The Cruel C51 is the latest high performance release from Motiv. This new ball features the Cruel core, which is the first asymmetric core Motiv has ever designed. The mass bias differential of the Cruel core is an astounding 0.030″. The 2.48″ RG and 0.060″ differential, combined with the extremely large mass bias strength, make this one of the strongest core designs we have seen in recent years. Along with using the strongest core design they have every produced, Motiv wrapped the Cruel in their newly designed Formula-5 Reactive Hybrid cover, which is also the most aggressive cover they have ever produced. Now that all of the core and cover talk is out of the way, let’s talk about performance.

When we looked at the stats of this ball, we thought that the Cruel was just going to go crazy as it went down the lane. We were pleasantly surprised at how well this new high performance release matched up with our medium test pattern. The 2000 grit wet sand finish gave us moderate length, while the core kicked in through the midlane, giving each tester a superb read of the mids. We found the Cruel to be equally aggressive as it transitioned from the midlane to the breakpoint. From the breakpoint to the pins, the Cruel gave us ultimate control of the pocket. The control we experienced after the breakpoint was most likely due to the moderately aggressive layouts we used. They gave us the impressive midlane reaction, using just enough energy to create control downlane.

Moving over to the oily test pattern, each tester found the Cruel to handle the longer oil pattern fairly well. They were all able to find the pocket on this pattern with ease. Cranker and Tweener had an easier time carrying the corners than Stroker did, due to their higher rev rates. Those with lower rev rates may want to scuff the cover slightly if they bowl exclusively on higher volume patterns.

We don’t know if this ball can be drilled weak enough for drier lane conditions. The cover will polish easily enough to handle medium-dry patterns, but the core numbers are so strong that even high RG/low differential layouts will create a rather strong reaction.

The Cruel will match up best with medium-oily and oily sport patterns. Choose the correct layout to go with the length and volume of the oil pattern and this ball should be a winner.

Strengths: The extremely strong midlane reaction of the Cruel is hard to miss as it rolls down the lane. Those needing help in this part of the lane will really like this new Motiv release.

Weaknesses: Be careful with an aggressive drillings on this new release. The core dynamics are so strong that maxing this ball out could cause the Cruel to use up every bit of its energy before it even gets to the pins.

Overall Summary: The Cruel is the first ball to offer an asymmetric core from Motiv. The core is maxed out in almost every aspect. We don’t believe that there is a stronger asymmetric core design currently on the market.