First Impressions
Should we have left well enough alone?
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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: 50 x 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: 50 x 5.25 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: 55 x 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 Jackal Ghost V2 uses the Predator™ V2 Asymmetric core inside the new Leverage™ HFS Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.47, diff of .054, mb of .015
14 pound = RG of 2.51, diff of .049, mb of .014
Coverstock finish: 3000 grit LSS
Power Player’s Perspective
Alright, I’m being a little provocative. The Jackal Ghost was never the biggest ball in the bag. It was probably one of the most versatile. The idea is it’s not the strongest but stronger than that middle of the road benchmark. As such, it made it the almost strong benchmark. The Predator V2 core has been ultrareliable and conistent shape wise. Typically, not feeling very forward as it’s not the strongest asym out there. It just did a lot right. Motiv essentially enhances the cover a bit to fit it in the same middle spot at the top line while managing the different modern oils. Before we get into Tyler, I have a sprained ring finger so no testing for me for a couple of months. On to Tyler, this was an in between type of reaction. He can see its roll and he liked that. However, it looked a bit too strong for the house shot but not quite consistent enough to allow him to get deeper and just trust it. It’s weird but we know there have been a handful of balls that at times, where he just didn’t see a consistent reaction when I did. I can only go by the OG but I loved that ball and it was always very consistent for me. The V2 looked like it didn’t have quite consistent grip. The core also felt a bit forward for him. I don’t think it was the greatest acquittal of what is most likely a very good ball. He just saw what he saw.
Stroker’s Stance
Ultimately, Bryan had his best look going 8 to 8. The Ghost V2 allowed him to straddle the house shot friction line, being just long enough to allow it to match his game there and driving with authority through the pins without feeling like it’s run out of steam. Stronger balls read a bit early from there and cleaner balls go too long.
Ultimately, the idea is to have a ball with a strong core and a moderately strong cover which essentially makes it a strong benchmark if you will. It’s essentially a Mid Control +. There’s a reason why the OG was so versatile and usable on lots of conditions and I see no immediate reason to think the V2 won’t do the same.