- Hydra

First Impressions
Released in July 2018, the Motiv Hydra is a specialized tool for lighter oil conditions, filling the gap in the "light oil / angular" segment. It replaces the popular Tag Cannon and brings what was then the brand-new Hexion technology into the lower price brackets. Inside spins the proven symmetrical Halogen core. With a relatively high 2.55 RG and a moderate 0.037 differential (at 15 lbs), this core is designed to maximize length and keep flare potential in check. The star of the show, however, is the Hexion LFP (Length, Friction, Pop) Pearl Reactive coverstock. With a mirror-smooth 5000 grit LSP (Laser Scan Polished) finish in black pearl with neon green logos, the Hydra is tuned both visually and technically to create as little friction as possible in the front part of the lane and then react lightning-fast down the back.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Motiv Tag Cannon it replaces, the Hydra offers a noticeably quicker response time to friction thanks to the Hexion cover. Where the Tag Cannon sometimes felt a bit "soft" in the backend, the Hydra is snappier and more defined. It's the perfect "little brother" to the Motiv Lethal Paranoia or Villain Scorn. Set against the legendary Venom Shock (Solid), the Hydra is the exact counterpart: the Shock is early, round and controlled; the Hydra is long, angular and dynamic. It plays in a similar league to a Storm Match Up Pearl or a Roto Grip Hustle, but thanks to the high-quality cover technology it often delivers a bit more "punch" in the pins than typical entry-level balls.
On the Lanes
The Motiv Hydra is the ultimate "late-game" ball. It's made for dry lanes, burned-up heads or short oil patterns. When stronger balls (like a Forge or Venom) start hooking too early and lose their energy before the pins ("burn up"), the Hydra's moment has come. It glides effortlessly through the driest part of the lane and saves all of its energy for impact. It's ideal for playing steep angles when you're forced to move well left but still need the ball to come "around the corner." If you have a lot of hand (high rev), it's often a must-have for keeping control on house patterns without giving up backend motion.