Author Topic: Taboo Dark Electric Blue/Silver (Read 17446 times)

admin · « **on:** December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »

Ball NPS Score: 100.00

Shop the latest balls with similar specs at Bowling.com!

- Color: Dark Electric Blue/Silver
- Coverstock: Grand Theft Reactive II
- Core: High Mass-Bias Gas Mask Core w/ Flip Block
- Factory Finish: 800/1000/2000/3000 Abralon Sanded
- Reaction: Strong and Aggressive Hook
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- RG: 16#-2.51, 15#-2.50, 14#-2.49, 13#-2.53, 12#-2.60
- RG Differential: 16#-.049, 15#-.060, 14#-.057, 13#-.055, 12#-.039
- Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy to Medium-Heavy Oil
- Description: The original bad boys of bowling have developed the latest bad boy in the bowling industry. The Taboo Dark Electric Blue/Silver uses our new GTRII Pearl coverstock, paired with our Black Widow core to create the strongest ball in the history of Hammer. With an aggressive mid-lane move, and huge continuation through the backend, bowlers will find this Taboo 2-3 boards stronger than the original. Do something Taboo!

Plowboy300 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2011, 01:54:19 PM »

LANE CONDITION

Type: THS (39' - South Point (medium oil) & 40’ Gold Coast (heavier oil) in Las Vegas, NV), Kegel Main Street, Kegel Abbey Road patterns

COMMENTS

I really loved the original Taboo (currently using 3 of them) and was excited to find out that the pearl was coming out soon. The original Taboo was a very strong ball in the bag for me and I have used on the heavier / heavy medium patterns a lot. Sometimes the original Taboo was a little too strong for some of the patterns I bowl on in league and had to polish 2 of them to get down the lane. I received my Taboo Pearl and have tried it on several patterns & with different surfaces to see what it can do. It is definitely “longer & stronger” than the original as I immediately saw it was cleaner (about 2 feet longer) through the front part of the lane and came off the spot harder than the original which translate into 3-5 boards stronger overall. The new Taboo Pearl, now replaces 2 of my original Taboos in my bag with the added length & extra backends which allows me to open up the lane more.

With the box surface (3000 Abralon), this pearl ball actually handles the heavier mediums really well. I bowled at one of the Vegas centers that are a little tighter in the backends with a heavier fresh oil pattern, and my original Taboo (2000 Abralon) did not want to turn the corner when moved into the oil line. But, when I brought out the Taboo Pearl, I noticed the difference when this ball cut through the tighter backends and was stronger overall, so if you need a little extra backend then this ball will truly shine & compliment the original Taboo.

I also played with the surface by adding FF polish to the 3000 Abralon box surface and used it on the medium patterns that I bowl on in league and this ball definitely has a more defined move in the backends when polished, yet still stronger overall. I have one of my original Taboos with 3000 w/ FF polish and very similar layout and I noticed that when polished, the Taboo Pearl was about 2 feet longer & more backend than the original. This cover on the Taboo Pearl is very tunable and handles great with surface changes.

The Taboo Pearl is a great compliment to the original Taboo when it burns up a little too much and when you need to get in & open up the lane on the heavier medium patterns.

Get ready to create havoc on the lanes & to your competition this year with Hammer's latest release!!
The release date is Thursday September 29^th.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/Plowboy300/Hammer%20Taboo%20Pearl/HammerTaboo003.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/Plowboy300/Hammer%20Taboo%20Pearl/HammerTaboo002.jpg

Mike "Plowboy" Thompson
Hammer Amateur Staff Member
"Nothing Hits Like a Hammer!"

A proud member of the Red Sox Nation!!

BOM300 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2011, 05:05:08 PM »

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3-4"

Starting Top Weight:

Ball Weight: 15lb

DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 70 x 4 7/8 x 40

CG to PAP:

X Hole (if there is one): none

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: approx 325

Ball Speed: 16-18 mph off hand/14-15 down lane

PAP/Track: 4 5/8 x 0

SURFACE PREP

Grit: 3000 box

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):

LANE CONDITION

Length: 40' for both patterns.

