Just when I thought I had found the perfect light oil ball with a bit of a bite in the backend with the Tribal Fire, MOTIV just had to go ahead and turn me into a liar. For once however, I am very happy to say that I was a liar! In honor of MOTIV reaching its 50th release, I am happy to present to you on behalf of MOTIV, the Graffiti Tag. To pay homage to the ball that started it all for MOTIV, the SX1, MOTIV has gone with a bit of a retro look with the simplistic Black and Green color scheme. This color scheme may look very familiar to those who have been with MOTIV from the very beginning. Don’t let these colors fool you, this ball is a true monster waiting to be unleased. With the introduction of the new Agility MXR cover stock, the Tag will leave you speechless at its response to friction down lane. Pair this cover with the proven Halogen core as seen in the Tribal and Tribal Fire, this ball has no difficulty getting down lane and reinforce the sharp backend once it reaches the spot.
To say I was impressed with the Graffiti Tag when I began to throw it would be an understatement! I’ll be honest folks, When I drilled this piece up, I was expecting into be similar to the Tribal Fire, maybe a little more giddy-up in the back part of the lane given the core inside. When I threw that first shot with it however, playing the very same line and standing position I would with a Fire, my jaw just dropped. I watched this ball make it down lane without much effort, but in the blink of an eye, at about 40 feet, this ball turned to the pocket with very, VERY bad intentions. The ball proceeded to hit high-flush, so high that I had almost left an 8-10 (I am left-handed mind you), luckily the 10 fell out late but still left me with the 8 pin standing with no other pin in site. As I said above, do not let this ball fool you, although it says ‘Light Oil’, this is a very versatile piece with its ability to get down lane, retain energy and response to friction with no hesitation. I have been able to keep everything tight and simply play up the boards when the lanes were on the fresher/heavier side when it came to oil. On the other side of the coin however, I have had just as easy of a time opening up the lanes by moving right and swinging left with the Tag with confidence in snapping out corners when this ball hits the pocket. I actually have a second one on the way as we speak I am so pleased with this ball (I am not normally one to double up on bowling equipment). My Initial Tag was drilled with one of my all-time favorite drillings the PIN placed right below the bridge of my fingers and the CG kicked out slightly. Listen, if you’re looking for a good piece that will offer great flexibility and endurance both for League play as well as tournament, the Tag is the way to go. You will be surprised with what you will accomplish with the Graffiti Tag. So what are you waiting for? Go out and ‘LEAVE YOUR MARK’!
Ryan Wyandt
MOTIV Staff Member
Shoemakersville, PA
rwyandt869@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter: @rwyandt869