Hammer Purple Solid Reactive Review

As a bowler who is a HUGE fan of the Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane, especially on sport shots, I HAD to get my hands on a solid reactive version of the best urethane ball on the market. I drilled the Purple Reactive with the same layout as my favorite Purple Pearl Urethane: (45) x 3.5" x 55. This type of layout allows me to put a lower flaring ball in my hand and maximize its flare potential, while also having a ball that isn't too sensitive to mid, or down-lane transition with the higher VAL angle. The Purple Reactive is a symmetric core gem, fitting in just slightly less aggressive than my Hammer Raw Black, but clears the fronts better than the Raw for a sweeping mid-lane motion that is super controllable. This allows me to keep my angles in front of me, which keeps the ball in play longer, play straighter when I need to, and bounce it off the gutter easier on those pesky short oil patterns, without having to cover too many boards to do it. The Purple Reactive actually compliments the Purple Pearl Urethane well on sport patterns. Viper 36 ft. oil pattern, for example, is a pattern where I start with urethane, and push oil away from the fronts and through the mid-lane with the Purple Pearl Urethane, needing to switch to something cleaner as the games go on, and the Purple Reactive is the perfect fit. It glides through the front part of the lane with ease, getting through that urethane front hook spot, and gives me a consistent read all the way through the pins shot after shot. A great 1-2 punch for your tournament arsenal, this is another special piece of equipment from the folks at Hammer. Grab one today from Bowler Builders Pro Shop or shops everywhere!

United States

Definitely a great addition to my bag, exactly what I needed to fill a gap. For me the Purple Solid Reactive (PSR) was clean through the front with a smooth continuous break to the pocket. I am a lower rev player and the PSR gave me plenty of pop on the back. Stronger than I expected, and very predictable. I’ve used it on a THS, and the 32’ wolf pattern. I’m looking forward to using the PSR on more challenge and sport patterns. It looks and works great with a shine too.

United States

Lay out 65x5x40, love how this ball blends the wet/dry. Handles transition awesome, and strikes a ton. Looks like a top 5 ball all time for me.

United States

I threw the Purple Solid Reactive against my Purple Pearl Urethane and I like what I saw. You can see a similar controlled shape. As it was designed, the reactive is much more ball overall. For me on a THS, I had to move about 7 & 3 left with the reactive. Although it is a low flare, control shape it hits pretty hard and goes through the pins well. This should be a good ball for those that have a hard time getting Urethane to tip up and hit.

United States

This ball is comparable to the old red hammer I had way back when I first started bowling. The ball has considerable hook, but then so does every ball I use. I am particularly impressed by the way it moves through the pins, which a big concern to me when I had to drop the weight of the ball because of back problems.

South Carolina, United States

I have been bowling now for 50 years and this is the smoothest ball I have ever rolled.

United States

Exactly what i needed for my bag. I can play right or move in when needed. Will be my main light ball. Seems like a ball that will take surface well too.

United States

Just tested this out Tuesday night in my league in the 2nd and third game. And it did the job!

United States

Finally a smooth ball for us tweeners! I threw the Purple Urethane and it just didn’t work for me. I don’t have enough hand to get the benefits from urethane, but I still hook it some. The Urethane would still hook if I missed left and would hand if I missed right. But with the Purple Reactive I get the same advantage as the bowlers that hook it more when they throw urethane. This is a must in my bag for sport shots and PBA patterns.

United States

Does what it says it’s going to do as long as you do it right. Got a little leeway if you miss your target

United States

The Hammer Purple Reactive gives me a predictable ball motion. I get a urethane type shape but a little stronger and with a little more forgiveness on misses that I don’t get from urethane. I use this sometimes on house shots and it really excels on shorter sport patterns where a ton of guys are throwing urethane. I have an above average rev rate but not up there with the 2 handers, so this allows me to play the same area of the lane as I would with urethane but I can stay in this ball longer and it doesn’t react as poorly when they start to transition. Bonus, it still hits like a Purple Hammer since it’s a 2-piece ball. I went with 60 x 4.5 x 40 for my layout for a benchmark type shape. https://youtube.com/shorts/-m2za6ZQWTA?feature=share

United States

Just as good as urethane. The reactive solid gets through the fronts pretty easy actually. Very round shape motion. Reacts like urethane just gives you a little more distance with some extra bang in the backend. Great add to the bag for wide range of players. Suited for medium to lighter oil conditions. Even with the amount of surface performs well on dried up shots.

United States

The Hammer Purple Reactive has a very predictable ball motion that certainly gets through the oil very well. I have found this ball to be very useful on challenge/sport shots. It does very well in reading the lane and not over reactive off the friction. I drilled my Purple Reactive pin down and is still responds well off the friction. If drilled pin-up, I feel this could be a good benchmark ball for tournament play.

United States

What an amazing compliment to the purple urethane. When my urethane is too early I switch to the reactive and it’s smooth sailing and I mean SMOOTH. But unlike some of my other smooth pieces, the reactive still goes through the pins with authority. I can see this ball being a staple for high rev players or those of us that like to get up against the dry.

United States

This ball is a beaut! It has a nice hook on medium to heavier oil conditions.

I wanted this ball, perfect timing as it was on sale, love the ball! It works great on the lanes I play!

Alberta , canada

The Purple Hammer Reactive, Gives me a very predictable shape down lane. I am able to adjust the surface easily to get the desired length and finish. I have used this ball on shorter patterns, when the heads have burnt up. This is a great counterpart to the Purple Urethane.

United States

I'm new to finger tip style bowling and this ball is pretty responsive for hooking.

Illinois, United States

The Hammer Purple Solid Reactive wasn't what I was looking for when I wanted to purchase my first symmetrical ball. My pro - who knows my game - recommended it highly. I decided to listen for a change. He was right on the mark. The early, predictable roll fits my game perfectly...low/med rev, 14-15 mph speed. I can throw it right and trust it will always come back to find the pocket. Not only does it find the pocket, but it drives through it and doesn't often leave 10 pins like other balls. Threw six in a row when I switched to it for the first time in league. I highly recommend this ball for anyone who wants a strong, early, continuous ball that will get you an extra 20 pins per game easily.

I drilled mine 55 X 4 X 55. The Hammer Purple Solid Reactive is an extremely controllable piece. This ball is great when you need a step up from the Purple Pearl Urethane. The Purple Solid Reactive is perfect if you often find traditional urethane too weak but still need a similar shape. It is excellent on a variety of conditions. My go-to piece when I am looking for something smooth and controllable. The Purple Solid Reactive is a must-have piece in your tournament bag to help blend out challenging conditions.