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Condition 1: Highway to Hell. Condition 2: Athens.

BALL REACTION

Length: On both patterns the Taboo Bl/Slv got through the heads very clean and got to the break point without issue. Compared to the original Taboo, this one is a few feet longer down the lane.

Back End: The move off the spot for this ball is definitely more pronounced than the Taboo. It reads the friction stronger and is more angular, yet predictable.

Overall Hook: Overall, I would say the Taboo Bl/Slv is a stronger backend type of ball compared to the Taboo. The Taboo is a better choice if there is more volume or if you need an earlier break point. Board for board, I would say both balls are pretty even, just at different parts of the lane.

Midlane Read: The ball does not skip past the break through the midlane. The Grand Theft Reactive II cover isn't afraid of oil. I think keeping the cover at 3000 is best.

Breakpoint Shape: As I stated above. The breakpoint is more angular than the original Taboo. It's not "hockey stick" sharp, but it makes a noticeable move once it hits the friction.

COMMENTS

Likes: So far on the two sport patterns I'm bowling on, the Taboo Bl/Slv is a great first ball out of the bag. I can play a nice tight line early and move in as the shot breaks down. Once I get past the second transition however, the ball becomes too strong and I have to put it away. I love the roll and the predictable movement out of this ball. Just like every Hammer, it keeps the pins low and is continuous once it makes it's move. If you liked the Taboo and just need more length and a stronger move at the break...this is the ball.

Dislikes: None so far.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Brian O'Mara
Beginr's To Pro's Pro Shop
Rochester, NY
Hammer Amateur Staff member since 2002

Edited on 10/3/2011 at 3:07 PM

kgmach · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2011, 09:49:36 PM »

LANE CONDITION

Length:All

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS and Sport

COMMENTS

Likes:The 3000 grit box finish of the new GTRII pearl coverstock allows this Taboo to get through the heads a little easier than even a polished original Taboo. The "can't miss" gas mask core of the Black Widow fame helps create the midlane move and still saves some for the backend. When the original Taboo loses a little pop by moving too deep, this will get that energy saving ease through the fronts and give you that couple extra boards of driving hook.

Dislikes:

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

NOTHING hits like a HAMMER

K Gmach

Hammer Amateur Staff

USBC Certified Coach

Go BREWERS!

webejr04 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2011, 04:19:34 PM »

LANE CONDITION

Length: 37'

Volume: Medium to Light

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House

COMMENTS

Likes:This ball is a Masterpiece! Super smooth roll throughout the lane Picks up great in the midlane and Super Angular Backend! It is truly Perfect!

Dislikes: Be careful on hand position when using this ball it will turn sideways. Otherwise no complaints

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

StefanieN · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2011, 12:04:15 PM »

WOW WOW WOW....... this ball is awesome! I currently have the original Taboo which I love, and this one is a close second.

My Blue/Silver Taboo has a 2-3" pin and is drilled exactly like my other - pin under the ring finger, cg kicked out a little bit without a hole.

I have my surface at it's factory finish and am planning on keeping it here for as long as possible. It reads the fronts and gets in to a heavy roll for me pretty early, yet still continuing through the pins with a lot of power.

I foresee this ball coming in to play for me on medium to heavier patterns when I need the ball to get through the oil but still rely on it to restore some energy and carry my ten pins

Surely an asset to ANYONE'S arsenal!!

Stefanie Nation

SteveAustin2808 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2011, 02:49:35 PM »

Hammer Taboo Blue/Silver
Weight: 15#/15#
Top Weight: 3.25 oz./3 oz.
Pin: 2-3"/3-4"

Layout:
#1 - 45x5x50 - Pin at 12. CG slightly kicked. No Weight Hole.
#2 - 70x5x20 - Pin Below Bridge. CG in negative quadrant. No Weight Hole.

First Impressions:

#1 - Definitely more length downlane but overall more aggressive finish on the backend. More backend reaction than the Original Taboo.
#2 - Earlier read in the front but still with decent length and no burn out down the lane on the backend.

