BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3-4"
Starting Top Weight:
Ball Weight: 15lb
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 70 x 4 7/8 x 40
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one): none
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: approx 325
Ball Speed: 16-18 mph off hand/14-15 down lane
PAP/Track: 4 5/8 x 0
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 3000 box
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 40' for both patterns.
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Condition 1: Highway to Hell. Condition 2: Athens.
BALL REACTION
Length: On both patterns the Taboo Bl/Slv got through the heads very clean and got to the break point without issue. Compared to the original Taboo, this one is a few feet longer down the lane.
Back End: The move off the spot for this ball is definitely more pronounced than the Taboo. It reads the friction stronger and is more angular, yet predictable.
Overall Hook: Overall, I would say the Taboo Bl/Slv is a stronger backend type of ball compared to the Taboo. The Taboo is a better choice if there is more volume or if you need an earlier break point. Board for board, I would say both balls are pretty even, just at different parts of the lane.
Midlane Read: The ball does not skip past the break through the midlane. The Grand Theft Reactive II cover isn't afraid of oil. I think keeping the cover at 3000 is best.
Breakpoint Shape: As I stated above. The breakpoint is more angular than the original Taboo. It's not "hockey stick" sharp, but it makes a noticeable move once it hits the friction.
COMMENTS
Likes: So far on the two sport patterns I'm bowling on, the Taboo Bl/Slv is a great first ball out of the bag. I can play a nice tight line early and move in as the shot breaks down. Once I get past the second transition however, the ball becomes too strong and I have to put it away. I love the roll and the predictable movement out of this ball. Just like every Hammer, it keeps the pins low and is continuous once it makes it's move. If you liked the Taboo and just need more length and a stronger move at the break...this is the ball.
Dislikes: None so far.
Brian O'Mara
Beginr's To Pro's Pro Shop
Rochester, NY
Hammer Amateur Staff member since 2002
Edited on 10/3/2011 at 3:07 PM
LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS and Sport
Likes:The 3000 grit box finish of the new GTRII pearl coverstock allows this Taboo to get through the heads a little easier than even a polished original Taboo. The "can't miss" gas mask core of the Black Widow fame helps create the midlane move and still saves some for the backend. When the original Taboo loses a little pop by moving too deep, this will get that energy saving ease through the fronts and give you that couple extra boards of driving hook.
Dislikes:
NOTHING hits like a HAMMER
K Gmach
Hammer Amateur Staff
USBC Certified Coach
Go BREWERS!
Hammer Taboo Blue/Silver
Weight: 15#/15#
Top Weight: 3.25 oz./3 oz.
Pin: 2-3"/3-4"
Layout:
#1 - 45x5x50 - Pin at 12. CG slightly kicked. No Weight Hole.
#2 - 70x5x20 - Pin Below Bridge. CG in negative quadrant. No Weight Hole.
First Impressions:
#1 - Definitely more length downlane but overall more aggressive finish on the backend. More backend reaction than the Original Taboo.
#2 - Earlier read in the front but still with decent length and no burn out down the lane on the backend.
General Thoughts:
The Taboo Blue/Silver will benefit lower rev players with slightly higher ball speed. While the original Taboo works great in heavier volumes of oil, the Taboo Blue/Silver gives you the overall aggressiveness of a HP ball without the burnout down lane. This ball keeps on going and takes a left turn at the slightest hint of friction.
Higher rev players may have trouble keeping this ball right with 4.5" to 5" layouts.
Comparison/Contrast:
Versus the original Taboo
Can match up on same volumes of oil as its original counterpart, just will not burn up nearly as quick.
Versus the Arson
More aggressive than the Arson and not as touchy. Arson can cover its fair share of oil but when the Arson cannot make the turn, the Taboo Blue/Silver will
Versus the Epidemic
Earlier read and definitely not as late downlane as the Epidemic. Epidemic and Taboo Blue/Silver share skid/snap qualities but the length down lane between the two is like night and day.
Final Conclusion:
If you desire a harder break on the backend then you will no problems with the new Taboo/Blue Silver.
Michael Price - Office Manager
McCorvey's Pro Shop Staff
Phone: (256) 539-1560
McCorvey's Pro Shop - VISIT OUR BRAND NEW ONLINE STORE!
http://www.mccorveysproshop.com/
Hammer Pro Shop Regional Staff
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 inches
Starting Top Weight: 2 Oz
Ball Weight: 15.04
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4.5 inches
60 x 4.5 x 45
X Hole (if there is one): P3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: med-high
Ball Speed: med
PAP/Track: 5 1/4 over + 7/8 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 3000 OOB
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): matte
Volume: Kegel Sunset Strip Challenge shot
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): challenge
BALL REACTION
Length: good
Back End: hard arc
Overall Hook:High
Midlane Read: late
COMMENTS
Ball gave me good length throughout the pattern. Very suitable to the inside angles and the ball rolled up strong off the break. I compared this to my Arson which reads the mids a little sooner and may just hook slightly more than the B/S. Nice thing about the B/S was I was able to play in about 8-10 boards deeper than everyone else, never making any Huge moves all night. After the lanes really got broken down the B/S got way to strong.
