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HIGH PERFORMANCE
- Color: HD Jet Black
- Coverstock: GTR III Solid
- Core: High Mass-Bias Gas Mask Core w/ Flip Block
- Factory Finish: 500/1000/2000 Abralon, Polished w/ Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
- Reaction: Ultra Skid/Flip
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- RG: 16#-2.51, 15#-2.50, 14#-2.49, 13#-2.53, 12#-2.60
- RG Differential: 16#-.049, 15#-.060, 14#-.057, 13#-.055, 12#-.039
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
- Description: Hammer’s Taboo series balls are known for their strong finish. With the third edition of the aggressive Grand Theft Reactive coverstock, and the legendary Gas Mask core, the Taboo Jet Black not only gets down the lane, she finishes hard too. There’s nothing sweet about this Taboo.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 4
Starting Top Weight: 2.25
Ball Weight: 15lb 5 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5.15
CG to PAP: 4.85
X Hole (if there is one): 4.75
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 350-550
Ball Speed: 15-18
PAP/Track: 5.5 x .2
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Out of Box
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Polished
Volume: 26.5ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: Mid to long
Back End: Strong
Overall Hook: Strong/controlled
COMMENTS
Likes: SO far like the ball and really love the look of the JET Black. Too early to really say how much I will like. However, it fits in with my Brick and gets down the lane. Will give better review after 10 games on house and sport. ON LOOKS ALONE!!! GREAT TO HAVE AN ALL BLACK HAMMER...YES...
Dislikes:
VISE AMATEUR STAFF
HAMMER AMATEUR STAFF
USBC SILVER CERTIFIED COACH
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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"
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BOWLER STYLE
PAP/Track: 5 1/8” x 1” up
Axis Rotation: 25 degrees
Axis Tilt: 12 degrees
Rev Rate: 440
Ball Speed: 18-20mph
LANE CONDITION
Type:
THS (39' - South Point (medium oil) & 40’ Gold Coast (heavier oil) in Las Vegas, NV),
Kegel Middle Road, Kegel Main Street
DRILL PATTERN / LAYOUT
Ball #1
Pin In/Down: 70 x 4 1/2 x 60
(Surface – box finish 2000 Abralon w/ Factory Finish Polish)
Ball #2
Pin Up: 45 x 5 x 45 with hole on PAP
(Surface – box finish 2000 Abralon w/ Factory Finish Polish)
COMMENTS
With the last release in the popular Taboo line, this ball may be the best out of all three for all styles of bowlers. My first reaction of the news of this ball is this is what we needed in the Taboo line. This ball IS the closest thing to the original Black Widow as this is a little longer & more angular than the original popular Widow (my favorite).
Even with the box surface (2000 Abralon w/ Factory Finish), the Taboo Jet Black actually handles the medium - medium/heavy patterns very well. This Taboo is much cleaner than the others with a bigger backend motion (yet controllable) than any Hammer ball to date.
The Taboo Jet Black not only looks great, but compliments the Hammer product line very well. This ball was used & very popular with a lot of various Ebonite staffers this week at the Masters.
I also played with the surface on one of my Taboo Jet Black by adjusting the surface to 4000 Abralon on my pin up ball (ball #2), and this gives me a little earlier read, but still has that strong yet controllable motion in the backends. This ball is very versatile just like the original Black Widow & will be a perfect compliment for those needing a longer ball than the original Taboo.
Get ready to add this great looking ball to your arsenal. The release date is Thursday February 2nd.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/Plowboy300/January272012301.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/Plowboy300/January272012302.jpg
Mike "Plowboy" Thompson
Hammer Amateur Staff Member
"Nothing Hits Like a Hammer!"
A proud member of the Red Sox Nation!!
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Hammer Taboo Jet Black
Weight: 15#
Top Weight: 3.5 oz & 3.25 oz.
Layouts:
# 1 - 60x4.5x60
# 2 - 70x5x20
First Impressions:
A lot of backend motion for a polished solid ball.
General Thoughts:
This ball is quite angular for a solid but I have seen even sharper angular motion than this one. Would be a great go to ball once the heads are a tad fried.
Comparison:
Versus the Taboo - The original can handle more oil due to surface. The Jet Black goes about 5 feet longer downlane before the ball even thinks of making a move off the friction.
