Hammer Scorpion Bowling Ball 2024 Review
Bowling is a game with many players, each having their own way of doing things. So, when we talk about a bowling ball, what works for one might not work for another. In this Hammer Scorpion bowling ball review, we are mixing things up. We have got three different bowlers sharing what they think.
You will hear a bit of everything from those who have been bowling for ages to those just getting started. They will tell you how this ball works for them, so you can get a better idea if it is right for you. Ready to hear from our trio? Let’s roll!
Are you looking to get your own bowling ball quickly? The following bowling balls we have compared Hammer Scorpion with.
Table of Contents
Features:
- Coverstock: Semtex Hybrid Reactive
- Core: LED 2.0
- Core Type: Symmetric
- Factory Finish: 500/1000/2000 Siaair Micro Pad
- Lane Condition: Medium to Heavy Oil
- Flare Potential: Medium-High
- Reaction: Strong Midlane and Backend
- Durometer: 73-75 Rex on D-Scale
- Color: Black/Red/Gold
- Weights: 12-16 Pounds
- Performance: Upper Mid Performance
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Radius of Gyration: 2.608
- Differential: 0.040
- Radius of Gyration: 2.585
- Differential: 0.040
- Radius of Gyration: 2.532
- Differential: 0.043
- Radius of Gyration: 2.520
- Differential: 0.043
- Radius of Gyration: 2.541
- Differential: 0.043
Pros:
- Mid-performance Advantage: The Scorpion falls within the mid-performance category, offering a balance between high and low-end balls.
- LED 2.0 Core: This mirrors the LED core in the Purple Hammer but with an added outer core, providing a unique and controlled motion.
- Semtex Hybrid Coverstock: Previously seen on higher-end balls, this coverstock offers a potent reaction, especially for a mid-performance ball.
- Controlled Shape: Its sanded finish and slightly lower differential deliver a more predictable and desirable ball motion.
- Versatility: The Scorpion showcases strength in oil and a smooth, predictable reaction when moved to drier parts of the lane.
- Perfect for House Shots: Its ability to blend on house patterns can lead to higher scores, especially for bowlers with slower to medium ball speeds.
Cons:
- Comparative Performance: While it offers a balanced performance, balls like the Black Widow 2.0 showcase more aggression and hook, which some bowlers might prefer.
Bowler 1
Today, I decided to take the new Hammer Scorpion bowling ball for a spin. I have watched this ball go down the lane a few times before. I know many have been anticipating my take on this ball, but due to being swamped with other matters, I had yet to get around to it. That changes today, as I am here on the lanes.
Setting the Scene: Lane and Layout
The lane sports a 40-foot league pattern. I have been using this typical layout: 45 by 4.5 by 45. My expectations? For the ball to read the middle lane with vigor and deliver a robust jump in the down lane. I am optimistic that it will give me the output I envision, similar to the Track Legion Pearl, but perhaps a tad earlier and with more force. So let’s roll it and see the magic it brings. Hang tight.
The Strategy: Reading the Lane
Let’s delve into this new Scorpion by Hammer. My strategy begins with going straight, then shifting left, and maintaining consistency. This way, you can feel the variation between different bowling balls.
First Impressions: An Effortless Glide
Let’s initiate with a forward roll. Impressively, this ball effortlessly breezed through the front. Quite a fascinating batch of bowling balls.
The Scorpion’s Signature
Each time I have seen the Scorpion in action, it has showcased its brilliance. It possesses an aesthetic appeal down the lane. As I moved five more left, I realized that although it was performing wonderfully, I might need to tweak my grip for optimal pin action. Noticed someone refining his ball speed nearby. One invaluable insight I have gathered is the paramountcy of harmonizing ball speed with lane surface.
Analyzing Performance: Beyond First Glances
The Scorpion resonated precisely with my pre-game hypothesis: dominating the mid-lane yet still pulsating with energy and agility in the down lane. A ball should not procrastinate until the lane’s terminus to initiate its trajectory. The motion needs to commence slightly before the pattern concludes. The Hammer Scorpion is a bowling gem, especially on oil-dense patterns.
Final Thoughts
Whenever there is a need to deviate from the Purple Hammer and dominate the middle lane, I discern that a fusion of the Scorpion, Zen Master, Zen, and perhaps the Track Legion Pearl could be my arsenal’s ace.
