The Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 is not just another Widow. It’s a major shift
in the most iconic line in bowling.
By removing the flip block of
the famous Gas Mask core, Hammer lowered the ball's differential. This created
a smoother shape - without losing that trusted Widow continuation. This change
might be very beneficial for high-rev players or the ones, who love playing
straighter angles.
In this Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 review, we’ll break down why this ball feels different, and how it stacks up on medium oil and typical house shots.
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First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 stands out with its sleek
hybrid cover and benchmark feel.
This is not your typical Black
Widow. It feels smoother, more stable, and made for league dominance. For
house shots, it feels like a cheat code.
During the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 review our testers made it clear that the famous Gas Mask core was transformed for better control. This ball is built having a regular bowlers in mind, who struggle to control balls with high diff. With noticebly lower diff, Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 should suit a much wider range of bowlers. It will be exceptionaly beneficial for high rev players and the ones who love bowling straighter angles.
If you're looking for a benchmark ball for medium oil and your league season, this one is a perfect choice! Check the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 price on Amazon.
Core and Coverstock Design
The Tour V1 features the iconic Gas Mask core - but with a twist. Hammer removed the flip block, which dropped the differential from 0.058 to 0.034. That’s a huge change.
What does it mean? Less flare. More control. You still get the torque and continuation you expect from the Widow line, but with a much smoother shape.
The coverstock is HK22 - Aggression Hybrid, finished at 3000 grit. This combo gives you traction in the midlane and a clean yet predictable motion at the breakpoint. In short, it makes the ball versatile, less jumpy and more controllable for casual players.
Lane Performance
This Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 review wouldn’t be complete without seeing how it rolls on medium oil and house shots.
The ball shines on fresh oil and holds up well during transition. It doesn’t overreact. Instead, it blends the pattern beautifully and gives you room for error.
It’s ideal for:
- Straighter angles and more direct play
- Medium oil and standard house shots
- Bowlers who hate when their ball jumps off the dry
Compared to the Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid or Black Widow 3.0, this one is noticeably smoother. It hooks less overall, but gives you more control and consistency.
Who Should Use the Hammer Black Widow Tour V1?
The Tour V1 is made for league bowlers who need one ball to handle most conditions. If you want smooth motion and reliable read, it’s a top choice.
It works best rev-dominant players who struggle with over-hooking. It also
suits those bowlers who want to play straighter angles.
This Hammer
Black Widow Tour V1 review proves it's a smart benchmark for anyone who bowls
regularly on house shots.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very smooth and readable motion
- Works well on a variety of conditions
- Ideal for controlling transition
Cons:
- Less aggressive than other Widows. If you been waiting for aggressive one - this one is not for you.
- Won’t cover as many boards as high-flare balls
- May feel too smooth for bowlers who prefer sharp backend
Final Thoughts of Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 Review
The Hammer Black Widow Tour V1 brings a new flavor to the Widow family. It’s
not about raw power. It’s about smart control.
This ball is going
to dominate leagues. With its reworked core and hybrid shell, it delivers the
consistency bowlers need. If you're looking for a new benchmark or your first
Widow, this is the one to grab.
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