As a low ball speed player the 3.0 was too much out of the box. I took it up to 3000 and shoot 300 the next week and 2 weeks later I shot 822. Great list Nick.
I was surprised the Black Pearl did not make the list. I have owned four purple Hammers, two Ebonite originals and two Brunswick and it's weird to say, but the Black Pearl may actually rival the Purple. I have had great success with it both on House and Sport shots and I cashed in my first ever Bowler's Journal Singles event this year using just the Black Pearl. Plus Hammer staffers have done great with it on the PBA tour.
Changed out my SPI gear for a Hammer Effect and a Track Stealth Hybrid. And so far it’s a good combo for league. Average is slowly creeping back up with these two and a plastic in the bag.
Great list Nick! I tend to favor Brunswick brands as well, especially Hammer. Your videos have been very helpful in guiding my purchases this year. Keep up the great work and have a fantastic and prosperous 2025!
Hammer Effect is absolutely my favorite ball, shot my very first 300 game with it this month. Was so happy with the Effect I went out and bought the Effect Tour and love that one as well
That's what I was thinking of. He covered a lot of premium high performance options but for widespread use I think those Vibes have a lot going for them.
I got the stealth hybrid and bowled a longer oil pattern yesterday and it chewed right through it and performed so great. Outstanding recommendation ! Thanks Nick
I'm glad that the Effect was number 1. I love mine. I can play down and in with a flatter roll. But I can also stand all the way left and hook the entire lane. ~450 rev rate, ~18MPH launch.
After dropping to all 14lb mid season I went with the star studded cast of the Hammer Effect, One Reverb, Hazmat solid, Rhino Ivory, Ricochet pearl, Criterion, Scorpion Low Flare and a ball out of my Morich stash, the Mojave. I've also changed my game a little cutting down the rev rate and uping my ball speed. I think it's paid major dividends. I was a c300 guy for many many years and have gone all B7 since the EBI acquisition.
Have been throwing all spi stuff besides my BW ghost and I just recently got a one reverb! All I can say is wow I’m so glad I gave that ball a chance as it’s now my go to for house!
I didn’t have the chance to roll most of the new stuff other than at a demo day. But, at the demo, the Hazmat Solid proved itself and I got one of my own. That ball has matched up amazing with my game and I absolutely love how predictable and smooth that ball is.
The Nick! Wicked Collision Dude! Maybe a little squirrelly OOB, but when I cracked the surface with a fresh 3000, I shot my first 700 in years. It's my new Ride or Die!
It's tied between the 3.0 and Effect. The only two balls I've run all season for league so far. Has been an insanely good combo they compliment eachother so well. VERY excited to see the next Widow.
A misconfigured return shattered my Black Widow 2.0 at my favorite Bowling Alley, and they replaced it with a 3.0. Straight out of the box, same configuration, same throw, and my average is up 30+ points. Love the 3.0! Now I’m wondering about the Hammer Effect!
The best bowler in our league polished the criterion and he has bowled a 300 game 2 weeks in a row whip it. The reverb is one of the best balls I've ever thrown opening up league and it's very oily at our house. First ball out of the bag and I have three 700 plus sets with it. Btw, that's far above my average. Hard for me to control at first because of the amount it hooks even when I keep my hand behind it but my son and I both bought one after your review and boy am I glad I saw that review.
Happy to see that my choice of purchasing the Black Widow 3.0 made it to the number two spot on your list. I’ve had some great games with it over the past year, but lately I’ve felt like I’ve forgotten how to bowl and it’s not moving like it should, which is obviously a problem with my release. Hopefully I’ll figure it out soon and get back to my pursuit of getting my average over 200 in league and chasing my first 300 game. I was a little surprised that the Global 900 Harsh Reality wasn’t on the list or mentioned at all. It is one of the most popular balls in the area where I bowl, and some people prefer it over the Black Widow 3.0.
From what I've seen from your reviews, the Track Criterion is my favorite. That's my next ball. Getting it in a couple weeks. I have the Hammer Effect, but I'm just not diggin on it.
In the hunt for a new ball is what brought me to your channel. I like your reviews and try to determine how all of the data will relate to my game. I’m old school. Last ball I had drilled for me was an Ebonite Pantera by Don Johnson in January of 2002. That ball was most recently used with any regularity in 2015 league with a 215 average. Last year I started rolling again, and after struggling, have since learned resin balls have a lifespan and mine is long past its’. Two of the three balls I was expecting to make your list, in fact, did. Hammer Effect and Black Widow 3.0. The other ball that I’ve been seriously considering, Ebonite Real Time, did not. From your review this ball seemed to be very versatile and surprisingly strong. Why was it left out? Thank you and keep up the great work!
