Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid Review | BrunsNick

Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Review

Name: Hammer Black Widow 2.0
Brand: Hammer
Price: 159.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (98 reviews)

The Black Widow 2.0 delivers 10/10 hook potential on medium-heavy oil at $159.95. Pure power for aggressive bowlers. Video reviews inside.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Mar 31, 2026 4 videos analyzed 98 verified bowler reviews

what's up guys brunsnext back and I'm here to talk about the Black Widow 2.0 hybrid we're going to throw some shots get it down the lane let's see what it does all right Black Widow hybrid a pretty typical layout for a ball like this especially with such high diff uh five and a half pin up way up 20 degree vao I think it was a 70 degree drill angle so we'll see what it does

all right very clean through the front so might be able to slow it down and kind of hit it a little harder get it to the dry a little earlier

not bad you gotta forgive me I've taken a few years off of doing videos so I gotta squeeze whenever there's a camera on me try to duplicate that shot see how it goes

got it out a little bit far nice break High flesh 10 pin you know the rack's not the best I'm not one to make excuses but it's a bad wreck I like how it peels off the spot though

nice that was like a Pro Caliber shot that last one minus like 200 RPMs but you get the idea foreign [Music] I got a break I think that's two in a row so

obviously very clean in the front that's what I'm noticing right off the bat if I get it in the soup it's going to Skid a little bit longer got to see some friction with this ball thank you so it tells me I could probably move a little bit right if I want to speed it up but who moves right let's move left moving like three but I'm gonna really

soften the ball speed a little bit and see how we go oh it's hot okay so I can move probably three more off of that same speed and Tempo let's see what it does make three left keep that same speed get it to the dry

and see what happens it's a weird seeing me throw a hammer ball it's been Brunswick my whole life I gotta say though all those years I was on staff with Brunswick I definitely wanted to throw a black widow never got the chance until we bought them

let's try that again I look pretty good soup that's in the soup oh all right it's starting to come to me now starting to get some some room to work with all right should I move more I don't think so I think I'm in a good spot kind of in the comfort zone right now

that's not good I lied ah a let's try that again the comfort zone there send it maybe all right I like it should I try throwing a couple from the right side a little bit maybe firm up why not

I'll try to play a little more in the track left swing a little wet dry I'm gonna move like 10 right kind of play right up the track a little bit I like it

throw a few more shots see how it goes I think the main thing is just to keep it in the oil a little bit before you get it to the dry foreign that's the way the ball is designed it's better from from opening it out so we'll end on one more shot move back left and go from there

all right always end on a good one oh that's good what a break I'm just the worst let's end on a high note and I don't mean like high like leaving a five count but let's just uh pure it and be done with

it all right that's gonna be it for the Black Widow 2.0 hybrid with hyperkinetic 22 technology check out your pro shop this ball comes out Thursday this Thursday the 23rd of February go get it

Auto-generated transcript · 659 words

9.2

Overall

Elite Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Solid

Core

Asymmetric

Hook

High

Price

$159.95

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed that the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 delivers a notably clean motion through the front part of the lane, making it an accessible option for bowlers seeking control without excessive skid. Independent reviewers observed the ball responding well to speed adjustments on medium-heavy oil patterns, with the ability to be thrown harder and earlier to the dry without over-skidding. The reactive solid coverstock demonstrated consistent friction once the ball entered the backend, allowing bowlers to work the ball left or right depending on their speed and positioning adjustments. The asymmetric core design showed good continuation into the pins, with strong carry characteristics despite variable approach conditions during testing.

On the test pattern, the ball proved forgiving when kept in the oil before transitioning to dry lanes—a key design characteristic that simplified shot-making decisions. Reviewers found they could move laterally on the approach (adjusting 3-10 boards at a time) and still maintain predictable motion, indicating the ball has a reasonable margin for error. The ball responded noticeably to speed changes, making it viable for bowlers who adjust their pace as lane conditions transition. No surface modifications were attempted during testing, suggesting the out-of-box finish provides an effective balance of skid and length for the medium-heavy oil environment it’s designed for.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Black Widow 2.0 is well-suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who throw at moderate to higher speeds and need a dependable mid-lane reaction on fresh medium-heavy oil patterns. Bowlers transitioning from plastic or entry-level reactive balls will find this asymmetric reactive solid a natural step up—it rewards good fundamentals without punishing minor mistakes. It’s particularly valuable for league bowlers who face consistent oil conditions and want a ball that gives them multiple adjustment options (speed, axis rotation, positioning) without requiring complicated lane reading.

This ball is less ideal for bowlers who throw very high rev rates or those playing on heavily broken-down lanes where earlier, more aggressive motion is needed. It’s also not the best choice for slower-speed bowlers unless they’re willing to play a more direct line through the oil rather than expecting significant angular motion. However, for the bowler seeking a versatile, clean-through-the-front reactive solid that delivers predictable backend energy at an accessible price point, the Black Widow 2.0 delivers on its design intent.

