BallReviews

Reviews => Hammer => Topic started by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM

Title: Vicious Particle
Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM

Color: Green/Yellow

Coverstock: Particle

Core: 2-piece

Factory finish: Matte

Lane Conditions: Heavy Oil
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Wadney on August 05, 2002, 01:26:24 PM
This is an excellent choice to be partners with the vicious. just about the time you thought the vicious was all you needed, then came along the Vicious Particle. This ball has awesome backend hitting power and really knows how to turn the corner when finding the break point. I think when a person is ready to switch from the original vicious going down the lane a little too long. There next choice of wanting more ball for the oil is the Vicious Particle. The pins don't seem to stand a chance when this ball hit's them. I bowl a couple of games with this ball and had a 279 and 266, I should have bowled three (3) games to see what kind of series i may have shot. This was a oil pattern.
Way to go hammer with anothe great product to assult the pins when bowling.[b
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: D_Money on August 23, 2002, 03:33:52 PM
Today I had a chance to throw the Hammer Vicious Particle. I left it in box condition and had it drilled pin over the ring finger and the cg kicked out about an inch.I bowl on syn lanes and they suck!!!!! but with this ball it was being on wood lanes again, i shot 212,254,and 269  in practice but i havent shot like that in a long time since they put in syn. but i give this ball a 8 on hook 9 on carry and 6 on length. Over all this ball is 7.5 out of ten in a month i give another review
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: ih8stupid10pins on August 28, 2002, 12:15:47 PM
The best two words to describe this ball .... holy %$#@.

I left my Vicious Particle in box condition, drilled it with my favorite layout (3 3/8 x 3 3/8, weight hole on my PAP)

1st Shot:
Wood lanes, heads re-done about a week and a half ago.  Fresh oil, 40-42' X-mas tree, clean backends.

This was my first league night using it.  I'd been using an Eraser Blaze and struggling trying to get the ball to move on oil whn it's not supposed to(should have bought the Blaze ... anyway ....) and when the guy in the pro shop told me he couldn't control it, I knew it was the ball for me.  

This ball got through the heads clean, started a weak roll halfway down the lane, and made a last second VICIOUS move to the pocket.  When I stayed behind the ball, this ball carried EVERY SINGLE 10 PIN.  My house is notorious for 10 pins and a low carry percentage.  I didn't leave one single 10 pin in my 4 game set.  I was impressed, VERY impressed with the overall presence of the ball.  It looooooves backend.   I was standing 23, hitting 10 at the arrows, sliding out to 5 and the ball was coming back REALLY strong.  If I hit 8 and let it get out as far as the 3 board it would still hit FLUSH pocket.  Very very impressed with the area I was granted.  I went on to roll 234-218-192-195(poor spare shootin in last 2 games)

2nd Shot:
Wood lanes, open play leftovers, 40-42' X-mas tree, carrydown in middle of lane.

Now, I'm in a different house.  Another house noted for low carry percentages.  I stood 27, hit 14 out to 8, and the ball came screaming back into the pocket and tore up the rack.  Missing outside wasn't a bad idea on this shot, because as far as 3 boards outside my mark were carrying.  No complaints.  Missing inside ... big mistake.  I was leaving and/or barely breaking up splits.  Ended up with 227-199-247.

3rd Shot:
2nd Shift at the 1st house.  Carrydown present around the 15 board.

Didn't know what to expect here after the 4-man mens league was done, surprisingly they didn't rip up much of the oil at all.  I was standing 23, playing 10-5 like last time but with carrydown on the backend.  The ball started an early roll like on the 1st shift, rolled through the carrydown, and exploded as soon as it got out on the dry.  Proceeded to shoot 266(11X's ... front 7, 3-10 split, struck out) 207, and 223.  2 10 pins in 3 games, both times my fault for spining as opposed to lifting the ball.

Overall [1-10, 10 highest]
Hook- 8
Backend- 10+
Carry- 9+
Versatility- 9
OVERALL- 9+

It's a pleasure to throw this ball.  Within the next few weeks I will be using this on synthetics, at which point I will update my review.  Any questions/comments feel free to contact me.  

Good luck, and good bowling!

~Matt
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: BowlPro on September 02, 2002, 12:45:20 PM
The New Vicious Particle WILL HOOK!

The New Vicious Particle comes to use built on the same weight block design that was used in the Original Vicious, which again is a modified version of the weight block used in the 2001 Black Hammer.

The New Particle Coverstock brings this ball to life! The Strong (Fully Adjustable Cover) provides for great traction and strong hook!