Coming off tendinitis, I went down to 14 lb a couple seasons ago and put together a mini arsenal. I also don't have much money, so I only got 1 ball released in 2024. Got The Brunswick Endeavor. It's great when the lanes are right for it. Threw a 279 with it on Friday
Me and a bunch of guys I know who bowl sport shots absolutely hate the hammer effect. It looks good when there is a lot of friction, but the cover just feels way too clean and weaker compared to SPI balls. It feels like it just misses the spot more often than not for me. Im looking at a Vaporize as a replacement, what would you recommend for a transition type bowling ball for someone who doesn't like the effect?
I think DV8 is overlooked as a whole at the moment. The Mantra is hands down my favorite ball of 2025. I haven't been able to put the ball down for 6 or 7 weeks. It's simply that good & its also versatile. I can play all the angles with it. It's a shame more ppl haven't caught on to it. Every week, 1 or 2 ppl are asking me what I'm throwing... & after I tell them I get the response "I never heard of it" or "when was that released?" ....absolute bummer. bonus thought: Radical Breakaway. Again, I think this was overlooked... if it had a Hammer logo stamped on it, it might have been one of the best symmetrical releases of the year imo.
For me, the Track Archetype Hybrid was the best ball of 2024. The Effect was next, and the Trouble Maker Pearl. It came out very late in 2023, but the Theorem was awesome, too.
Hey I have the black widow 3.0 and decided to get the hammer effect tour for Christmas I’m normally a mid rev rate and high speed bowler do you think the tour would be a good fit going from the black widow 3.0
Started bowling after 20 years of not. Bought a Widow 2.0 hybrid which I do ok with and The Road which I could never get to work right. Hooks to much in the dry, not enough in the oil. Need a new ball and thinking either the effect or 3.0. The Vaporize has me intrigued also since I threw a Zone reall well back in the day.
Been super impressed with the Reverb. Not sure if I agree with the BW 3.0 being 2nd. I think it should have been Reverb 1 and Effect 2. The Reverb is more usable across different parts of the lane. I just threw 10 strikes in game one with mine in a doubles tournament. Unfortunately Ebonite will not get the top spot in any list.. I'm sure there are reasons.. I would have removed the BW 3.0 and added the No Doubt to somewhere in the top 10. X in the Pit listed the BW 3.0 as B7's flop of the year. I think there was definitely some buyers remorse on that ball for many people. Just because it's a high selling ball doesn't mean that people don't hate it after it lane shines so quickly. It may be great out of the box but definitely doesn't hold up like the BW 2.0 did. I would be interested to see what this list would look like if all these balls were judged after 20-30 games.
Im convinced the best Brunswick brand ball this year was the Stealth Hybrid. Its my perfect weaker sym pearl shape im looking for. Many staffers i know called it ball of the year behind obviously the 78D.
The One Reverb is my #1 of the year. Artic Vibe a close second. Probably the best cheap ball ever. Crazy to see how my hate 3.0 is getting all over YT in these lists.
Surprised to see a few balls missing here, no doubt, scorpions, mesmerize, hazmat solid or arctic vibe all seem like they could be in consideration here
I'm kind of crazy an don't bowl with a single ball enough to have a best. I usually bowl good with all new balls till they get 20 or 30 games and then it just don't work for some reason. I know the one i hated and that was the Radical Conspiracy HK22. lol.
Nick, Ultimate Defender will not make your list, but I rolled basically 779 over two days, on 2 different lane pairs with it. I know, sounds nuts, not confusing if you are the guy watching this thing strike over and over with ease. Bought mine after discontinue announcement, kicking myself big time!
Hammer hazmat. DV8 Mantra are my best bowling balls. I had a Blackwidow 3.0 resurfaced to 5000 and still hooked to much. My ball speed 16mph at pocket plus or minus 1. my revs are around 500, axiz tilt 10, PAP 3.5 over and 1 down. A one handed thumb bowler. Still best is troublemaker even if not a 2024 ball and is retired but not retired in bag. I even boght a second one.
As a low ball speed player the 3.0 was too much out of the box. I took it up to 3000 and shoot 300 the next week and 2 weeks later I shot 822. Great list Nick.
Scorpion Low Flare would probably be good for the description of your game on a house shot
I like my 2.0 Hybrid at 3000 too. Maybe 3000 grit just matches up well with Widows?
I was surprised the Black Pearl did not make the list.
I have owned four purple Hammers, two Ebonite originals and two Brunswick and it's weird to say, but the Black Pearl may actually rival the Purple.
