Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
- Color: Black/Purple/Blue
- Coverstock: Grand Theft Reactive
- Core: High Mass-Bias Gas Mask Core
- Factory Finish: 800/1000/2000/2000 Abralon
- 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/Heavy to Heavy Oil
- Description: Hammer Bowling’s original rule breaker is at it again. Introducing the hot new Taboo. First we started with the venerable Black Widow core. Then we wrapped it in our brand new Grand Theft Reactive Coverstock. And, as if that wasn’t enough, It’s our first ball to be poured with our game-changing HD color process. What’s that mean for you? Far more hook and continuation in the backend culminating in a ball that just strikes more.
- Coverstock: Grand Theft Reactive
- Core: High Mass-Bias Gas Mask Core
- Factory Finish: 800/1000/2000/2000 Abralon
- 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/Heavy to Heavy Oil
- Description: Hammer Bowling’s original rule breaker is at it again. Introducing the hot new Taboo. First we started with the venerable Black Widow core. Then we wrapped it in our brand new Grand Theft Reactive Coverstock. And, as if that wasn’t enough, It’s our first ball to be poured with our game-changing HD color process. What’s that mean for you? Far more hook and continuation in the backend culminating in a ball that just strikes more.
Post by: cbyrne on January 11, 2011, 07:40:32 PM
Post by: cbyrne on January 11, 2011, 07:40:46 PM
Post by: robflun4 on January 12, 2011, 02:37:16 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 2-3"
Starting Top Weight: 3oz
Ball Weight: 14
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4 7/8
CG to PAP: 3 1/2
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 587
Ball Speed: 18-19
PAP/Track: 4 1/2---> 1/2 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: factoru
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 38' house shot
Volume: med oil
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
BALL REACTION
Length: Good length. 2000 abralon surface makes it pick up its roll a little early down lane!!
Back End: Strong and continuous!!
Overall Hook: BIG total hook with this ball!!
Midlane Read: Not so noticeable, all hook is at the back end of the lane!!
Breakpoint Shape: Very angular
COMMENTS
Likes: Best ball I've EVER thrown, easy to read and adjust, very predictable rolling ball, hits like a freight train, new HD coloring on the Taboo!! MUST have for any serious bowler, if not whoever your bowling against and they have this ball, they will be tough to beat!! Dont sleep on the best ball Hammer ever made... (my opinion)
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: stick pro on January 16, 2011, 02:18:47 PM
COMMENTS
Likes: Great ball rolls great bowled my best games ever with this ball, once i put some polish on the taboo it became a monster. I would recommend this ball to everyone.
Dislikes: None
Post by: ndendler on January 21, 2011, 03:39:44 PM
Post by: Jon Cosse on January 22, 2011, 08:46:11 AM
LANE CONDITION
Oily
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: Great addition to the Hammer lineup. My average (for new games thrown in league) has increased 10 pins so far due to this powerful bowling ball. My Taboo is drilled to travel down the lane farther and then break for the pocket. The strikes are strong, with seldom a ten pin standing after impact. The alleys I bowl on are oily, and this ball is definitely meant for oily conditions. As the alley dries, you have to move your spot, .... but no problem. I now have a straight (plastic) ball for spares as the late breaking hook is not easy for spare making. Its a ball everyone should have in their arsenal!!! JON
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: PASSDAMAYO88 on January 25, 2011, 12:26:07 AM
i was a little skeptic at first because i have never thrown a hammer ball because i am a storm/roto grip guy. but when i got this as a present, i thought, might as well. when i threw this, talk about back end reaction. this went from board 1 to right in the pocket as a buzzsaw. i was standing at the left gutter cap doing so. this ball is a must have.
Have a nice day
Post by: iloveisu on January 25, 2011, 06:49:36 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length: 42
Volume: heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): sport
COMMENTS
Likes: Loves oil
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
649 right out of the box.....I love this ball. It slams the pocket hard from many different angles. Very forgiving...don't pass up the chance to get one for your bag.
