Author Topic: Recon RX1 (Read 17338 times)

admin · « **on:** December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »

- CORE: Inner - Recon Outer - Reverb
- COVERSTOCK: MOTIVator-X
- FINISH: 4000 Wet Sand
- RG RATING: 16#-2.59, 15#-2.59, 14#-2.61, 13#-2.62, 12#-2.62, 11#-2.69 , 10#-2.75
- RG DIFFERENTIAL: 16#-.018, 15#-.025, 14#-.025, 13#-.030, 12#-.038, 11#-.22, 10#-.10
- FLARE POTENTIAL: 2"+ (Low)
- HOOK POTENTIAL: 30 (Medium)
- LENGTH: 30 (Medium)
- DRIVE ENERGY: 36 (Medium-High)
- Recommended Lane Condition: Light Oil or Short Oil Patterns
- DESCRIPTION: Plan a controlled strike against the competition with the MOTIV Recon RX1. It features the new Recon inner core and is armored with MOTIVator-X coverstock for a controlled reaction on light oil, or shorter oil patterns.
The Recon core drives the RX1 into the heat of battle. It provides a higher RG to control revs and a moderate differential to smooth out reaction down the lane. The 15# RX1 has an RG of 2.59 and a .025 diff.
The MOTIVator-X cover on the Reconâ„¢ RX1 compliments the core perfectly for attacking light oil conditions. It has a urethane-like reaction to tame friction on the lanes, yet still provides excellent recovery and hitting power.
The factory finish on the Bright Orange RX1 is 4000 wet sand. This finish will provide length and a smooth breakpoint.
The Reverb outer core of the RX1 is a low-density polyester resin with pin piercing hardness and strength. Rather than absorb impact energy, this outer core reverberates energy as it explodes through the pins.
The MOTIV Recon RX1 features the most visually impactful NeoMark graphic yet. And, as with all NeoMark graphics, the logo is actually part of the coverstock so it can be sanded, polished, or tuned just like any other performance ball.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #16 on:** December 17, 2010, 02:33:54 PM »

Motiv's Recon RX1 ("RX1") in a nutshell:

High RG/low RG differential symmetrical core ball - a weak (but very good) piece

OOB well-suited for light to medium conditions, but not for dry lanes

Smooth solid reactive piece, reminds of vintage urethane but with better traction and control

Very easy to read, responds well to hand and speed changes

Why this ball?
Two reasons why I bought an RX1. First of all: curiosity. I had wanted to try Motiv balls since their introduction, but had a hard time assessing their relative strength to other equipment and never saw a window for "another ball" in my arsenal to justify a purchase.
But: since the RX1 is intended to be a light condition ball, and I felt a need for a weak reactive piece after traumatic events in league recently. Since Motiv balls have officially become available here in Germany, I gave this ball a try.

About me:
Style = Stroker/mild tweener, right-handed
Speed = ~14-16 mph
PAP = 5" over & 7/8" up (high track)
Axis tilt = ~20°
Revs = ~275-325 RPM at release
For more details, check out my profile, please.

The ball and its setup:
From the start I wanted to have the ball drilled with the pin above the fingers, for extra length, since the coverstock's strength was not certain. Therefore, my RX1 specimen came with the following specs:

15.2 lbs. gross weight

3.5” pin distance

2.9 ounces top weight

As per usual, I had the ball drilled up at Michael Kraemer's pro shop in Duisburg, Germany.
Relying on his expertise (and having already drilled two RX1's) the ball was drilled 5.25x4.75 with the pin above the bridge (3.5" above midline, ~5.5" above VAL) and the CG on the midline in the palm, just moved 0.5" towards PAP for a sound weight distribution. No balance hole was necessary, but that was left open as an option if the ball should prove to be too weak with this layout:

Dual angle specs:
70° drilling angle
5.25" pin to PAP, above the fingers
70° angle to VAL

The 70° drilling angle delay's the ball's roll. The large angle between the Pin to PAP line and the VAL of 70° raises the RG and lowers the total differential of the drilled ball - on top of the overall weak layout and specs. These changes result in the ball revving up slower and transitioning slower - and that's exactly what it does!

