, good all around ball with motor built in, add boards to medium hands. Can't beat the price either,picked this ball off ebay and had it drilled for under $105.

Recently purchased this to be my "oil" ball based on all I've read about it. When I took it to my pro for drilling, he stated the pin (4") would limit my drilling options. I'm a tweener w/med-high revs, 20+ mph, usually stand 25, throw 8-10 board, small swing. He stated probably wouldn't be able to play this line with the Spike. After discussing drillings we came up this:

                                       p

                                    O   O

                                            cg

                                       O      bh

I'm not sure what you "call" this type of drilling, but I'm happy with the results! I'm basically playing the same line as with my Blue Hammer urethane. Playing down and in 8-10 board, ball has excellent length and a nice smooth snap on the backend. Ball hits like a mack truck. Miss a board left, it stays in the oil and carries the high hit. Miss a board right, and it comes back strong. Hit light and the low flying pin action just shreds the rack. Can even pick up 10 pins with this ball. Only have a few games with it, and haven't thrown it on dry yet, but I can't say anything bad about this ball! For what I paid, I would recommend this one to anyone looking to add a particle ball to their arsenal.

Spike (my nickname...really!)