- Jackal Ambush

First Impressions
The Motiv Jackal Ambush makes a very martial visual statement in a dark camouflage pattern of green and black. Even by feel it gives the impression of pure traction. Technically, Motiv relies here on the proven asymmetric Predator V2 core, which at 15 lbs delivers a very low RG of 2.47, a high differential of 0.054 and an intermediate differential of 0.015. The real innovation, however, lies in the cover: the new Leverage Solid Reactive coverstock is designed to soak up oil outright. Out of the box the ball comes with an extremely coarse 1000 grit LSS finish. This combination of a rev-happy core and an aggressive surface produces maximum friction and the absolute earliest read seen in the Jackal series so far.
Comparison
Compared to its direct predecessor, the Motiv Jackal Legacy, the Ambush starts up noticeably earlier on the lane and generates more overall hook in oil. Where the Legacy still showed a more defined move at the breakpoint, the Ambush rolls extremely smoothly and continuously. It plays in the absolute heavyweight class and competes directly with balls like the Roto Grip Gem or the Storm Proton Physix. Unlike those, though, the Ambush often feels somewhat more controlled in the heads and less jumpy entering the pocket. It is considerably stronger and reads the lane earlier than the Motiv Mythic Jackal, which as a hybrid version offers clearly more length and responds faster to friction.
On the Lanes
The Jackal Ambush is an absolute specialist for heavy oil and long sport patterns. It is the ideal "first ball out of the bag" when you're standing on a freshly oiled lane and desperately looking for traction. Its strength is cutting through a flood of oil and making the heads manageable. If you're speed-dominant, you'll appreciate how easily this ball gets into its hook without having to reduce speed. For rev-dominant players it offers massive control, since it eliminates overreaction on the backend. It is not suited to dry lanes or burned-up heads, however; as soon as there is too much friction, it will roll out too early ("burn up") and lose energy, which drastically reduces carry.