- Jackal EXJ

First Impressions
The Jackal EXJ shows up in a striking combination of arctic white and silver pearl elements, accented in high contrast by the black and red Jackal logo. This limited edition honoring EJ Tackett's third PBA Player of the Year title embodies the premium class of the MOTIV Jackal series. Technically, the ball is built on the proven Predator V2 Asymmetric core, which in 15 pounds carries an RG of 2.47, a maximum differential of 0.054 and a PSA of 0.015. This asymmetric high-performance core should develop maximum energy through its quick rev-up and strong flare characteristics. A special feature is the new Propulsion HVH hybrid coverstock, which comes with a 4000 grit LSS surface. This surface treatment results in a stable scan value of roughly 4700 LSS, meaning the ball's characteristics should barely change during play. The hybrid design should offer more traction in oily areas than earlier hybrid Jackals, while at the same time storing energy for the backend reaction in high-volume conditions. With a rated length of 70, a backend value of 78 and a hook rating of 80, the EXJ sits between the Jackal Ghost and the Crimson Jackal in the MOTIV lineup.

Comparison
In direct comparisons, the Jackal EXJ is noticeably cleaner and longer than MOTIV's Jackal Onyx, which is considered the strongest ball in the current Jackal line. While the Onyx grabs earlier and works more continuously through the pins, the EXJ releases its energy later and shows a more pronounced backend reaction. Against the Crimson Jackal, the EXJ appears somewhat stronger and possibly quicker in its change of direction, with both balls showing similar continuation. MOTIV's Evoke Hysteria is frequently cited as a reference point, with the EXJ described as a stronger and slightly earlier version of that successful hybrid formulation. Both share the Propulsion HVH base, but differ in core geometry and the resulting motion patterns. Compared to balls from other manufacturers such as Storm's Identity, the EXJ reads considerably earlier and is stronger, while balls like MOTIV's Max Thrill Hybrid are cleaner and rollier. These differences underline the specific positioning of the EXJ as a ball for medium to heavy oil conditions where a controlled backend reaction is needed.

On the Lanes
The Jackal EXJ is aimed primarily at players looking for a strong asymmetric ball for fresh, high-volume lane conditions. The 4000 surface makes it especially interesting if you need length but still want sufficient backend reaction. If you're speed-dominant, you could benefit from taking the surface down to 2000 grit to generate more early hook, while rev-dominant bowlers should keep the box surface. The characteristic motion is clean through the heads, with a controlled but definite change of direction at the friction point. The ball isn't meant to be excessively angular, but rather to offer a balanced mix of control and power. These traits make it a versatile tool for various styles of play, and its adaptability can be extended through surface modifications. For tournament players, the EXJ could serve as a first ball out of the bag, especially on medium patterns with sufficient volume. The stable surface characteristic promises consistent reactions over longer blocks of play. Recreational players with higher average speeds or lower rev rates may find an approachable high-performance ball that still delivers results with less than ideal technique. The carry characteristics are rated positively across the board, and the ball should still generate pin action on less than perfect hits. That makes it an interesting option if you want to expand your scoring options without giving up control.