![]() USBC has shared this national tournament rule with Hammer’s current owner, Brunswick, and has Brunswick’s support. Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 or 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a “6” or “7”) are prohibited for use. Therefore, effective immediately, USBC is instituting a tournament rule at all USBC national tournaments prohibiting Purple Hammers manufactured in 20 from being used in these competitions. ![]() ![]() However, the credible first-hand accounts describing the potential for an unknown number of Purple Hammer balls to be produced out of specification in 20 is concerning. The findings of USBC’s investigation are inconclusive. No one interviewed by USBC provided evidence Ebonite knowingly distributed balls outside of specification. No one interviewed by USBC provided evidence Purple Hammers were produced under 72D. This production change was fully compliant with USBC equipment specification requirements.ĭuring USBC’s investigation, multiple former Ebonite employees, including ones with first-hand knowledge, told USBC they believe the production process in 20, prior to the production change, led to some Purple Hammers being unintentionally produced below 72D. ![]() USBC has confirmed a production change with the Purple Hammer took place in 2017 that resulted in the raising of the hardness of the ball from its original 2016 approval level just over 72D to about 74D. Brunswick fully cooperated with the investigation. USBC conducted an investigation, interviewing more than a dozen individuals, including former Ebonite employees, in an attempt to validate the claim. The Hammer brand was purchased by Brunswick Bowling Products in 2019, and the Ebonite plant subsequently closed. ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress is aware of a claim that a portion of the Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured at the Ebonite International plant in 20 may have been produced below USBC’s minimum 72D hardness specification.
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