The Purple was similar to the Blue except that it was a bit "longer". Blue was a bit more arcy. I bought two burgundy hammers. First one had a chunk come flying out when it was being drilled. A major 2 inch chunk during the drilling of the FIRST finger hole.
The second one didn't crack / chip until a bit later. My main problem was that the reaction wasn't consistent. That may have been "house" specific in that there may not have been sufficient oil volume to warrant its usage. However, it quickly became chipped, around the fingers. Finally developed some cracking, and I dumped it. I never had a bad experience with Black, Blue, or Purple hammers - all of them were top-notch balls. The Red Razor urethane which was released in '95 was a MONSTER, but was overshadowed by all of the reactive balls. Faball urethanes were the BEST (except for the Burgundy - IMHO). I am not nor was not ever a hi-rev bowler. Tweener at best.