When I was bowling no-thumb, I had Hammer's Black Hammer urethane, the one that is available now, not the OG. For me, that ball was VERY strong. Unless there was lots of oil, I usually had to give the pocket away a little bit, and it still sometimes surprised me with just how hard it would turn back.

Now, from what I've SEEN, the purple pearl urethane seems to be the more popular choice. It appears to be a touch cleaner up front and bit more responsive down lane. To be honest, it seems to give a bit more a of a resin look out of a urethane ball.

With that in mind, I think it just comes down to what type of shot shape you're looking to see. The black hammer, while still plenty strong down lane in the hands of someone with revs, will give you a slightly more traditional urethane look and can probably handle a bit more oil. The Purple Pearl will be a bit better on less oil and for creating more shape.

+1 on purple.  That ball is special imo.  Own a dozen urethane balls and its by far my favorite.  Strong oh so smooth and not too early.

So then would you say that the BW Urethane is "too much" urethane for that type of condition?

I ask because this would be the first time that I've ever heard someone imply that a urethane ball is too strong/too much urethane compared to others (notwithstanding the unicorn that is the P7).

BL.

I would compare the BW urethane to Roto's Hot Cell. I have the Hot Cell, and I can tell you that it digs in HARD and early, almost too much so. I've found that I have to feed it oil or go away from the pocket with it because it revs so strong. I haven't thrown the BW urethane, but the concept behind it was very much the same as the Hot Cell. As such, yes, I would imagine the BW urethane might be a bit too much for what you're going for.

bowlers mart has the magenta hammer. if you don't mind 2nds the x outs are $110
https://www.bowlersmart.com/hamurmag

I saw that, as well as that x-out BW Platinum Copper. I'm still hoping that someone brings in the BW White Pearl, as I'd jump on that and the BW Pink real fast.

BL.

I never threw the purple hammer.
I have about 400 rev, but low speed for that rev rate, and about 4 degrees of axis tilt. This combination causes carrydown. I have tried a low flare layout on a blue hammer (pin by PAP) and I would see carrydown after 2 or 3 shots.

Anyway, with purple hammer the differential is so low, I was afraid that it would good for a few shots and then I'd have a mess. I got a fever pitch instead of purple hammer for this reason.

Just curious is people have seen carrydown a problem w/ purple hammer.

You want to get more flare to avoid the carrydown issue. Fever is stronger downlane in my opinion, but also quite a bit cleaner.

Also, I don't know why you are looking for something that is smooth, predictable, and still strong on drwr consitions. Should be looking for an After Dark Pearl or Twist (weaker of the two) and alter the surface. You need head oil to throw true urethane.

Good points.  Forgot the diff on the 16# being so much bigger on purple than 15.  Agree totally urethane is for decent head oil and flying backends.