Question:

Which Hammer bowling ball is best for fresh oil on a house pattern?

Scores:

gemini: 9.5 openai: 8 claude: 8.5 cohere: 9.5

Answer:

gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
Score: 9.5
For fresh oil on a house pattern, the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 is an excellent choice. It features the iconic Gas Mask asymmetrical core paired with the aggressive HK22 Solid coverstock, designed to provide a strong mid-lane read and powerful continuation through the pins. This combination allows it to cut through fresh oil effectively, creating strong hook potential and excellent drive. Another strong contender is the Hammer Envy Tour, which also utilizes an asymmetrical core and a strong solid cover to handle heavy oil conditions with a smooth, powerful motion. Both balls are engineered for maximum traction and backend on slicker lanes, making them ideal for the initial games on a typical house shot.

Graders:

openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 8
The answer accurately identifies the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 as a strong option for fresh oil, along with its core and coverstock details. However, it is important to note that the Black Widow 3.0 may be more suited for medium oil rather than fresh oil in all circumstances. The performance can vary based on the bowler's style and lane conditions. The Hammer Envy Tour, while a solid choice, is generally preferred for heavier oil patterns, making it less optimal for fresh house conditions. Including additional options like the Hammer Rebel or Hammer Code X could enhance the response, offering a more comprehensive view of the best balls for fresh oil.
anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Score: 8.5
The answer is largely accurate and relevant. The Hammer Black Widow 3.0 does feature the Gas Mask core and HK22 solid coverstock, making it suitable for heavy oil conditions. However, there's a minor inaccuracy: the Gas Mask core is typically described as a symmetric core, not asymmetric as stated. The Envy Tour recommendation is also appropriate for fresh oil. The answer could be improved by mentioning that bowler style (rev rate, speed, axis rotation) significantly impacts ball selection, and that balls like the Black Widow 2.0 or Dark Legend might also be viable options. The core type error is the main factual issue, though the overall recommendation remains sound for the stated conditions.
cohere / command-r-plus-08-2024
Score: 9.5
The answer is factually accurate and provides a solid recommendation for the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 and Hammer Envy Tour bowling balls. These balls are indeed designed for heavy oil conditions and are known for their performance on fresh oil patterns. The explanation highlights the relevant features, such as the core design and coverstock, which contribute to their effectiveness in the given scenario. However, a minor improvement could be made by mentioning the specific coverstock types for each ball, as this can be a crucial factor in ball selection. For instance, the Black Widow 3.0 uses a hybrid coverstock, which offers a unique balance between hook potential and control, while the Envy Tour's solid coverstock provides maximum hook and traction. Adding these details would provide a more comprehensive guide for bowlers seeking the best equipment for fresh oil conditions.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.