I have had great success with it both on House and Sport shots and I cashed in my first ever Bowler's Journal Singles event this year using just the Black Pearl.
Plus Hammer staffers have done great with it on the PBA tour.
Changed out my SPI gear for a Hammer Effect and a Track Stealth Hybrid. And so far it’s a good combo for league. Average is slowly creeping back up with these two and a plastic in the bag.
Great list Nick! I tend to favor Brunswick brands as well, especially Hammer. Your videos have been very helpful in guiding my purchases this year. Keep up the great work and have a fantastic and prosperous 2025!
Hammer Effect is absolutely my favorite ball, shot my very first 300 game with it this month. Was so happy with the Effect I went out and bought the Effect Tour and love that one as well
I got my Effect Tour when it came out and have used it on house shots as well as medium and long sport patterns. Such a versatile ball overall
I've been waiting for your top ball list. Love this channel
Hammer Arctic Vibe, cheap ball and good for multiple lanes conditions.
That's what I was thinking of. He covered a lot of premium high performance options but for widespread use I think those Vibes have a lot going for them.
I got the stealth hybrid and bowled a longer oil pattern yesterday and it chewed right through it and performed so great. Outstanding recommendation ! Thanks Nick
Was waiting for this video. Thanks Nick. Love your show bro...
I'm glad that the Effect was number 1. I love mine. I can play down and in with a flatter roll. But I can also stand all the way left and hook the entire lane. ~450 rev rate, ~18MPH launch.
The Video we've been waiting all year for
After dropping to all 14lb mid season I went with the star studded cast of the Hammer Effect, One Reverb, Hazmat solid, Rhino Ivory, Ricochet pearl, Criterion, Scorpion Low Flare and a ball out of my Morich stash, the Mojave. I've also changed my game a little cutting down the rev rate and uping my ball speed. I think it's paid major dividends. I was a c300 guy for many many years and have gone all B7 since the EBI acquisition.
Have been throwing all spi stuff besides my BW ghost and I just recently got a one reverb! All I can say is wow I’m so glad I gave that ball a chance as it’s now my go to for house!
Thanks for the video I would add the mesmerize.
Good one, that’s a solid pick.
I didn’t have the chance to roll most of the new stuff other than at a demo day. But, at the demo, the Hazmat Solid proved itself and I got one of my own. That ball has matched up amazing with my game and I absolutely love how predictable and smooth that ball is.
It's late but the anger and real time are crazy
Thanks!
Appreciate you! Happy New Year!
The Nick! Wicked Collision Dude! Maybe a little squirrelly OOB, but when I cracked the surface with a fresh 3000, I shot my first 700 in years. It's my new Ride or Die!
It was a close one!
Totally agree about the Effect. Always seems to find the pocket
It's tied between the 3.0 and Effect. The only two balls I've run all season for league so far. Has been an insanely good combo they compliment eachother so well. VERY excited to see the next Widow.
The hammer effect was the 2024 version of the 2.0 hybrid the year before. Both goat balls. IMO
Your number 1 was also my number 1, love the hammer effect
Happy Holidays, 🎄 also Happy New Year. Wish I knew you when I was bowling.
Speed dominate with 3 asym in your top 3.😮 Great content as always. Love the No Doubt.
A misconfigured return shattered my Black Widow 2.0 at my favorite Bowling Alley, and they replaced it with a 3.0. Straight out of the box, same configuration, same throw, and my average is up 30+ points. Love the 3.0!
Now I’m wondering about the Hammer Effect!
The best bowler in our league polished the criterion and he has bowled a 300 game 2 weeks in a row whip it. The reverb is one of the best balls I've ever thrown opening up league and it's very oily at our house. First ball out of the bag and I have three 700 plus sets with it. Btw, that's far above my average. Hard for me to control at first because of the amount it hooks even when I keep my hand behind it but my son and I both bought one after your review and boy am I glad I saw that review.
I got an Effect this year and it was my fave all year.
Arctic Vibe has been a beast for me. Figured I’d see it on the list.
Fun ball but I did better with others
Happy to see that my choice of purchasing the Black Widow 3.0 made it to the number two spot on your list. I’ve had some great games with it over the past year, but lately I’ve felt like I’ve forgotten how to bowl and it’s not moving like it should, which is obviously a problem with my release. Hopefully I’ll figure it out soon and get back to my pursuit of getting my average over 200 in league and chasing my first 300 game. I was a little surprised that the Global 900 Harsh Reality wasn’t on the list or mentioned at all. It is one of the most popular balls in the area where I bowl, and some people prefer it over the Black Widow 3.0.
