General Info
| Brand: | Motiv |
| Name: | Raptor P7 |
| Reviewed: | September 2011 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Formula 7 Reactive |
| Type: | Reactive Solid |
| Box Finish: | 4000 Grit Wet Sand |
| Color: | Purple / Black |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | NA |
| Type: | Asymmetrical |
| RG: | 2.46 |
| Diff: | 0.060 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.015 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
Everything is new on the Raptor P7. The new Formula 7 reactive shell is wrapped around a new Predator asymmetric core. They give the Raptor a stronger read of the front and midlane with the back end that the Primal was missing, allowing it to handle larger volumes of oil.
We found the Raptor P7 to match up best with our heavy test pattern. The overall ball motion allowed each tester to play in their respective comfort zones in terms of release and area of the lane. All three testers were able to use the Raptor without surface adjustments on this pattern. The 4000 grit wet sand finish created enough friction in the wettest part of the lane and still stored enough energy to have continuation through the pin deck.
The medium pattern forced all three testers to play an arrow deeper than they were playing on the oily pattern. The overall ball reaction was just as good, but just from a deeper inside line from all three testers. Those who are not comfortable playing the inside part of the lane will want to look into adding some Power Gel Polish to create the necessary length to play further right on medium patterns. While Stroker and Tweener were able to use the Raptor at the box finish, Cranker got tired of lofting the gutter after a few shots and went to the spinner to make the adjustment. The polish added the extra length needed to allow him to inch a bit further right, closer to the other testers.
Drier as well as shorter patterns will require longer pin-to-PAP layouts combined with a heavily polished finish for the Raptor to perform. We strongly suggest just picking up another Motiv ball like the Recon RX1 Silver, instead of trying to make a ball like the Raptor work on these types of patterns. The Raptor P7 creates plenty of friction by itself so it does not need much help from the lane.
Sports patterns on the medium to oily side will offer the best look for the Raptor. The Raptor has a strong arcing breakpoint, so for bowlers wanting to use it on fresh sport patterns, we would recommend using drill patterns to even out the movement as the ball transitions to the back end.
Strengths
The total hook potential of the Raptor P7 is by far the biggest strength. We had miss room both ways with the Raptor.
Weaknesses
The biggest strength of the Raptor is also its biggest weakness. The large hooking nature of the ball will make it very difficult to use on lighter volume patterns.
Overall Summary
This ball handles oil just about as well as any other on the market today. Motiv users will now have a ball to use on even the biggest floods.
