First Impressions
Very pleasant surprise, all testers were quite impressed by this one.
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: 44ft, 25.8 ml, 12:1
Sport: TBD
Specs
The Motiv Supra Clutch uses the symmetric Quadfire core inside the new Propulsion XRT Hybrid coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.55 diff of .043
14 pound = RG of 2.46, diff of .043
Coverstock finish: 5500 grit LSP
Power Player’s Persective
Let’s get into the Motiv Supra Clutch. This is supposed to be a clear Mid Late ball and I’d say yeah, it’s close. Maybe a bit stronger than something in that box. Yes it’s clean. Yes it’s got great pop downlane. However, on this house shot, it rarely felt like it would go long. There’s something about it that feels like you know it’s not going to squirt through the spot. Always had a definitive hook phase. But the hook phase is pretty strong. And that’s where it somewhat a step up from say a Hyper Venom. This ball not only creates great angle, it really has great drive through the pins. It was quite noticeable as it stood up at the end of the hook phase and felt like it still had very good energy for continuation. You can see how well it went through the pins for Tyler. The pitch out to 5 on this pattern with a shiny ball usually means washout or flagging the headpin but the Supra Clutch was just forgiving enough to still at least get to the headpin.
Tweener’s Take
For me, I saw the same impressive motion. I start out a little direct and see that it doesn’t hold. Once I open up a little closer to the 3rd arrow, I see that same clean but heavy motion. The colors allow you to see the core transitioning. The thing I want to discuss further is place in the arsenal. This seems to have a defined motion and is clean. Could it be a Mid Defined? For me, that’s where the Raptor Rush, Crimson Jackal, and Evoke Hysteria fit. So no, the Supra Clutch is not strong enough for that slot although possibly with some surface it could. However, it feels like a bit too strong to be down in the Mid Late category which I had the Hyper Venom and the Primal Rage Evo. Honestly, I kind of feel like the Supra Clutch could possibly be stronger than the Evo but that’s not supposed to be the case according to Motiv’s chart. Whatever the case may be, I’ll call it Mid Late Plus.
Stroker’s Stance
Here’s the stand out characteristic all 3 bowlers could manage to use it effectively, saw the same type of characteristic, and drawn to the motion of the Supra Clutch. Bryan felt excited like we were because it simply made him feel comfortable. The firm heavier arc gave him all the confidence that the ball will make the move down lane. The ball hooked more than you would think such a clean ball would hook. He could open up the lane. He could bounce to the outside friction. Perhaps the pattern was a smidge different but he could bounce it off the outside friction. The thing was continuous really and it was very noticeable. It’s almost like it has a second phase where you think it would have rolled out but no it goes and drives through the pins.
Bottom Line
Everyone had a consistent look with the Supra Clutch. Everyone noted that extra pop of continuation. It feels like a clear step down from the Evoke Hysteria in terms of strength but similar drive and continuation. I see it as Mid Late Plus. Nice release from Motiv.
Thanks for watching.