BallReviews
Reviews => Motiv => Topic started by: Ballreviews on April 24, 2014, 09:45:57 AM
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- Reaction: Angular
- Recommended Lane Conditions: Light Oil
- Core: Recon
- Coverstock: Fusion XL Pearl Reactive
- Finish: 1500 Grit Polished
- Color: Mountain Blue Pearl with Terra Green Pearl NeoMark Logo
- RG: 2.59 (15#)
- Diff: .025 (15#)
- Flare Potential: 2+ Inches
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http://youtu.be/UtR79RYPYXU
The new Ascent Apex by Motiv has the recon core with the pearl fusion xl shell. This combination creates plenty of skid with a much more angular reaction than with the other Ascents. The Ascent Apex will be useful on an any condition that is lighter or shorter or a very beat up pattern. I have found the Ascent Apex to allow me to play much further towards the gutter and let me stay there longer than other weaker balls have in the past. The Ascent Apex will be a ball that I never leave home without.
Speed 17.5
rpm 350
tilt 11
rotation 45
Right lane was on a fresh house shot
Left lane was on a very used up house shot after open bowling
Anthony Jordan
Motivbowling.com
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Motiv Staffer, Right handed, higher speed, higher rev rate.
Layout: pin in Palm, cg kicked 45deg
PAP: 5 over 1 up
The Ascent Apex is cleaner and more angular than the other Ascents. Allowing to play further right instead of having to open your angles up so much. I think the most beneficial patterns for this ball will be shorter and lighter volume. This ball will fall right after the tribal in my arsenal when the Tribal forces me to open my angles up too quick. The Ascent Apex is extremely impressive for it's price point!
MOTIVBOWLING.com
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The Ascent Apex is priced as an “entry level†ball, but it is high performance through and through. It has the Recon core, which is a High RG 2.59, Low Differential 0.25, with a modified version of the strong pearl cover first featured on MOTIV’s landmark ball the Primal Rage.
I have long been a fan of the Recon core from way back on the RX1, which was my first MOTIV ball. I have had a lot of success with the RX1 and the original Ascent balls, particularly on short oil patterns. For me, the new Ascent Apex is about 3 or 4 boards stronger than the original Ascent on the back-end, and has about 3 or 4 boards less overall hook than the Primal Rage, so it fits that sweet spot perfectly.
This ball is an excellent choice on short to medium short oil patterns when the heads break down a little bit, and you need a ball that’s clean through the fronts with good back-end kick. I also bowl a league at a house that has a house shot with low volume, and the Apex does the trick.
Here is a ball reaction video that I did featuring the Apex. In the video I compare the ball motion to the Original Ascent, Venom Shock, Primal Rage & Cruel Intent.
This is a key piece of equipment for me to bring to every tournament. Even on longer patterns, the later it gets into the block, the more likely that it’s coming out of my bag. It doesn’t do crazy tricks down-lane – it does just what it needs to do to kick out that 10 pin, and that’s all I need it to do.
--Kevin Gallagher—
PBA Member
MOTIV Staff
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The Blue Mountain Pearl Ascent Apex is an addition to MOTIV’s entry level line. First, this is NOT an additional color and another name slapped on the ball, this is a true upgrade to the Ascent Pearl. The Ascent Apex again contains the Recon Core, but the upgrade on this ball is the coverstock. It has the new Fusion XL coverstock, which is a modified version of the cover used on previous balls such as the Primal Rage, Tribal, Cruel Intent, and Sigma Sting.
The ball gets down the lane with ease on any pattern, and I don’t think that will change no matter what your style. I have thrown the Ascent Apex on some very lighter volume/burned patterns thus far and have seen all the length I needed. In addition it has a fast response downlane, but for the amount of friction it encounters is still very controllable. The continuation of the ball resembles the same results that MOTIV has produced all season. Compared to the original Ascent Pearl I actually see more length with the Ascent Apex but, this only provides it with more backend. The total hook potential isn’t much more than the original Ascent, but the backend shape is where they really differ. Overall, this release has allowed me to play deeper, as required on some lighter volume and broken down patterns, but at the same time creating more creating angle.
