First Impressions
I’ve wanted to try the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 for a long while and finally decided to go for it. Typical Black Widow behavior and that’s not a bad thing.

Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 330 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: 50 x 5 x 45

Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/2 & 1 1/2 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45

Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/2 up
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: med
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45

“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.”

Pattern
THS: 38ft, 23ml
Sport: TBD

Specs
The Storm Physix Blackout uses the Solarion AI Asymmetric core inside the new A1S Pearl Reactive coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.48 diff of .054, mb of .018
14 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .053, mb of .017
Coverstock finish: Power Edge

Tweener’s Take
I’ve had several Black Widow’s over the years and I was eyeing the 3.0 for a while with it’s hybrid cover. I was sort of expecting it to be the big heavy rolling but still strong backend Strong Defined ball. What I found was that but more specifically the cover was cleaner or longer than I expected and backend was also bigger than expected. So out of box, it’t not strong enough to clearly slot in the biggest ball in the bag but also to strong to be in the mid defined slot typically reserved for a shiny asym like shape. I think it can either be sanded or shined but given the shiny mania and 2.0, I think as is or with some surface is where it belongs. As is will be good for many typical house shots as the strongest ball you might need.

Power Player’s Persective
For Tyler, it’s essentially the same slot but he may or may not use something this strong on the house shot. I think the cover strength is a good match but core might be a bit much for him here so it winds up a bit more forward for him than continuous as it is for me. Nevertheless, you can still see a very nice predictable motion. You immediately feel comfortable with the way it manages the transition.

Stroker’s Stance
For Bryan the Black Widow 3.0 looks a bit less overall. Less board coverage. Less dynamic. But within the narrower window of where he is playing, he still has a relatively clean look with a small compact punch. That was a little surprising to be honest but it’s what he saw here.

Bottom Line
End of the day, the Black Widow 3.0 is a nice piece that offers a bit of a goldilocks style. It sits right in between Strong Defined and Mid Defined. You may be surprised with it’s length and punch if you get one of your own.

Thanks for watching.