==========
====+=====
===o=o====
==========
=====#====
==========
====O=====
==========

* = Pin
# = CG

Pictures of the ball and layout sketch can be found in the test video provided below.

Black oval grips and a urethane thumb slug completed the setup. I left the surface as it was, at 4.000 grit, which is pretty shiny but not glossy.

The testing program:

The balls in my current arsenal which come close to the RX1 are:

Revolution Renegade, 4.5x4.5, polished, RG. diff 0.037" and med RG, with a (assumed) PK18 coverstock the potentially strongest the bunch

Hammer (Black) Pure Hammer, 5x5, 1.500 grit wet sanded, RG diff. 0.04" and low RG with urethane-resin blend cover

Visionary Slate Blue Gargoyle, 4x4, polished, RG. diff 0.037" and med RG, hard pearlized urethane cover
I expected the RX1 to be weaker than the Renegade, but due to its modern coverstock and higher RG to be snappier than the Pure Hammer with its urethane-resin blend coverstock.

OOB surface - 4.000 grit

A.1) Maiden flight on 37' fresh THS, 2004 Qubica synth surface:
The first shots took place in Duisburg's Treff Bowling, Germany, on a fresh THS. This initial games were intended to find out the ball's overall strength and its place in my arsenal.
After warming up my first shot with the RX1 was a bit of a surprise: standing at 20 with my right shoe tip and sending the ball out between 1st and 2nd arrow with an average hand position left me with a clean washout! The ball did not recover at all, went almost straight despite some good revs, and just covered 4-5 boards in total, missing the 1 pin completely to the right. That was much less than I had expected!

A second shot confirmed this reaction and showed that the ball would not get into a stable roll.
Therefore, I moved my feet and target closer to the gutter (right foot at 18, target still at 8 between the arrows and breaking on 8-10th board) and changed my hand position to maximum behind the ball, even added some cupped wrist for extra revs and roll - and that was all it took to get the ball to function.

To my surprise, the overall hook of the ball was very even, smooth and small. It started its curve pretty early - could be early traction on the buffed outside area on the THS. Control and feedback from the lane was excellent, though - I rarely experienced first shots with a new ball that inspired so much confidence and made adjustment that easy. First game was a clean 227, later even a 256 followed. Not bad at all for a ball I had been unfamiliar with.

Other observations included several stone 4 pins in a row after good pocket hits, which could easily be mended with slight hand position changes - a simple entry angle issue, I assume.

Additionally, the ball would start reading the lane earlier once the original line had been played upon for about 3 games. Changing the hand position (adding tilt for longer skid and cupping the wrist a bit more to compensate on the back end for the delayed break point) was a simple adjustment, though, which allowed me to stay on the same line without any sacrifice in control or carry.
Only after I felt the original line drying up I dared moving a bit deeper again - wide belly shots and recovery is certainly not the ball's strength, at least with my setup. But I moved to 20 with my feet, aiming for 2nd arrow and a break point at 8-10th board, and this still worked fine.
I also tried a way different line much closer to the gutter (right foot at 15, playing across 1st arrow straight down), but that would either result in a strike or a 4-7-10 split - I suppose the way was just too long and the tighter line is just the right compromise for the ball's setup.

I also tested the Pure Hammer for comparison purposes, and found the RX1 to have a similar coverstock strength but offering a lot less hook potential, despite a very similar layout. The Pure Hammer would literally run in circles around the almost straight RX1 - I could stand at 24 with my right foot and play the Pure Hammer across 13 at the arrows with a much wider hook (breaking on 6-8th board) and a lot more recovery potential (probably due to its lower RG core with more differential), but both appeared to be very suitable for the THS pattern at hand.

Anyway, 5 games with a 200+ average on this maiden flight and a very good feeling about the ball's capabilities were a positive experience, even though the ball proved to be much weaker than I had expected!

A.2) Burnt 40' THS, 2004 Qubica synth surface:
Same house but different occasion - this time after a whole day of open play and training. A rather uncommon situation for league or tournament, but a good occasion to check the ball's limits and utility.