All in all I found this ball to be a good fit in my arsenal. Seems like this ball will skid a long ways and react very hard to the friction upon exiting the pattern. I think this and the Arson will be up there in my Tournament Heavy oil equipment
'I'm Partial to the Fugue' - Radar O'Reilly
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3.5
Starting Top Weight: 3
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5
CG to PAP: 4.5
X Hole (if there is one): none
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: HI
Ball Speed: 17-20
PAP/Track:
SURFACE PREP
Grit: OB and Polished
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length:40, 41, 43
Volume: 24-28 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): HS, TS
BALL REACTION
Length: Fair
Back End: Arc to snap
Overall Hook: Strong
Midlane Read:Heavy
Breakpoint Shape:
COMMENTS
Likes: I really like the TB when matching up with the Taboo. However, I actually preferred it 1000 grit and polished with factory finish. The ball performed well but need volume up front or you have roll out when using OB. More to follow!
Dislikes:
VISE AMATEUR STAFF
HAMMER AMATEUR STAFF
USBC SILVER CERTIFIED COACH
IBPSIA ADVANCED CERTIFIED
Pro Connection
Bowlers Map
DigiTrax
NOTHING HITS LIKE A HAMMER
"See my vise as it rolls down the lane....you can't it revs too much"
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3-4"
Starting Top Weight:1 1/2oz
Ball Weight:14lb 5oz
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:dual angle(45x4 1/2x30)
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):1/2 below midline just before val 7/8dia x 2"deep
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:550
Ball Speed:18
PAP/Track:5 7/8> 3/4^
SURFACE PREP
Grit:3000(oob)
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):dull(oob)
LANE CONDITION
Length:44ft
Volume:med/hevay
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):(usbc red)
BALL REACTION
Length:great length for being dull
Back End:plenty of angle but its extremely controllable
Overall Hook:high
Midlane Read:great transition
Breakpoint Shape:hocky stick
COMMENTS
Likes: my favorite aspect of this ball is how i can use it all 3 games without a hitch ball saves pleny for the pins and carry is amazing...i have to say this is the best rolling ball for me that i have purchased, along with my taboo pearl i purchased a epidemic and grape vibe which are both amazing balls but neither works as welll as the taboo pearl for me
Dislikes: wish the spare was readily available and not 2-4weeks out
TABOO SPARE BALL REVIEW.
I didn't see an option for reviewing the Taboo Spare, so I am posting on the Taboo Pearl icon. Mods, please create section for this review and move as you see fit.
BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 3-4 inches
Starting Top Weight - 3
Ball Weight - 15.4
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP - 3 7/8 in.
Pin just above and to the right of the ring finger. Cg and MB 1 inch right of vertical grip line.
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400
Ball Speed - 16-17
PAP/Track - 4 5/8 left and 5/8 up
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
Pic
Vids
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-W...75408269205990 SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - 2000 grit abralon
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length - 35 ft
Volume - medium
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) - Xmas tree. House with guardian heads
BALL REACTION
Length - 8/10
Back End - 4/10
Overall Hook - 3/10
Midlane Read - 4/10
Breakpoint Shape - Lots of flare, but not a ton of hook. Smooth turn to the pocket
COMMENTS
Carry - The ball may be made out of plastic, but the core produces a lot of flare, and it helps the ball to drive through the pins when it hits.
Likes - Great for dry lanes, it gives another option below urathane
Dislikes - Ball is still made out of plastic, so transition can cause the ball to skid out
Other - Ball is designed for a specific purpose. Dry lanes. This is my go to ball game 6 of men's travel league at the driest houses in Houston. If you bowl a condition with dry lanes, give this ball a try. Plastic that hooks is a great concept in my opinion.
Videos will be posted on my shops Facebook page.
The Dead Wood Pro Shop Staff
Not on any manufacturer staff, just a pro shop owner that wants the best equipment in my bag
DeadWood Pro Shop
9307 Boone Road
Houston, TX 77099
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Wood-Pro-Shop/175408269205990
BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 3-4 inches
Starting Top Weight - 3
Ball Weight - 15.4
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP - 4.5 in.
Pin 1/4 inches above my bridge, with cg kicked 1 inch right of vertical grip line
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400
Ball Speed - 16-17
PAP/Track - 4 5/8 left and 5/8 up
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
Pic
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=13eed10974
Vids
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-W...75408269205990
SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - 2000 grit abralon
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length - 35 ft
Volume - medium
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) - Xmas tree. House with guardian heads
BALL REACTION
Length - 7/10
Back End - 10/10
Overall Hook - 9/10
Midlane Read - 7/10
Breakpoint Shape - picks up at about 35 ft for me, skids then flips to the left.
COMMENTS
Carry - Great pin action. Clears the deck with authority.
Likes - I was one of the few people that didn't like the Black Widow Series. But I just had the urge to drill this ball. Gave it a try, and love the reaction.
Dislikes - The new popular cover combination for high end balls is super strong dull pearl balls. The problem with this is that pearl balls by nature are going to shine them selves up at least a little bit.
Other - I decided to take the ball to a lower grit, drill the ball a little stronger, and added some rough buff to the ball and found a great consistent reaction.
This is the ball that made me really give Hammer another look at their line up from top to bottom. Needless to say, I am pleasantly surprised.
Videos posted on my shops Facebook page.
The Dead Wood Pro Shop Staff
Not on any manufacturer staff, just a pro shop owner that wants the best equipment in my bag
DeadWood Pro Shop
9307 Boone Road
Houston, TX 77099
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Wood-Pro-Shop/175408269205990