First Impressions
While it kind of looks like a plastic spare ball however, the Motiv Supra GT impressed as a Mid Late option.
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: 4 x 35
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: 5 x 40
Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 450 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: 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 Supra GT uses the Quadfire™ V2 symmetric core inside the Propulsion XRT Pearl Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.57 diff of .040
14 pound = RG of 2.59, diff of .040
Coverstock finish: 5500 Grit LSP
Overall
Motiv releases the new Supra GT as a clean and angular piece down in the bag when you’ve got a decent amount of friction. It’s bottom right in their chart and right below the Hyper Venom. This is meant to be an open up the lane type of ball for when there is lots of friction. I can say it definitely hits the long and clean with quick response to dry. I’m not a huge fan of this crazy shiny finish, probably the shiniest I can recall from any Motiv ball OOO. I feel like I’m almost fighting reactagloss but obviously surface can be tweaked. We let it be out of box for the test. Of course it didn’t help that the house pattern was playing a little slicker than usual. Nevertheless I liked what it had to offer. It is a step down from the Hyper Venom which I think might make it a little more versatile. Whereas in the past the Gear core could hit on the weaker side for lower rev rates, the Quadfire doesn’t have that issue. In fact what was notable, besides the spare ball look, was the unusual hit and carry on off hits. The ball seemed to impart more energy than would seem it should the way it would enter the pocket on some shots. This is a big plus. With the pattern being tight, I didn’t have the ability to get deeper then the 3rd arrow. The ball just goes way too long for what we have here. Near the second arrow for m was the best look. I think this is a reasonable option in the Mid Late part of the bag and while I still like the IQ Tour Ruby there when needed, this is a very different look with a cleaner and more angular look as an option. 2 Quick relatively meager shots with 2 hands to show you what that looks like. as expected, more board coverage and more snap.
Power Player’s Perspective
Continuing that theme then, Tyler has a higher rev rate and a bit of a rev dominant style. WIth that style, it’s more versatile because he generates more natural board coverage. So he doesn’t have to be relegated to very light conditions before pulling out the Supra GT. He threw it several shots and many went high to start until he moved left enough. He was shocked how much board coverage and strength it had overall despite a slicker pattern. For him, you can instantly see how angular it can be. With this being as strong as it was on this pattern, I think it’s kind of hard to imagine this being the go to Mid Late for Tyler, especially when he has the IQ Tour Ruby also. The smoother nature of that ball is easier to control. Plus it’s a little less ball overall. Funny, I never thought I’d be saying a Motiv ball is more angular than a Storm one for the same slot of the bag, but here we are! That said, the Supra GT also made an impression with how it hit for Tyler as well. Normally we don’t talk about this, but every once in a while, a ball does som ething noticeable to stand out and that is what the Supra GT is doing.
At the end of the day, while it gets a little frustrating when Motiv uses a different core in a model, on it’s merits, I like what the Supra GT offers. It’s clean and angular for sure. It fits where Motiv says it does. The Quadfire V2 core seems to punch above its weight. Not a whole lot to complain about…oh except the colors.
Stroker’s Stance
Here’s Bryan’s take on the new Motiv Supra GT. You can have a look at our previous review with Tyler and myself for more info. Specifically for Bryan, the Supra GT is clearly a mid late ball. Meaning it is pretty long and relies on the friction at the end of the pattern to make it’s move. That makes it have a relatively angular move assuming there is enough friction for a ball like this. It’s meant for some breakdown or light conditions. Struggle for this particular test is the fact that the house shot was playing on the longer side. It’s a little to quick reacting to start in the very early friction but not enough to sit in the oil. That said single pin leaves were a bit heavy, whether that was 7, 8, 9, or 10 pin. I don’t want to beat the ball up here as it’s not the condition for it. But the shape was quite nice for Bryan generally speaking. This shape and type of ball only really comes into play for Bryan on shorter sport shots so if you have a similar style, that’s a consideration. Alternatively, some surface adjustment would be well worth considering. Once we did that for Bryan, the ball looked significantly better in terms of carry. Just better drive as the ball started rolling earlier and a bit heavier. So that’s what you have with the Motiv Supra GT, a pretty nice option in the bottom of the bag.