Hammer Special Effect Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 45 degrees x 4 1/2" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.49"

Differential: .050"

M/b: .016"

Surface: 1500 grit w/ Factory Compound

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The new Hammer Special Effect is the perfect follow-up to the iconic Effect, Hammer’s most successful High-Performance ball in decades. Building on the proven power of the Huntsman core, featured in the original Effect, the Special Effect takes your game to the next level with HK22-Cohesion Solid, the hottest cover in bowling. This solid cover, crafted with factory compound, delivers exceptional mid-lane motion and an aggressive change of direction. Compared to the original Effect, the Special Effect still provides ease through the front of the lane but is slightly earlier, giving you the edge when there’s oil, and you need a bigger hooking shiny ball. Designed for versatility, the Special Effect is your go-to ball for consistent, high-performance results on a variety of oil patterns.

After struggling to find a spot where I could use the Effect Tour in my bag, I was eager to drill the Special Effect with a different layout and a new outlook for performance. Special Effect is a very strong asymmetric core shape, and it's rare that I use my lower pin layout on balls like these. But I chose it here in the hopes that I would like a new shape on the lane.

With the lower pin layout, Special Effect was very strong rolling in the mid-lane, with a true arc shape through the back 30 feet of the pattern. Special Effect uses the same cover as the Widow Mania, and while the core specs are similar, this core feels a little tougher to scoot down the lane before it sees friction. It also uses the same finish as the Widow Mania, making the two balls truly complimentary to each other. When one is just a tick off, the other will change the shape and breakpoint just enough to create a different look through the pins. That might have ended up true had I used the same layout on both balls, but I didn't. That landed me in a spot where while useful, this Special Effect didn't fit well into the bag. I know better than to use lower pin layouts for myself on strong asymmetric balls. But it always seems like we fall into old habits when we're looking for magic.

Special Effect has been outstanding with some taller pin up drillings for some of our mid-rev rate customers. Like I said earlier, people who have purchased both this and the Widow Mania have seen enough difference to use both off of each other. With the compound finish, Special Effect is much cleaner through the front of the lane than 3D Assault or Pure envy. It would be an optima number 2 ball out of the bag for most league users.

Hammer Special Effect is available and in-stock in 12# - 15# at Total Bowling Gear!