General Thoughts:

The Taboo Blue/Silver will benefit lower rev players with slightly higher ball speed. While the original Taboo works great in heavier volumes of oil, the Taboo Blue/Silver gives you the overall aggressiveness of a HP ball without the burnout down lane. This ball keeps on going and takes a left turn at the slightest hint of friction.

Higher rev players may have trouble keeping this ball right with 4.5" to 5" layouts.

Comparison/Contrast:

Versus the original Taboo

Can match up on same volumes of oil as its original counterpart, just will not burn up nearly as quick.

Versus the Arson

More aggressive than the Arson and not as touchy. Arson can cover its fair share of oil but when the Arson cannot make the turn, the Taboo Blue/Silver will

Versus the Epidemic

Earlier read and definitely not as late downlane as the Epidemic. Epidemic and Taboo Blue/Silver share skid/snap qualities but the length down lane between the two is like night and day.

Final Conclusion:
If you desire a harder break on the backend then you will no problems with the new Taboo/Blue Silver.

Michael Price - Office Manager
McCorvey's Pro Shop Staff

Phone: (256) 539-1560

McCorvey's Pro Shop - VISIT OUR BRAND NEW ONLINE STORE!
http://www.mccorveysproshop.com/

Hammer Pro Shop Regional Staff

Ahhbach · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2011, 09:26:14 AM »

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3 inches

Starting Top Weight: 2 Oz

Ball Weight: 15.04

DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 4.5 inches

60 x 4.5 x 45

X Hole (if there is one): P3

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: med-high

Ball Speed: med

PAP/Track: 5 1/4 over + 7/8 up

SURFACE PREP

Grit: 3000 OOB

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): matte

LANE CONDITION

Length: 40

Volume: Kegel Sunset Strip Challenge shot

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): challenge

BALL REACTION

Length: good

Back End: hard arc

Overall Hook:High

Midlane Read: late

COMMENTS

Ball gave me good length throughout the pattern. Very suitable to the inside angles and the ball rolled up strong off the break. I compared this to my Arson which reads the mids a little sooner and may just hook slightly more than the B/S. Nice thing about the B/S was I was able to play in about 8-10 boards deeper than everyone else, never making any Huge moves all night. After the lanes really got broken down the B/S got way to strong.

All in all I found this ball to be a good fit in my arsenal. Seems like this ball will skid a long ways and react very hard to the friction upon exiting the pattern. I think this and the Arson will be up there in my Tournament Heavy oil equipment

'I'm Partial to the Fugue' - Radar O'Reilly

DynoLess Daddy · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2011, 09:33:53 PM »

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3.5

Starting Top Weight: 3

Ball Weight: 15

DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 5

CG to PAP: 4.5

X Hole (if there is one): none

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: HI

Ball Speed: 17-20

PAP/Track:

SURFACE PREP

Grit: OB and Polished

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):

LANE CONDITION

Length:40, 41, 43

Volume: 24-28 ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): HS, TS

BALL REACTION

Length: Fair

Back End: Arc to snap

Overall Hook: Strong

Midlane Read:Heavy

Breakpoint Shape:

COMMENTS

Likes: I really like the TB when matching up with the Taboo. However, I actually preferred it 1000 grit and polished with factory finish. The ball performed well but need volume up front or you have roll out when using OB. More to follow!

Dislikes:

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

VISE AMATEUR STAFF
HAMMER AMATEUR STAFF
USBC SILVER CERTIFIED COACH
IBPSIA ADVANCED CERTIFIED
Pro Connection
Bowlers Map
DigiTrax
NOTHING HITS LIKE A HAMMER

"See my vise as it rolls down the lane....you can't it revs too much"

hyme29 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2011, 02:51:49 PM »

BALL SPECS

Pin Length:3-4"

Starting Top Weight:1 1/2oz

Ball Weight:14lb 5oz

DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP:dual angle(45x4 1/2x30)

CG to PAP:

X Hole (if there is one):1/2 below midline just before val 7/8dia x 2"deep

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate:550

Ball Speed:18

PAP/Track:5 7/8> 3/4^

SURFACE PREP

Grit:3000(oob)

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):dull(oob)

LANE CONDITION

Length:44ft

Volume:med/hevay

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):(usbc red)

