The Jackal Ambush is a flare monster 😱 #motivnation #motivbowling

Motiv Jackal Ambush Review

Name: Motiv Jackal Ambush
Brand: Motiv
Rating: 4.5 (6 reviews)

While no longer in production, the Jackal Ambush remains a formidable heavy oil weapon for serious bowlers who need maximum hook potential. Its aggressive Predator V2 core and strong Leverage coverstock make it ideal for challenging lane conditions, and discontinued status means potential savings on the used market.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 22, 2026 3 videos analyzed 6 verified bowler reviews

7.9

Overall

Great Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Solid

Core

Asymmetric

Hook

High

Performance Analysis

The Motiv Jackal Ambush represents peak heavy oil performance with its aggressive asymmetric Predator V2 core paired with the strong Leverage Reactive coverstock. The low RG of 2.47 combined with a substantial .054 differential and .015 mass bias creates tremendous flare potential of 5-6 inches, making this ball a true hook monster designed to cut through the heaviest oil patterns. The 1000 grit factory finish provides the surface friction needed to grab in oil while maintaining energy for a powerful backend reaction.

This ball excels in its intended heavy oil environment, where the combination of core dynamics and coverstock strength creates devastating pin action and impressive continuation through the pins. However, its aggressive nature limits versatility - this is decidedly not a ball for lighter oil conditions or bowlers with lower rev rates. The Jackal Ambush demands respect and proper lane conditions to perform at its best, making it a specialized tool rather than an everyday ball for most bowlers.

Who Is This Ball For?

Heavy oil league bowlers
Tournament players facing challenging conditions
High rev rate bowlers who need maximum hook

Hook Potential

9.0

Length Through Heads

4.0

Back-End Continuity

8.0

Pin Action

8.0

Versatility

5.0

Value for Money

7.0

The Pros

• Exceptional hook potential with 5-6 inches of flare
• Strong asymmetric Predator V2 core creates aggressive angular motion
• Leverage Reactive coverstock handles heavy oil conditions effectively

The Cons

• Limited versatility outside of heavy oil patterns
• Aggressive nature may be too much ball for average conditions

Who Is This Ball For?

Heavy oil league bowlersTournament players facing challenging conditionsHigh rev rate bowlers who need maximum hook

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Motiv Predator V2 Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.47

Differential 0.054

Int. Differential 0.015

Coverstock Motiv Leverage Reactive

Core Type Asymmetric

Factory Finish 1000 Grit

Color Black / Green

Release Date January 2023

How It Compares

8.8

Verified Bowler Reviews (13 reviews, 4.5/5 avg)

4.5out of 5

13 verified purchase reviews

85% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Jackal Ambush is Motiv's strongest coverstock yet, excelling on heavy oil with early midlane read and continuous hook. While praised for its power and pin carry on fresh patterns, some note performance drops significantly after absorbing oil.

AI summary of 13 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Christopher Spence Jan 15, 2023

This ball truns in the heavy oil like crazy. More then I thought it would. Love it.

Washington (WA), United States

Dustin Wendegatz Jan 25, 2023

Ball arrived in perfect condition. I haven't drilled it yet, but looking forward to it's debut

United States

Justin Mooney | MOTIV Staff Jan 26, 2023

The newest Jackal is here! The new Jackal Ambush is the newest release in the line! In this Jackal Ambush is the same Predator V2 core as seen in the Jackal Ghost, Alpha Jackal, and many more! The Jackal Ambush also features a brand new cover in the Leverage coverstock, which is the STRONGEST cover Motiv has EVER made! This ball reads the pattern so well, digs so hard, and just hooks like crazy with a ton of continuation and power into the pins! This ball will easily be the go-to ball for the fresh during a tournament of some of the heavier volume house shots for league! Stop in at your local pro shop and get one! Layout: 55x5x45 PAP: 5 1/8' Over 1 5/16' Up Justin Mooney | MOTIV Staff

United States

Mitchell Finn Feb 23, 2023

Strongest Motiv has made. Very early, smooth and continuous, making it a very unique shape for a Jackal. This ball loves the oil and is a hooking fiend once you feed it some. When you need to move left, play in the oil, or blend the wet/dry, this is the ball you want in your bag for sure. Mitchell Finn / Motiv Shop Staff Right-handed, Two-handed 16-17mph, 480-500rev PAP: 4 5/8" over and 2" up Jackal Ambush drilled 55 x 4.125 x 40

United States

Ray&Rosie Corp. Mar 12, 2023

Hello everyone professional bowler Raymond Palermo Jr. Here from Colorado . I normally use the Columbia top speed 300 and the jackal ghost for my heavy hook but this ball with very very simple explanation is a monster it hooks unbelievably my jackal goes looks later down the lane but this ball picks up mid lane and Yanks very beautifully into the pocket and when the oil gets drier simply switch to the slicker balls like my Columbia 300 but this ball to start the game is phenomenal... Hands down

United States

Showing 1–5 of 6 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Motiv Jackal Ambush best for?

The Motiv Jackal Ambush is designed for heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive solid coverstock with a 1000 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.

Is the Motiv Jackal Ambush good for beginners?

The Motiv Jackal Ambush is a high-performance ball with high hook potential, which may be difficult for beginners to control. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed a consistent release. Beginners should consider an entry-level ball like the Brunswick Rhino or Roto Grip Hustle series first.

What is the RG and differential of the Motiv Jackal Ambush?

The Motiv Jackal Ambush has an RG of 2.47 and a differential of 0.054, with an intermediate differential of 0.015. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.

How much does the Motiv Jackal Ambush cost?

The Motiv Jackal Ambush is priced at varies by retailer. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.

What type of bowler should use the Motiv Jackal Ambush?

The Motiv Jackal Ambush is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive solid coverstock on heavy conditions, it works well for medium to high rev rate players who need a ball that can handle oil and still make a strong move on the backend.