The MOTIV TANK
Tester: MattyG
Speed: Med (14.5 to 15.5 on camera)
Rev Rate: 300+
Axis Rotation: Med to low (30*-40*)
Axis Tilt: Med to high (12*-20*)
P.A.P.: 4 1/2 right, 1/8 up
Drilling layout: "MO"tion Hole with 1 1/4" hole 4" deep
Surface: 2,000 O.O.B.
Patterns: 43' modified Stone Street pattern and 38' THS
Review:
I was never on for Urethane. My rev rate and speed never made for
a good match. Sure I could play "safe" but 5 pins were embarrassing to
have to pick up all the time. I had previously owned the Natural and Natural Pearl. They did what Urethane did. Go 20' then roll out to the pocket. I decided to try something different with the Tank. I was looking for a way to increase length (not using surface) while increasing the amount of flare down lane. I decide to try out this "MO"tion Hole that everyone was talking about. The ball had great specs to start with because it had very little top weight and a pin that would be pretty close to center of grip if I place the pin over my ring finger. I did have to cheat the hole over about 3/4 of a inch though. I would have rolled over it if not. Glad I did the "tape test" before.
I was really please with how the ball hit on the burn before adding the hole. I though it actually got more length than previous urethane releases. It had almost a small entry level reactive ball reaction. I decided to commit to trying out the "MO"tion hole even though I really liked the reaction as-is. I was NOT disappointed. I got to throw it on a 43' pattern where the oil volume is pretty high. The ball was so-so. It rolled just like eve other urethane ball. Had to play that typical closed up angle or almost point it to the pocket. The one stand out was how hard it hit. Instead of deflecting it really drove through the pins. I was very impressed but still on the fence. Later that week I got to try it out on a freshly oiled 38' THS. This house is famous for it's walled up pattern. Low rev dream and high rev nightmare. You know what I mean! Tried the Tank out where you would think [straight up 5]. I was actually going high BUT not until it came of the end of the pattern. Weird?? So I gave it a little room. Went 7 at the arrows to 5. Came in a little high but again it was down lane when it moved. Went 8 to 5 and the ball was just amazing. It crushed the pocket so hard. It was smooth and predictable but I had that special ability that only urethane equipment can give. I knew, before the ball hit the arrows, that it was a strike. It is an amazing ball to say the least. I was able to play outside that GREAT WALL and still have hard hitting power!!!
Conclusion:
The Tank is not for everyone (unless you want a bad ass spare ball). It will be a great Tool for learning how to close up angles for some, the answer to controlling rev rate for others. But the thing that makes it special is how hard it hits going through the pins even after you think it is rolled out. It can be you best ball if you are looking to really control the lane instead of cover boards. I would recommend the Tank to all bowlers looking for a ball actually practice with. You can learn a lot from the Urethane ball motion. As a "strike" ball it really can be an asset to those high rev rate people that need help/control.
I use mine as my primary spare ball. A little hand position change and a touch more speed makes the Tank look like a bullet. But keeping it in my bag will always give me the sense of security. When there is no look or super bad carry I can always pull out the Tank and fire it up the outside. I have no doubt this ball will come into play more than a few times.