Post by: dballz on January 25, 2011, 10:41:28 AM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3-4"
Starting Top Weight: around 3
Ball Weight: 15.3
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: layout used - 50* x 5" x 40*
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one): x-hole located on the P2
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: moderate - have not been checked for a while
Ball Speed: moderate - have not been checked for a while
PAP/Track: 5 1/4" right and 3/4" up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: out of box
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): sanded, oob
LANE CONDITION
Length: 38' house shot, as well as some tournament patterns, that are longer
Volume: league - medium, tourneys - differs
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): league - League-multiple surfaces / houses & Tourneys
BALL REACTION
Length: gets down lane very well
Back End: strong, but not flippy.
Overall Hook: most that i have in my bag
Midlane Read: reads the midlane well, but most of reaction is down lane.
Breakpoint Shape: strong roll
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball was drilled to get down lane and clears the heads well. Reads the mids decently, but what I really like is how continuous it is down lane. It doesnt matterif it is in league, where I have to cover more boards or the tourney patterns where I have to square up a little bit more. May drill up another one, with a 45* x 4 1/2", pin down layout, to help read mids better and start up earlier. Think that will be a good 1-2 punch for tourney patterns.
Dislikes: none at this time
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: OneEighthBritish on January 25, 2011, 01:37:49 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 2-3"
Starting Top Weight: 2 1/4 oz.
Ball Weight: 15lb 4oz.
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 55* x 4 1/4" x 40*
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: ~280rpm
Ball Speed: ~16mph
PAP/Track: 5" over, 3/8" up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 2000 (box finish)
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 40' house shot
Volume: differs
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: Moderate
Back End: Strong & continuous. Turns hard left if you let it.
Overall Hook: High
Midlane Read: Moderate
Breakpoint Shape: Round, but angular on the backend (typical Black Widow shape for the most part)
COMMENTS
Likes: Carries well and kicks out corner pins as well as any ball I've ever had. Decent amount of forgiveness on a THS - it will hold line on a pull surprisingly well. Ball motion is similar to the Black Widow shape. I like how far I can play inside and have it still carry (notice I don't have too much hand). Goes longer than I would've thought, but still reads the mids well.
Dislikes: So far, I've found that it doesn't come back if you leak it too much outside on a THS. Has the characteristics of an oiler in this respect.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: RetiredJim on February 02, 2011, 05:16:05 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length: 39 ft
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Lanes 1&2 of Senior's Afternoon League, tough shot!!
COMMENTS
Likes: 1st game with this ball after 1/2 dozen practice shots - 300 game out of the box!!
Dislikes: A little too aggressive on later shots
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: bucsfan713 on February 06, 2011, 04:53:53 PM
First off, I just want to say I have been bowling Hammer for the last 5 years and love them. I am a Full Roller and have a 214 average. It is tough to match balls up for myself. I have thrown numerous balls that just didn't work out. I haven't bought a new ball in a couple of years, so I decided to pick up this ball. I have never thrown a ball that rolls this nice. I have it at OOB conditions. It gets down the lane with ease and then it just launches towards the pins. I can play inside or outside with this ball. With some more games, hopefully this can become the best ball in my bag (right now it's the BW Bite, numeorus 279+ and 792, 805). Maybe I can now get that long awaited 300.
Always trying to learn more about the game and make myself better.
Post by: Ehudakineyah on February 12, 2011, 03:11:36 AM
Age: 20
Average: 211 (Thursday Night Palisades)
Average: 211 (Thursday Night Palisades)
Style: 2 Handed/Right
Ball Speed: 20-21 Mph (Off hand)
18-19 Mph (At Pin Deck)
RPM: 580-630
Layout: 70 x 5" x 50 (Pin in Ring Finger)
Shots Thrown On:
Route 66
Route 66 (Shortened)
USBC Blue 1
USBC Blue 3
USBC 2010 Championship Pattern
PBA Shark
A little sketchy about this ball at first, since i didnt like the Hammer Plague and the Hammer Jigsaw Trap and kind of gave up on the Hammer line for a while... Until now.
Got this as seeing alot of people are liking it, and saw Bill O'Neil throw it on tv, and the ball looked awesome from my point of view :) And another Local bowler down here, Jarret Mizo, now on Team USA, said he liked the ball as well.
So reading up on this ball, this ball was supposed to be a really aggressive bowling ball, so i gave it a mild/control layout for me. 70 x 5" x 50 with the Pin in the ring finger. Same layout that is on my Track 715T.
