The Orange House Shot Killer…

First Impressions
The solid orange ball just looks like it absolutely demolishes this house shot.

Our Testers:
James Kasee (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP 4 1/2 & 1/4 down
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: 19 degrees
Axis rotation: 60 degrees
Test Equipment: 15 Pounds
Layout: 40 x 4.5 x 60
Intent: Medium/long roll with a medium transition at the breakpoint

Thanks to Jeff Smith and Pure It Bowling for drilling our equipment.
Buy the Hammer Orange Vibe 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: Abbey Road: 40ft, 24.2 ml, 3.7:1 ratio

Value
A+
This one is really easy. James made this shot look so easy it was ridiculous.

Specs
The Hammer Orange Vibe uses the good ol’ Vibe (Asymmetric) core inside the CT Reactive Plus solid coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.51, diff of .042
14 pound = RG of 2.51, diff of .045
Coverstock finish: 500/2000 Abralon Polished w/ Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish

Overall
THS: A+
Sport: C-
I wrote this back in 2010 when reviewing the Midnight Vibe.
“I am falling in love with the Vibe series. I think this is one of the best and most complete series of balls for a typical house shot ever made. Much of this reaction is due to the core characteristics. I just find the downlane motion one of the most predictable shapes and reactions I’ve seen from any ball/core.
What I also found is that set or roll really helps this ball carry well. It is rarely hooking while hitting the pins which is a good thing. You want the ball to be rolling at the pins for the proper deflection and carry.

So to 2019 and the Vibe series continues to be quietly managing to be great and affordable. Back in the day, the Cherry Vibe felt almost like a strong ball on house shots. Today, it makes sense for lighter patterns. This Orange solid version allows a step up so that there is more control of medium volumes. The ball is still strong off the spot and drives nicely. There isn’t much more to say that we haven’t said about the Vibes.

Sport Shot
We tested on the 40ft Kegel Abbey Road pattern. Not unexpectedly, for as good as it was on house, it was pretty over/under on the sport shot. Even while being a solid, the cover is still clean and the reaction almost looks skid/flip on the sport shot. That’s where a combination of stronger cover and stronger core help smooth out the reaction shape. He gets to the pocket and it’s a little behind the headpin for a corner. Move a touch and go high through the nose. Ultimately it’s a bit of an unnecessary struggle.

Final Thoughts
The Orange Vibe follows the mold of just about every Vibe before, house shot killer. For the cost of entry, this is just about as no-brainer as it gets. If you need a ball that fits in that light-medium slot, this looks just about perfect.