First Impressions
The new Motiv Venom Hysteria does both the Venom and Hysteria names justice!
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 365 rpm
PAP: 5 1/8 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 4.5 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: low
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 50
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: 4.75 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: 44ft, 25.8ml, 12:1 ratio
Sport: TBD
Specs
The Motiv Venom Hysteria uses the new Gear symmetric core inside the new Propulsion MXV pearl coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.48, diff of .034
14 pound = RG of 2.52, diff of .029
Coverstock finish: 4000 LSS
Power Player’s Perspective
Let’s have a look at Tyler first. As he starts, he throws a few corner pins and I just said, hey let’s let the Propulsion MXV pearl cover break in a bit. He’s going to do that and will be very excited with this ball reaction. The Venom Hysteria goes Gear core from the Venom Shock and the Cover from the Evoke Hysteria. First of all, it’s clear that this cover is something special. It’s on the stronger side but has steam. Very usable and now it’s clear it can be used with a different core as well and still look great. The benefit of putting the Gear core in is that you still get the early roll but a lower diff means it’s stable and not as much flare as the Overload Asymmetric. I have to say that Motiv got this one 100% as they suggest. When you like the motion of the Evoke Hysteria but it starts to just feel a bit too strong, the Venom Hysteria is quite literally the perfect step down. Sometimes “weaker” balls feel a bit “thin” meaning long and quick transition. However, this particular combination of core and cover gives you reasonable length but the low RG nature blends really nicely with this cover while still offering good controlled punch downlane. It’s sort of like a Mid Control ball but with a bit more oomph downlane. As I sit here telling you about the ball, clicks off 13 in a row, the most he’s ever had in our reviews. What else is there to say here. Happens to match up perfectly and kind of looks like it could replace his Roto Grip Idol Cosmos which has become his primary benchmark being a strong smooth pearl with a rolly core.
Tweener’s Take
I started with Tyler because he had the perfecto going with the Venom Hysteria. However, I had just about as good a look with it. It really was straightforward to toss and gave confidence because it didn’t feel too long or too lazy. Just a really nice balance for this house condition. This house condition can sometimes make these middle of the road semi-clean balls look over/under but it really conquered the condition for both of us. I had miss room in and out. In got length but was still strong enough to hit. It was just about the track area maybe a smidge stronger than that from the left side. Really comfortable for a Mid Control. I also just tried out the high heater and that worked too. I had a chance to do a quick comparison to the Venom Shock which is somewhat lane shined so a similar finish. The Hysteria is a couple of boards stronger. The Shock still looks great really, no complaints. But the Hysteria gives you a bit more overall.
Stroker’s Stance
Last but not least we have Bryan. As you would expect, it the Venom Hysteria doesn’t look quite as dynamic but still a decent look overall. It allowed Bryan to play pretty close to the friction. He had the miss room in and also got some recovery from miss room out. This plays a bit more like a mid late shape from Bryan as it’s a bit far down in the bag. He was playing just inside the 2nd arrow. Basically he flirted with 10 pins and light hits but all within a nice window of control from the strike shots. The Venom Hysteria was good for Bryan but didn’t wow like it did for Tyler and I. He also had a comparison to the Evoke Hysteria and this is a bit more his speed. Now he has the same overall shape but slightly more dynamic. He gets just a bit more drive and carry from the Evoke Hysteria which ultimately makes it look like a much better match up for this pattern. So while it’s still a perfect 1-2 between them, the Venom Hysteria would be pretty niche for Bryan. Rarely would a ball this weak come into play for him.
Bottom Line
The Motiv Venom Hysteria is an excellent ball that will sell itself. I can see this frequently used by high rev tour bowlers. It’s essentially Motiv’s tour ball and it will easily make bowler’s bags, whether they bowl on sport shots or house shots. It’s really a very nice middle of the road or slightly weaker ball with a clean look but still good mid lane control and punch downlane.
Thanks for watching.