BallReviews

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

Title: Big Blue
Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Description:

Although it has the same good looks and bad manners as the original Hammer Blue, Big Blue is a juiced up version of its predecessor – designed to dominate in today’s slicker environment. Driven by the revolutionary Gas Mask core, the first High Mass Bias core ever used in a Hammer ball, Big Blue employs an all-new core design that earns its lethal name. It also gets extra juice from a dual particle veneer specifically formulated for Big Blue. And only a legend could offer such a strong mid-lane continuation in medium to heavy oil.

Specifications:
Color Blue
Coverstock Particle
Core 2-piece Asymmetrical
RG 2.51
Differential 0.026
Factory finish 500 Grit Sanded
Weights 12 thru 16lbs
Lane Conditions Medium-Heavy Oil
Cleared ABC October 2003
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: James Burton on November 17, 2003, 02:39:55 AM
I had the pleasure of attending the Hammer Demo day held by Competition Bowling and Trophy at Bowl America in Winter Park, FL on November 15th. I have a rev rate of 400+ that can vary to the type of lanes and where I need to play. My average ball speed is 19 MPH, which can vary from when needed. I am right handed and have a problem playing the drier conditions. My squad for the ball demo was the last before the second oiling of the demo. I needed to see how I would match up to the new releases with the problems I was facing.

What I would like to say first of all is that Big Blue will welcome those who had the pleasure of throwing the predecessor, to the new state of euphoria that this ball will bring. I know these are such strong words to use in referencing a bowling ball, but the fun is back.

Big Blue matches up to today’s conditions with the old school feeling of consistency and control through the heads and break point. It finishes the turn with authority due to the perfect combination of cover stock and core design.

I played several different lines with two demos.  The first ball was laid out with the pin and cg tucked under the ring finger.  With the first ball, flash backs of greatness came to mind with the success I had with the original Blue Hammer. There was no skid/snap, no standing up on the back end, just pure drive. I feel that recovery will no longer will be a guess, but a given. No corner pins were left and nor did I see a flat hit with this ball.
I played wherever I set my eyes to. It was that simple to become lined up.

The second ball was drilled with the pin and cg tucked under the index finger. This drilling for a right handed bowler will allow you to play further right than the above mentioned drilling. I had the ball traveling longer down the lane, but a sharp reaction went along with this layout. This drilling was used best playing right of 12 at the arrow.
I played more direct with this ball than even with a Turbo Diesel drilled the same way.

With the assistance of Hammer Rep John Gaines and Norm Titus of Ebonite, I had great input for future layouts to maximize my potential. Thank you to Hammer/Ebonite for bringing fun back to bowling. Also, I graciously thank Competition Bowling and Trophy who coordinated the demo day.        
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: The_Spirit on November 19, 2003, 05:33:22 PM
Big Blue was drilled up for length configuration and delivered pure arcing performance on long - 52, medium -48, and short -36 oil patterns. Big Blue does have a predictable backend, but not as angular or forceful as the other new Hammers in heavy oil. Maybe it was the drill pattern, but even with slow speed, I could not make it hook as hard as the others, but it does have a even arc pattern. It worked better for me in medium and light oil, but must be kept "oil-free" on each shot. Leaving oil on the ball sent some shots wide and it did not recover as well as the skid/flip balls did, having the "pocket" hits with some pin deflection. Big Blue will find a home for those who frequent medium oil shots and want a medium arc to the pocket.

--------------------
T. Michael Crosby
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: JuniorsProShop - Bobby on December 04, 2003, 01:17:58 AM
We drilled this one up for our #1 customer, over the label, pin next to ring finger, no hole. He usually uses 16lbs, but decided to begin trying 15lbs. He bowled the first shift of league, fresh house pattern, synthetic lanes. Smooth as silk is all I can say. This ball is a smooth character. Pretty clean through the fronts, with a smooth, not flippy move to the pocket. Ball is a roller without quit. It never makes a giant move, but a smooth and continuous move to the hole. Hitting power - amazing. Even with the drop in weight, this ball was hitting hard. I left after the first two games, 250, 240. ball is definitely good. Haven't seen such a smooth roller in a while. Hammer has done a great job with this one. Well worth the wait in the tweek of the coverstock.