BALL REACTION

Length:great length for being dull

Back End:plenty of angle but its extremely controllable

Overall Hook:high

Midlane Read:great transition

Breakpoint Shape:hocky stick

COMMENTS

Likes: my favorite aspect of this ball is how i can use it all 3 games without a hitch ball saves pleny for the pins and carry is amazing...i have to say this is the best rolling ball for me that i have purchased, along with my taboo pearl i purchased a epidemic and grape vibe which are both amazing balls but neither works as welll as the taboo pearl for me

Dislikes: wish the spare was readily available and not 2-4weeks out

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

DeadWood Pro Shop · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:12:23 AM »

TABOO SPARE BALL REVIEW.

I didn't see an option for reviewing the Taboo Spare, so I am posting on the Taboo Pearl icon. Mods, please create section for this review and move as you see fit.

BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 3-4 inches
Starting Top Weight - 3
Ball Weight - 15.4

DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP - 3 7/8 in.
Pin just above and to the right of the ring finger. Cg and MB 1 inch right of vertical grip line.

BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400
Ball Speed - 16-17
PAP/Track - 4 5/8 left and 5/8 up

PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
Pic

Vids
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-W...75408269205990

SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - 2000 grit abralon
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Sanded

LANE CONDITION
Length - 35 ft
Volume - medium
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) - Xmas tree. House with guardian heads

BALL REACTION
Length - 8/10
Back End - 4/10
Overall Hook - 3/10
Midlane Read - 4/10
Breakpoint Shape - Lots of flare, but not a ton of hook. Smooth turn to the pocket

COMMENTS
Carry - The ball may be made out of plastic, but the core produces a lot of flare, and it helps the ball to drive through the pins when it hits.
Likes - Great for dry lanes, it gives another option below urathane
Dislikes - Ball is still made out of plastic, so transition can cause the ball to skid out
Other - Ball is designed for a specific purpose. Dry lanes. This is my go to ball game 6 of men's travel league at the driest houses in Houston. If you bowl a condition with dry lanes, give this ball a try. Plastic that hooks is a great concept in my opinion.

Videos will be posted on my shops Facebook page.

The Dead Wood Pro Shop Staff
Not on any manufacturer staff, just a pro shop owner that wants the best equipment in my bag

DeadWood Pro Shop

9307 Boone Road

Houston, TX 77099

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Wood-Pro-Shop/175408269205990

DeadWood Pro Shop · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:27:28 AM »

BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 3-4 inches
Starting Top Weight - 3
Ball Weight - 15.4

DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP - 4.5 in.
Pin 1/4 inches above my bridge, with cg kicked 1 inch right of vertical grip line

BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400
Ball Speed - 16-17
PAP/Track - 4 5/8 left and 5/8 up

PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
Pic
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=13eed10974

Vids
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-W...75408269205990

SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - 2000 grit abralon
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Sanded

LANE CONDITION
Length - 35 ft
Volume - medium
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) - Xmas tree. House with guardian heads

BALL REACTION
Length - 7/10
Back End - 10/10
Overall Hook - 9/10
Midlane Read - 7/10
Breakpoint Shape - picks up at about 35 ft for me, skids then flips to the left.

COMMENTS
Carry - Great pin action. Clears the deck with authority.
Likes - I was one of the few people that didn't like the Black Widow Series. But I just had the urge to drill this ball. Gave it a try, and love the reaction.
Dislikes - The new popular cover combination for high end balls is super strong dull pearl balls. The problem with this is that pearl balls by nature are going to shine them selves up at least a little bit.
Other - I decided to take the ball to a lower grit, drill the ball a little stronger, and added some rough buff to the ball and found a great consistent reaction.

This is the ball that made me really give Hammer another look at their line up from top to bottom. Needless to say, I am pleasantly surprised.

Videos posted on my shops Facebook page.

The Dead Wood Pro Shop Staff
Not on any manufacturer staff, just a pro shop owner that wants the best equipment in my bag

DeadWood Pro Shop

9307 Boone Road

Houston, TX 77099

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Wood-Pro-Shop/175408269205990