Rev Rate:420             
Axis Tilt:20               
Axis Rotation: 45
Ball Speed:17                 
PAP Measurements: 4 1/8 


Layout: 60/4/30

Description

It’s no coincidence that Motiv provider continuation through the pin deck; introducing the Motiv Freestyle that commands entry level respect. Now that I have your attention Motiv has replaced and improved the Ascent/Apex series with the Freestyle, the engine is the legendary recon core but the cover is the all Turmoil Low Friction Pearl. The TLFP is a modified version of the poisonous cover used on the Venom Shock.

Out of box surface: 5500 LSP

Reaction

The Freestyle will provide you with several looks depending what you choose to do to the cover, out of box on house patterns I had no qualms playing the twig area where I mostly played using my Apex Ascent. It has a very controllable shape to it reminding me of the Redline to a much smaller extent, smooth and continuous. A stand out quality the Freestyle does have is what it does when you apply surface to it, it can handle a fair amount of oil and to a lesser extent behaves like the original Forza.  As continuous as the Freestyle is; it does not change direction in a rush.


Comparisons between the Apex Ascent and Graffiti Tag

Comparing the Freestyle to the Graffiti Tag, the Tag overall is bigger than the Freestyle in terms of hook and backend reaction. The Tag has a quicker response time to friction and has a sharper breakpoint than the Freestyle. In the event the Tag becomes too big overall for the pattern the Freestyle is a solid step down from the Tag. In terms of overall length the Apex Ascent and the Freestyle are very similar; in my eyes the Freestyle is longer only because it has a slower start up ball motion wise. The Apex isn’t as even as the Freestyle as the ball motion it provides is rather angular, it’s not as continuous as well.



Summary:  A solid entry level ball that doesn’t disappoint on the desired condition, I consider the slow response to friction a huge advantage for both big and small rev rates alike. As I stated before I did freestyle with the cover and found it to be rather rewarding on medium patterns and sport patterns, reverse blocks in particular. I see a lot of the Forza series in the Freestyle which I consider another plus as it provides a controllable and reliable ball motion; it’s earned a spot in my bag next to the Rebel Tank. If you’ve been entry level shopping for a while consider the Motiv Freestyle and I promise once you’ve paid for it; Your game will thank you for it.





K.C.White II
MOTIV Staff
WhyBowl Staff
 

I am going to share in the pot stirring. As a Proshop owner how do we sell this line against the new Brunswick Rhinos , Cyclones, new Nitrous line from Columbia and new Storm Breeze releases, which are all significantly lower cost and have more color options etc.

Lol I thought we would see something new and good since we beat up Roto Grip and made em change their name from free style lol.  Except we get a reused core and a tweaked cover.  Not saying storm doesn't do the same but this ain't NEWS lol. 

The Freestyle will appeal to Motiv fans that will not throw anything but, and want that type of look in their Motiv arsenal.  Otherwise there are similar, if not better, options at a much lower price point for bowlers that are not brand loyal.

We have been through 2 Ascents in our family, and quite frankly won't be buying another ball with that core. 

I'm a Motiv user and don't see a need for this ball in my bag either. I have the Apex Ascent, a Tag and a Rebel Tank. If I can't make one of them work in the slot this ball would fit, I shouldn't be bowling. Just my opinion.

However, every company brings out new stuff(that's really not new) just to keep the dollars coming in.

We have seen this with Motiv before with the QZ balls. About the only difference in the QZ lines was the factory surface. Sure, there was a hybrid and a pearl, but they really milked that one. At least they named this one something different. LOL