At the end of the second game, when the track seemed to be burning a little, it seemed to be rolling a little too strong, but the ball wasn't designed to play the dry boards. Keep this ball in the oil and you will score some high numbers. Looks like a keeper.
--------------------
Robert Gogolak
Sales at Junior's Pro Shop
visit us at:
http://www.juniorsbowlingshop.com
Full online pro shop with very, very competitive pricing.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Postel on December 18, 2003, 03:40:09 PM
Had this baby drilled pin under ring finger, CG 2 inches out and and a hair below midline, Mass Bias located below and right of thumb, and weight hole close to CG sanded to 1000 grit.

Ball rolls very early for me and is so contollable.  My game doesn't need skid snap like most bowlers need because I'm more of a power stroker.  This ball is just so nice to roll heavy and still get down the lane pretty good.  The fact that it doesn't flare much is a bonus, too.

Another fantastic ball by Hammer, looking into getting the Power Diesel for backend in the future.
--------------------
That is all,

Postel
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Ron Ware on December 19, 2003, 12:57:56 AM
This ball is absolutely AWESOME!!  It lives up to all of its hype and then some...

I had one dull and polished one up just the other day and shot an 802 in league play.  Only left two sevens (obviously I'm a lefty) and those were ringing so bad I thought it was my cell phone going off!  Seriously, this strong midlane ball gives you the even arc on the backend with its low flare.  It's a monster that you can tame for consistency.  If there is oil in the heads, then this ball should be the first one out of your arsenal.

You heard about it, read about it, and now it's time for you to actually see it in ACTION!  You won't regret this BULLY.

NOTHING HITS LIKE A HAMMER!!!!
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: thegame on December 21, 2003, 05:53:33 PM
Had my Big Blue drilled with the pin under the bridge, and the CG kicked out to the right, HMB in the 75 degree position, similar to drilling #2 on the Hammer layout sheet.  This is truly a unique ball reaction.  Tried it on two different conditions yesterday, the first was after the Saturday morning junior leagues, and what I noticed was how early the ball got into a roll, but after it began it's hook, it began covering boards in a slow, methodical manner.  I often have trouble with throwing the ball with too much speed, and really had to watch my speed control with this ball, since it doesn't have that hard jerky backend reaction seen on most balls today.  Once I did that, it was awesome, the ball has such a predictable reaction it's almost unfair.  The continuation of this ball through the pins is amazing, it just keeps driving once it makes it's turn toward the pocket.  The second shot was at my Saturday night league, on re-oiled lanes after birthday parties and cosmic bowling.  Not sure if there was too much carrydown for it or what, but had no trouble getting to the pocket, but left more corners than I had on the other shot, didn't experiment too much with it since it was league, but this is an excellent release from Hammer, and I look forward to having a ball reaction to go to, that few other bowlers may have the luxury of having in their bag.  If you're looking for a very smooth rolling, predictable ball that can deliver power at the pins, the Big Blue would be an excellent choice.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: dave__jrbowler on December 30, 2003, 01:37:24 AM
I got this ball about two weeks ago and it is awesome. I got this drilled with the pin next to the ring finger and the cg an inch and a half the index finger. the hmb is about three inches right of the thumbhole. I wanted the hmb next to the thumb but the guy that drilled didn't know what he was doin. With this ball I can throw it faster and wont have to worry about it not coming back. I definitely choose this ball on the oil pattern. It revs up easy and hits like a bomb. I absolutely love this ball and i reccomend the hammer big blue for most style of bowlers.

NOTHING HITS LIKE A HAMMER!
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: tomtom123 on January 12, 2004, 12:24:52 AM
what a great controllable ball. got mine drilled pin 8 oclock for fullroller drill.on house shot had all the inside i wanted and knew the ball would come back with a smoth arc and blast the pocket. played on a sport shot today the middle was flooded ansd had a 6 board out of bounds ball reacted good but had to slow it down for any kind of angel to the pocket. ball gets dirty real easy need to clean real good after every set. this is another winner from hammer with monster hit. got this ball from buddies great fast service i give this oil ball a big blue 10.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: pba6285 on January 29, 2004, 09:28:00 AM
I punched up this ball in memory of my old blue hammers.  O degree mass bias  cg on axis  with the pin between the axis point and the Center of grip.  Big weight hole on the Axis point.  (The old Axis leverage layout for the Original Blue Hammers).   I used the ball in league immediately after drilling the ball up.  I didn't bowl all that well, (low 600) but I was extremely satisfied with the ball reaction.  Ball gets into a roll early and doesn't over react.  Hits like the Blue Hammer of Old.

