Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Black Widow Black/Gold
Reviewed:August 2018
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Coverstock Specs
Name:Aggression Hybrid
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:500 / 1000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
Color:Black / Gold
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Core Specs
Name:Gas Mask
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.50
Diff:0.058
Int. Diff:0.016

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Black Widow Black/Gold is the latest incarnation of the Black Widow. This ball uses Hammer’s famed Gas Mask asymmetrical core and it is paired up with the polished Aggression Hybrid coverstock. This cover uses the same base formula as the cover on the Rip’D, but the version used in the Black/Gold doesn’t include the CFI additive. The Black Widow Black/Gold was just a bit earlier than the Black Widow Gold, but it was just as responsive to the dry on the back end in our testing.

We found that the Black Widow Black/Gold’s long and strong motion matched up best on our medium volume test pattern. All three testers were very pleased with their reactions on the fresh. This ball allowed each of them to start in the part of the lane where they best like to play. Stroker started his Widow Black/Gold on 11, playing a small swing out to nine at the arrows. The easy length from the polished cover allowed his ball to get all the way out to five downlane before making the move to the pocket. He could miss it at the bottom some and his ball would still get all the way back to the pocket when playing this part of the lane. Tweener could use his normal speed and delivery to play 17 off his hand, across 14 at the

Hammer Black Widow Black/Gold Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of each pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Hammer Black Widow Black/Gold to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

Additional Hammer Black Widow Black/Gold Resources

Click here to visit Hammer's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.