Brunswick is a B7 guy. He is not allowed to throw anything from SPI, nor will he promote anything other than B7.
From what I've seen from your reviews, the Track Criterion is my favorite. That's my next ball. Getting it in a couple weeks. I have the Hammer Effect, but I'm just not diggin on it.
In the hunt for a new ball is what brought me to your channel. I like your reviews and try to determine how all of the data will relate to my game. I’m old school. Last ball I had drilled for me was an Ebonite Pantera by Don Johnson in January of 2002. That ball was most recently used with any regularity in 2015 league with a 215 average. Last year I started rolling again, and after struggling, have since learned resin balls have a lifespan and mine is long past its’. Two of the three balls I was expecting to make your list, in fact, did. Hammer Effect and Black Widow 3.0. The other ball that I’ve been seriously considering, Ebonite Real Time, did not. From your review this ball seemed to be very versatile and surprisingly strong. Why was it left out? Thank you and keep up the great work!
Hammer Effect is 🐐!!! I bought it as soon as I could and as a two handed bowler I love it!!!
arctic vibe
If I get another ball, I will definitely look at th Vaporize as I throw a Vapor Zone solid currently. Would be a great addition to my arsenal!
Coming off tendinitis, I went down to 14 lb a couple seasons ago and put together a mini arsenal. I also don't have much money, so I only got 1 ball released in 2024. Got The Brunswick Endeavor. It's great when the lanes are right for it. Threw a 279 with it on Friday
Nice gz
I agreed on your choices especially your top two
I absolutely love my widow 3.0!! Definitely feel like it made a great place on your list
I have the 3.0 and the effect those balls are good for any occasion
Just got the Ricochet before Christmas so won't be able to use until we start back up Jan 2. Can't wait!
Me and a bunch of guys I know who bowl sport shots absolutely hate the hammer effect. It looks good when there is a lot of friction, but the cover just feels way too clean and weaker compared to SPI balls. It feels like it just misses the spot more often than not for me. Im looking at a Vaporize as a replacement, what would you recommend for a transition type bowling ball for someone who doesn't like the effect?
Ummmm I mean if you think Effect was too clean, you probably won’t like Vaporize. It’s cleaner even. Use surface when you need it.
@@brunsnick thanks for the heads up
Ethos Hybrid. Under the radar ball. Just matches up for me.
I got the effect tour the black widow 3.0 and rattler nu i love them all.
I think DV8 is overlooked as a whole at the moment. The Mantra is hands down my favorite ball of 2025. I haven't been able to put the ball down for 6 or 7 weeks. It's simply that good & its also versatile. I can play all the angles with it. It's a shame more ppl haven't caught on to it. Every week, 1 or 2 ppl are asking me what I'm throwing... & after I tell them I get the response "I never heard of it" or "when was that released?" ....absolute bummer.
bonus thought: Radical Breakaway. Again, I think this was overlooked... if it had a Hammer logo stamped on it, it might have been one of the best symmetrical releases of the year imo.
Mesmerize ✌🏻
I love the Effect as well. I did think that The Attention Star should've made the list. Other than that, it was a really good list.
Brunsnick only reviews Brunswick (B7) owned brands. Roto Grip is part of the Storm (SPI) family
For me, the Track Archetype Hybrid was the best ball of 2024. The Effect was next, and the Trouble Maker Pearl. It came out very late in 2023, but the Theorem was awesome, too.
Hey I have the black widow 3.0 and decided to get the hammer effect tour for Christmas I’m normally a mid rev rate and high speed bowler do you think the tour would be a good fit going from the black widow 3.0
Will be smoother and easier to control
@ ahhhh thanks
Started bowling after 20 years of not. Bought a Widow 2.0 hybrid which I do ok with and The Road which I could never get to work right. Hooks to much in the dry, not enough in the oil. Need a new ball and thinking either the effect or 3.0. The Vaporize has me intrigued also since I threw a Zone reall well back in the day.
How does the summit peak compare to the nuclear forge? Trying to figure out which to buy for the new year
Been super impressed with the Reverb. Not sure if I agree with the BW 3.0 being 2nd. I think it should have been Reverb 1 and Effect 2. The Reverb is more usable across different parts of the lane. I just threw 10 strikes in game one with mine in a doubles tournament. Unfortunately Ebonite will not get the top spot in any list.. I'm sure there are reasons.. I would have removed the BW 3.0 and added the No Doubt to somewhere in the top 10. X in the Pit listed the BW 3.0 as B7's flop of the year. I think there was definitely some buyers remorse on that ball for many people. Just because it's a high selling ball doesn't mean that people don't hate it after it lane shines so quickly. It may be great out of the box but definitely doesn't hold up like the BW 2.0 did. I would be interested to see what this list would look like if all these balls were judged after 20-30 games.