This time, the ball proved to be to have too much (early) traction at OOB finish. While it retained its smooth hook, the ball could not be used on the straight line between 1st and 2nd arrow - it simply started reading the lane and went Brooklyn. Only with a totally "dead" release the ball would lope into the pocket, but that's not what you expect or want.
I started with my feet at 20th board, aiming at 8 at the arrows, and went ever deeper, following the ball's reaction. I ended up with my feet at 28th board(!), playing a wide and smooth belly shot across 3rd arrow. Hitting power was still good, even though half the strikes I made were still Brooklyn hits.
Anyway, due to the shallow hook and limited entry angle, the ball left surprisingly few splits and made scoring easy - which was a true surprise when you imagine the trouble of keeping the ball right. A washout was the worst leave I had to face (high hits, the ball's recovery potential is rather low), and I saw a lot of 6 pins when the ball would move too early/much and rather hit the nose than the pocket. Overall, two of 3 games were 200+, so there IS something to the ball.

But - as a true learning: This is NOT a dry lane ball. At least not OOB, and even with the weak layout I chose on mine. The coverstock's traction ability is just too much for dried-up buffed areas or a completely burnt track. If I were to compare it, I thing it is a tad weaker than Brunswick's PK18 solid. Less aggressive and with less traction, though, but you need some oil to prevent early hook.

1.500 grit wet sanded plus gritless polish

As a consequence and to set it apart from my black Pure Hammer, I decided to try some gritless polish. I lightly hit the ball with a 1.500 grit pad from 4 sides, and then added Lanemasters' Polish from 6 sides, lightly. The result is shinier than OOB, but sanding lines are still to make out. My hope was that I'd add some length in the front part off the lane, suppress the good midlane read of the cover and delay the breakpoint.

B.1) Fresh 40' THS, 2004 Qubica synth surface:
Back again, and for comparison purposes at the same house. This time on a lane in virgin condition - recognizably more oil and more defined wet/dry areas.
To be honest, the first game with the RX1 was crap. I was not sure which line to play: with hand behind the ball the RX1 would hook a lot, when trying to compensate with my feet I'd pass the breakpoint and get a washout or bucket leave. A 147 was the shocking result, including 3 splits and open frames due to the unknown reaction of the ball with the new surface.

So far, I could see a clear change in overall reaction. The shinier RX1 would go 4-5' longer (also due to the higher amount of oil now) and start its move with a more defined breakpoint and more back end movement. While not a snappy ball or a hooker, the difference was easy to see and seemed to go into the intended direction.

But my mind was still set on the arcing move of the OOB finish - therefore, back to basics and the original plan to play between 1st and 2nd arrow.
So I lined up in the 20th board area just as in A.1, and checked what the ball would "want" me to do to get it into the pocket. Within 2 shots I went 2 boards to the right (right shoe tip at 18, aiming at

, and from there reduced my hand to a straight wrist while controlling length and breakpoint through side rotation adjustments. This was almost surreal, because it was so easy and effective. The next 3 games saw a 630 series, including 20 closed frames in a row and with only two open frames in total due to wide open splits while I tried to adjust to the changing conditions on my line with the movement lof my feet. This game strategy seemed to suit the RX1 well - I was able to keep the ball on line and in the pocket just with minimal adjustments (changing axis tilt from 45° to 75° in the course of the session). On the other side, trying other/deeper lines were not successful - I guess the overall limited hoom potential rather warrants a stable line than a complete re-adjustment on the lane, but this has to be proved through future trials.

With the polished cover, the RX1's overall reaction became much more like that of a reactive piece. It "lost" its smooth, urethane-like arc, its breakpoint became more defined and also the recovery from shots that went too far outside to the gutter was improved. As mentioned before, the ball's length was also considerably improved, but without sacrificing its good predictability and carry.

B.2) Ridden 38' crowned pattern, 2008 Brunswick AnvilLane:
Another test in another house - my home club's lane. Even though the lane surface is pretty new, oils has been sparse and it quickly dissolves after only a few games. The back end tends to offer a lot of grip, so over/under reaction and early hook are serious issues here.

