Hammer Purple Pearl 78D Review
The Hammer Purple Pearl 78D urethane excels on dry to medium oil with outstanding control and predictability for accuracy bowlers. Watch the review.
So, look at those two shots. Two completely different ball motions from the first shot to the second shot. And that is a trade of urethane and a trade of just making sure that you wipe your bowling ball off every shot so you can get a consistent reaction. And more importantly, that's why we say first shot doesn't count. >> Guess what does count though? >> What? >> That 10 back you just >> tinback.com. >> It looks real good. >> Oh, >> no. I mean, it actually says it right
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
The Purple Pearl 78D is Hammer’s modern spin on the urethane formula, and the spec sheet shows where it differs from the classic recipe. The Super LED symmetric core runs a 2.63 RG with a .034 differential, noticeably more differential than old-school urethane carried, and the high RG keeps the rev-up gradual rather than abrupt. Combined with the pearl urethane formulation, that gives this ball slightly more presence downlane than a traditional solid urethane arc, while the 500 grit factory finish keeps the read early, smooth, and blended. The 78D in the name is the cover’s hardness rating on the durometer D scale, a spec urethane buyers now watch closely.
The ratings frame it honestly: hook potential of 4 with a length rating of 7 and a backend of 5. That is urethane behavior through and through, a controlled arc rather than a reactive snap, but with a touch more finish than the hook number suggests at first glance. The consensus across the video reviews collected here leans the same way, with reviewers calling it one of the most usable urethane releases Hammer has put out, precisely because the pearl cover and core combination keeps the ball from quitting early on its rated Medium-Light conditions. Pin action at 6 is solid for the category; urethane carries through accuracy and consistent entry angle, not violence.
Who Is This Ball For?
Urethane is a control purchase, and that defines the buyer here. Bowlers who attack dry to medium lanes, players whose reactive gear overreacts to friction, and especially two-handed or high-rev bowlers who need to tone down their reaction will find the Purple Pearl 78D fills the role. The 7 versatility score reflects how many situations a smooth, predictable shape can rescue: burned house shots, short patterns, and broken-down tournament lanes where angle control beats raw hook every time.
It is not for heavy oil and never will be; the cons are upfront that it gives up serious motion to reactive equipment, and the 4 overall score reflects grading on a reactive scale rather than failure at its actual job. At $149.95 with an 8 value rating, it is priced sensibly for what it does. If your league night routinely ends with the fronts gone and your pearl jumping off the dry, this is the kind of ball that turns that final hour into a strength.
The Pros
- • Excellent control and predictability
- • Strong value at $149.95 price point
- • Good length through heads with controlled backend
The Cons
- • Limited hook potential compared to reactive balls
- • May struggle on heavier oil patterns
Who Is This Ball For?
The Hammer Purple Pearl 78D urethane excels on dry to medium oil with outstanding control and predictability for accuracy bowlers. Watch the review.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
More Videos (2)
This might be the most usable one yet! Hammer Purple Pearl 78D #CtDBowling #bowling #subscribe
Creating the Difference
Not all urethane bowling balls are the same! Hammer Purple Pearl 78D #CtDBowling #subscribe #bowling
Creating the DifferenceVerified Bowler Reviews (10 reviews, 4.6/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers say the Purple Pearl 78D provides excellent control with smooth urethane motion and strong pin carry. It hooks more than the original Purple with increased miss room, working best on fresh house shots with direct angles. Some note it requires staying on top of dry boards and picks up slightly differently than classic urethane.
AI summary of 10 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
The ball is great gives just as much if not more miss room than the purple pin did, granted its not comparable to the green pin. but its great, hooks more than the og purple and thats exactly what i needed to create a stronger entry angle
My first urethane ball in well over 20 years. Grew up throwing urethane on wood lanes in the 80's and early 90's. Got this as what I thought would just be another tool in my bag. Just got it today, so limited time with it, but I absolutely loved it! My go to, benchmark, ball is a Hammer Cherry Vibe I bought in 2010. This Purple Hammer moves about as many boards, but has that classic urethane smooth arc shape with a strong drive through the pocket. Thick shell makes a difference. Heavy hitter. Reads the friction, but doesn't jump off it like my Vibe, or even my Rhino Pearl does. This might be taking the #1 spot in my bag that my Vibe has owned for 16 years.
Here's my take on the new Hammer Purple Hammer 78D. The new Purple has a Super LED symmetric core (modified LED core found in the original Purple to increase track flare) wrapped by a purple pearl 78D urethane cover. Box finish is 500 Siaair. For comparison purposes, I drilled a 78D with the same layout as one of my original Purples, 40 x 3 3/4 x 10. I also put a fresh 500 Siaair on the original Purple. I tried it on mostly fresh THS. From what I see, notwithstanding the increased track flare, there is a difference in motion. I had to be a little further right and on top of the dry to get the 78D to shape properly. A careful eye can see that the 78D picks up a little differently than an original Purple. It also seems like the 78D is a bit more forward off the spot so I used a slight hand position adjustment to get the ball to shape properly. In the end, the Purple 78D will be a useful tool in the bag. As I found it easier to "curve" an original Purple (to be expected given the different cover), I believe that straighter more direct angles through the front will help the 78D to be at its best. This new 78D Purple will be at its best on fresh patterns where a slow response ball to get control of the pattern is required. The Purple Hammer 78D is readily available. See your local pro shop for more information.
This is basically a stronger version of the Black Pearl Hammer in 15lbs. A 16lb Black pearl Hammer is very close to this
United States
Very poor, did not receive the order I placed. I got a 2" pin on the ball when I ordered a 4" pin on the ball. I will not order from this place again.
United States
Showing 1–5 of 7 verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil condition is the Hammer Purple Pearl 78D best for?
Is the Hammer Purple Pearl 78D good for beginners?
What is the RG and differential of the Hammer Purple Pearl 78D?
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