BallReviews

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

Title: Vibe Onyx
Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
- Coverstock: CT Reactive Plus
- Factory Finish: 4000 Grit Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
- Color: Onyx Black Sparkle
- Core: Vibe Symmetric Core
- RG: 16# - 2.51 15# - 2.51 14# - 2.51 13# - 2.53 12# - 2.59 11# - 2.62 10# - 2.72
- Differential: 16# - .039 15# - .042 14# - .045 13# - .056 12# - .044 11# - .032 10# - .031
- Flare Potential: Medium
- Performance: Excellent Length with Aggressive Arc
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: Onyx Vibe pairs up our reliable Vibe symmetric core with a new CT Reactive Plus coverstock. The Onyx Vibe gives bowlers a ball motion that we haven’t had in our Hammer line for quite some time. Bowlers will see a very aggressive arc throughout the entire lane with the Onyx Vibe. This is by far the most aggressive Vibe made to date. It comes in a very sharp Onyx Sparkle color with Gold Flake engraving.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: DynoLess Daddy on June 13, 2009, 12:02:03 PM
VIBE #1

5 X 6, pin 3-4, pin up, neg .50 oz.

The Ony is definitely smooth rolling. This setup allowed for more control of the wet/dry lane conditions. the ability of the Onyx to maintain the line but retain enough energy to roll heavy and continuous makes it a welcome addition to the vibe line. It definitely takes the place of the Blue. With this layout the strong rev players will be able to get in a little deeper and control the inside.

VIBE #2

5 X 3, pin 3-4, Pin below ring, no Side, extra hole 5.5 & 2 down.

This Onyx definitely gives a definitely different look than the layout above. This particular roll controlled the midlane and opened up the pattern. The reaction was stronger through the mids but maintain control through out the pattern. With this layout you can get deeper but need to swing a little more than above.  You will also be able to get around the corner on those breakdown patterns.

Both balls were used with out-of box surface. Playing both layouts on house and Chameleon. Definitely keepers in the arsenal. Onyx 2 gave more forgiveness on Chameleon while driving hard. Carry was excellent. However,I preferred layout one for my style on Chameleon and staying inside.

More to follow on VIBE #3 and VIPER
--------------------
VISE AMATEUR STAFF
06''-09'' HAMMER AMATEUR STAFF
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"See my vise as it rolls down the lane....you can''t it revs too much"



Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: Hammer Jim on June 17, 2009, 09:51:44 PM
THIS BALL IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL VIBE!!!!
The strength that the onyx produces is unmatched and very uncharacteristic of the Vibe line. I have my Vibe about 4 inches from my PAP with CG shifted up and over. The Vibe gets clean through the mid and produces a very strong movement to the pocket. The carry is the same and perhaps maybe better and the energy transfer is impressive. The fact that is the on the low end of the price points makes this an absolute steal.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: strikingresults-atl on June 18, 2009, 05:29:08 PM
I drilled my onyx vibe 33/4x60x30 with a weight hole in the p2 position.This is one smooth rolling bowling with plenty of pop when it hits the pins.This ball is very versatile can play pretty square or you can move in once the track opens up and its very clean through the fronts and reads the mids with very smooth continuous motion.I also tried it with 2000 abralon and it will handle a little more volume of oil and be a great benchmark ball.This will be a great addition the already great hammer lineup.

--------------------
Dannial Cohen
 
www.strikingresultsatl.com
 
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: DynoLess Daddy on June 18, 2009, 10:52:26 PM
Dual Angle. I can aso provide if anyone needs!


--------------------
VISE AMATEUR STAFF
06'-09' HAMMER AMATEUR STAFF
USBC SILVER CERTIFIED COACH
IBPSIA CERTIFIED
FB Pro Shop
Bowlers Map
DigiTrax


"See my vise as it rolls down the lane....you can't it revs too much"



Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: handshake300 on June 24, 2009, 10:31:27 PM
Well Ive not rolled a Hammer ball since the old Blue Urethane Hammer. To keep it short, I think this ball will shine on House Shots the best. I have a #1 drill on it, and it goes very smoothly like 40 feet, then really puts on the left turn signal! Im a righty. It seems to easily be the hardest hooking of all the Vibes. It seems very versatile and steady from a variety of lines. I dont currently have a ball that turns as hard of the spot as this Onyx does, and I have like 8 aggresive pieces. It seems to respond well to different hand positions. It does require a tad of friction to respond from, unless you have slow ball speed. If you have a little dry to the right, this ball is unbeatable! At the price its at, I think its the best ball money can buy, 9/10 for any medium type of condition.
                 Mighty Macco
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: bowlermike1663 on July 09, 2009, 02:53:47 PM
Layout pin in ring finger gc in palm just below ring finger.

having each of the vibes in the past and a fan of each one of them this ball is a great addition.  Since it came out the blue vibe was probably my most versatile and favorite ball overall.  What I liked about the blue vibe going down lane long before it made its move is what I love about this vibe.  The Onyx is more hook than the cherry or emerald vibe, picks up a little sooner but does NOT over hook but at same time gives a great finish through the pins.


