Hammer Chalk -- Newbie

[PABowler]

Hey Guys,

I have bowled for recreation for years but have only recently begun to take the game somewhat "seriously". I had been using a Brunswick Avalanche bowling ball that was given to me by a friend a re drilled but the ball had a lot of flaws in it from previous use. I've never been particularly good and usually hover around 120-125 with a couple high games in the low 200's. My mother recently decided she wanted to purchase a bowling ball and when I went into the pro shop I decided to go ahead and purchase a new ball to try to get serious with. The pro shop attendant suggested the 15 lb. Hammer Chalk and it was on sale so I splurged on it and he drilled a finger tip grip.

Anyway, I don't know much of anything about bowling balls or the specifications that go along with them. I figured I would ask the community the following questions to educate myself.

1. Is this a decent ball?

2. What are it's characteristics?

3. How does it compare to the Avalance both in performance and characteristics?

4. Is there anything I should keep in mind when using the ball?

Thanks in advance to anyone that takes the time to respond. Happy bowling!!

[tccstudent]

1. Is this a decent ball?
It is just as good as any other ball. I am not a big fan of hammer but they have had some good balls.

2. What are it's characteristics?

BALL SPECS

COLOR Red/Purple/Blue
COVERSTOCK GTR Pearl
FACTORY FINISH 500-1000-2000-Factory Finish Polish
BEST LANE CONDITION Medium Oil
CORE Raw Hammer Assault
AVAILABLE WEIGHTS 10-16
RG / DIFFERENTIAL
#15 RG (2.48) Diff (.056)

3. How does it compare to the Avalance both in performance and characteristics?
there are 3 different avalanche's a solid, pearl, and a urethane

4. Is there anything I should keep in mind when using the ball?
Have fun and keep trying to improve.

[bowl1820]

The Chalk was rated pretty good by BTM on the Medium conditions (9/9/9) so should be good for most house shots.

As for how it compares to the Avalanche, there are 5 Avalanches so would depend on with one, but figuring their pretty old. The Chalk should be a lot stronger compared to it.

BTM said it had a big move at the breakpoint and easy length.

It has the Raw Hammer Assault core and the Grand Theft Reactive coverstock from the original Taboo. Not a bad combo.

Should take your avalanche in and have it resurfaced and deoiled (if they have a revivor), if it's kind of beat up.

[PABowler]

Thanks for the responses. I'm pretty sure mine was the Avalanche solid. I think I will gift it to a friend who is getting interested in bowling as it is certainly a step up from the house balls.

Sorry for sounding thick but what exactly is a big move at breakpoint and easy length?

[bowl1820]

Sorry for sounding thick but what exactly is a big move at breakpoint and easy length?

At it's simplest the breakpoint is the point down the lane where you see the ball turn towards the pins.

Easy length just means the ball will skid down the lane easy without you having to throw it real hard. Like if you have a slower speed or high REvs on the ball.

[Low Revs]

My chalk is drilled pin up between my fingers. I'm a lower rev, higher axis rotation player so my reaction may vary from others.

I generally use this ball on my third game when the lanes are broken down. I get a good midland read and a very strong backend roll out of it with great continuation through the pins.

For me, it's not a big fan of heavy oil and tends to under react on the heavier stuff. On the more broken down conditions, I get the reaction that I'm looking for and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite balls.

I don't get a snappy angular back end out of it, but just a nice smooth arc that crushes the rack when I send it where it needs to go.

[Ptnomore]

PABowler...you didn't buy that ball Friday night at Greens, did ya? During my leagues on Friday night, guy walked in, purchased, and drilled up a Chalk while I was there, then bowled with it, with a friend. I was watching, and I could see some frustration building.

It's as good a ball as any other out there. But it, like everything else has it's limits.

If this is you and you want meet up, let me know. I'm no expert by any means, but I might be able to help. It'll get me out of the house away from the wife and kids for awhile! lol

[Ptnomore]

The balls are pretty close in make up. The Chalk has a higher flare potential, meaning that it COULD hook earlier, and be more angular to the pocket. But basically, both balls work in "Medium" conditions which works well for recreation and casual league (THS Typical House Shot) play.

The Avalanche is designed to be a lower flaring ball with a more gradual arc to the pocket, instead of a "hook", that the Chalk has a potential to be. The balls ability to hook, has to do with how it was drilled, and also and more importantly how it is released from the hand.

Knowing that the Avalanche has seen some miles and probably not so much maintenance, the Chalk is naturally going to be a much different ball for you.

[PABowler]

PABowler...you didn't buy that ball Friday night at Greens, did ya? During my leagues on Friday night, guy walked in, purchased, and drilled up a Chalk while I was there, then bowled with it, with a friend. I was watching, and I could see some frustration building.

It's as good a ball as any other out there. But it, like everything else has it's limits.

If this is you and you want meet up, let me know. I'm no expert by any means, but I might be able to help. It'll get me out of the house away from the wife and kids for awhile! lol

Hey,

I did purchase the ball from Greens but I haven't bowled with it yet so that wasn't me. I could use all the help I could get though and would love to play a few games anytime your interested!!

[Ptnomore]

Hey,

I did purchase the ball from Greens but I haven't bowled with it yet so that wasn't me. I could use all the help I could get though and would love to play a few games anytime your interested!!

Sent you a PM. This week is going to be crazy thanks to the snow day, but hopefully we can work something out in the next couple of weeks.

Steve in Greens knows his stuff. You happened upon the best driller in the area. He won't sell you anything you can't use, and he won't give you a drill pattern beyond your ability, unless you specifically ask for it. Ive purchased 8 or 9 balls from him in the past 3-4 years, and he's sold and drilled everyone of them. Every one of them performed exactly as expected, after some practice time with each one.

PT