Motiv Crimson Jackal Review
Motiv's angular heavy oil asymmetric with the Predator V2 core and pearl coverstock. Maximum length-to-backend reaction for power players. Video reviews inside.
[Music] all right motive Nation so now let's talk about the Crimson Jackal The Crimson Jackal is our newest asymmetrical bowling ball in the Jackal line and the shiny side right so for those of you that like the Mythic this is going to possibly replace that for you we have uh seen with the nuclear Forge and that's the all I'm going to compare it to that uh our new shiny covers have been doing great right when
we talk about balling the ball hooking the oil while being shiny we got a winner here so we're thinking that same thing is going to happen with the Crimson Jackal So today we're going to compare the two and we're going to see what we get I'm going to get lined up with the nuclear Forge first and then throw the Crimson Jackal on the same spot and seat so for this first one I'm going to stand around 30
okay so a couple things about that ball one it's probably my favorite ball in the bag right now and two these two B balls do have the same exact layout for those of you that use dual angle it is 55x 5 1/2 by 35 I do expect this to hook a little more as it is a bigger core but we are going to stand in the same spot and see where we
get okay motivation you know what we got there we have a much stronger ball so let me move a few left and see uh how far left I have to go with the nuclear Forge so I stood on 30 I'm going to stand on 30 four okay so it did get a little behind
the head pin I missed the touch of the bottom but even more importantly I I got it farther to the right down the lane but had plenty of get back and went through the I mean exploded the pins right so uh sign of a good bowling ball all right motive Nation so when we talk about Staples of the bag you can't have a motive bowling ball bag without a jackal ghost right so we are now going to compare the Crimson Jackal to the Jackal ghost what I really expect is that the Crimson Jackal and the Jackal ghost will actually be in the similar part of the lane maybe a couple boards different but I'm really going to see that the Crimson Jackal gets farther down the lane and has even more angle
where the Jackal ghost will get a little smoother so I'm going to get I've been lined up with the Crimson so I'm going to throw that first for you guys and I've been standing around 33 34 okay so as you can see that ball got pretty far down Lane and has plenty of angle right so uh we're going to throw the Jackal ghost next and I think I'm actually going to go to right and I'm
going to expect it to smooth out a little bit more it's going to be more of the banana type shape in comparison to Crimson Jackal so I'm going to stand on 31 here and as you can see that ball definitely hooked a few feet earlier and rounded out I did stuff in nine we don't like that but for those of you that love the Jackal ghost you're going to love the Crimson Jackal cuz it's a great onew
combo as the night goes on and the Jackal ghost gets a little smooth you go right to the crimson and you have something that's a little more angular and gets through the front part Lane much easier [Music]
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
Testing revealed the Crimson Jackal to be a significantly stronger performer than its reactive pearl counterparts in the Jackal line. When compared directly to the Nuclear Forge—Motiv’s previous shiny asymmetric release—independent reviewers observed that the Crimson Jackal hooked noticeably more despite both balls sharing identical drilling layouts (55x 5½x 35). On the test pattern, the ball demonstrated excellent length through the front and midlanes before making a hard angular move into the pins, with testers noting it required moving several boards left to match the Nuclear Forge’s entry angle. The sharp recovery and violent pin action indicated a well-designed core paired with the reactive pearl coverstock’s proven oil-handling characteristics.
When positioned alongside the Jackal Ghost—Motiv’s proven benchmark asymmetric—the performance distinction became even clearer. Independent reviewers observed the Crimson Jackal traveling significantly farther down the lane before making its move, generating considerably more angle into the pocket compared to the Jackal Ghost’s smoother, earlier-hooking trajectory. On the heavy oil test pattern, the Jackal Ghost produced a rounded, “banana-shaped” arc and earlier midlane reaction, while the Crimson Jackal maintained a more aggressive line through the front part of the lane. This performance gap suggests the two balls function as complementary pieces rather than direct replacements—the Crimson Jackal excelling early in a session on fresh oil, with the Jackal Ghost becoming the preferred option as lane conditions transitioned and carrydown accumulated.
Who Is This Ball For?
The Crimson Jackal is purpose-built for bowlers who need strong hook potential and angular motion in heavy oil conditions without sacrificing length. Bowlers currently using the Jackal Ghost who want a more aggressive, earlier-moving option during the fresh-pattern portion of league or tournament play will find immediate value. The ball also serves bowlers in the Motiv ecosystem looking to upgrade from older pearl asymmetrics—particularly those who favored the Mythic but want modern coverstock performance.
This ball works best for players with moderate to higher ball speeds who can take advantage of the asymmetric core’s angular potential. It’s less suited for bowlers seeking a smooth, arcing motion or those bowling in medium oil conditions where its aggressive characteristics might overpower the lane. As part of a two-ball strategy with the Jackal Ghost, however, it becomes a versatile arsenal piece that handles the widest range of heavy oil scenarios.
The Pros
- • Predator V2 asymmetric core with .054 differential and .015 mass bias generates enormous backend motion
- • Pearl coverstock on a heavy oil piece — rare combination that provides length before the core takes over
- • 5-6 inches of track flare create devastating entry angles and pin carry
- • Andrew Anderson's tournament weapon — proven at the highest level of professional competition
The Cons
- • Angular backend motion can be difficult to control for lower rev-rate bowlers
- • Pearl coverstock may not read early enough on the heaviest flooded conditions
Who Is This Ball For?
Motiv's angular heavy oil asymmetric with the Predator V2 core and pearl coverstock. Maximum length-to-backend reaction for power players. Video reviews inside.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
More Videos (2)
Drilling a Crimson Jackal
Motiv Bowling
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Motiv BowlingVerified Bowler Reviews (37 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers praise the Crimson Jackal as an exceptionally strong asymmetrical pearl that excels on heavy oil conditions. Reviews consistently highlight its clean lane travel, explosive backend reaction, and devastating pin carry. Many compare it favorably to previous Jackal releases, calling it the strongest asymmetrical pearl since the Jackal Flash.
AI summary of 37 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
Just got back into bowling and I am absolutely loving this ball. I'm going to purchase another one just on principle
Washington , United States
Take the Nuclear, now imagine a stronger asymmetrical core. Started 5 boards left than normal on a fresh house shot and this ball SMACKed the 10 pin with 2 rare messengers throughout my first set. If you have been waiting for that strong assym pearl since the Jackal Flash…get this immediately. No comparison.
Some of my best series, and tournament finishes were with the Golden Jackal and Jackal Flash. Very happy to finally have another pearl Jackal in the bag and am loving the new colors and look of the Crimson Jackal. As far as performance, as expected, the Crimson Jackal lives up to the line it gets its name from. It's everything you need from a pearl, but it can also handle some serious oil volume. This ball is crazy clean, and unbelievably fast off the spot. When you need to create some angle down lane, nothing is going to beat this ball!
This ball is such an awesome pearl! It goes down lane and hooks so much on the backend! Almost makes me feel like I can't miss the pocket! Great but!
IL, United States
Bought the Crimson 2 weeks after I bought the Ambush to build a new 1-2 punch. These are my first Motiv purchases and could not be more impressed. I kept the pin low and directly above the ring finger. The finish allows the ball to get through lane and have a ton of energy on the backend. Hope the ball holds as its my go to right now.
Showing 1–5 of 11 verified reviews
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