First Impressions
Pretty new gold ball from Motiv, the Raptor Rush will be interesting.
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 Raptor Rush uses the Affliction V2 symmetric core inside the Propulsion FYJ Pearl Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.48 diff of .055
14 pound = RG of 2.50, diff of .053
Coverstock finish: 5000 grit LSS
General
Let’s talk about what we have first. Motiv slotted this Raptor Rush at the top line in their ball guide furthest right which means it’s supposedly the strongest most angular pearl in their lineup. That slid the Crimsom Jackal over a bit so naturally we will compare the two. Additionally, we will compare another new strong pearl sym, the Phaze AI. I’ll tell you these 3 balls have overlap in purpose, but do roll differently. The Raptor Rush is definitely an angular piece for the upper part of the bag. I’d say it fits right in the Mid Defined category in my arsenal building, same as the Crimson Jackal and in fact same as the Phaze AI. There seems to be an obsession to make very angular pieces and that’s never going to be a lefty’s best friend. However, the ball has a purpose and that’s when you want a stronger rolling core but need a cleaner look. I will remind folks that this isn’t because it’s a pearl but rather the cleaner surface finish. It gets good length and has a pretty nice punch downlane. It’s a nice little sweet spot for that part of the bag. Is it the best, well we’ll get into that with each bowler.
The Raptor Rush is not super long, i.e., medium clean. Got a nice length and the core turns over pretty hard in this cover so it does create a touch of over/under for me. Not in the way where you flag the headpin but I couldn’t quite get hold from in and sometimes it left a 7 pin. That could also be the pattern plus new pins. Nevertheless you kind of see what you get.
Now a quick look to compare to the Crimson Jackal, which is indeed one of my favorite releases from Motiv in recent times. The Jackal is a rollier core than the Affliction V2. It almost feels like the Rush has the stronger cover and medium core whereas the Crimson has the cleaner cover but heavier rolling core. Those combinations give you different on lane characteristics. Basically the Crimson feels rounder and a bit more predictable even while the cover is a little cleaner. The Rush is clearly the more hockey stick look of the 2. I prefer the Crimson shape from the left side.
Looking at the Storm Phaze AI, I get a pretty different look. It’s earlier but more importantly, more forward. It probably rolls the most asymmetric like of the 3. So the most forward is the AI. The roundest is the Crimson Jackal and the latest most angular is the Raptor Rush.
Now Tyler has a very nice look with the Raptor Rush. He has the same look overall with the same characteristics. The pattern has been adjusted a bit…again. So now we have a bit more hook overall but we no longer have the hold from in that you want on a house shot. So all 3 of the balls we tested don’t hold from in if you get to 10 at the breakpoint. The Rush looks great but there were also the 10 pin mixed in due to a mix of ball strength, pattern, new pins. So maybe a little strong for this pattern but the ball seems pretty predictable despite the angularity.
Now the Crimson Jackal and you can see a similar behavior to what I saw. It seems to get down lane easier but isn’t as angular as the Rush. However, it still hits nicely. Just maybe a couple boards more direct. So again, cleaner cover, stronger core leading to a visually later yet smoother shape. I’d say Tyler is going to like the smoother shape of the 2 since he can generate angle on his own but both look good. Now the Phaze AI and you see what I saw. It’s angular but more forward. Just tumbles heavy once it turns over. Pretty different look and happens to be Tyler’s favorite of the 3. Still has the same issue with no hold from in and 10 pins on this lighter pattern but of the shapes, this is the one that resonated most with Tyler.
Bryan is up next and I actually thought about showing his shots first as he had the best look. He had the most consistent carry. Part of it is that the stronger ball actually matched the pattern best for him as he can use something a bit stronger from more direct, having more tilt. The Raptor Rush really had an excellent punch for him, probably one of the most angular balls he’s thrown but still highly effective. He could play direct. He could open up the lane. It didn’t die in the outside friction. This ball has an excellent shot of staying in his bag longer term.
Here are a few shots with the Crimson and he could play the same line unsurprisingly and I’d say the difference is noticeable enough. Carry percentage is not quite as good. It’s a little later and a little more forward so deflected a touch through the pins. A good look but not as good as the Raptor Rush. Now the Phaze AI and it’s clearly the most forward. So that meant the most over/under for Bryan. Since it was so forward, if he missed out, it kind of stopped and misses in didn’t hold. He had the lowest carry % with the Phaze AI due to that behavior. Not a bad ball, just not the best match up with what we have. So of the 3, the Raptor Rush was a runaway favorite for Bryan.
Bottom Line
Motiv has correctly placed the Raptor Rush in their ball guide. It fits in Mid Defined category. Comparing it to the Crimson Jackal and Storm Phaze AI was informative as we can see how differently balls can roll while still being in the same slot in the bag as well as seeing all 3 bowlers have different favorites.
Thanks for watching.