LANE CONDITION
Length: 43ft on Brunswick Pro Anvilane
Volume: Broken down Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Layout: 4 x 4 x 2
COMMENTS
Likes: Carry, Hybrid Cover, Versatility
Dislikes: Can be a little too responsive on friction
Well, my first 2 Motiv balls impressed me to the point where I figured continue building an arsenal that has that brand. The newest Motiv ball for me is the Tribal Fire.
For me, this gives me a very nice piece at the lower end of the arsenal. Using my favorite layout, the Fusion Hybrid cover is clean through the front of the lane but retains energy and provides a nice skid/flip move in back. It gives me something predictable and something that I can use on a variety of patterns with multiple angles.
Usually on league nights, I'll take the Tribal Fire out midway through the 2nd game or in the 3rd when the Sigma Sting becomes a little too much on the back. With my ball speed and being able to back down on rev rate, I can stay further outside than some others in our league and control that portion of the lane. If I need to move left, it's no problem. The cover/core combo easily has more than enough energy to recover and carries well.
One thing I will note is that the Tribal Fire is a little stronger than advertised. This is clear when there is too much friction on the back. In these cases, it can force me deeper than I want to be or or to play some steeper angles. I don't run into that situation very often but I did want to note that in this review.
Comparing this to the Frantic that it replaced, the overall motion is pretty similar and the carry is very similar. I think the Tribal Fire is a little cleaner down the lane and a bit more angular. That can be an asset as the ball can get down the lane easier but can sometimes be the drawback where a steeper angle might need to be played. In these cases, changing the surface/adding polish can be a benefit. Overall, it is a little more versatile whereas the Frantic would sometimes labor in some volume.
I find the Tribal Fire to have a nice spot in the bag. I find it useful for broken down patterns and it can also be a good option for those with a higher rev rate/higher speed as the cover will read the friction well. It's a solid addition by Motiv and glad it's there.