(Side Note: This is one cool looking ball with its colors and mix, but this color idea must have been taken from another ball company, because I have seen this Color mix in the "Kryptonite" by the "Ballistic Ball Company".
Is it Possible that Ebonite could have been more original and not taken something from the little guys?

(Anyhow)
This ball is driller friendly and go ahead and apply your favorite pattern to this ball! On our test ball we used a "Full Leverage" 3-3/8" pin from the PAP with the CG. and MB. in the strong position and a balance hole at 6".

We wanted to experience the full power of this ball and in short, it gave us more than enough ball and hook for the heaviest of lane oil!

We bowled on a fresh pair of lanes and this ball just ignored the oil and cut threw it and showed us a strong hook move to the pocket!

The hitting power was "Excellent"! Those of you with Strong releases will love this ball alot if you keep the drilling simple! Those of you who are (Tweeners) will find that this will be a great Oil ball most of the time!

WARNING: Coverstock adjustment is very important here for this ball!

Our test ball was shinned up with "Black Magic" Polish and it was still More ball than enough ball for our very oily lane conditions.

We recommend this ball to all bowlers!

BowlPro
www.discount-proshop.com
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Ron Ware on September 03, 2002, 02:20:36 PM
I had impatiently waited on the initial release from Hammer for this ball (since I had such a good reaction from the original resin Vicious) and ended up telling Ed Gallagher, the Hammer Product Manager, that I had already obtained another "good" particle ball and was tired of waiting...

Well to make a long story short, I got a hold of one of these a couple weeks ago and had to dump the so called "good" particle replacement after rolling the Vicious Particle ball just a few frames.  I couldn't believe the length I got with this ball and then.....the recovery angle!  If you're a tweener, stroker, straightie, anything but a cranker, you're right up there with the big boys in the carry department with this ball. And if you're a cranker, you just keep moving left (right hander) until you have the whole lane!

Actually, this ball is quite deceiving to determine just how much backend you have with the swirl makeup of this ball.  I firmly believe that the color combination in the design of bowling balls these days are more critical and Hammer has done a superb match with this one.  The Vicious Particle is very much like the Adrenaline with more length and a "turbo" kick at the breakpoint.  And you know how much I appreciate the Adrenaline!

I didn't do anything to the finish and have been throwing this in its original out of the box condition.  Ebonite has started another series out with a bang and the HAMMER is knocking the nails on its opponents once again!  

Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: BuddiesProShopcom - Bill on September 12, 2002, 02:47:36 PM
Well we drilled this ball up for one of our shop guy. This bowler has High Speed, High Rev release and likes to circle the lane.

The ball was laid out with a standard 4"x4" drilling for this bowler. We wanted to see how much this ball would hook.

The bowler has bowled in 3 leagues and was able to play deep inside and swing the ball, in all 3 leagues. He was able to get the ball through the head without a problem throughout the night, and the ball still ripped the pocket when it got there.

This ball is stronger than the original Vicious and able to handle more oil than the original. I would say that the Vicious Particle coverstock is as strong as the Diesel Particle, but the ball goes longer and more angle at the pocket.

The shop bowler found the ball was great when recovering from bad shots. The ball reved up and exploded at the breakpoint.

If you have any questions, please email me at Bill@BuddiesProShop.com

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Thanks
Bill
BuddiesProShop.com
"The Place All Bowlers Shop"
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Prodigy on September 27, 2002, 09:58:21 AM
Ok, well this is the initial review of the vicious particle. I was sold on the vicious reactive so figured I'd give the particle a try. I like the color anyway so might as well right, As to be expected with particle this ball isn't as jumpy as the purple vicious. But, this ball hits every bit as hard if not harder. The ball archs and just keeps on driving. And when I say this ball hits,when I was throwing it (plenty of revs 18-19 mph, I've slowed down from my 20+ mph, couldn't carry) people watching were shuddering. The ball is in factory condition, drilled 3 3/8 pin, B-stacked cg. I will be throwing on fresh oiled wood tonight and updating my review. However, looks like another winner from the new hammer.