Cool video talk tech bowling ball brunsnick
Started bowling again after 15yrs. Bought the BW 3.0 been averaging 212
Arctic Vibe
Im convinced the best Brunswick brand ball this year was the Stealth Hybrid. Its my perfect weaker sym pearl shape im looking for. Many staffers i know called it ball of the year behind obviously the 78D.
Wow, nothing on no doubt, hazmat solid, scorpion strike/low flare?
For me # 3 would be DV8 Wicked Collision
Scorpion Low Flare belongs in the top 5.
good top ten for sure, i feel the mezmerize didnt get enough love
It was close for me! Great ball!
Reverb is my favorite
My 3 ball arsenal
1. Extreme Envy
2. Hammer Hazmat Solid
3. Scorpion Low Flare
This looks like a really nice hammer line up from this year
I’m rocking the hammer effect optimum idol and the dark web hybrid.
For me it was the Columbia 300 ricochet which I was surprised to see down low at number 8
Whatever happened to the secret sauce? That polish was aewsome!
It was sold to lane1 then they went bye bye
That's a shame!
I saw Effect on almost every ball return of my Tues night league this fall
Gotta do a bottom 10 next
That would be interesting 🧐🧐🧐
I seen you had no DV8 balls in your top 10, just wondering what your top 3 were.
Damn, i only own one of your top ten. The effect and criterion are on my radar but i do have the effect tour.
3.0 got me my first 300. My vote for ball of the year
i also shot a 300 with mine and congrats
Rattler Big Bite is my #1. Love my conspiracy hk22, 3.0. Oh GB I shot a 297.
My 3 balls that have been good for me in 2024 is Ebonite GB4 and GB5, along with Hammer Scorpion low flare.
Too many balls to pick one. My favorite ball is the TNT. I hit it with 1000 grit sand paper and it performs great.
Is the Collision series a dud?
It was a close one but didn’t make the cut for me
The One Reverb is my #1 of the year. Artic Vibe a close second. Probably the best cheap ball ever.
Crazy to see how my hate 3.0 is getting all over YT in these lists.
Frankly I would have considered the KABOOM & the SUPER CUDA POWERCOR on your list
Cant wait to see what will the bowling gods bring us in 2025.
the 3.0 was great for me early
I'm surprised the mesmerize did not make your list during your video of that ball you struck from all angles.
It was a close one!
I like the Hazmat
kinda cool how all 7 brands make it into the top 10 😏
6 of the 7 this year.
@ oh no DV8, my bad 😣
Surprised to see a few balls missing here, no doubt, scorpions, mesmerize, hazmat solid or arctic vibe all seem like they could be in consideration here
Effect Tour at #9 is a travesty 😅 that was my ball of the year by a wide margin
DV8 Mantra
Max Bias was my number 1
The one reverb gets almost no love. When you got to the top 5, I figured it wasn't even on the list.
I'm kind of crazy an don't bowl with a single ball enough to have a best. I usually bowl good with all new balls till they get 20 or 30 games and then it just don't work for some reason. I know the one i hated and that was the Radical Conspiracy HK22. lol.
No mention of the Pyramid Blood Moon Evolve? Actually, is Pyramid even a brand ever worth considering?
Nope. I’m BrunsNick.
dv8 hater is mine, killer ball also with hk22 cover
Nick, Ultimate Defender will not make your list, but I rolled basically 779 over two days, on 2 different lane pairs with it. I know, sounds nuts, not confusing if you are the guy watching this thing strike over and over with ease. Bought mine after discontinue announcement, kicking myself big time!
You missed the scorpion strike…
I think the Mesmerize and Game Breaker 5 should be in the top ten.
The mesmerize should have been on there
let's see this list babbbbyyy
I want to see the black widow nightmare. Effect cover on a widow.
Scorpion strike snubbed
This is why they call him Never-miss Nick.
Oh I miss. 😁
@@brunsnick We won't count the House of Pain.
The Heckler didn’t make it?
Hammer hazmat. DV8 Mantra are my best bowling balls. I had a Blackwidow 3.0 resurfaced to 5000 and still hooked to much. My ball speed 16mph at pocket plus or minus 1. my revs are around 500, axiz tilt 10, PAP 3.5 over and 1 down. A one handed thumb bowler. Still best is troublemaker even if not a 2024 ball and is retired but not retired in bag. I even boght a second one.
Real time. I think was the sleeper
Black Widow 3.0 🥇
I'm surprised you didn't have Mesmerize on your list