Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Nuclear Forge
Reviewed:October 2023
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Coverstock Specs
Name:Propulsion HVP Pearl Reactive
Type:Reactive Pearl
Box Finish:5000 Grit LSS
Color:Navy / Blue / Green Pearl
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Core Specs
Name:Detonator
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.47
Diff:0.055
Int. Diff:0.000

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Nuclear Forge adds another incredibly angular option to the Motiv line. It utilizes the symmetrical Detonator core design, which has been a constant in the Forge line. This core, with an RG of 2.47” and a differential of 0.055”, allows the ball to rev up quickly and offers substantial flare potential. The Nuclear Forge features a new coverstock called Propulsion High Volume Pearl (HVP), which is designed to provide better traction in oil compared to previous pearl coverstocks. Although it can be challenging for any ball to match the downlane motion of balls like the Iron Forge and the Pride Empire, the Nuclear Forge proved just as responsive at the breakpoint while offering increased total hook and traction in the oil.

Cranker had the best reaction out of our bowlers on the heavy oil test pattern. He was surprised by the ball’s strong midlane read on this long, slick condition. When he lined up with the Nuclear Forge and then switched to the Supra Rally, he experienced washouts with the latter. Balls like the Sky Raptor and Pride Empire got closer to striking from this same alignment, but they hit lighter in the pocket than the Nuclear Forge. While the Nuclear Forge offered more total hook than polished bowling balls, it didn’t match the total hook of duller balls like the Jackal Ambush or Pride Dynasty. As more friction developed in the track area in transition, Cranker’s reaction improved with the Nuclear Forge. During competition, he would start on this condition with a rougher ball and then switch into the Nuclear Forge in transition to better clear the fronts while maintaining a strong midlane motion and avoiding sliding past the breakpoint. Cranker also had success with the Nuclear Forge on the medium oil pattern. The ball’s aggressive cover allowed him to start deeper on the lane without fear of over-skidding on shots that didn’t get as far right as

Motiv Nuclear Forge Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of each pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Motiv Nuclear Forge to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

Additional Motiv Nuclear Forge Resources

Click here to visit Motiv's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.