The Prodigy
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: BenLaughlin on October 13, 2002, 08:26:58 PM
Drilled mine 5 X 5. Go find some oil and have some fun.
I have been using mine late in blocks when the heads get burnt to the right and you have to move in but need something to turn the corner.This is definetely that ball.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: gus22 on October 14, 2002, 05:40:03 PM
FIRST I LIKE TO THANK MICHAEL CIMBA AT NESBITS' PRO SHOP. HE DID A BANG UP JOB ON DRILLING MY BALL. TONIGHT FINALLY THE HOUSE I BOWL AT PUT OUT SOME OIL. THE BALL WENT NICE AND LONG AND A NICE CONTROL TO THE POCKET, JUST WHAT I WANTED THE BALL TO DO. FIRST GAME 279 WITH A TUG 2 PIN. THEN 299 WITH A RIP TEN PIN. THEN 246 WITH A COUPLE A RIPS IN THERE. FOR A NICE 824. THANK YOU MICHAEL CIMBA FOR A GREAT BALL.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Gene J Kanak on November 01, 2002, 02:26:31 PM
Hey everyone,

  I just go this one yesterday so here is my preliminary review:

  Used: 1 1/2 game
  Lanes: Wood
  Condition: Open bowling (little oil)
  Layout:  3-3/8" leverage stack, meant for strongest possible reaction.

  Okay, I know that this ball is meant for heavy oil but I had to throw it a bit anyway. The ball does a good job of clearing the heads but it began turning too hard in the midlane (undoubtedly because of the lack of oil). The particle makes a strong turn on the back and continues hooking through the deck. Excellen carry!  In the end I stood with my left leg against the ball return and swung the ball out over fifth arrow to try to keep it in the oil the whole way. The ball got down the lane very well and had plenty of energy left to kick out the ten pin. I will give this ball a 7 out of ten right now, but I will update this post after I've used it on the condition that it was meant for. From the looks of things I think that this ball is going to be a winner.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: tomtom123 on November 20, 2002, 10:04:20 PM
wow what a ball! i cant belive the back end on this ball it covers some boards fast. it needs head oil to keep its power in the pocket but i cant belive the way it drives through the pins.i did leave a few solid 9s and 8s but it carried the corner pins good. its sort of hard to read the ball at first because of the colors but its worth every dime i spent and then some i give it a 9 out of 10 over all great job hammer(ebonite)!
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Sirbowlsalot on November 26, 2002, 09:21:04 PM
Got this ball a couple of weeks ago and thought it best to use it a bit before rendering a judgement on it. After four sets with it in league and 10-15 games of practice, I have to say that, for me, this may be the best ball I have owned in the last five years and I just bought six new ones in the past year.    Here is the info:

Weight: 14lb-2oz.  3 1/2oz. top   pin out exactly 2in.
Drill:  Pin under ring finger with positive cg shift, no weighthole.
Specs after drill: 2oz top- 3/4finger- 5/8 positive side

  Left this one in box condition for a while but found that it was WAY too much ball for anything I am going to see, but still shot O.K. with it. I had to play a swing shot from 37 over the fourth arrow just to keep it in enough oil to get it to the pocket on the correct side of the headpin. Ball wanted to hook early but still never seemed to "hook out" like a lot of aggressive balls will do.     Shot 3 games like this and made a 620 something but really struggled with the tremendous hooking capabilities of this ball. Decided to put a little shine on it to see what would happen. That's when it really started to work great for me. Next three sets I shoot 708, 680, 706.  Ball now gets thru the heads incredibly clean and has a strong angular roll that seems to pick up speed on it's own as it enters the pocket. Carries better than any other ball I own ( x-it, global assault, wicked, eraser blaze, etc...)

  On a scale of 1 to 10, I have to give this one a 9, but just because I don't know how long the shell will last. If it proves to be durable, I might have to come back and give it a 10!

  Well, It' HAMMERTIME again at last!!! I am back to give it that ten rating!!  Tonight I roll 223-300-232 for a 755 series!  I am now averaging well over 230 with this ball.  It has been a totally awesome piece of equipment for me!!    Go HAMMER!!
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ILLEGITIMI NON-CARBORUNDUM
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: 10pin sactown on November 29, 2002, 02:08:09 PM
I got this ball almost by accident after the bowling alley I was bowling @ destroyed my Zone.  Which by the way was by absolute favorite ball.  Bowled my highest series & games on.  Needless to say I was devastated! After talked to a Hammer rep, who also happens to be a friend, he suggested the Vicious Particle.  15lb with label leverage, pin @ 2 o'clock, low revs approx 15 mph.
Straight from the drill to the lanes, 6 X's in a row.  No effort, this ball is a work horse.  I can miss my mark by 4 boards & still hit em hard!  I would recommend this ball to anyone who wants to take their bowling to the next level.
I have a 181 book aveage, but am averaging 202 in my leagues.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Sirbowlsalot on December 01, 2002, 11:58:23 PM
Well, It' HAMMERTIME again at last!!! I am back to give it that ten rating that I said I might have to give it after a few more games!! Tonight I roll 223-300-232 for a 755 series! I am now averaging well over 230 with this ball. It has been a totally awesome piece of equipment for me!! Go HAMMER!!