Rick Oelkers
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: ehbowl300 on February 19, 2004, 10:47:40 PM
i got this ball for midlane roll but i wanted this ball to work with going from the wet to the dry i am happy with the reaction of the ball, i am looking forward to trying the Big Blue Pearl
--------------------
Mitta Eh no stoppin
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: tommymo on March 01, 2004, 10:15:26 AM
This is the first Hammer I have bought since Ebonite took over.  I got this ball from my new ball driller Doug Sterner a few days ago and have been very pleased.  I am not sure of the type of pin placement it is, sorry, I wanted it for soupy conditions.  I have got about 10 games on it now and I really like the predictability and roll this thing has.  I took it to 2 different houses with heavier oil patterns and watched this thing go.  I was able to pipe the ball up ten and watch it make it's continuous move to the 1-2.  So far I am happy with the results.
--------------------
the hell if i know
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Phenom88 on March 07, 2004, 12:41:51 AM
I need a ball that i could get a better midlane roll and i have got it in this ball. If i can't swing my Raging Inferno i can go up 10 and hit the pocket. i can't wait to get my hands on the Big Blue Pear i thin that will also be a great ball created by Hammer.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Hamburglar on March 10, 2004, 01:42:52 PM
#15, 2"-3" pin, 2.5 oz top weight...drilling #2 for the Big Blue on the Hammer website...

First time I've ever rolled a Hammer and the first time I've ever rolled a high mass bias, particle ball. All I can say is...WOW! This ball has an unbelievably smooth action to it, good through the heads with a good midlane read and a strong back end arc...not snappy like my Bruiser. Last night, I started by playing my normal shot (down and in between frist and second arrow) but the Big Blue had too much back end and crossed over with its strong movement. I moved left on the approach and began swinging the ball out to about the 4th or 5th board...the strong back end move was perfect for this line! When the ball hit the pocket, it had a great drive through the pins and created some very good pin action. I am very impressed with the Big Blue Hammer and look forward to using it more.


--------------------
That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: meyouem on March 21, 2004, 02:58:45 PM
  Well this should be my last ball but I decided to throw all old balls away to the pro... this ball well been using for some weeks and since it got a hammer logo near the white dot and should sound good.... Should I buy the pearl again? Only if I stop keeping the old balls... but if I am buying... One more only and never more....

This ball although the backend does not go in as wild the flare actually can move into place well of course for a lazy man like me, I want backend. but this thing force me into sports.... I guess if you are doing the right release, and want to make the ground shake..... --------------------
I actually dont know what I want & dont know what I am doing...
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: e_hammer on April 20, 2004, 10:22:10 PM
i was waiting for two months for some oil and finally found it at the 101st
michigan mens state championship.16 straight for 300 and $480.00 bucks
in one set.they all said it's to much ball even drilled pin up.the fifty
guys behind me said it was perfect!thanks hammer for another 300.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: The Conquerer on May 02, 2004, 12:38:04 AM
OK, gang!

My Big Blue was drilled for a deep inside line with a strong backend move, the typical tournament shot. The pin is 1-2 inches from CG and at 5:30 from the ring finger. HMB is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches away at 4:30 from the thumb hole. This is the first ball out of my bag in both NABI and ABT events. Nice and clean through the heads, solid roll in the midlane and simply crushes the pins. Put the ball away if the heads dry out or you'll be throwing a limp dish rag down the lane. Also, if you miss your mark to the left, it's 7-10 city.

BTW, I've yet to shoot below 600 with this ball in league. Keep moving left for fresh oil and it will still be HAMMER TIME!!!!
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Drillmn300 on September 01, 2004, 01:57:00 AM
Even though the Pearl and this solid look identical on paper there has to be some difference in them other than the polish. Drilled this one up with a     5x5-1/2 and could not believe the difference, I was looking for an easy push and somthing I could play down and in with and this ball is the answer. 300 first game with out of box finish and ended up with a 742 and a clean night, I made a few minor adjustments and never paid the big price for any of them. If your looking to get that arc back in your game and still hit the pocket with the power of the big hooking equipment then you should give this a try right away. I have to thank Jason for staying after me with this one or I would have given up on any reps they have working for them.



Drill
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: g_thing on October 11, 2004, 12:21:49 AM
Had this ball, operative being had.

The ball was drilled more so to get the arc back in with a little more kick in the backend as well.  For the most part, the ball allowed me to play around 10 kicking out a little with a nice arc back to the pocket.  Or I could, if needed, play straight up outside and walk it in.

