- Alpha Jackal

First Impressions
The Motiv Alpha Jackal marks the top of the heavy-oil performance range in Motiv's lineup as of January 2020. Visually, the ball shows up in a striking combination of black, purple and citron, which looks extremely dull and grabby thanks to the matte 2000 grit LSS finish. Technically, this ball pairs the proven Predator V2 core, which already made waves in the Jackal Ghost, with the brand-new Coercion HV3 Solid Reactive cover. This shell was developed specifically to generate even more traction on heavy oil. With a low 2.47 RG and a high 0.054 differential (at 15 lbs), the core numbers are built for maximum torque and an early roll. The high intermediate differential of 0.015 also produces a quick, defined response from the asymmetry. The ball motion can be described as extremely grounded and powerful: the ball practically digs into the boards and offers a very early, smooth arc.
Comparison
The most obvious comparison is the Motiv Jackal Ghost, since both use the same core. The Alpha Jackal sets itself apart with the stronger Coercion HV3 shell, which makes it read even earlier and generate more overall hook than the Ghost. It's essentially the "big brother" version for even more oil. Compared to the Storm Gravity Evolve, the Alpha Jackal shows a slightly rounder but more continuous motion through the pin deck. Next to a benchmark ball like the Motiv Venom Shock, the Alpha Jackal is in a completely different league; it absolutely needs oil in the heads, where the Venom Shock would still be skidding. Compared to the Roto Grip UFO, the Alpha Jackal often feels a bit more stable and less prone to sudden direction changes when it hits friction.
On the Lanes
The Motiv Alpha Jackal is a specialist for heavy oil and long sport patterns. Its ideal home is the fresh lane, when the oil volume is still high and untouched. It lets you play deep in the oil without worrying about the ball skidding past the pocket. If you throw the ball fast or have a lower rev rate, you'll especially benefit from how early the ball gets going and builds traction. Once the transition sets in and the heads start to dry up, though, the Alpha Jackal should go back in the bag, since it otherwise loses too much energy and gives up carry. This isn't a ball for opening up the lane — it's a ball for controlling it with massive hook in the oil.