Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:99.59.5
Medium:888
Dry:543
Sport:777

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

General Info

Brand:
Name:Venom Strike
Reviewed:December 2012
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:Atomix ARC Solid Reactive
Type:Reactive Solid
Box Finish:3000 Wet Sand
Color:Blue / Neon Orange
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Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.48
Diff:0.034
Int. Diff:0.000

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

Motiv offers a new mid performance ball in the Venom Strike. This ball uses the Gear core while the cover is a new version of the Atomix resin that we last saw on the Sigma Hybrid.

The core revs up quickly and, combined with the 3000 wet sand box finish, gave us enough hook to be most successful on our heavy oil test pattern. We were able to play in our comfort zones through the front and all three testers were getting the ball to just about the same spot at the breakpoint. The reaction for all was a strong controlled hook shape through the entire lane. We did not have to adjust the surface on any of the three balls on this pattern.

The medium pattern was up next and, when we started, the reaction was pretty good. We again kept the Venom Strike at the box finish and each tester moved about an arrow inside of where they played the heavy pattern. This worked for about the equivalent of a game of play before the oil up front started to go away. As the head oil began to disappear, all three testers made three and two adjustments to try and catch more oil to keep the ball in the pocket. When we started to see a little carrydown, our carry percentage started to drop. We added Power Gel polish to all three test balls, which increased our reaction and our pin carry. The added length from the polish allowed the test staff to move back outside with their feet and their target.

We only threw a few shots on our dry test pattern before we added shine again. The polish helped, but there are better Motiv options for this pattern.

The Venom Strike will excel on sport patterns on the medium side. The smooth controlled hook shape is a big plus for flatter patterns.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque5.5
The one thing we did see as a result of the box finish and lower differential is a much smoother reaction when this ball sees friction. Bowlers who struggle with fresh back ends will like the smooth breakpoint this ball provides.
Length12
The 3000 wet sand cover bites through the oil with no trouble. Bowlers who want to get the ball farther down lane will want to use Power Gel polish to increase the length.
Back End16.5
The smooth reaction to the friction sets this ball up for a even arcing back end motion. This shape allowed for higher ratings on our sport pattern.
Total Hook53
We found the Venom Strike to offer much more hook than where Motiv has it placed in their reaction charts. This ball is much stronger than we thought it would be and easily handled our heavy test pattern.

Strengths

The total amount of hook and the smooth response when this ball sees friction are the biggest strengths of the Venom Strike. This ball can hold its own against some HP balls on the market as far as total hook is concerned.

Weaknesses

The Venom Strike needs oil in the front of the lane to be at its best. This ball is so smooth at the breakpoint that if its energy has been spent in the front, it can hit very flat at the pins.

Overall Summary

This is the second Motiv release for the month and offers a nice step down from the Raptor Talon. The hook shape is similar, just less from the Venom Strike.

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.