Either way, the ball held real well, carried great and generally had little to no problems.  The only thing I saw that it didn't like was the carrydown.  The ball just didn't seem to have enough in it to get through it.  Perhaps a little less side weight might have helped, but that's why we have other balls....to bring out when this sort of thing happens.

I did sell the ball (Toon says he still loves it) and was able to shoot my sanction high of 299 with it.  At times, I do wish I had another one to play around with.  Maybe to tweak the cover or something.

Recommend the ball though without a doubt.  As most have noted, don't go expecting this thing to turn on a dime.  Count on a nice arc....OLD SCHOOL....Faball style!!
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Deadbait on October 12, 2004, 09:00:10 PM
If you think straight is great, this ball may be for you.  Box finish is too dull.   Come up to 800 to 1000- matte and let it fly.   Back row carry is pretty good.  This ball will shine if you need to roll up on the backend instead of flip.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Deadbait on October 15, 2004, 01:26:05 AM
Stop the presses....Shined up the Big Blue with 600 grit polish over a 600 grit sand.  This ball gets long and turns the corner as good as anything I've seen. Anyone disappointed in the ball should shine it up and give it a whirl before you dump it.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Sir Lefty on March 20, 2005, 02:39:47 PM
I got this ball about a year ago and didn't like it. it would hook way to
early or won't break at all on some conditions. The ball has been sitting for
sometime now. And just last month I start using in practice and have been in awe at the ball now. I seems to work great now that is broken in and i never clean it. Just wipe it at the ball return but that is it. I shot last week during league 227-268-259 not bad after getting ready to throw the ball out a window
  Leave it dirty works better

  Ball 8/10
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Let It Rip on May 05, 2005, 02:11:56 AM
Nothing good about this ball out of the box, played with it for a few weeks and liked it much better one the ball picked up some fill. Still not my favorite ball, tends to be a condition specific ball for me. This ball is not what I was looking for! My Columbia Wow hits harder and turns the corner harder then this ball! Oh well, not every ball is for everyone!

likes: The ball controls the lane well, needs some back ends if it is going to hit strong. If there is any carry down this ball hits like a wet noodle.
Dislikes: If there is any carry down this ball hits like a wet noodle. Ball is not very strong on heavy oil, more of a medium heavy oil ball.
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: Gene J Kanak on April 02, 2007, 01:17:47 PM
Drilled pin under ring, cg kicked right, LMB right of thumb, slight shine

Pros: Very versatile
      Solid hit, carry

Cons: None that I can find

Overall: This ball really, really surprised me. I picked it up without any real expectations and have been thoroughly impressed. I have not tried the ball at its 500 grit box finish, so I can't really say whether or not it's a good heavy oil ball, as it was advertised. What I can tell you is that with a slight shine this ball offers a great deal of versatility on medium patterns.

I can play up the edge of the track and watch it arc home all day long, feed it wide and watch it come swinging back, or move into the oil a bit and just watch it roll heavy and destroy the rack. Simply put, I feel like I can throw this ball just about anywhere.

Maybe Hammer missed the mark by dubbing this one a heavy-oil piece--like I said, I haven't tried it in box finish--but even if they did, they worked out an outstandingly predictable medium-oil ball. This is an outstanding tournament piece for sketchy patterns. If you want control, versatility, and hit, find yourself a Big Blue.
--------------------
I've only bowled 300, but I've benched 345

http://members.bowl.com/FindAMember/memberView.aspx?mp=519&ms=9130&s=2006-2007

Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: ups-44 on November 14, 2007, 04:49:53 PM
this ball is awsome,
this ball is a grenade when it hits the pocket, even if you miss the pocket high or low, for me anyways,  i throw this standing second dot from the left, shoot it over the 2nd arrow with good speed and it just  snaps near the back end and destroys the rack,  been told a few times that the pins seem to jump before the ball gets there cause they know whats comin, it just drives threw the pins so hard, not sure on the drillin pattern,  but i asked for it to be as agressive as possible, the dryer the lanes the better it works for me,  definanatly my first choice, im averagin 201 this hear high game 280 couple 260's  and i just came back from takin 4 yrs off,
Title: Re: Big Blue
Post by: 91FORD_SR on January 04, 2008, 11:07:28 PM
This ball is great. I started the season struggling with a 140 avg. and now i'm up to 170ish. The ball certainly does carry very good as long as it's close to the pocket, the only down side that I have found with it is that some times it does seem to be condition specific. But most nights the big blue is the only ball to leave my bag.