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ILLEGITIMI NON-CARBORUNDUM
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: srlunatic on January 05, 2003, 12:39:28 PM
Likes: Great Length for a heavy oil ball with a great backend. Doesn't over-react when hitting the dry. Hits harder than anything I have ever seen. Very Forgiving.....can make mistakes and still come away with a good end result.

Dislikes: None that I can think of as of yet....

Won this in a local tournament. Had really liked Hammer back in the day...but wasn't really impressed with the last couple years offerings. Had heard good reports on this so figured drill it up and give it a go. Pin Under drill, with box condition....wanted it to get into a bit of an early roll but have energy for the backend. Throw around 15-16 mph....High Track tweener. All I can say is WOW!. Clears the heads well....reads the midlane....if hits the dry early doesn't roll up but holds......and makes a controlled yet strong arc to the pocket. As for carry.....Forgetaboutit! Hit the head pin and watch the fireworks! It is also very forgiving....can pull into the oil and still have enough to get to the pocket and carry...and if I swing it to the dry doesn't over-react and roll out. What more could you ask for???

Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: 9orbetter on January 26, 2003, 04:43:25 PM
BOUGHT THIS ONE USED W/15 GAMES ON IT. 15# ORIGINAL DRILL WAS ZERO,12:00 PIN UNDER FINGERS, CG IN PALM. KEPT DRILL THE SAME,JUST PLUGGED TO MY SPECS. BALL KEPTED DULL.FIRST GAME OF THE WED EARLY LEAGUE 269. 226 THEN 202. OVERALL LIKED ITS CARRY. PLAYED 15 TO 8 GAME 1&2. MOVED DEEP INSIDE LAST GAME, ALMOST 4TH ARROW (LANES REALLY BREAKDOWN QUICK). BALL DEFINITLY NEEDS HEAD OIL. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST BALL OUT OF THE BAG. I GIVE IT A 9. WILL REVIEW AFTER 50+ GAMES.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Doggie the Dog on April 11, 2003, 12:58:50 AM
I purchased this used from AMS Pro Shop in N. Kansas City, MO. Drilled with CG kicked to left a little, pin an inch below and to right of ring finger, and leverage hole across from PAP.
I generally bowl on synthetics.  I found the ball to suit me best with a little polish on it as opposed to the regular condition(dull).
Note- particles are definitely NOT hook monsters- so if you're looking for something that covers boards look at an aggressive reactive or low load particle.
With this ball, I have something that works well on oily lanes and/or carrrydown. Pocket hits carry 90 percent of the time. It's a ball that does not deflect as much as some reactives will on oil or carrydown. I found that I can string strikes more often than with my other equipment- both solid pocket hits and off-hits as well!! Hit 'em light and watch the action!!
But, polished or dull, this ball is best used on the above formentioned conditions- put it back in the bag when it gets too strong or rolls out or face the music (weak 10's, pocket splits, nose hits, ad nauseum!!!)
Ebonite/Hammer has done a great job resurrecting the Hammer line after Fab let it go. Hammer will definitely get a look from me when future purchases occur.
I give this ball a solid 9 on a scale of 1-10.(Whether it's bowling balls or women, there was only one "10", and that was Bo Derrick!!)
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Bowling is a habit- Just Do It !!!
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: joemonty on April 15, 2003, 09:42:06 PM
Back-end. Period. For strokers looking for a huge, dependable snap, this ball is it. I drilled mine up with the D-position CG in the drilling spec, pin at about 2.5" sw of ring. Love the snap. Much more angular than my Eliminator and Fuel. Hits well, first real game was a 245, with 2 solid 10s and 7 (yeah, and an open!)

If there is oil, this is the first ball out of my bag now.