I am recommending the Ascent Apex to anyone who is looking for entry level length with MORE than entry level backend.
MOTIV Staff Member
Mike Magolan
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LANE CONDITION
Length:42 and 40
Volume:Med/High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):42' Higher volume THS and 2014 D/S Nationals
COMMENTS
Likes:Tons of length with a smooth backend. Very low flare but still has power through the pins. Perfect for sport conditions when the backend over react.
Dislikes: Not very good on THS if you have hand or speed. Will be very over under without much area to move because of its weak cover and small core.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
41 ft THS
10:1 ratio
24 ml
COMMENTS
The Motiv Ascent Apex adds a significant piece to Motiv's lineup to close a gap. I feel comfortable saying that if you are a Motiv fan, they've designed a complete arsenal for you. You can find every ball reaction type in their current lineup. We recently reviewed the Covert Revolt, Venom Shock, and Primal Rage. To make this easy, the Venom Shock is to the Covert Revolt what the Ascent Apex is to the Primal Rage. Now you have the more rolly pieces, strong and medium in the Covert Revolt and Venom Shock, respectively. Now you have the same in the more snappy pieces with the Primal Rage and Ascent Apex.
The Ascent Apex is more of a skid snap reaction which is a step down from the Primal Rage. We tested pin up and pin down. Pin up adds some needed length on this medium THS for Brad who has good hand. He doesn't need this much snap given his revs and side rotation. Pin down was a tad smoother and about 1 ft earlier but also stronger.
Video and more details at:
http://tamerbowling.com/index.php/motiv-ascent-apex-ball-review/
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Bowler Stats-Ball Speed 15.5 MPH Rev Rate-App 285 Axis of Rotation-30 to 60 degrees Axis Tilt 9 degrees Right Handed PAP-5 9/16 over, 1/2" up. Drill -50X4 1/4"X30
The Motiv Ascent Apex is designed for light oil according to Motiv. The core is a new for the Motiv line, the symetrical Recon Core, wrapped with the Fusion XL Pearl Reactive cover. The ball is as advertised and stronger for me. The ball picks up it's roll late in the pattern, due to the very low RG (2.59) and pearl cover. The core with a differential of .018, allows the ball, to keep plenty of energy down lane without being short transition/snappy. The ball covers more boards plenty of boards when it finds friction with enough recovery to play deep or to swing it to the ditch from the track. The Ascent Apex then makes a strong move that is much less sudden and sharp then the Primal Rage and closer to the reaction of the Thrash Frenzy. The coverstock, being stronger then the original Ascent Pearl, changes phases earlier on the lane and covers more boards. The Ascent Apex's make a continuous move at the end of the pattern and can cover a lot of boards on lower volume or shorter patterns. Getting the ball in the soup (house shot) in the middle of the lane causes the ball to skate past the breakpoint but that is how this
ball is designed. The Ascent Apex lets me know when to put it away as it starts to check earlier. This coverstock, as is all of the Motiv Coverstocks, is easily tunable and shining it will increase length and angularity noticeably, and adding surface creates an earlier roll. Additionally, the Apex does not soak up a lot of oil, and like all of the other Motiv covers, does not quickly "track out".
I've been throwing exclusively Motiv since 2009 and I have not had a ball that "died" due to oil saturation or one that has become warn in the track. My experience tells me that this ball will be the same.
If you use this ball as designed it will be a very effective ball. To throw it on a heavy volume patterns will require a large amount of surface and a shorter drill pattern. With the Ascent Apex Motiv has a piece of equipment that continues the Motiv tradition and keeping a complete arsenal on the Motiv selection of equipment at all times As always, the Neomark coverstock makes the roll and transition of the ball easy to read, and with my colorblindness, the high contrast makes it easy for me to pick up the ball transitions..
Dug Barker
Motiv Staffer
BTM Youth Writer
Ken Bowl Lanes Youth Director
Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal Coach
BWAA Member
SWBA Member
USBC Silver
2003 GLBA Youth Coach of the Year
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Ball Specs:
Motiv Ascent Apex
Fusion XL Reactive
1500/Power Gel Polish
Symmetrical Core
Layout 45 x 4 x 45 No Balance Hole
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 4-3/4 Over 1/4 Up
Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50.
