I’m Making a Shiny Statement…

First Impressions
The Hammer Statement Pearl has a boxing glove looking core shape and it’s apropos as this along with the Solid really punch their weight.

Our Testers:
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 375 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 65 x 5 x 40
Intent: Medium/long roll with a medium transition at the breakpoint

Sean Jensen (Righty)
Style: Power player
RPM: 475 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/4 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 65 x 5 x 40
Intent: Medium/long roll with a medium transition at the breakpoint

Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Higher Tilt Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/4 & 1/8 down
Average Speed: 17.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 65 x 4.5 x 35
Intent: Medium roll with a slow transition at the breakpoint

Thanks to Jeff Smith and Pure It Bowling for drilling our equipment.
Buy the Hammer Statement Pearl at PureItBowling.com.
Thanks to Limerick Bowl in Limerick, PA.

“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”

Test Pattern:
THS: 40ft, 23ml
Sport: PBA Dick Weber: 45ft, 23.45 ml, 3:1 ratio

Value
A-
You probably shouldn’t be too surprise of the pretty high score we give this pearl asym. The ball worked for all testers and multiple conditions. It really feels versatile with a reliable shape.

Specs
The Hammer Statement Pearl uses the new Statement asymmetrical core inside the Aggression Pearl CFI coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.47, diff of .054, mb of .015
14 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .053, mb of .015
Coverstock finish: 500/1000/Powerhouse Factory Finish polish

Overall
THS: A-
Sport: B
Hammer is releasing the Solid and pearl version of the Statement, similar to what they did with the RipD hybrid and RipD Solid. I was trying to think how to describe this ball while I watch back my ball reaction and the truth is whether I was throwing the ball well or not, the Statement Pearl just seemed to work and carry. That in and of itself is telling. The asym Statement core has the type of shape that not only gives it a definitive move but one that’s rounded that drives very well. Sometimes low RG strong asyms have sharp moves off the ned of the pattern but can get into a very quick end over end roll. This one has that sharp move but keeps going. The Aggression Pearl CFI is a strong pearl with a shiny finish. Add that to this low RG core and you have a very efficient motion that really means this ball is not as far from the Solid’s strength as you would think. This ball was very forgiving for me. Miss out and it made a huge move back I wasn’t expecting. Rather leave a 7 pin than a washout. Miss in and left an 8 pin instead of a bucket that happens sometimes on flooded house shots. You’ll see that while the Statement is clearly stronger, it’s only a couple of boards. The Solid actually gave me less forgiveness because while it isn’t much stronger, it definitively has more traction so it digs in harder from in and burns up more from out.

Sean was next and you shouldn’t be surprised he enjoyed the Statement Pearl. Not only because it’s a pearl asym but the shape was so attractive to his eye. It’s that kind of shape that feels controllable but keeps coming. It’s just the way it revs up. The ball and core transitions in a very readable way. Shot after shot it was money for Sean. He’s going about 18 to 5 and the ball is creating very strong angles. He chased in to see what reaction he would get. It was about 22 to 9 that hit a bit flat and left the 10 pin. He also tried the more up the back lower axis rotation release that he uses occasionally but it wasn’t quite as good for him.

Bryan was next with the Statement Pearl and he immediately realized this is one strong pearl. These sometimes float on him but he had a definitive motion off the spot. In fact, it felt stronger than the solid Statement. Part of that may be just a little hook spot he created by tossing the Statement just before. Nevertheless, he had a really good look somewhere around 12 to 6. He can get to the pocket from many angles. He did leave a 7 if he bumped a little in. He also left a 10 pin on ripper. Also had 6 pin bouncing the friction a bit too early. Nevertheless, Bryan enjoyed throwing a pearl asym strong enough that it read the lanes consistently for him.

Sport Shot
We’re testing on the 45ft Dick Weber Pattern. Just like the solid version, the Statement Pearl also nosed up on my preferred line of about 6 to 5. I had to open up the angles to 7 to 4 to work. I moved in to about 12 to 6 which worked with the Solid but the pearl was a bit too long. I moved in to the 19 to 10 slow roller and that looked good. But the polished pearl is a bit too over/under for me on fresh sport.
For Sean, the 17 to 9 line worked well. Again, the ball is still really strong so misses in are a no go but for Sean this is less over/under due to his rev rate that seems to blend a bit better.
For Bryan, about 10 to 9 worked very well also. He had some miss room for the high hard on. Bryan was surprised that agin, this was not much different in strength from the solid and he had more over and less under.

Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the two Statement balls are going to be well received because they are excellent pieces. The Solid version gives the extra pop downlane that will assist many bowlers with carry. The Pearl has the same punch but will be even more versatile for house shots because it isn’t only strong but the blend of strong pearl and this core makes it more forgiving. On sport, it’s clean look and strong downlane motion means you would look for a little breakdown. In the end, the Statement are impressive additions that really provide something different in Hammer’s top line.