Hammer Zero Mercy Tour Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 80 degrees x 4 1/2" x 35 degrees

RG: 2.48"

Differential: .034"

M/b: .013"

Surface: 1000 Grit Sanded

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: For the first time, the HK22C² additives that helped make the Zero Mercy line one of Hammer’s biggest recent successes have been infused into a Tour cover formulation. The result is the perfect blend of traction and control—strong enough to handle heavier oil volumes while maintaining the smooth, predictable motion that Tour ball enthusiasts love. It reads the lane with confidence, handles volume with ease, and continues through the pins without losing energy downlane. The Zero Mercy Tour combines proven Tour performance with the next evolution of Hammer technology, creating a ball that feels familiar while delivering something entirely new.

This new piece from Hammer is the redesign of the former tour edition balls in the Hammer line, such as Obsession Tour and Effect Tour. They've taken that original tour edition shape and strengthened the cover to create a ball that has a little more traction on oil, while still maintaining the smooth and predictable shape. Much of that also comes from the 1000 grit sanded finish on the Zero Mercy Tour. I knew this surface was going to be unsable at Royal Crest Lanes, so I started by tuning up the cover on the Mercy Tour to 4000 grit.

Then I selected a little stronger drilling than normal for my asymmetric layouts. These lower differential balls combined with my forward roll can create a limited hook/stop type of shape if I drill them too weak. To try to prevent that, I went with a stronger 4 1/2" pin position to help create more track flare. This definitely worked, as I see around 4" of track flare with the Zero Mercy Tour.

Zero Mercy Tour is best right where you would think - on severe wet/dry lane conditions and fresh house shots. I found the Zero Mercy Tour to be really useful during the start of league night, when the lanes have the most backend reaction. The Mercy Tour is super smooth off of the end of the pattern, even when the backends are very dry. As the lanes begin to transition and the oil carries down, the ball does become a litte more limited in application. But keep it on what it's designed for, and this ball will be great for nearly any style of player. If you own the other Zero Mercy balls, this one is a complete departure from the other ball motions. All 3 of the other balls are far stronger in reaction, and need more oil on the lane. Zero Mercy Tour is very different from its relatives in the Hammer lineup. Finally, this one will be a decent replacement if you have a dead tour ball from years back. For example, if you liked the Widow Tour V1 or Obsession Tour and want to update those, there's no reason you shouldn't really enjoy this new product from Hammer.

Hammer Zero Mercy Tour is available now at Total Bowling Gear, and in-stock in 12#-15#