Speed off hand 18
Review:
The Apex is a nice upgrade in the Ascent line. The Apex acts like a much higher priced ball and I have already had a good number of people comment on how good it rolls. A bowler can purchase the Apex as an entry level ball and get much more than they paid for. The Ascent Apex has a weaker version of the Fusion Cover stock used first on the very popular Primal Rage. This cover along with the Recon core allows control on dryer lanes with a nice move on the backend. My Apex hooks more than my other Ascents and drives through the pins harder than the originals. I have a Tribal and Sting drilled very weak and highly polished and my apex with a stronger layout and box finish fits perfectly between them.
I tested this ball on various conditions using the box surface. The ball seems to work best on medium to dry patterns, but I was able to swing the ball on a very toasted lane condition with no loss of hit or carry. The Ascent Apex has a nice backend reaction and hits very hard. The Apex seems to read the mid lane better than expected and I feel this is due to the cover change. Motiv has really produced some great covers lately and there are still more to come.
The color scheme on the Apex is perfect. Many people have told me they love the look. I don’t think we will have any problem selling this ball to someone wanting value in a first performance or medium to dry lane ball.
Summary:
Great performance value.
Excellent hit and carry.
A proven performance cover.
A great addition to an arsenal or first reactive.
Great color combination.
Glenn Wendel
PBA Member
Motiv Staff
Turbo Staff
You Tube link http://youtu.be/HJWk16FGJ48
www.motivbowling.com
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41 FT
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Review:
The Ascent Apex is the newest entry level performance bowling ball from Motiv Bowling. The Ascent Apen brings together the high RG recon core along with the new Fusion XL Pearl Reactive cover which is a modified version of original cover found on the Primal Rage. This combination of cover and core provides more length on higher friction conditions, gives it a more angular move on the backend, and the continuation is insane for an entry level performance ball. The Ascent Apex, elevate your performance.
INNER CORE Recon
COVERSTOCK Fusion XL
FINISH 1500 Grit and Polished
Comments:
What can I say other than straight wow. This ball is a wonderful addition to my bag because being a high rev player, I needed something the third game and this piece definitely fits the bill. What I love about the Ascent Apex is how well it works on higher friction conditions because it gives me great length down lane and then add the Fusion coverstock and I give a nice backend motion with tremendous continuation through the pins. I have thrown a lot of lower end balls in my career especially on house conditions and I will say in my heart of heart that the Ascent Apex in the strongest entry level performance ball I have ever thrown. First time out of the gate with it I felt this ball should easily be a mid to mid-upper level bowling ball. High rev players will love it because it reads well on high fictions conditions and lower rev players will love the length when their comfort zone starts breaking down and don’t fell comfortable moving in a little bit. The Ascent Apex for the price should be a steal for any bowler.
Likes – More length on higher friction; nice angular backend and continuation: price is worth it.
Dislikes – None.
I recommend Ascent Apex for all types of bowlers.
Motiv Staff Player,
John Robertson
www.motivbowling.com
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Ascent Apex
Looking for that low to medium volume oil piece. Something that gets through the heads and down the lane when everyone else’s equipment is either hooking too early or rolling out down lane? Well look no further the Motiv Ascent Apex is the ball to give you that advantage. This ball gets down lane and retains the energy to hit and continue through the pins late in a block, second shift in league or on high friction surfaces. The incredible angular motion off the back end is possible thanks to the new Fusion XL Reactive Cover technology and the high RG recon core.
The ability to stay on a similar line and provide a similar shape is always a bonus late in an 8 game block. Having a piece like this in your bag keeps you in a similar area without having to manipulate your shots by increasing speed or hand position. This ball provides an advantage and high rev players will love it on the fresh on shorter oil patters as well. Don’t be fooled by its low-med volume moniker as this ball is angular off the spot and will definitely be a must have complimentary ball for all!
Oh and the PRICE just knocks it out of the park!!!!!