Versus the Taboo B/S - The Jet Black is slightly more angular even though the B/S has a hint of pearl in the cover. The Taboo series has gone from the most aggressive (Original Taboo), to middle of the road ball (Taboo Blue/Silver) to the most length and backend (Taboo Jet/Black).
Versus the Brick - The Brick has the same cover as the original Taboo mixed with a hybrid blend but is still more aggressive overall than the Jet Black. On heavier volumes you could start out with the Brick and as the heads start to burn up, you can make the switch to the Jet Black for more length and still angle on the back.
Versus the Epidemic - Jet Black is more aggressive and earlier, due to weightblock and cover in my opinion. The Epidemic is the longest downlane motion Hammer has to offer for me; thus, extremely angular in comparison just a tad bit more than the Jet Black.
Overall conclusion:
If pieces like the Arson do not make the turn, even in its polished state the Jet Black will give you more motion and pop on the backend. If the Epidemic goes too long, you can put the Jet Black in your hands with confidence that it will move for you. This ball also can help once stronger pieces like the Taboo and Brick become too much for the lane to handle and the heads are burnt up.
Thanks for reading and God Bless!
-Michael-
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
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Layout: Dual Angle - 57 degrees X 5 1/8” x 42 degrees
Pin X CG – 5 1/8” X 4 15/16”
Surface: 500, 1000, 2000 Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish
Axis: 5 ¼” Right; 7/8” Up
Rev Rate: 420 – 460 RPMs
Ball speed: 17.5 – 18.5 MPH
Lane Condition: 39’ House Pattern
The Jet Black Taboo is the latest release from Hammer and is anything short of disappointing. This new release gives the market something that has not been done for quite some time, the release of a polished, solid, reactive cover stock in the high performance area of bowling balls. Like the other Taboo releases, the Jet Black features the Dual density Gas Mask shaped core. Just in the little time that this ball has been released it has been an absolute treat to experience. I was on the PBA tour truck when I first saw this ball and at first glance it reminded me of the original Black Widow. With my arsenal the Jet Black adds a whole new look when playing the lanes. When on fresh, the Jet Black tends to be very clean through the front and really strong down lane with out of the box surface. To test the versatility, I lightly hit the ball with a 2000 grit Abralon pad to simulate wear on the cover-stock. The ball motion became smoother through the transition from oily parts of the lane to the drier parts, allowing me to close down the angle needed to keep the ball from facing up down lane. Later in the testing I moved in between 4th and 5th arrow, in which the ball created an over/under reaction if it did not find a friction spot down lane. Finally, from all angles the Jet Black Taboo generates unbelievable power through the pin deck.
Derrick S. Woods
a.k.a Tool Box
Mike Austin's Bowling Dynamix
4225 Bellaire Blvd Suite B
Houston, TX 77025
www.bowlingdynamix.com
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LANE CONDITION
Length: THS / USBC RED & BLUE
Volume: 28
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Likes: This is a GREAT example of why " Nothing Hits Like A Hammer ! ! ! " . This ball has more than 98% of anything and everything you're look for in a ball. My first Taboo was the overseas Red Taboo and it was a great ball on the fresh oil but struggled through the carry-down , but the Jet Black Taboo has no problem with carry-down, fresh oil or medium oil patterns as the lanes break down. This is my go to "and move my feet if I have to" ball, because it reads the lanes out loud and strong with every throw. Hammer has out done itself with this ball and anyone who wants a ball that reflects who they are on the lanes needs to purchase this ball. MAYBE TWO for the hard of hearing or for the hard to convince .
Dislikes: I couldn't say 100% in my above statement due to the fact nothing's perfect .
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:med
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):ths
Likes:great energy retention w/ HARD arc on the back. great recovery to the right
Dislikes: limited miss room to the left
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS, Sport Pattern etc
Likes: Taboo Jet Black is a factory polished solid reactive, which gets down lane easily, even when the heads start to fry a bit, and when it hits the hook spot......look out!
First attempt was a 55x5x35 which gave me an excellent look at "opening up" the lane when there is friction to the right. This really rminds me of a polished original Black Widow which was one of the biggest selling balls of all time and my personal favorite.
Second ball I went with a 35x5x30 to start revving a bit earlier through the midlane. So far these two balls compliment each other really well.
Jet Black goes longer and flips harder than the Brick, Blue Silver, and original Taboo. Gets down the lane as easy as the Arson but has a stronger backend motion. In the description, when it says ultra skid/flip......that's what you get!
