Motiv Balls and the Friction/Transition Spectrum

It is now time to select what ball or balls you need in order to succeed this season.  You know what shape the ball must make, how it is going to make it and when to use each ball.  All that is left is deciding which fits your game best.  Below is my personal assessment of what ball I choose for each of these patterns.  Obviously, you and your ball driller may disagree.

I recommend finding where you are on the spectrum and filling in with five balls that will each serve a unique purpose in your bag.  Obviously, for you many of those slots are likely already filled.  As a bowler with fairly well matched ball speed and rev rate I need a moderate response ball for light, medium, and heavy oil along with a slow response ball for medium oil and a fast response ball for medium oil as my core equipment.  Determine where you are on the spectrum and fill in your arsenal.  If you would like to know my opinion or help from Justin please feel free to ask.

Slow Response/Low Friction Production

For this pattern and surface I always use an original QZ2.  Most bowlers tend to go with the Recon.  However, I believe that the Recon is a much faster responding ball.  For dry lanes and touchy backends or simply a fresh but dry pattern, I suggest the QZ2 with a weak layout.  The QZ2 is great when you need a dry lane ball and have to play shallow (straight) angles.

Slow Response/Moderate Friction Production

The Motiv Primal TV4 is perhaps the best ball for very slow response along with moderate friction production.  This makes the Primal a great choice for going straight on a typical house shot for a player whose rev rate and ball speed match.  However, it is also a great ball for rev dominant players as it will blend the pattern sufficiently.

Slow Response/High Friction Production

The first asymmetric ball ever released by Motiv is still quite useful for some of the trickiest patterns.  When a smooth, but strong ball is needed, the Motiv Cruel C51 is the answer.  Shallow angles on high volume are the wheelhouse for this particular ball.

Moderate Response/Low Friction Production

Depending on where you want to be in this portion of the spectrum, you may want a QZ2 and you may want a QZ2 Backdraft.  The Backdraft creates more friction and is a hybrid.  The Backdraft would likely create more friction than the bowler would want on a dry pattern.  However, with slightly weaker layout than the original QZ2, it should be fine.

Moderate Response/Moderate Friction Production

This is the spot where the Sigma Tour is absolutely unstoppable.  The ST is tailor made for moderate to moderate fast response and moderate to moderate high friction production.  This is why I say that 99 percent of bowlers can use this ball, with minor tweaks, on 80 percent of patterns.  A moderate response, moderate friction producing ball is useful on most patterns you will ever encounter. 

However, the QZ2 Backdraft can also be tuned to this particular spot on the spectrum as well.  The Backdraft is definitely slower response than the Sigma, but can be tuned to respond more quickly with layout and surface preparation.  Also, the QZ2 Backdraft is the choice if money is an issue.

Moderate Response/High Friction Production

The Motiv Raptor P7 is great for any high friction production needs.  However, it would need a tricky layout in order to use it when slow response is necessary.  It is just safer to stick with the Cruel in those situations.  With a slow response layout and a slight surface change to 1500 or 1000 grit, the Raptor is ready for high friction production and moderate response.

Fast Response/Low Friction Production

Without a doubt, the Motiv Recon RX1 Pearl is the answer for fast response on hooking lanes.  The Recon is clean through the front of the lane and angular enough in its quick response to allow for deeper angles on dry lanes.

Fast Response/Moderate Friction Production

Currently, the best option for fast response on medium lanes is the Sigma Tour.  With a skid/flip layout and box finish, the ST will glide through the front and provide that fast response necessary for hammering the long patterns and transition that demand these angles. 

Fast Response/High Friction Production

The Motiv Raptor is the best ball on the planet for fast response on oily lanes.  This ball clears the fronts with ease, but because of its astounding differential and amazing formula 7 shell, it is able to make the corner even on the tightest of lanes. 

At this point, you should be adequately prepared to walk into your pro shop and knowledgeably make a decision regarding what you need to succeed in the coming year.  Good luck and high scores!