Hammer Obsession Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.49"

Differential: .050"

M/B: .012"

Surface: 1500 grit sanded

Core shape: Asymmetric

Hammer's new Obsession series balls create a dual launch using two different core designs for the high-performance category. The Obsession is the larger hooking option of the two, using a pancake insert on the bottom of the core to increase track flare and asymmetry versus the Obsession Tour. The design intent for the Obsession is certainly heavy oil patterns where bowlers need help creating friction, and it 100% delivers in that environment.

The first thing I noticed when I took the Obsession to the lanes was the pure hook potential. This one is definitely one of the strongest balls in the market right now, along with the Reality, Jackal Legacy, and Results Solid. Obsession uses a low rg core system to create a very fast revving ball of your hand. I used the 5 1/2" pin up drilling on this one to make sure that it cleared the front of the lane. I was definitely concerned about this much surface and coverstock strength hooking too early for me. I'm glad I used the taller pin drilling, as this one matches up great on heavier oil environments so far. The fast revving core shape adds to the friction that the ball creates with the dull 1500 grit cover. So far for me, the Obsession has looked best on heavier oil patters (Olathe East fresh lately) and the local association tournament I bowled (Aaron's/Belton). I have tried to throw this piece at times when I thought there wouldn't be enough oil for it......there wasn't. Keep this one on heavier oil environments to take advantage of the design benefit built into the product. You won't find much use on medium to lighter oil. That's where Obsession Tour is more at home anyway.

I haven't touched the cover on this ball. I believe I'll simply keep it as a heavier oil ball in my bag. Right now I'm still using the 900 Global Reality in that range as well, but nothing else I have hooks nearly as much as those two options.

I just bowled Greater Ozarks and was looking forward to potentially throwing this one at Sunshine Lanes where the team event is usually very slick. But we didn't find that to be the case this year. In fact, it was the driest three game set I've seen at Sunshine since the days of not re-oiling the lanes for the second squad. The outsides of the lanes were still a little tight (and not worth playing in my opinion), but the middle of the lane was not slick at all. That took the Obsession out of play for me. Too bad, I was hoping to use this piece on Sunday down there.

Hammer's new Obsession is available now at Total Bowling Gear!