Dislikes: Ball can be a little touchy down lane if you don't get it to the dry spot.
NOTHING hits like a HAMMER
K Gmach
Hammer Amateur Staff
USBC Certified Coach
Go BREWERS!
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Lane Condition:
40Ft Medium/Medium Heavy THS
Brunswick Synthetics
Ball Specs:
15lb 2 oz
2 inch pin
2.5 oz top
Dual Angle Layout:
55x4x70 pin down
Bowler Specs:
PAP: 5 over 1 up
350 revs
15-16 mph
Comments:
Likes: Strong move to the pocket!! 4000 abralon surface!
Dislikes: Factory Polish
First night out with ball I struggled mightily on the fresh. It was too clean! Ball never made the turn hard enough to carry. It looked good, but no carry at all. As the night went on it got better as the lanes started to dry up in the heads. I wasnt sure if I was going to like it. Then comes night two, my proshop guy watched me throwing the ball in game one and told me I was blowing past the break point. He took it into shop and hit the ball for 15 seconds on two sides with a 4000 abralon pad. Good thing this was a non sanctioned league! WOW what a difference!!! After a struggling 191 game, I came back with 230 and 279! The ball became a beast! Still very very clean but handled the oil much better! Also carried everything!!
The next day I go shoot a 6 game tourney on medium heavy oil and synthetics~ WOW again, the ball is incredibly versatile. The rules consisted of moving a pair right each game for six games. The shot was all over the place depending on the pair, I never switched balls! Playing one set straight up 6 and another playing 22 to 8. The ball is very versatile at this surface and carried at every angle. All you have to do is throw the ball correctly and it will do its job!
I have always had great luck with polished solids and usually have a hard time with any solid ball as the heads start to go, but this ball(4000 abralon) seemed to clear the burning heads well and also handled some medium to medium heavy oil well. The Roto Grip Nomad Solid(factory 1500 polished) has been my favorite ball for years!!! I have had nightmares about it being discontinued and never finding another. This ball has quickly made me forget that! The Jet Black is a bit stronger than my beloved Nomad, but even more versatile! I have not been a huge Hammer fan over the years with the exception of the Vibe series, but this ball may change that perception! It is a keeper!
My Arsenal:
Nano.............................55x4.25x45..........500/2000
Raging Bull Charged.....45x4.5x40..........4000 polished,OB
Taboo Jet Black.............55x4x70.............4000
Nomad Solid..................60x4.5x35...........1500 polished
Pink Panther Pearl..........60x4.5x40...........OB, 6421 2x compound+polish
Chainsaw SOS................45x5.25x40........OB, 4000 polished
Taboo Spare...................50x4x30.............OB
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):ths
Likes:fantastic hold, and powerful back end. I throw a full roller with the pin out 10 1/4" from the center of the grip. This requires a top weight of 2.5 oz or less in order to make the ball legal. I just bought the Jet Black after watching a friend throw his. He throws a 3/4 roller and his back end reaction increased by 5-6 boards. I know most of you will have disdain for the full roller I throw but my league averages have all been between 203 and 216 for the last 28 years. I am now 71 years old. The Jet Black while still new to me, (I have only 15 games on it) is the most awesome ball I have ever thrown, my average with it is 243.
Dislikes: I'll have to buy another one or two and put them away so I will be able to replace this one when it burns out.
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Hammer Taboo Jet Black
Weight: 15 lb
First Impressions:
Very smooth but allows a lot of angle for a solid
General Thoughts:
Great ball for heavy house patterns. Finds the pocket with ease.
Comparison:
Compared to the taboo blu/sil for me this ball just gives me a little more of everything. Control is huge with it. Although the blue/sil was one of my favorite balls this one is all of that plus more. More energy at the pins more carry just has much angle everything that's loved about the taboo line just more!
Overall:
Just another one of the greats from Hammer. Very easy to control finds the pocket and knocks them down. Allows room for error being less snappy and more of a smooth roll. But at the same time gives enough angle to kick the corners. Get one in your hand and you wont want to put it down. I don't!
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I purchased this ball after the fall leagues ended, used it in the summer on a heavier / longer pattern. I'm a stroker, not a big cranker. For me, this ball will work, when the lanes break down. It's very smooth and consistent, with good hitting power. I have mine drilled pin above ring finger and when the lanes are drier, this ball will work for me. So far, I'm happy with it, I just have to use it on specific conditions.
Thanks...