Rick Zakrajsek
MOTIV Staff
www.motivbowling.com
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The Ascent Apex continues the entry level line of bowling balls offered by MOTIV. The Apex features the Recon core and the new Fusion XL Reactive cover. The Fusion XL cover gives the Apex more angular movement off the back of the lane pattern compared to the previously released Ascent balls.
My Apex is drilled 70x4x40 with no weight hole, putting the pin above my ring finger. The Apex is the ball I use late in a block or game 3 of league when the track area has opened up. Moving left and hooking the lane isn't my game so the Apex allows me to stay right of transition. The Ascent Pearl gives me a few more feet of length compared to the Apex which created an over/under look for me.
In summary, the Apex is an excellent addition to the MOTIV line up for dry lanes and shorter patterns. The Apex is much smoother down lane and makes a more pronounced move to the pins compared to the other Ascents. For the entry level price, this ball is a must for any style bowler.
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Layout:
65 x 4 ¾ x 35
The Motiv Ascent Apex is a ball built for you to take advantage of those challenging condition late in the day when the lanes are dry and you need something with length and backend pop. The proven Recon core (2.59 RG, .025 Diff) has been paired up with the newest member of the reliable Fusion cover family, Fusion XL. Finished at 1500 grit + polish, this new cover provides length to get through the early burn while still keeping some teeth on it to take advantage of the friction on the backend. My expectation for this ball was to have something on the lower end with a quick response time to friction but be stronger than the original Apex and the Ascent has filled every bit of that. I have had no issues with this ball getting down the lane easily and then making a strong motion back to the pocket. I typically save this ball for later in the day, but if you’re a high rev player who has difficulties with throwing stronger equipment at the beginning on house shots, this will be good for you because of its energy retention and power through the pins. Overall I have found this ball to be a delight to throw when I’ve needed to get ahead of that second oil transition and stay on top of the scoreboard.
Trent Overbey
In the Zone Pro Shop
Motiv Staff
www.motivbowling.com
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Length:42
Volume:23.15 mL
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Kegel Stone Street Pattern
Layout: 75 x 5 x 35 (pin above ring finger)
I bought this ball because I needed something to replace my Brunswick Slingshot. I shot my highest 700 series with the Slingshot but I needed something that would give me the same length with a little more backend to carry the corner pins out. After doing a lot research I thought that the Motiv Ascent Apex would fit the bill perfectly. I was right!! This ball goes long with a nice predictable snap at the end. OOB is 1500 polished but I took mine down to 1000 polished and it gives me the motion I was looking for. This ball will be great option for short oil patterns and the last game in league.
Dislikes: None
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Rev Rate:420
Axis Tilt:20
Axis Rotation: 45
Ball Speed:17
PAP Measurements: 4 1/8
Layout: 60/4/30
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj344/TheSuperHitMan/20140624_2309351.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5NcLFUvxlY
Description: The cover provides more length on high friction lane conditions giving the bowler more angularity at the backend, the Fusion XL Pearl Reactive cover combines technology and the high RG Recon core.
The Fusion XL (Xtra Length) Pearl Reactive cover technology utilized on the Ascent Apex is a modified version of the original Fusion shell first used on the Primal Rage, which provided a shockingly strong backend motion.
Out of box surface: 1500 Polished
Reaction: The difference between the original Ascent and the Apex is the backend reaction, the Apex is stronger and covers more boards preferred to the original. I was able to play further left and create more entry angle to the pocket. The Ascent Apex is more of a skid snap reaction whereas the original Ascent has a skid roll reaction to it.
Conditions
THS (40 feet): On THS I found myself playing straighter standing 15 targeting 10, because of surface being at box (1500 polished) I played in the track area using the friction to my advantage whereas others gravitated away from it. I have thrown the Apex Ascent on light patterns, burnt patterns, and late night rock and bowl patterns and the length remains the same, the response to friction is fast but remarkably controllable.
Tokyo Pattern (43 feet): I played this pattern standing 10 from the left targeting 15 to the right, there was a lot a friction and the Apex did not disappoint one bit. The ball really showed off its angularity talent as I was able to utilized the entire lane with no fear of the ball not recovering or checking to early off the pattern.
