First Impressions
Motiv reloads the Primal Rage with the Evolution and it’s as pretty as it always was.
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 Primal Rage Evolution uses the Impulse™ V2 symmetric core inside the Propulsion™ FYJ Pearl Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.50 diff of .042, mb of .010
14 pound = RG of 2.52, diff of .043, mb of .011
Coverstock finish: 5500 grit LSP
Tweener’s Take
At this stage, it’s clear to say the Impulse V2 core is a winner. Pretty much every ball that’s been released with it works. It just creates a nice shape and generally speaking Motiv has been smart about the cover they put it in to let it shine. The Primal Rage Evolution uses the same cover as the Raptor Rush recently released and we have a quick look at it here as well for comparison. First though, the Primal fits where Motiv says it does. It’s medium strength, cleanest angular ball they have. That essentially puts it in the Mid Late slot of my arsenal building setup. That means it’s designed for medium to lighter oil or as the pattern breaks down and you want something longer and snappier. On the fresh house shot, it’s decent. I like to talk about the match up since this is what most of you will experience. The Primal Rage Evo is not a great match up to a fresh house shot as it is a bit over/under. Just a little too clean to use on the fresh but you can still see the ball reaction.
I also just want to comment on this. The Hype’s video on the Primal Rage Evo shows you exactly what I’m talking about and why I don’t do sport shot tests anymore. Sport or Challenge shots are more tapered and natural. Make a good shot, be rewarded. Make a mediocre shot and receive mediocre results. Results tend to match execution. With walled house shots, they can look extreme over under. So a 90% shot could yield a 75% result. And when a ball can not blend that, it’s not the right match up at that point in time. So while sport shots tend to show a truer ball reaction for a given ball, 95%+ of bowlers do not bowl on that so you won’t see that.
Stroker’s Stance
For Bryan, this was a pretty straightforward look as well with the Motiv Primal Rage Evolution. It’s a pretty obvious Mid Late ball. Good looking ball. Good looking shape on the lane. It’s pretty clean and good strong motion downlane. Bryan was happy with the shape. It’s got a nice little pop and goes through the pins nicely. Overall pretty similar to what I saw which I like to see out of bowling balls. Not super sensitive to release. Just has a consistent motion which is a very good thing for mid late balls. It’s like a benchmark of the slot itself if that makes sense. Not super snappy. Not super smooth. Nice sweet spot.
Bryan had an opportunity to show us the Raptor Rush and even while it has the same cover, the difference is visually clear on the lanes. The Raptor Rush is a little earlier and smoother. It still has punch as it is still a defined shape. But whenever you have a “ball up” in the same category, typically they will be a little stronger overall which means they handle a bit more volume. Naturally they will be a little earlier or at least a typically earlier rolling core.
Power Player’s Persective
It’s been a little while but Sean is back making a guest appearance with Tyler out temporarily. Our long time fans will recall Sean and today he’s testing the Motiv Primal Rage Evolution. He’s got a bit higher rev rate than Tyler but likes to roll the ball a bit more forward when he can. As you can see the Primal looks like it can handle that more forward roll with ease as the speed overcomes the snappiness. As he migrates in, he increases his axis rotation to create the appropriate ball motion. The Primal Rage Evo responds accordingly. It looks sweet to be honest. This was a fresh med-lighter house shot and it seemed like a very good match up for Sean. Just like the rest of us, it’s a Mid Late ball for Sean as well. Good length, good pop, good versatility to hand position changes, handling those medium to medium to light patterns.
Bottom Line
To add to the solid gold Raptor Rush, Motiv releases a solid red Motiv Primal Rage Evolution. It’s worthy of the Mid Late slot and pretty doing it.
Thanks for watching.