General Info
| Brand: | Motiv |
| Name: | Venom Strike |
| Reviewed: | December 2012 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Atomix ARC Solid Reactive |
| Type: | Reactive Solid |
| Box Finish: | 3000 Wet Sand |
| Color: | Blue / Neon Orange |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | NA |
| Type: | Symmetrical |
| RG: | 2.48 |
| Diff: | 0.034 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.000 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
Motiv offers a new mid performance ball in the Venom Strike. This ball uses the Gear core while the cover is a new version of the Atomix resin that we last saw on the Sigma Hybrid.
The core revs up quickly and, combined with the 3000 wet sand box finish, gave us enough hook to be most successful on our heavy oil test pattern. We were able to play in our comfort zones through the front and all three testers were getting the ball to just about the same spot at the breakpoint. The reaction for all was a strong controlled hook shape through the entire lane. We did not have to adjust the surface on any of the three balls on this pattern.
The medium pattern was up next and, when we started, the reaction was pretty good. We again kept the Venom Strike at the box finish and each tester moved about an arrow inside of where they played the heavy pattern. This worked for about the equivalent of a game of play before the oil up front started to go away. As the head oil began to disappear, all three testers made three and two adjustments to try and catch more oil to keep the ball in the pocket. When we started to see a little carrydown, our carry percentage started to drop. We added Power Gel polish to all three test balls, which increased our reaction and our pin carry. The added length from the polish allowed the test staff to move back outside with their feet and their target.
We only threw a few shots on our dry test pattern before we added shine again. The polish helped, but there are better Motiv options for this pattern.
The Venom Strike will excel on sport patterns on the medium side. The smooth controlled hook shape is a big plus for flatter patterns.
Strengths
The total amount of hook and the smooth response when this ball sees friction are the biggest strengths of the Venom Strike. This ball can hold its own against some HP balls on the market as far as total hook is concerned.
Weaknesses
The Venom Strike needs oil in the front of the lane to be at its best. This ball is so smooth at the breakpoint that if its energy has been spent in the front, it can hit very flat at the pins.
Overall Summary
This is the second Motiv release for the month and offers a nice step down from the Raptor Talon. The hook shape is similar, just less from the Venom Strike.
