DP,

  Ah, the new ball itch. Baby powder clears it right up. Just kidding. It usually takes some Gold Bond powder.

  OK, seriously, though, I've used plenty of the new Hammers, so I think I should have some insight to offer here. Well, what ball or balls you pick up will depend on what conditions you're looking for. <-- Three cheers for captain obvious, right? Well, if you get rid of the Blade Particle and Vicious Strike it seems to me you're looking to cover the heavier end of the spectrum. With that in mind, here are some balls to consider:

Vicious Particle (Green Yellow)--Might have to put some surface on it for floods, but more versatile on heavier mediums than most particle pieces. The ball rolls hard, gives decent backend and just shreds the rack. It's also kind of neat to look at, once you get used to it.

Diesel Particle Pearl (Green-Black)--This might be nice to replace the Vicious Strike. This was one of the best balls I ever came across when the shot was right. It handles more oil than normal particle pearls, but the move is very predictable. I shot 765 with mine last year. If I still threw 16, that ball would certainly be back in my bag. It's a great all-around piece.

Real Deal--Should be getting mine today. I've read the reviews and seen PA and a guy that I bowl with throw it, and it looks quite impressive. Most people are claiming that, with some surface, the ball is just an oil monster. I'll let you know more once I'm able to throw mine.

Blade Solid Reactive--I've owned 2 and both were excellent. Dull it's good on heavier mediums while polished its a good ball for a slightly slick house shot. The ball is very predictable and can be used well up the boards or from deep inside with equal success. You can't beat the price, either.

Vicious Attack--See a few guys in my league throwing them, and they have me intrigued. The ball looks like a strokers dream on a heavier pattern. The ball rolls hard in the midlane and delivers great predictability and control on the backend. I don't think that you'd be able to swing it and bring it, but if you want control on heavier patterns that ball might be worth looking into.

Turbo or Power Diesel--Haven't thrown them myself, but I've seen the two in action, and I was impressed. The Turbo is a bit more even, from what I've seen, while the power offers a bit more grab and flip down the lane. The hit is superb with either.  If you're a Hammer head, they're worth looking into.

Well, that's all for me. I've seen many others thrown, but those are the only ones that come to mind for heavier patterns. Well, maybe the Big Block Diesel and Big Blue could be considered also, but I didn't have time to list every damn ball Hammer makes. lol. In any case, good luck with your choice. At least  you have the comfort in knowing that you can't go wrong with a Hammer.
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I can't bowl 300, but I can bench 315 : )

Well I have the uncanny ability to open up a condition faster than the crankers(because I have a softer ball speed and alot of tilt with a medium/high revrate), but I can also play the track area of a stroker with a low dynamic ball(like a Pink Hammer, or a 3 Piece Reactive, or weak 2 piece along the lines of a Wild or Big Hit) and get a wicked ball reaction with exception carry, so usually balls with Mega-Differential don't match up well with me since I'll have to drill them weak enough to store energy thus taking away the ball's natural dynamics.  The Big Deal looks like an awesome ball but looking at the numbers I'm not quite sure how I'll match up to it.  I already don't match up to the Big Block Diesel and the assymetrical Diesel series because the cores are just too strong, and when I take a two-piece with a Flip cap(See the pic of the Blade Particle in my profile), and drill it strong, it's so strong that I can make it roll out on a long pattern.

I was thinking maybe two Saw Blades, one with a 4-5 pin drilled negative pin, C.G 1/4 left of the center of grip(basically mirrored image of my Switchblade) and one with a 3 inch pin going pin under middle finger, C.G 1/4 right of center of grip with a weighthole.  But then again I wanna give the Big Blue Pearl a go again, and maybe even try the dreaded SlingBlade(I think it's so ugly I don't wanna put my hand in it but I might try one).  Gene has me intrigued on a Vicious Particle(I can get one with good specs, but it's like a 14lb 6oz.) and Blade Solid.  Of course the High Rev is in consideration.

I'll report back in a week's time or so to let you guys know what I go with.
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-DP3
...and I throw Hammers



Edited on 2/8/2005 10:59 AM

Surprised no one mentioned the Big Block Diesel. This is the ball you need. I've had mine a month now and it has earned first-ball-out status in that short time. Pretty impressive considering the balls it beat out- Diesel Particle, Diesel Particle Pearl, Hi-Rev, Black 2001, Sledgehammer, etc.
First thing I did was take the factory polish off the ball, and take surface down to 800. Local house puts out a ton of oil and this ball eats it up. I play mostly down and in and the basic label leverage drill is perfect. Great through the heads, revs up in the midlane easily, and plenty of power on the backend. Trust me, this ball rocks!

Spike

Why can you not get those 4 balls you mentioned?
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Tom Kelleys Pro Shop

Taking over the lanes with Mother Nature!

Eye of the Storm(founder)

I want an ACE ppl. send me a pm. Also send with any of the x-factor line balls u may have for sell. PLEASE SINGLE DRILLS AND PREFERABLY 15'S. WILL TAKE DOWN TO 14.10OZ THOUGH.

Get the Real Deal and Big Deal

saw blade
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stanski