- Jackal Scar

First Impressions
The Motiv Jackal Scar was introduced in October 2017 as an exclusive international release, expanding the prestigious Jackal line with a high-performance solid variant. At the heart of this ball works the proven Predator V2 Asymmetric Core, which has already caused a stir in other models of the series. With an extremely low RG of 2.47, a high differential of 0.054 and an intermediate differential of 0.015 at 15 lbs, this core is designed to release energy as early as possible. The low inertia ensures that the ball picks up a high rotational speed already in the heads, which is of decisive importance especially with high oil volume. This powerful core is wrapped in the Coercion HFS Solid Reactive coverstock. The abbreviation HFS stands for High Friction Solid and describes a chemical composition optimized specifically to guarantee consistent bite even on thick films of oil. The factory finish is completed with a 3000 grit LSS (Lustre Sanded Smooth) process. This special surface treatment gives the ball a matte look in red and black, but compared to coarser 2000 grit finishes it allows a touch more length without giving up the necessary traction in the midlane. The technical specifications mark the Jackal Scar as an absolute powerhouse for heavy conditions, built to read the lane early and produce a continuous, strong motion.
Comparison
Within the Motiv product family, the Jackal Scar compares most closely to the Motiv Jackal Ghost. While the Jackal Ghost often ships with a somewhat rougher finish and therefore starts to grab in the oil even earlier, the Jackal Scar offers a slightly more controlled passage through the heads thanks to the 3000 LSS finish. It looks a shade cleaner through the midlane than the Ghost, but delivers a similarly impressive continuation at the end of the oil pattern. Compared to the Motiv Jackal Rising, the Jackal Scar shows a less aggressive overall hook amplitude, which makes it a more predictable option when the oil volume is high but not extreme. Looking at the market outside of Motiv, the Jackal Scar competes directly with the Storm Sure Lock. While the Sure Lock often shows an even more massive overall motion due to its cover chemistry, the Jackal Scar scores with the typical Motiv characteristic of a very even and stable roll phase that reacts less sensitively to small irregularities in the oil distribution. Compared to a symmetrical solid ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Jackal Scar offers considerably more torque and a stronger entry angle into the pocket thanks to its asymmetrical core, which is an advantage especially on deeper lines. Against the Motiv Trident Quest, which uses a pearl cover, the Jackal Scar offers substantially more safety in the oil and prevents the slide-through at the breakpoint that is often seen with pearl balls on fresh patterns.
On the Lanes
The ideal application range for the Motiv Jackal Scar is heavy to medium oil conditions where control and early traction are required. Thanks to the combination of the Predator V2 core and the Coercion HFS cover, the ball works excellently as a first ball out of the bag on long sport patterns or fresh house shots. If you throw the ball fast and often have trouble getting your equipment to react in time, the Jackal Scar is a reliable tool that finds friction early. Even with a moderate rev rate, the ball provides the support needed to create a powerful roll and maximize carry. The strength of this ball lies in its continuity: it does not tend toward jerky breaks at the breakpoint, but instead makes a steady change of direction that helps you hit the pocket precisely even under difficult conditions. During transition, when the oil in the heads gets carried away and the boards dry up, the Jackal Scar will at some point show a loss of energy in front of the pins because of its matte surface. At that moment, a switch to a ball with a hybrid or pearl cover should follow. As long as there is enough oil, though, the Jackal Scar shines with its ability to control the lane and clear the pins with high hitting power. It is less suited to very dry lanes, since it creates too much friction there and generates hook too early, which would lead to a flat entry angle. On the right conditions, however, it is a dominant choice for all player types looking for a massive roll and reliable reaction.