Bowler 2
Today, I am diving deep into my experience with the brand-new Hammer Scorpion bowling ball. Interestingly, this Scorpion falls within the mid-performance category, much like the Hammer Purple does.
Core Comparisons and Ball Selection
Transitioning from the Purple Hammer, I noticed that the core in the Scorpion, the LED 2.0, mirrors the LED in the Purple Hammer. However, there’s an outer core surrounding it. Consequently, this configuration lowers the RG and elevates the differential. For today’s comparison, I decided to pitch the Scorpion against the Raw Hammer and the Black Widow 2.0. Now, you might wonder why I selected these balls for the challenge. I wanted to feel a clear progression among them.
Bowling Session Details
For this session, I bowled on a 42-foot Carbon with a 10 to 1 ratio. The outer boards were incredibly dry; I may not play up five for a change. Let’s dive in.
Previous Experiences and Ball Set-Up
Over the past few weeks, I have been consistently using the Raw Hammer. Eventually, I realized that it suited my style more with a tad more surface. Hence, I gave it a 2000 finish to match the surface of the other two balls, aiming for a fair comparison.
Into the Lanes with Hammer Scorpion
Upon returning to the lanes, I was eager to try out the new Hammer Scorpion. The Carbon oil pattern stretched 42 feet with ample oil in the center and a pronounced dry patch on the flanks. My strategy revolved around maintaining my position in the oil while giving the ball a wide berth toward the dry area.
Assessing Ball Dynamics and Adjustments
Adjusting my position and technique slightly to the right, I aimed to get that six-pin kick. The result? An excellent shot that showcased good mid-lane action while smoothly navigating the front. Previously, balls like the Fugitive and Fugitive Solid in this line didn’t resonate with me as much due to their unpredictable behavior.
Exploring Other Balls
However, I was in for a change. Switching to the Black Widow 2.0, I observed that it journeyed down the lane smoothly despite its solid constitution and sanded surface. A bit of realignment was required, but the shape retained some familiarity.
Comparing Ball Dynamics in the Hammer Line-Up
In the Hammer line-up, hybrid balls are few. This posed a challenge when selecting balls for this review. Next, I transitioned to the Hammer Raw hybrid. I removed its shine to maintain consistency and applied the same surface as on the Hammer Scorpion.
Personal Reflections and Conclusions
Finally, after the exhaustive session on the 42-foot Carbon, I reflected on my experiences. The Scorpion offered a balance between the Black Widow 2.0 and the Raw Hammer.
Final Thoughts
While the Scorpion may not fit into my six-ball arsenal, it definitely stands out when it comes to house shots. Its ability to blend the pattern ensures high scores, making it highly recommendable for bowlers with slow to medium ball speeds. For those with higher ball speeds, the Black Widow 2.0, with its stronger core and cover, offers more hook and might be more up your alley.
Bowler 3
Alright, so let’s dive into this. I recently decided to give the Scorpion bowling ball a whirl. Before I even began this review, I’d already tried this ball a few times and was quite fond of it.
Ball Specifications and Initial Impressions
It’s a hybrid, symmetrical, and I opted for my standard layout: 45 by four and a quarter by 45. Determined to give it a fair test drive, I began in the 678 range and shifted left. Believe me; I was surprised at the potential this ball displayed.
Detailed Testing and Performance
I noted that the Scorpion, being a hybrid symmetrical, possesses a notably strong diff. Additionally, its cover strength is moderate. Targeting the 678 area initially, my first shot didn’t exactly shine; it felt guarded, especially on the chameleon pattern. The subsequent shot was a vast improvement, hitting right over the 10 board, though leaving a flat 10.
Adapting and Adjusting
Making subtle adjustments, I aimed to hit 10-11 at the arrows while also slightly adjusting my position to the left. Repositioning my feet a tad further, I aimed to push the ball a bit more to the right. To my surprise, it dropped right through the eight-pin, knocking the eight out. Despite being categorized as a mid-priced ball by Hammer, its strength continually amazed me.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this review, I consistently adjusted, refined, and aimed to unlock the Scorpion’s full potential. As I neared the end of my test, I found that once the ball reached the 15 zone, it truly shone. Given that it comes with a box finish, a touch of grit could perhaps make it hook even more aggressively. To provide some context, I’d tried the Power Torq and the Hellraiser Blaze earlier in the day. For its price, I must say, this Hybrid Scorpion not only held its own but impressed in comparison to those two.