--------------------
Michael Shirley
Millennium Bowling Supply
North Little Rock AR
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: iumatrix on July 09, 2009, 11:38:06 PM
Layout for my Onyx Vibe (Left Handed): Weak Drill with pin slightly above middle finger, CG 1-2" above center of grip, no hole.

The Onyx Vibe is a great ball to have in your bag on the dry, especially if you're a high rev player. Not to mention, it's a decent ball for beginners at the entry price point. I took a 360 Grit Abralon pad to smooth out the surface and it sets up pretty nicely to the 1-2 pocket... carry is a bit suspect when trying to swing it, but when I can play down and in and square up (which is not easy for me), only the laws of physics have control. Haven't tried it on PBA Experience Shots yet, but looking forward to using it on the Cheetah pattern.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: grinder13 on July 13, 2009, 02:32:06 AM
drilled my onyx at dream camp Dino laid it out pin under bridge and the cg kicked out just a little. to smooth out the back end but still give a little kick. I have an emerald which is amazing at the pricepoint it is at. But I wish it was a little earlier and not so snappy then I drilled this up and got exactly what I asked for. this ball will help a ton when I get on tight med to med heavy sport patterns especially after they start to break down it is so even and hard hitting when u get on sport u need an onyx in your bag great ball
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: Bighousematt on August 21, 2009, 01:04:21 AM
I laid my Onyx Vibe out with a 4 inch pin placed above the ring finger and CG in the palm. The ball gave me a smooth reaction at the midlane but when it hit the pocket it destroyed the pins as if it were a high performance ball. I would say this vibe is very comparable to the Blue Vibe except it seems to have a little more pop. For guys with high rev rates this ball could easily be used as a first ball on any house shot.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: elvismat on September 04, 2009, 01:24:05 AM
Ball drilled 4 x 3, primarily for medium to dry.  I try to play the track and I'm a stroker.  Bowled with it the other day, out of the box 705, while others were struggling.  

Ball gives you good length, with sharp smooth turn to the pocket.  Pin carry is great and worked well with the over / under we had.  Pins were exploding and ball never over-reacted.  While others were using the sauce, hot sauce and other high end balls, I went to the the Onyx and didn't miss. Had a few splits and they were my doing.  

So far, I'm impressed and satisfied, ball almost paid for in a small league. I spoke with Ron Sr., from Hammer and he said this is the hidden gem for this year and he's right.  I'm happy listening to his advice!
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: Dr Crankenstein on September 09, 2009, 09:57:09 PM
Ok. This ball is classified as a "medium" ball.  It must have been rated by some one who never threw it!  It is far from "medium".  I play 28 at the foul line across the 20 arrow and down to the 3 before the ball rips back for a violent strike!  This ball simply cant be beat for the price.  If I crank it outside, it comes back at a very angular entry and pins go flying.  If I I pull it, I can get it to hold the line just enough to hit the pocket.  I have too many balls to list, but here is a few:  Virtual Gravity, Bounty Hunter, Bounty, Cell, Break Point Pearl, Dynamo, Virtual Energy, Insane Levrg, etc.  It is a very easy ball to throw and I would highy recommend it due to its price and versitility.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: MikeCanMan on December 25, 2009, 10:34:55 PM
Me---stroker(275-300 revs/16 mph). Onyx drilled 4x3 with small hole on the VAL. Knocked the polish off by hand with 1K ab pad. This ball is a MONSTER! I mean it...this bad boy hits as hard as my Cell and just punishes the pins with strong continuation through the deck. I actually have to keep the speed up on the Onyx because it wants to check up early(probably 2-3 feet sooner than my Emerald Vibe). If you don't want to spend $200+ on a new rock...then do yourself a favor and pick up the Onyx!

