Maximum Effect

I have owned each of the four Effects that Hammer has released, and this one is just as good as the rest of them! Fresh out of the box, this ball appears to have more traction and an earlier shape than that of the Special Effect and original Effect, while having more pop that that of the Effect Tour. if you aren't a fan of the surface then no need to worry, it lane shines pretty quick and becomes a much rounder overall shape. Personally, I enjoy the shape it makes with surface, especially bowling on heavy oil conditions.

On our house shot today, which is probably an easier challenge shot, out of box This ball was smooth, Turns the corner and hits like a Mac truck. The ball didn’t overreact, it didn’t do anything that I wasn’t expecting it to do, I believe it’s going to be an absolute beast. I play a little straighter up the boards higher speed 17.5+, you won’t be disappointed.

This review will be lengthy but it will be worth it, I promise. Lets get into it with some base stats on my game.

One hander, JoPo Thumbs, VacuGrip drilling for fingertip grips.

Speed - 16.5-19.5mph depending on where/how I have to play.

Rev rate - I can vary between 350-415 depending on how I release/where I play on the lane.

Onto the ball itself. Easiest way to describe it is a snow tire at box finish as it gets down lane be it through fresh oil or beginning of a transition phase, it holds its line and traction is phenomenal, I surmise the CFI (carbon fiber infusion) combined with the HK22C has made a perfect pairing on this one. Once it hits the break point and finds the friction on the spot that it so desires, it reacts well off the spot but remains controlled and doesn't get squirrelly or unpredictable.

Playing it down and in with a flatter release, this ball will glide well through the heads on fresh and respond well to the break point when it finds friction. Moving left of the 6-10 board into the area of 2nd to 3rd arrow to between 3rd and 4th arrow and this ball really comes alive off the spot, it retains energy very well and drives through the pins like a truck. Which is very much appreciated for a ball with as much traction as the Maximum Effect has. The Hybrid HK22C and CFI coverstock on this ball really hit the bullseye on performance here.

Moving more left into the area of 4th arrow playing a more open angle as the lanes open up and the Maximum Effect STILL holds its line well and drives the pocket with plenty of energy retention to carry strikes even as my speed is reduced and hand position changes to let the ball read and react early enough.

All that said, if you are looking for a ball that gives you superior traction with the ability to play from the first shot of practice through part of the transition phase where MOST heavy traction balls become sluggish/read and react too early OR you are looking for a ball to fill a spot in the bag where you NEED traction and predictability while still allowing you play everywhere from 1st to 4th arrow if your own ability allows it? Look no further, this ball is IT.

Final notes/TLDR of the review-

Superior Traction.
Amazing overall hook potential from multiple angles & releases.
Extremely controllable and predictable ball motion.
Great Energy retention even through transition.
Powerful pin carry.
Highly useful beyond JUST the first game on fresh.

If you wonder if you NEED this ball? Thats a question only YOU can answer. If you wonder if this ball would compliment your current arsenal or maybe you are looking for your very first or maybe second truly high performance ball? Then the answer is a resounding YES, you should get this ball, especially if you want to add a high performing hybrid to your go to bag.

This is the ball the Hammer line has been waiting for! This ball picks up the mid lane very well on oily conditions and still has enough response at the break point. If you throw the original Effect and you feel that ball needs to pick up a few feet earlier, the Maximum Effect will fill that need. It definitely has the teeth and traction that we've been waiting for.

I say potentially because I only have 3 games on it on 3 different lanes with fresh oil on two of them and one lane in transition. (191 avg league and local tournament bowler). My arsenal includes the special effect and tour, extreme and pure envy, hazmat, hammer head, ocean vibe, widow 2.0, 2.0 hybrid, and 3.0, and black pearl. Yes I have a hammer ball addiction. Out of the box and freshly drilled 215, 202, and 222. For the way I throw, it has an arc like the effect tour with a later snap like the special effect. Gives great grip mid lane but when it hits the dry look out! This ball turns on oil more than anything in my collection. Again I say potentially because this is initial impression. Need some more games and a couple different houses to be sure. But I already believe this to be my best. Get it!