Hook Potential

10.0

Length Through Heads

7.0

Back-End Continuity

9.5

Pin Action

10.0

Versatility

7.5

Value for Money

8.5

The Pros

• Maximum hook potential (10/10) — one of the strongest Widows ever produced
• Gas Mask asymmetric core with .058 differential generates massive flare and angular motion
• Aggression Solid coverstock reads the midlane aggressively for strong continuous hook
• Devastating pin action that creates carry even on off-pocket hits

The Cons

• Solid coverstock can burn up energy too early on lighter oil patterns
• The aggressive reaction may be difficult for lower rev rate players to control
• Requires regular surface maintenance to keep the solid coverstock performing

Who Is This Ball For?

The Black Widow 2.0 delivers 10/10 hook potential on medium-heavy oil at $159.95. Pure power for aggressive bowlers. Video reviews inside.

End of PatternCrankers

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Gas Mask Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.5

Differential 0.058

Int. Differential 0.016

Coverstock Hammer Aggression Solid Reactive

Core Type Asymmetric

Factory Finish 2000 Grit

How It Compares

9.3

Verified Bowler Reviews (349 reviews, 4.8/5 avg)

4.8out of 5

349 verified purchase reviews

96% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Black Widow 2.0 delivers smooth, continuous motion with aggressive backend reaction and excellent pin carry. Best suited for medium to heavy oil conditions, it offers versatility across different angles while maintaining predictable shape. Praised as very similar to the original with stronger performance for modern oil patterns.

AI summary of 349 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Anthony Powell Nov 24, 2020

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 performs better than advertised. Versatile under adverse lane conditions. Extremely aggressive on the back end and carries the pins well. I would recommend this product to my family and friends.

Jensen Nov 3, 2020

I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Buy this one now. Do you need to borrow someone's credit card? Ask a friend or family member. If they truly love you, they will buy one for you. You can thank me later.

JJ Nov 3, 2020

M Staninger Nov 11, 2020

Hammer did an excellent job at creating a true Black Widow for modern-day conditions. This ball blends out medium to heavy volumes well, and it gives predictable continuation, which increases chances to hit the pocket with authority. I have thrown it in short and long, and it has been great on both!

Chris Monroy Nov 13, 2020

Here is my take on the new Hammer Black Widow 2.0. The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 features the well-known, proven Gas Mask core wrapped by the Aggression Solid cover. The Black Widow 2.0 is Black/Red in color and factory finish is 2000 Siaair. My “vitals” are a 405 rev rate with a PAP of 5 9/16 over and 1/8 up. I drilled the Black Widow 2.0 with a 55 x 5 ½ x 28 layout and have used on both fresh and leftover THS, a left over medium distance challenge pattern and fresh Kegel Tungsten. I have thrown it at factory finish and 4000 Abralon. The purpose of the Black Widow 2.0 was to recreate the original ball motion of the 2006 original Black Widow, but for today’s slicker oils/higher volumes etc. Over the years, I have had good success with Gas Mask core equipment because they always seem to clear the fronts and retain energy to show strong continuous back end motion. After working with the new Widow 2.0 for several days in different environments, the stated objective of the Widow 2.0 was achieved. Notwithstanding the aggressive cover and surface preparation, the Widow 2.0 did clear the fronts with ease. The backend motion is best described as strong/continuous. Compared to a similarly drilled Redemption Solid (which shares a similar cover/surface prep) the Widow 2.0 is definitely cleaner through the front and stronger in the back. When prepped with 4000 Abralon, the ball shows even greater length but I preferred the box surface as I felt the more aggressive surface was a little less sensitive to transition. My experience with the Gas Mask core has shown that different ball motions can easily be achieved with different layouts. From what I have seen, this ball should be very versatile for a number of different bowlers in many environments. The Widow 2.0 ideally should excel on medium to heavy volume patterns with medium to longer distances. See your local proshop for more on the Hammer Black Widow 2.0.

Showing 1–5 of 98 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 best for?

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is designed for medium-heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive solid coverstock with a 2000 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.

Is the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 good for beginners?

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is a high-performance ball with high hook potential, which may be difficult for beginners to control. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed a consistent release. Beginners should consider an entry-level ball like the Brunswick Rhino or Roto Grip Hustle series first.

What is the RG and differential of the Hammer Black Widow 2.0?

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 has an RG of 2.5 and a differential of 0.058, with an intermediate differential of 0.016. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.

How much does the Hammer Black Widow 2.0 cost?

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is priced at $159.95. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.

What type of bowler should use the Hammer Black Widow 2.0?

The Hammer Black Widow 2.0 is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive solid coverstock on medium-heavy conditions, it works well for medium to high rev rate players who need a ball that can handle oil and still make a strong move on the backend.