While it handles the same range of oil conditions, it does it in quite a different manner. One of the measures of ball strength (but not the only one) is the amount of backend. By that measurement, the Low Flare is "weaker", but I wouldn't call it a weak ball. It would be consider a true control ball, in general, while the Nail and the current set of Vibes are more backend strength balls.

Like the iq tours?

The IQ tours are a lot stronger than the Low Flare because of the coverstock. I would not say they are the same type of ball at all. I'd suggest that the IQ Tour Pearl is a full notch stronger, in general, with the stock surface, than the Low Flare. Keep in mind that house oil patterns disguise the differences between balls to a large degree.

As near as I can tell, the IQ Tour Pearl handles medium oil and more, for the average ball speed, average rev rate bowler. The Low Flare handles medium-light to as much as medium oil, for the same bowler.

I would compare the low flare to the pursuit(s)
the low flare is stronger than i thought it would be, however, it is way more of a control piece with the clean n sheen on it.

I took it to 2000 by hand during practice for the NATS team pattern and it was still controllable and smooth, but with some more teeth

very under rated piece IMO

Bowlingnut... In regards to your question, the ALF is a different motion than the Nail & Vibe series, which are more angular down the lane. The cover stock on the ALF is the same hybrid cover as the Arson Hybrid, but with a low DIF, this ball will not change direction as fast when it hits the friction... Very smooth backend continous motion. The ALF is designed for the medium to medium lighter patterns & The cover stock is very easily tunable to help give it more length or more hook if needed. I have drilled 4 of these with various drill patterns & this ball is so smooth in the backends for me. Have 2 at box surface with stronger drill positions & 2 with weaker surfaces for the extreme burn/dry patterns that I bowl on. You will definitely enjoy this ball for the flatter patterns or for the patterns with extreme wet/dry reactions.

Hope this helps answer your question & please feel free to ask me anything else on the Hammer brand!

- Mike

Thanks plow boy answer my question.....thinking about going back to hammer in fall

I haven't drilled a Nail, but have many vibes and a low flare. The Low Flare is really rough from the factory and will hook more than many would expect but it is incredibly smooth. I took mine to 4000 to calm it down a bit and it is great control ball. It doesn't jump off the spot so it will always have a spot in my bag.

BowlingNut... At the box surface, the ALF can be used on the fresh as well as the transition. I know a few bowlers in my area that like to use this ball on the fresh to even out the wet/dry - over/under reaction that we have in one of the local houses, then use a ball later in the set that will allow them to open up the lane in the backends after there is a little carrydown at that point.

For me... with my rev rate, I LOVE this ball so much (have 3 drilled) that I use it on a lot of various patterns that I bowl on in league & tournaments. I love the smooth reaction that I get with this ball & keep me in play for these patterns.

This ball allows you to play closer to the friction without over/under reaction that you may see with a lot of other reactive equipment. The coverstock is easily tunable and very versatile too. I hope this helps your question.