Mike
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: bobo1 on March 17, 2010, 10:55:40 AM
3/17/10  Recently THS has been eating my lunch. Especially the third game when the lanes "opened" up. To try something new, I thought I might ask for some advice. So I called Palmer Falgren. He said I needed something arcing.  Didn't really like his suggestion I prefer skid, snap. But I had asked. He recommended a 715c or a Vibe Onyx. Said the Onyx rolled really well. It was drilled stacked leverage. Didn't care for the ball motion, but it came out of the box With 278. What was really impressive was that I didn't move two boards all night. The ball has phenomenal carry. It is a shame it is so cheap!
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: Shields on April 09, 2010, 02:35:02 AM
The Onyx has saved my butt on many occassion. It's not the first ball out of my bag but when my alley fails to put oil on the lanes before league (which is more often then not) then I turn to the Onyx. This is not a ball for heavy oil conditions, works best in med to low oil. The pin is placed about an inch to the right of my ring finger. The ball gets good length and takes down the pins when it hits the pocket. Not the most aggressive ball that Hammer has put out but a great value for the dollar. A great ball to have in your bag.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: SteveAustin2808 on May 27, 2010, 02:26:11 AM
Hammer Onyx Vibe
Weight: 15#
Pin: 3-4"
Top Weight: 3.5 oz.

Layout: 5" Pin Above the Fingers. Pin at 12 o'clock. No Weight Hole needed.

First Impressions:

This ball is quite strong for a piece in the VIBE series. This ball is very predictable on your THS.

Comparison/Contrast:

Versus the Emerald Vibe the ONYX reacts about 3 feet sooner and arcs to the pocket while the Emerald goes longer and has more of an angular motion to it.

Conclusion:

This ball is an awesome piece for the price tag on it! If you seek a predictable ball motion on most of your average THS then the ONYX VIBE is the ball you need!

--------------------
--Michael Price--

McCorvey''s Pro Shop Staff

McCorvey''s Pro Shop - "The Complete Bowler''s Pro Shop!"
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Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: seldent on June 26, 2010, 09:16:58 AM
Drilled label leverage. Found this ball to be stronger and sharper than the blue vibe. I don't keep polish on it as it seemed to hook too sharply for me on shorter patterns. Solid ball in my arsenal and am never afraid to pull it out.
--------------------
Tyler Selden

"...I am NOT a merry man!" - Worf
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: By-Ro on July 23, 2010, 09:59:21 PM
This ball is a a great ball for this price it gets through the front part of the lane and his the most turn out of all the vibes i should no i had all of them this is a great ball.

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I hope i was a big help.
--------------------------
Byron "By-Ro" Lawson
A good 14 year old bowler that loves hammer products

NOTHIN HITS LIKE A HAMMER
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: dman79 on October 10, 2010, 05:38:02 PM
This is an incredibly welcome ball to my arsenal, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something versatile. It's drilled fairly neutral - pin above bridge, cg in palm, which seems to be a great layout for the Vibe line (I wouldn't want it any stronger than it is!). The coverstock is very strong, and will make a move on heavy oil as long as the backends are dry. Despite having a more "long and strong" ball reaction, it reads the lane fairly well, and is surprisingly forgiving. Carry is good too. As long as the lanes aren't burnt up or carried down, you'll get a good look with this one.
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: istrike300 on November 28, 2010, 04:49:40 PM
Drilled Onyx with a 6 X 5, pin above the bridge.  The ball went a hair too long for me with the box finish so I knocked it down to a 1000 grit Abralon and applied some polish.  This ball is a great ball with a strong arc action on the backend.  I love the Vibe line, especially good equipment for the lower price tag.
--------------------
istrike300
Nothing hits like a Hammer!
Title: Re: Vibe Onyx
Post by: oldbowler1028 on January 13, 2011, 06:58:26 PM
LANE CONDITION

Length:  41 feet
 
Volume: Typical oil volume not much on first five boards and then gradually built to 20 plus units from 10 to 10 board in the middle of the lane

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

 
COMMENTS

Likes:The Vibe Onyx I have was supposed to be drilled in my preferred pattern of "hooking" as soon as it hits the lane (pin under the ring finger).  My Vibe is drilled with the pin over the ring finger with a balance hole at P2.  I am an "experienced bowler" remembering the days of Manhattan rubber balls and lacquer finishes.  I am also a stroker with a ball speed of 14 to 16 mph depending on whether or not I'm having a strong day.  This ball came in as a mistake.  It was supposed to be drilled with the pin down below the ring finger.  This is what I know.  I have been averaging over 200 a couple of nights a week since 1986.  Since Mike at Southwyck Lanes in Toledo punched this baby out for me in 12 games I am averaging 235.  The ball roll is just a smooth arc to the pocket  there is absolutely no over, under.  I just make sure I hit it well and get it over the 10 board and it comes back beautifully and it takes the 10 pin out.  I clean the ball after each set and so far, as a senior bowler I couldn't be happier.  Hammer makes great equipment.  I also have a Raw Hammer Burn and the Black Widow.
 
 

Dislikes:   None so far.

 
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