Hammer Zero Mercy Hybrid Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.54"

Differential: .053"

M/b: .020"

Surface: 1500 Grit w/ Crown Factory Compound

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Zero Mercy Hybrid is the ball Hammer fans have been waiting for since the introduction of the best-selling Zero Mercy Solid and Pearl. The Zero Mercy Hybrid bridges the gap, combining traction in oil with explosive downlane motion; this shiny hybrid delivers the best of both worlds. Wrapped in a striking four-color hybrid coverstock, the Zero Mercy Hybrid creates more traction in the mid-lane than a typical shiny ball while maintaining the quick response to friction and powerful downlane motion bowlers expect from the Zero Mercy name. The result is a unique combination of control, versatility, and recovery that allows bowlers to stay in their comfort zone longer as lane conditions transition. If you’re looking for a shiny ball that can handle more oil, create a stronger footprint in the mid-lane, and still deliver the angular backend motion needed to strike, the Zero Mercy Hybrid is the missing piece in the Zero Mercy lineup. Following in the footsteps of two of Hammer’s most successful high-performance releases, the Zero Mercy Hybrid is built to be another winner.

I was really eager to give this one a try, as I didn't get much opportunity to throw last season's Zero Mercy balls. I simply wasn't bowling in an environment that needed that much cover strength. This year I'm bowling league at Royal Crest Lanes in Lawrence and there's certainly more oil on the lane for me. I drilled the Zero Mercy Hybrid with my standard pin up drilling for an asymmetric core ball. This ball is in that medium rg category, so it revs moderately in the heads. Combined with the compound finish, this gives the Hybrid a decent amount of skid for such a strong ball.

You can really tell how strong the cover is on this ball in the midlane. This ball really wants to pickup the middle section of the lane and start moving from right to left. The large differential and mass bias strength also help create a ball that wants to dig as the ball approaches that midway point down the lane. All of this means you'll probably need a little more oil to throw this ball than you would first think, since it is a polished piece from Hammer.

There's a ton of backend movement built into this ball as well. After that midlane dig, Zero Mercy Hybrid continues downlane incredibly well. So far I've been able to open up very big angles on the lane, creating some exceptional pin carry and ball reaction. I believe this will be one of the better selling polished/asymmetric balls of the season due to this combination of factors.

If you own a Zero Mercy Solid and/or a Zero Mercy Pearl, this will fit exactly between the two. I was skeptical at first that there was enough bridge to make this ball make sense, but it actually does. It's far easier through the front of the lane than the solid. It's a far stronger (and frankly I think better) piece than the Zero Mercy Pearl as well. This one landed on the shelves exactly as designed by Hammer. While I haven't tried knocking the polish off of this ball, I am curious as to how much it may hook if sanded. It's just an incredibly strong entry from the Hammer brand.

Hammer's Zero Mercy Hybrid is in stock now at Total Bowling Gear!