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:Phobia
Reviewed:January 2017
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Coverstock Specs
Name:Semtex Pearl
Type:Reactive Pearl
Box Finish:500 / 1000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
Color:Smoke / Blue / Bronze
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Core Specs
Name:Phobia
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.49
Diff:0.054
Int. Diff:0.000

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

The Phobia is the first symmetrical-cored ball in Hammer’s Upper Mid Performance line in a number of years. Symmetrical weight blocks have been used recently in the High Performance line with the Scandal and Bad Intentions balls, and they have also been used almost exclusively in the Mid and Lower Mid lines, but in recent years the Upper Mid line has been dominated by balls containing Hammer’s asymmetrical Gas Mask core. The new symmetrical Phobia core is paired with the Semtex Pearl coverstock. This cover has only been used previously on the special edition Black Widow Limited, which we did not get to review. The Phobia comes out of the box finished with 1000 Abralon before being shined with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. This ball gave us more traction in the oil than the Rebel, while being just a step down in motion from the Scandal Pearl.

We started with this ball on our medium test pattern. Stroker and Tweener had their best reactions on this pattern with the box finish. The Phobia picked up very strong right past the arrows, while still coming off the breakpoint with authority. They both

Additional Hammer Phobia 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.