Here are my initial thoughts on the newly released Hammer Fallout. The Fallout features a brand new medium RG/high diff (2.52/.052 on 15#) symmetric core wrapped by the same cover used in the popular Zero Mercy Solid, the HK-22C2 colored in blue/like/sky blue. Box surface is 500/2000 Siaair. The one I used has a 60 x 4 1/2 x 25 layout. I have tried it on fresh and leftover THS at box surface.
The manufacturer's intent with the Fallout is for it to be a complement to stronger asymmetric core pieces in the Hammer line- to be cleaner through the front and have a smoother, controlled down lane motion. From what I am seeing, I definitely see the length through the front part of the lane notwithstanding the strong cover and 2000 Siaair finish. However, to me, the new Fallout shows a pretty quick response down lane and definitely has a defined and continuous motion. On a video I shot, the Fallout ends up slightly to the left of the 8 pin in the pit, on the other, it ends up slightly to the right of the 8 pin. The point is that on both, the ball ended up left of the 8-9 spot in the pit. Once the Fallout sees friction, it makes its move and it just continues. As further proof of this, I lost the ball off my hand slightly on one shot and didn't get the amount of rotation on the ball that I wanted. The end result? The Fallout still had enough to get back and get an AARP sponsored messenger! (And I don't often get messengers so this is a good thing to see!) In terms of best usage, I see the Fallout excelling on medium volume fresh patterns (on a variety of distances depending on layout) or as that step down ball from stronger asymmetric pieces like the Zero Mercy Solid when the lanes are transitioning.
The Hammer Fallout releases officially on July 16. See your local pro shop for more information!