Summary: It was love at first bowl when I threw the Orange Recon, I loved everything about that ball as it was ideal for medium to medium short patterns. The Apex is the ball to go to when you need a clean reaction through the fronts with controllable backend reaction once the fronts are gone. If you want to use the Apex Ascent on heavier patterns I recommend a bigger surface and a stronger layout, or you can pick up your Covert Revolt/Raptor Talon.
I encourage any bowler that is looking for an entry level ball to pick up the Ascent Apex, this ball with give you a clean look with a surprising backend reaction.
Become an Apex predator today.
K.C.White II
MOTIV Staff
www.motivbowling.com
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DRILL PATTERN
80 x 2 x 20 with an extra hole on my PAP. 7/8" bit, 2 1/2" deep.
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 400 RPM
Ball Speed: 18 1/2 MPH
PAP/Track: 4 3/8 left, 7/8 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 2000 grit Abralon
LANE CONDITION
Length: Variety
Volume: Variety
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Everything
COMMENTS
Based on my observations this piece can be drilled and prepared in such a way as to mimic our older pieces. I drilled my Apex with a 2" pin to stabilize the core and get a "rolling pin" effect. Very easy to read and control. I have been tweaking the surface and it seems to be best around 1000 grit. I will use this ball whenever I opt to play the gutter on patterns and cannot use a big ball to do it. I have a 2" pin Covert Revolt that I really like and the Ascent Apex complements that ball for me really well too. I recently bowled in the Proprietor's Cup in Dayton, OH. I was able to lock myself in a zone around first arrow with the Revolt and when I felt it was too much up front, I could ball down to the Apex and stay in the same zone. I certainly see this ball playing well with the Tribal too. The Tribal forces one to open his/her angles a bit more whereas the Apex will help you stay closed and keep it in front of you. They both handle around the same amount of oil. This is a lot of ball for the money too. It handles more volume than what it's advertised as. I attribute this to the modified Fusion shell which was first used on the Primal Rage. It's a cover dominant piece and consequently I feel this attribute lends itself to more motion down lane as opposed to cover dominant balls that tend to stand up and lay off in the back end.
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When I first began throwing MOTIV exclusively, the original Ascent Solid was one of the first balls added to my bag. Any competitive bowler can testify and confirm that a light-oil ball is a must for any tournament bag. Naturally, the Ascent found a home within my bag. Unfortunately, the Ascent Solid and I could never match up on the lanes. Despite coming across a beat up and worn down pattern, the slightest deviation in angle would lead to lack of down lane reaction.
Just when I thought the Ascent line was just not for my game, MOTIV had one final word, enter the Ascent Apex. My concerns with backend angle and reaction with a light-oil ball were no more with the introduction of the Fusion XL Pearl Reactive cover stock. On several occasions I have been able to revert to the Ascent Apex to provide me with a very predictable, controllable but yet powerful backend response down lane. A reaction that is priceless when you can almost see sparks as the ball rolls down the lane from the friction! With this amount of friction in mind, don’t be fooled into believing that is only one line\angle that can be played with the Ascent Apex. On the very same lane conditions, I had the choice keeping the shot simple and playing straight up the boards with a slight swing, say a lay down of 7 and allowing the ball to reach the 5th board at about 40 and watch the ball roll right into the pocket high flush. As the heads begin to become troublesome around that starting lay down, I could simply keep the break point the same and move my lay down to say 13, maybe even 15 and still receive a very manageable backend response and carry percentage.
Whenever I’m constructing my bag for an upcoming tournament where I know it may very well turn into a marathon or the pattern is going be of the shorter category, the Ascent Apex and earned its right to be one of the first balls of choice in my bag.
Ryan Wyandt
MOTIV Staff Member
West Lawn, PA
rwyandt869@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter: @rwyandt869
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This was my first adventure into Motiv world. I won't bore you with a lot of details ..
@400RPM, @11 degrees tilt, 15.5 MPH ... bowling on worn anvillane 44ft pattern 6:1 ratio with ligher volume.
one word sums this ball up .... BACKEND. It gets down the lane, finds friction, and goes left with quick, rounder transition.