Out of the box, the cover on the ball was way too strong for my liking. Ball got through the heads of the lane smooth and had a violent reaction in the back end of the lane. On a fresh Route 66 pattern, this ball really did impress me. But after the 2nd game, i had to put it back in the bag. Too much backend and it was reading the midlane too strong.
Cover Change: "Polished"
Now this ball is something that will stay in my arsenal for a long time :) just a little polish helped out this ball alot. Much smoother then it was before, the backend was still a little violent, but much more controllable. Now comes versatility by just adding polish on this ball.
Got through the heads smooth like before but smoothed out the violent reaction in the backend.
For people with high rev rates, i suggest polishing this ball or taking the cover down to 4000 abralon. And for strokers/tweeners, out of the box should be no problem. Just put on your favorite layout and it should work wonders :)
This ball has some amazing carry :) makes the pins fly, and it hasnt disappointed me yet. Its been through about 30+ games, and the cover has not died!!! thank you hammer :)
Will be posting videos soon after midterms are all done :)
And thank you for a great ball Hammer :)
Rating: 9.5/10
-Keene Inafuku
Current Arsenal:
Storm Anarchy
Storm HyRoad
Storm Virtual Gravity
Storm Natural Pearl
Ebonite Mission 2.0
Hammer Taboo (Polished)
Post by: jocephus7 on February 23, 2011, 09:12:10 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length:40' House Shot
Volume:Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):Top Hat
COMMENTS
Likes:Overall I really like the ball. It allows me to open up a little and give myself more room for error because it has such a great recovery on the backend. What I have personally noticed about this ball is how well it carries light hits. There are nights that I bowl that because of how the oil has carried down I purposely try to hit the pocket light because of how well it carries. This is the closest I have come to finding a ball comparable to the original Roto Grip Cell, which in my opinion is the best bowling ball ever poured. The Taboo has a little more overall hook than the Cell. But for me the Cell was the most forgiving ball I've ever thrown.
Dislikes: $159 price point.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: badbeard on February 23, 2011, 09:45:28 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS,
COMMENTS
Like
s:
| The Taboo is real strong ball. Just drilled mine up 45x3-3/8 x85 my pap is 51/4 x 1/1/8 up, revs 190 and 18mph.Span is just 3-6/16. So I am speed dominate. I used this layout to give me a early roll on THS. Ball surface is 360 with a light hand polish. I don't usually use such a large Val angle but this allowed me to get the pin down little below my ring finger and a little right of thr finger.The Mass bias is to the right of my Val. This ball is now my benchmark ball and it hits hard. |
Dislikes: none
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: pin-smasher on February 23, 2011, 10:34:03 AM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 2-3
Starting Top Weight: 3 oz
Ball Weight:15.3
DRILL PATTERN
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:better than average revs
Ball Speed: 16-17
PAP/Track: 5-3/4 over 3/8 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: box finish
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): ebonite powerhouse polish
LANE CONDITION
Length: 38
Volume:med
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): house
BALL REACTION
Length: good length with polish
Back End: powerfull backend
Overall Hook: very strong
Midlane Read: picks up nice in the midlane
Breakpoint Shape: smooth arcing motion and strong but not jumpy
COMMENTS
Likes:awesome ball that has good length and a strong move to the pocket and i can play many different angles with it and carry is excellent
Dislikes: none so far
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: crusher267658 on February 23, 2011, 02:58:57 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 1/2
Starting Top Weight: 3ozs
Ball Weight:15lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 6"
CG to PAP: 5 1/2"
X Hole (if there is one): N/A
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: Between tweener and cranker
Ball Speed: between 15 and 17 MPH
PAP/Track: High track
SURFACE PREP
Grit: OOB
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): OOB
LANE CONDITION
Length: 43ft
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Scale of 1-10
Length: 8
Back End: 9
Overall Hook: 9
Midlane Read: 4
Breakpoint Shape: 7
COMMENTS
Likes: Really gets down the lane with ease. Gets thru the heads clean with a nice smooth and strong reaction on the backend. Pin carry is phenominal.
Dislikes: With this long PIN to PAP distance the ball has a tendancy to be a little squirty off the break point and over/under at times.
