Hammer Spawn Bowling Ball

Today is the release day for the new Hammer Spawn. The Hammer Spawn has already made several appearances on the PBA WSOB telecasts. The Hammer Spawn features a low RG/higher diff Gauntlet asymmetric core wrapped by the same coverstock used on the very successful Zero Mercy Solid, the HK-22c2 solid coverstock, but colored in black. The box surface is 1000 Siaair. I have mine drilled with a 60 x 4 1/2 x 25 layout. I have thrown it thus far on fresh THS at box surface. The manufacturer's intent was to develop another bigger asymmetric core ball to be between the Zero Mercy Solid and the Hammer Widow 3.0 Dynasty. For comparison, I took my Zero Mercy Solid (which I have definitely liked on higher volume patterns) and put a 1000 Siaair surface on it to match the Spawn. From what I was able to see from trying both on fresh THS, both are definitely that "bigger ball", that ball that is slower in its response and provides a more rounded shape even though both can cover a lot of boards. In terms of comparing the two, I think Hammer hit its target. I felt in order to make the Zero Mercy Solid work on the THS, I had to use a little more rotation to get it to go through the pins properly. While they look close, with the Hammer Spawn, I felt I could use a little less rotation and be a board or two further right. What that tells me is that the Spawn is a slightly quicker response ball than the Zero Mercy Solid which again, is what I think Hammer was trying to create. The Spawn is definitely slower than the Hammer 3.0 Dynasty. Let me be clear however, I definitely feel the Spawn, especially at box surface, will be at its best on higher volumes of oil (medium to longer distances) and will be best used on fresh patterns to start or that first very first ball down on a higher volume pattern. I will be trying the Spawn with a little less aggressive surface to see how it looks as a bigger step down surface wise from the Zero Mercy Solid. I think the Spawn can be of good use, depending on surface prep and layout, for many different styles. Without question however, the Spawn will be at its best usage on higher volumes of oil. The Spawn is now released to the public. See your local pro shop for more information!