First Impressions
The Subzero Forge rolls like it looks. What is that? Let’s get into it.

Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 330 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45

Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/2 & 1 1/2 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45

Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/2 up
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: med
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 50 x 5 x 45

“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”

Pattern
THS: 42ft, 23ml
Sport: TBD

Specs
The Motiv Subzero Forge uses the Detonator Asymmetric core inside the Leverage MXC Solid Reactive coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.47 diff of .055
14 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .054
Coverstock finish: 2000 grit LSS

Tweener’s Take
Jumping right in, The Subzero is a Strong Control ball in the arsenal. If you haven’t yet watched the arsenal building video, I highly recommend you check out the link at the end of this video. That’ll help you set the stage for how to build your bag. What this means is it’s got lots of traction to manage higher volumes of oil while also having a control motion downlane. It’s not weak downlane but it’s not exactly the ball that’s ideal for the most open angles for medium or lower rev rate bowlers. Again, not to say it couldn’t cope. I think it’ll just be better when the volume is higher and you can stay a bit more direct. That will allow you to take advantage of that heavy roll that barrels through the pins with good continuity. On this day in the life at Bowlero Limerick, the shot played a medium-light version of the house shot. That meant I had to be pretty deep before I can get it downlane without launching it. So you can see while it looked pretty decent, the occasional flat 7 popped up. Additionally, as I broke it down in about 1/2 a game or so, flat corners cropped up with a higher percentage than I would like. When I can amp up the speed and keep the angles a bit more closed, you can see how the ball overpowered the lane and the pins. This is where it’s fun. Here’s a little context compared with my Evoke which is now a staple in my bag for Strong Control. In the ball chart they are right next to each other but I have to say my initial impression is that the Evoke is going to be more versatile in this slot. It’s not quite as early as the Subzero, therefore has a touch more punch. However, it still offers awesome control and consistency. Personally I don’t like to slot balls that serve the same theoretical purpose in the same bag and if I wanted something this strong, I might use a strong defined while if I wanted something with strength but versatility, I’m picking up the Evoke. But the more I think about it, I feel like the Subzero could be in the bag as a step up to the Evoke as it offers something different enough.

Power Player’s Perspective
On to Tyler and you still see the same type of early control roll. Balls like this feel like they roll no matter what give you confidence you aren’t going to blow through the spot. He had to get deep to find the pocket. He also had to move the breakpoint in a bit but this one was a little tough on this pattern. It simply isn’t enough volume for as strong and early rolling the Subzero is. With that said, he still really liked the shape. Yes we left some corner pins but all due to the ball being too strong. It has to tell you something that despite the lower carry, we can see past that and really liked the shape of the Subzero.

Stroker’s Stance
Now let’s take a quick look at Bryan tossing the new Subzero Forge. Given his history with the OG forge and the fact that it’s still in his bag, he has high expectations for the Subzero and it didn’t disappoint. That early roll works so well for him especially since he will be a bit more direct that Tyler and I. Additionally, it balances against his higher tilt very well. The ball rolls the same for all 3 of us which means the core is quite dominant in shape creation. Of course traction will always be mostly due to cover. He got lined up quickly. This isn’t a ball that hooks early and stops. It starts up early but keeps continuing, almost like it has 2 moves. About 14 to 10 worked well and as it transitioned, he moved in and it continued to work well. He still had a better look when he kept it in a bit at the breakpoint with how strong it is but it still came back from the pitches wide.

Bottom Line
All in all, this looks to be a really nice offering from Motiv. It’s a big strong early and heavy rolling piece. It needs some volume hence fits in the strong control slot in the bag.

Thanks for watching.