No matter how dark the area around you gets... Never take your eyes off the match you lit.
Post by: beeks1305 on March 07, 2011, 04:04:31 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length:37ft, 39ft, 42ft
Volume:med-med/heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: I have my Taboo drilled with the pin about one inch over ring finger and mass bias just to the right of thumb. I love how this ball gets down lane very clean and makes a very hard move off the spot. I would describe it as being angular but very controllable. Crushes the pins with great continuation and carry. Very versatile piece, takes to changes in hand position very well, which makes it playable on multiple surfaces. This and my pin down Infection make a great combination.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: Matt C on March 16, 2011, 03:46:36 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length: short
Volume: light
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):old wood lanes with very light THS
COMMENTS
Likes:Having owned many balls over the years, I can say without a doubt the Gas Mask core is my favorite core of all time. Every ball I have had with this core has been a winner. That said, Hammer has had its issues with coverstocks on the Widow series which made me move away from them. Still I couldnt resist the Taboo.
Drilled 85*5 1/2*30 dual angle. I was trying a layout suggest by Mo Pinel to help with these horrid conditions I have to bowl on. Pin ended up about a inch above the bridge with the MB slightly to the right of the thumb hole.
left out of box condition.
I ended up with a ball that makes a strong move at the break point with a good amount of continuation. The carry is what I have come to expect with this core.
With all that said, this layout is real touchy on how u release it. If i come up the back just a little to much the ball will roll out and will not finish. If i get in deep I have to really pay attention to the ball speed or it will burn up trying to get through the oil and will not finish. So it has been a bit of a learning curve. The results were not as good as expected, but I think in the end ill end up with a ball I will be able to use for a couple games before I go searching for the plastic ball.
Dislikes: for the ball itself none, Im not totaly pleased with the layout i chose, and might buy another and use a different layout. For now ill play with the coverstock and see what happens.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: StefanieN on March 24, 2011, 11:43:07 AM
The Hammer Taboo is the Benchmark ball in my arsenal.
As you can see in the drawing below, the pin is below my ring finger with the CG kicked out just a little bit. This has always been my favorite drillings mostly due to my ball speed. Having the pin below my fingers tends to get the ball started a little quicker for me.
I kept the Taboo with the surface out of the box and it has been highly predictable for me. This ball rolls early for me but still continues through the pins and hits like a truck. I have already had much success with this ball and plan on adding another one to my arsenal very soon. Definitely a must have for anyone looking for that 'go to ball' when the going gets tough!
Stefanie Nation 
Post by: Pinbasher209 on April 05, 2011, 03:55:11 PM
LANE CONDITION
Type: THS
COMMENTS
Likes: I have about 60 games on this ball and, theTaboo moves well for me, Low rev stroker aprox 14-15 mph , I bowl on an early league with fresh oil, ball moves well with fresh oil, but really comes alive for me when the lanes start to break down, I love to use this ball on drier patterns as it moves stronger to the pocket even with my low revs, I can use the same line for my 3 game sets, that's a plus, I have rolled several 600's and 700's with my 185 average and steadily climbing. Great ball for low rev bowlers as this ball will move, I haven't had a chance to use on heavy oil patterns, but I'm sure I won't be disapointed.
Must have ball, thanks Hammer 
Dislikes: None yet
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: SteveAustin2808 on July 25, 2011, 05:29:31 PM
Hammer Taboo
Weight: 15#
Top Weight: 3 oz.
Pin: 3-4"
Layout: 45x5x60
First Impressions:
A lot of mid-lane reaction with a ton of backend reaction off the dry. I haven't seen this type of backend reaction since the Track Equation!
Comparison:
Versus the Jigsaw Trap
The Taboo is about 4-5 feet earlier and definitely reads the dry a lot quicker. Starting point with both balls are also have a 5 board difference. When the Taboo is reacting sooner and the oil in the heads starts to fade, I go to the Trap and that gives me more length downlane in comparison to the Taboo.
Versus the Plague
The Taboo is much much stronger. The Plague is more mid-lane reaction with a very smooth arc down lane while the Taboo simply just turns left off the breakpoint. No problems in sending this one wide outside on a THS because it will come back!
