Motiv's new light oil release - Freestyle

[MotivSteve300]

Motiv’s newest ball release, Freestyle, lands in their light oil line on the ball chart. For me, light oil balls can be tricky because you need them “weak” enough to get length on high friction surfaces but strong enough to create the backend reaction needed to carry out all 10 pins. What Motiv did was to combined proven technology with the Recon core and added the new Turmoil LFP cover (low friction pearl) to have enough aggressiveness on the back part of the lane to carry. This combination really does create a much more consistent transition and reduces that over/under feeling you can get with most light oil balls. Another bonus for this outstanding ball is the price point as it gives all styles of bowlers looking for that less aggressive bowling ball an option for getting the length needed and an aggressive cover to knock all 10 pins down.

Steve Haas
Motiv Staff Member


Video
https://youtu.be/uhOzSJEpDAk

[sportshot]

Ball Specs:
Motiv Freestyle
Turmoil Low Friction Pearl Reactive
5500 Grit LSP
Symmetrical Core
Layout 55 x 4 x 75 with Balance Hole

Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 5 Over 1/2 Up
Rev Rate 275. Tilt 20. Rotation 50.
Speed off hand 18

Review:
The Freestyle is a new entry in the Light Oil category for Motiv. The Freestyle uses the same core as the Apex but then wraps it in an earlier and more controllable cover. The Freestyle is a very interesting ball that I am enjoying experimenting with. I drilled the Blue one first, Pin Down strong with a balance hole and then sanded it to 2000. This produced more hook than my box surface, weaker layout Burn with a great read on the lane for a weaker core ball. The hit was also better than expected. The Freestyle acts like a higher priced ball and I really hate to call this an entry level reactive. The Freestyle may have a weak core but it has a strong hit. A bowler can purchase the Freestyle as an entry level ball and get much more than they paid for. I have used my Apex balls quite a bit at tournaments when the lanes are dry but never considered taking one to every tournament. The sanded Freestyle may change my mind on that. I really like this Blue Freestyle! I can even play inside with it.
I then drilled up the Pink and Black Freestyle. The color is not hot pink but kind of a red pink. But I digress. I left the Pink Freestyle at box surface and put the CG in the center of grip and the pin up around 1:00. I am a right hander. The Freestyle rolled a little earlier than my Apex with a similar layout and was slower on the back end. The ball hit good but was not different enough from my Apex so I think I will start some surface adjustments next week. I have had too much tournament success with my Apex to change the surface on that one. I was able to use the Pink Freestyle up the 10 board with good success on a medium condition.

Summary:
The Freestyle is a very versatile dry lane ball.
The cover takes adjustments easily.
A great dry lane tournament choice.
Two nice color combinations available.
Video Link:
https://youtu.be/kvAzg4LfdEg
Glenn Wendel
PBA Member
Motiv Staff
Ultimate Staff

www.motivbowling.com