When I came to test the polished RX1, the lanes had already been beaten by a house league - and first shots with my Renegade quickly revealed trouble - it was literally dead, not hooking at all, and leaving weird spares. As a remedy, the RX1 proved to be a very neat solution: while I would worry with the Renegade to give it extra length and make it "survive" somehow, I could line up again around 18th board with my right shoe tip and play the ball straight up 8th board, while keeping my hand cupped for some extra (recovery) revs and the hand way behind the ball, for a very aggressive and effective release. 3 consecutive 200+ games looked very convincing!

As a benchmark, I also pulled out my black Pure Hammer - it was just as playable, but offered more hook and recovery for a deeper line (feet at 24, target around 12 at the arrows). I'd say they cover comparable conditions, but behave very different - and the RX1 is the less versatile ball.

Using the occasion I also had a fellow youth bowler from my club try the RX1 - he has more speed and considerably more revs than me, and I was surprised to see how stable and good-natured the ball behaved in his hands. The breakpoint became more defined (with a true skid/hook/roll pattern), the hook still rather a strong arc, but it remained very controlled - and betters suited than other balls he used like a polished Fast or a Hot Sauce. My bowling pal was well surprised and impressed!

Some conclusions:
Motiv's RX1 seems to live up to what it has been advertised: a rather weak ball for light conditions, short patterns and late games. But: it is NOT a ball for scorched lanes, at least when you have a little hand and/or a rolly release like me, and especially at OOB finish!

With my decisively weak layout the ball does not hook much at all, but that's not what counts: it is a stable performer without being jumpy - and that's the job I got it for, and the RX1 delivers well.

On the other side of the utility spectrum I judge it to be suitable for medium conditions at best. Maybe it can handle more oil with a true matte finish, but the rest of the ball's design would IMHO not match up well with long oil and heavier volumes - unless you are a really rev-dominant player who wants to avoid a jumpy ball on the back end. For this target group, the RX1 could be a true sleeper! I have seen what the ball can do in a more potent player's hand than mine, and THIS really look convincing.

For me, though, it is a mild ball which I can play with my full A game release and not worry about early hook or roll-out, as long as the lane is not totally dead up front. It offers me a surprisingly high level of control, it reacts well to release changes. So far, the original plan worked out just fine. Players with more revs will certainly experience a lot more hook, esp. with stronger layouts and lower pins, but the ball is not jumpy at all.

The high RG/low RG diff. combo is an ideal basis to push the ball down the lane. It also appears to be a good combo together with the coverstock: the MOTIVator-X cover offers good traction, and it responds gradually to friction.
The OOB 4.000 grit surface appears to be a very good compromise between length through the heads and traction on fresh and normal/everyday league conditions. Just when the oil gets too thin/dry, the OOB finish shows too early traction - but the high RG still keeps the ball from bleeding energy, so you retain good hitting power.
The RX1 even seems to handle light carrydown well - much better than a hard urethane piece.

Concerning durability it is too early to say something, but the cover appears to be durable concerning wear and tear. Tracking out does not seem to be worse or better than any other solid reactive, the initial games so far do not show a sign of wear in the track area. My biggest fear is cracking - the coverstock shell is just 0.5" thick (or better: thin).

As far as I can tell, the cover takes well to surface changes. You get a recognizable change in reaction/length through this measure.

On the downside, the bright solid cover offers a very harsh contrast for dirt and grime from the lane and machines - you better clean the ball frequently, or it quickly looks like a smashed tomato...

From a user’s point of view, the RX1 is a solid special purpose ball which is well-suited for its intended job, but its versatility is limited, IMHO mainly due to its weak core (and probably my setup and corresponding style).
To me it is a convincing overall package, though. It is IMHO a nice control piece, with a stoic and smooth reaction - not spectacular at all, but highly effective when you know and accept what the ball can do. It does not offer a wide window for errors, but prevents many ugly leaves through its easily controllable entry angle - once you have found a line. Getting there can just be a tricky thing that takes some time...