Final Thoughts:
If you are seeking a very fine tunable coverstock to match up to your game, then the Taboo is your answer. The coverstock can be tweaked and the reaction is very predictable. This is Hammer's most versatile coverstock as long as I have been throwing Hammer and has the potential to be the hottest ball of 2011! Nothing Hits Like A Hammer!!
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
Post by: kgmach on October 04, 2011, 10:07:09 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length:ALL
Volume:ALL
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS, Sport, etc
COMMENTS
Likes:The Grand Theft Reactive cover wrapped around the Gas Mask core that the Black Widow line made famous made this my favorite ball of all time. The cover is super versatile for scuffing or polishing to alter the length of skid needed. The core revs up mid-lane and continues to drive in a very predictable manner.
Dislikes: This ball is not dry head friendly!!!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
NOTHING hits like a HAMMER
K Gmach
Hammer Amateur Staff
USBC Certified Coach
Go BREWERS!
Post by: Njpov3 on December 04, 2011, 12:45:14 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
This is my first hammer, and they're right, nothing hits like a hammer!
First game, out of box finish, fresh lanes, 290 (would have been a 300, but I threw my first ball under-estimating the power of this ball. It has the legs to make a backend break into the pocket, even if you throw 2-3 boards in or outside.
My only complaint is that the next 2 games were plagued by 7-pins (I am a lefty, so that's not all that uncommon). Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent buckets after the first game with this ball?
Overall, this is my favorite ball since the Ebonite Total NV, looking forward to my first league night with this!
Post by: jbungard on January 12, 2012, 03:51:26 PM
Hammer Taboo
A good piece from the EBI/Hammer folks that works well for me on house patterns from deeper angles.
The Taboo’s Gas Mask core provides a unique shot shape that borders on skid/flip with smoother surface finishes; more of a skid/hard arc at box and more aggressive surface finishes. The Taboo’s coverstock is versatile and relatively strong at P1000, P500/P4000, and P2000 surfaces.
Brunswick Pro Anvilane: A good match at the box finish and P1000/P2000 touch-ups
HPL/SPL: A good match at P4000 and P1000/Rough Buff or P1000/Resurrection
Wood: Similar to HPL/SPL finishes with a smoother shot shape.
Guardian: I haven’t found a good combination on Guardian. This may be due to my high tilt and the ball seems to go left in the Guardian, then slide coming off the Guardian, then move. The core/surface combination seems to accentuate the different lane sections. I have better matches, asymmetric and symmetric, for these challenges.
My Taboo is drilled 50 x 4” x 30, no weight hole, 15 lb 6 oz out of the box, 2 ox top weight box, pin-out 3” (4” x 3 ¼” with a 2” pin to VAL buffer). Intermediate mass bias is 0.016 box, differential RG is 0.060, RG is 2.50: Strong, flaring and relatively early. The pin is just right of ring finger, CG on the midline in the positive side weight quadrant. Mass Bias is just right of the thumb hole.
The Taboo is good on red patterns: Okay on white and blue patterns though not as forgiving as several other balls in my bag. The Taboo tends to accentuate differences in my release. As a result, I tend to use it more often on easier patterns and switch to other more forgiving balls on more challenging patterns.
In my part of the country (desert southwest), there are large numbers of Taboos on the lanes. Lower tilt players seem to excel with the Taboo. Higher tilt players, such as me, tend to be more condition-specific with the Taboo and other Gas-mask core Hammers.
The 50 x 4” x 30 layout is a good match for many lower tilt players. If I were to drill another Taboo, I’d go with a layout closer to the benchmark layout for my tilt and speed: 45 x 4.5” x 50. This ball has plenty of back-end and doesn’t need the help provided by low angles to the VAL.
One of the strengths of the Taboo for me is its ability to recover from deeper lay-down points when pointed to the track. Good 10-pin carry and trip-4 ability from inside angles. Conversely, there are better carrying pieces in my bag from outside lines.
All-in-all, the Taboo is a good ball worth your consideration for medium to medium-heavy conditioning patterns.
Edited on 1/12/2012 at 2:52 PM
Post by: darkslayer23 on January 18, 2013, 11:20:43 PM