Update - 4-29-03 - Threw my first 300 game with this ball this past Friday. Up the 11 from the 17-18 line. 10 identical pocket blowouts, finished with 2 brooklyns! Great ball.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: The_Spirit on July 14, 2003, 11:30:59 AM
I bought this used and thought going with a lighter weight would allow me to add RGs & speed if needed. After using the leverage drilling pattern (3-3/8" CG & Pin from PAP, Pos "C"), I could not get the ball to hook as I thought it should. I then placed it in the dishwasher for 1 cycle with a little detergent and then used Ebonite ball cleaner, then Ebonite ball poilsh. I tried again...WHAT A MONSTER!!! The Vicious Particle cleared the front (oily) heads easily & in the mid lane started it flip and brutally finished into the pocket. I do not recommend swinging this ball too far out for then corner pins and splits will appear for the Vicious particle will actually hit behind the headpin. Also, the ball is speed sensitive so playing a tight line (standing 25 and shooting 3rd arrow) works extremely well for the way I like to roll. No matter how far out I through it, there was always a surplus of power in the backend and will overpower the lanes when they begin to dry out. The skid/flip reaction can be hard to gauge at first, but with just a few practice games, the shot is easy to predict, although not as forgiving as other Hammers, e.g. the Wheel and the Diesel Particle Pearl. But all-in-all, I would definately recommend this ball to experienced bowlers for improving their "oil" game. Nice job Hammer/Ebonite!

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T. Michael Crosby
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Fencer04 on July 14, 2003, 04:04:18 PM
I got this ball as a blem. The only difference between this ball and prodcution was the label had been rubbed of a little, so no big pin issues. I had the ball drilled with the pin above and right of the ring finger with the ring finger hole acctually going through a piece of the pin with the CG below the ring finger. I am right handed and have medium high revs and slightly above average ball speed. This ball hooked out of the building on my normal house shot so t stayed in my bag for a couple of months until the winter season was out. This summer the house I am in put out a flood and this ball was the answer. Played across 20 arrow out to about the 8 board and this ball slams the pocket. Decent amount of room for error as well whether I tug it or send it out too much. Great ball, you just need to find out what condition it suit you best for.
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J.Hansen
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: nail on September 05, 2003, 04:32:27 AM
this ball just rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: magicman on October 10, 2003, 10:06:56 AM
If  there is one thing that I dislike about the review board it's this. What one person thinks is alot of oil is another persons light shot. For example. The house I bowl at is notorious for a true heavy long pattern. I say true because you will not see anyone throw a shinned up resin or medium oil ball. It's sanded particles and dulled up resins period. Now to my review. I bought this used form trouter13 and was excited to throw it on our slop fest. Well first ball just sat there and slid out and never made it into it's roll. I tried many lines but the ball was never able to get into it's roll. In it's defense the ball looks like it has been shinned up a little so i'll refinish it and clean it then repost another follow-up. Needless to say I had to use my X-it again for a 178.255,202.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: magicman on October 17, 2003, 10:21:15 AM
Well this is my follow-up. One week later, cleaned the ball and gave it a light scuffing, just enough to get it into an earlier roll. I bowled with it and it did make a move on the backend but in my opinion a flip that is almost worthless. I know alot of people have raved about this ball but I feel there are way more smooth controlled particles on the market. The move this ball makes is almost sideways and it's either a powerful strike or horrific split. (I had alot of each). Anyways I went 196,204,215. Not terrible but again for me it's way to unpredicable.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: haidlema on November 14, 2003, 02:01:52 PM
I bought this ball last year before my center went to the new Anvil Lanes. Ball had been collecting dust until last night. My house has been experiencing a lot of carry down due to lack of temp control and I had been having a hard time getting a ball to read and react to the condition. I brought out my Vicious. I had it scuffed to 600 grit and slowed down my ball speed a little. I have a Particle EMB that would not make it to the pocket up the 8 board and I was able to play the Vicious off 20 out to 5 at the break and back to the pocket strong. This is a great ball if you can find wet heads to get through otherwise all of the power is gone before the arrows.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: Pharmteam on December 02, 2003, 11:00:14 AM
I've been using this ball for almost a year now.   I was looking for a better mid/heavy oil ball the my old Matrix TPS that was finally dying.  The VP gives me all that I'm looking for under these conditions.  I play 15 to 10 at about 16 mph  and the ball is very predictable.  If you are accurate the ball will be there.  It carries light hits very well.  My house is notorious for pocket 7-10 and 8-10.  I have more of these splits then ones going thru the nose.  The VP isn't responsible for the pocket splits, everybody (with all kinds of equipment)leaves them.   I finished last season at 206 and so far this year I'm at 223.  As long as the heads don't burn out I'll use this ball all night.  I hardly put it away, just adjust left and play a little deeper.
Title: Re: Vicious Particle
Post by: ehbowl300 on February 19, 2004, 10:48:56 PM
This ball hooks i love this ball when i have trouble carrying straiter up.. i can move in and swing the ball and usually it allows me to carry very well......
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Mitta Eh no stoppin