The feedback from the lane is IMHO good and the RX1 responds well to release changes - since it is so mellow I can keep a line with ease just through slight and gradual hand position changes. With my weak layout the ball appears to be prone to under-react, though, if I take a bit too much hand out of the release, but that's rather an innate layout thing and by tendency nothing specific to the ball.
I think the RX1 should be played straight and aggressively, and it can take a good forward roll without burning up even on light oil.

With a stronger layout I can see that the RX1 can be a very good medium condition piece for a rev-dominant player.
I would also recommend it as a general late game option, esp. for house leagues when you have opponents with house /polyester balls. It is IMHO also a good beginner's ball, since it appears to react in a very stable manner and is simply easy to handle.

Overall I am satisfied with this piece, esp. after the surface adjustment to make it better fir into my arsenal and despite its relatively high price tag (here in Germany). It is exotic, but performs well.

Performance Rating Scale:
This scale is inspired by popular rating methods and the results are ultra-subjective! Surface prep, layouts and different playing styles will change the results for sure - it is just personal experience with the reviewed ball.

Length/through the heads:
Easy oooXoooooo Needs head oil (OOB)
Easy oXoooooooo Needs head oil (Polished)

Breakpoint shape:
Arc oXoooooooo Angular (OOB)
Arc ooXooooooo Angular (polished)

Hook potential:
Low oXoooooooo High

Control:
Stable ooXooooooo Erratic

Durability:
Poor oooooooXoo High(so far)

Suited for…
Dry ooXooooooo Oily

Range of utility/lane conditions:
Limited ooXooooooo Broad

Subjective overall rating of this ball specimen:
Poor ooooooXooo Excellent

Lane utility for tested ball at OOB surface (pattern length vs. oil volume):

|S M L
|h e o
|o d n
|r . g
|t
_______
|X X 0| Light volume
|X + 0| Medium volume
|+ 0 0| Heavy volume

Legend:
X = Best suited with effective control & carry
+ = Fairly suited (works, somehow, but can lack control and effectiveness)
0 = Unsuited (ineffective, either slips helplessly or burns up)

This chart’s concept is borrowed from Storm's 2003 print catalogue. Again, surface prep, layout or a different playing style will change the result.

Finally... the looks:
This is an outstanding ball. Made in solid all-orange it rather looks like a house ball than something "serious". I think it is the boldest introduction since the yellow Sun Storm or Ebonite's XS White. Personally, I like this courageous approach. It has shelf appeal, but might scare off "serious" customers. But it is a ball you will easily find on a crowded rack.

The bright single color and few engravings makes reading the ball's reaction a bit tough, though. The black inserts I have in my ball help a lot concerning visual reaction control.

The black engravings/graphics blend well into the surface. Very smooth and certainly a technology with visual appeal and future potential. I also like the fact that the ball just has one graphic element on it, plus a small black pin and a tiny black CG punch mark - that's all. Very subtle, and it makes the color stand out even more and the ball pretty mysterious and ageless.

What I question is the visual element, though. The militaristic/gothic typo might be acceptable, the skull is just questionable and appears pretty puberty-inspired. I'd expect this on an Elite ball, but not on a "serious" brand like Motiv? Come on! This makes the RX1 look more childish than it IMHO deserves.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com''s vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

Edited on 29.08.2011 at 0:49 AM

Edited on 26.09.2011 at 7:20 AM

JoseMa · « **Reply #17 on:** March 04, 2011, 08:52:21 AM »

LANE CONDITION

Length: 38''

Volume: THS

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):

COMMENTS

Likes: Great for short oil

Dislikes: None

Worth the money!!! A winner in short oil with dry area in the outside boards... I can send it from board 8th to 4th and comes back with a predictable power that racks the pins.... When the lanes dry out, mostly in the 2-3 game, instead of chasing the oil, I play it down in... this is the time when the RX1 makes the most damage and the scores jumps higher... Players that dare to play the twig should consider purchasing RX1 or the pearlized version... I have both and already made enough money to get the Primal TV4... The "plastic" look hides one of the best balls for dry and short sport pattern balls... By the way, I am a Brunswick lover, not a Motiv staff... All the Best to All...

