For anyone who has the chance and hasn’t done it, I would highly suggest giving it a try. I was able to toss all of the new equipment on the hammer line with the exception of the Big Blue Pearl. Here is what I thought of their line-up in terms of the different lines they make. 1(Liked best) – 4(Liked Least)

1-   Vicious Series (This line rocks)
2-   Blade Series (Great price to performance ratio)
3-   Big Blue (Just didn’t perform like I had hoped)
4-   Diesel Series (Fits a full roller and a slower shot better, great for older bowlers)

I really liked the Vicious Series more than any of the other. The Vicious Attack I threw hit the pins like a freight train and was very forgiving. It’s the first ball I’ve found in a long time that hit the pins with the same force as my old Turbo X (which I shot a 700 with just this weekend). The Blade Line is very snappy and hit hard making them a great ball for the price. The Big Blue just didn’t hook like I was hoping it was going to. The Diesel stuff just didn’t feel right in my hand or fit my game very well at all.

Anyway if you ever get a chance to take part in the Hammer Challenge of Ebonite Demo Days, definitely do so.

AbNoRMaL

There is a Hammer Challenge on Tuesday March 9 at Western Bowl in Cincinnati, OH.  It is being conducted by Steve Fehr and Jack Calhoun (Fehr-Calhoun Pro Shop).  Why on Tuesday you ask???  Because it is on of only 2 days the Hoinke is not up and running so it is the only possible time to host such an event.  I think it might be a good investment of $15 to get to throw this equipment at Western and possibly find something that might give you a good look at the Hoinke.  Put up $15 to give yourself a better chance to win $1000, $5000, $10,000.....the list goes on and on.

Can someone tell me how this works. If you have 20 bowlers there to try the balls everybody's grip is going to be different. I'm assuming they have a way to adjust to each individuals grip. Also can you get a good enough feel on the ball to actually be able to tell how the ball would react for you. I know if I throw a ball that does't fit me I don't get the same roll as I would my own equipment.

Thanks for the info. I live in the Cincinnati area and want to go to the Hammer challenge to try some of the new balls. I'm hoping they have the Big Blue Pearl there. I have always like Hammer equipment but not sure what would fit with my game. To many choices out there, It would be nice to narrow it down.

Psychodad,
I will check with Steve and/or Jack to see what they will be having there or I will call Dave Mayer.  You may want to check w/ Fehr-Calhoun as well as I am sure times are filling up very quickly.

Go to Hammer's web site and below the picture of the Big Blue Pearl you will see a link for the Hammer Challenge. They have the dates, and locations along with the phone numbers to the proshop where you need to register. I know the times for March 9th at Western Bowl are 10:30, 11:45, 1:00, and 2:15. I signed up on Friday and they were just about filled up. If you live in the Cincinnati area call Fehr-Calhoun bowlers corral to register. All it cost is $15.00 which includes the bowling.

hammerbowling.com