- Crimson Jackal

First Impressions
Released in January 2024, the Crimson Jackal expands Motiv's well-known Jackal series with an aggressive pearl option for oily conditions. Visually, the ball comes in a striking "Crimson/Berry/Black Pearl" color scheme, finished at the factory with a 5000 grit LSS (Laser Scan Sanded) surface. Inside works the proven Predator V2 Asymmetric core, which also powered the Jackal Ghost. At 15 lbs, this core delivers a low RG of 2.47 and a high differential of 0.054, complemented by an intermediate differential of 0.015. The decisive new element is the coverstock: Motiv uses the "Propulsion HV+ Pearl Reactive" cover here. This chemical formulation is meant to close the gap between pure heavy-oil solids and weaker pearl balls by offering more traction in oil than the brand's previous pearl models, without sacrificing the length typical of pearl covers.
Comparison
Within Motiv's product line, the Crimson Jackal positions itself as a logical complement to the Jackal Ghost. While the Ghost is known for its round, continuous arc, the Crimson Jackal's pearl cover generates more length through the heads and a noticeably more defined change of direction at the breakpoint. Compared to the older Mythic Jackal (Motiv), the Crimson Jackal offers a stronger overall reaction and handles high oil volume better. Compared with competitors' products, it shows parallels to the character of a Roto Grip Attention Star S2 or a DV8 Violent Collision, though the Crimson Jackal is designed to read the midlane a bit earlier than classic "skid-flip" balls. Against a Roto Grip Exotic Gem, the Crimson Jackal should show a quicker response to friction and roll less "forward," which makes it more dynamic in the backend.
On the Lanes
The Crimson Jackal's primary application is lanes with medium to high oil volume. The 5000 grit LSS surface gives it enough bite not to slide past the breakpoint on fresh patterns, while it still saves enough energy for an explosive move through the pocket. If you throw the ball fast, this is a valid option for creating the entry angle on oily lanes that weaker pearl balls often fail to produce. Rev-dominant players can use the ball to play deeper on fresh oil and open up the pocket, since the asymmetric core helps stabilize the ball in time. Once the transition sets in and the heads dry up, the ball could react too strongly for some player types; at that point a switch to symmetrical pearl options would be advisable. The Crimson Jackal thus works ideally as the first ball out of the bag on house patterns, or as a direct step down from an aggressive solid on sport patterns.