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Z...z... z...

dna300x · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2011, 11:49:06 PM »

LANE CONDITION

Length: 37 feet

Volume: medium amount, not sure of exact units.

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS, Cheetah, Viper

COMMENTS

Likes: smooth, and predictable. easily manipulated.

Dislikes: not meant for oil. save this for shorter and drier conditions.

I tested this ball on Cheetah and Viper and got exactly what I wanted. A smooth reaction that I could alter with hand positions, and speed. On shorter oil I am very picky about my equipment and like to stay with one ball as long as possible. The Orange Recon RX1 is going to enable me to do just that. it has a modest core/cover combo and the only time I see this ball possibly giving me a hard time is if I encounter some carry down.

DRILLING

My specs are as follows: speed - 19 mph, rev rate - 350 rpm, axis tilt - 10 degrees, PAP - 3 3/8 over, 5/8 up.

Layout was a 50 x 2.5 x 20 with a P1 hole (on my PAP). 3/4" drill bit drilled 2.5" deep for my extra hole. Surface is box which is 4000 grit wet sand.

Darren Andretta
Motiv/Vise Inserts Regional Staff
www.motivbowling.com

Get MOTIVated!

Ptownbowler1986 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 21, 2011, 02:30:00 PM »

To start, I did absolutely no research on this ball, I bought it solely for the bright orange color of it. And that has been the best aspect of this ball. I have it drilled with the pin under the rf, with a 3 in pin to cg, down near the thumb at 60°, with a balance hole 4 in from thumb. I have the box surface still on the ball, and the ball is very strong off the spot, and gets down the very easily, and I can play any line with it on multiple conditions, even some sport shots. Best ball I have bought for the price and compatibility to play on any lane condition. Motiv is the way to go for me!

Formerly rotofan775.

Joe Somd · « **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2012, 04:46:40 PM »

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3-4

Ball Weight: 16

DRILL PATTERN

Pin above ring and cg dropped down at 6pm

Stacked - Pin above ring

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 425

Ball Speed: 17

PAP/Track: 5 1/4 over 1/4 up

SURFACE PREP

Grit: 2000 polish

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):

LANE CONDITION

Length: 38 and 41 ft

Volume: 38 ft - Medium, 41 ft- High

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

BALL REACTION

Length: Long

Back End: Arc

Breakpoint Shape: Roll Arc

COMMENTS

Likes:

On the 38 ft pattern, it is less volume of oil and a different lane surface. This ball does resemble a urethane like reaction in that it is smooth off the spot. BUT - in no way does that mean it is flat on the backend.....Noooo Sir! This ball like all other Motiv Balls clears the fronts with ease but - when it moves off the spot, you see a strong arc that continues through the pins. If you move left a little, you will have to put a little more into your release to keep the angle to trip out the corners, but believe me this ball hits hard just like all other Motiv balls. The Reverb cover with Motiv balls really do make the pins dance.

On the 41ft pattern, you have to start a little more right than the 38ft, but you get essentially the same reaction in that it does clear the fronts, I mean it should - there is more oil and Hey its a Motiv ball right? LOL, but it also still has recovery if you find friction and let it do its work, very smooth and pin peircing.

The low density cover makeup combined with the recon core provides great control with awesome length and smooth breakpoint!

Compared to my other Motiv Balls, the Recon RX1 will fill any bowlers need for dry lanes!

Dislikes: The color is hard to keep clean

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Reaction depends on putting the right ball in your hand at the right time!

Arsenal:

Storm Marvel

Motiv Sigma Tour

Motiv Primal Impulse

Motiv QZ2 Backdraft

Motiv Orange Recon

Author Topic: Recon RX1 (Read 17338 times)

admin

Recon RX1

dizzyfugu

Re: Recon RX1

JoseMa

Re: Recon RX1

dna300x

Re: Recon RX1

Ptownbowler1986

Re: Recon RX1

Joe Somd

Re: Recon RX1