- Ripcord Launch

First Impressions
The Motiv RipCord Launch shows up in a striking color combination of Dark Purple, Purple and Berry that is immediately recognizable on the lane as a modern pearl ball. Inside works the symmetric Torx V2 core, which at 15 lbs delivers a 2.51 RG and a 0.048 differential. These numbers are tuned perfectly to generate powerful rotation without revving up too early. The big change is the coverstock: Motiv goes with the Propulsion MVP Pearl Reactive material here. This cover was developed specifically for a quick response to friction. Out of the box, the ball comes with a high-gloss 5500 grit Laser Scanned Polished (LSP) finish. This mirror-smooth surface signals unmistakably that the ball is built to glide effortlessly through the heads and save all of its energy for an explosive change of direction at the end of the pattern.
Comparison
Compared directly to its predecessor, the Motiv RipCord Velocity, the RipCord Launch is even more dynamic and responds faster to dry boards. While the Velocity was already known for its corners, the Launch goes one step further thanks to the Propulsion cover and creates an even sharper entry angle ("skid-flip"). Against the Motiv Pride Empire, which uses an asymmetric core, the RipCord Launch offers a similarly aggressive backend motion, but comes across as somewhat more continuous off the oil because of the symmetric core. It is clearly stronger in the backend than a Motiv Blue Coral Venom and offers more overall hook than the entry-level balls of the Top Thrill series. It fills the gap for bowlers who need more angle than a Venom Shock provides but don't want the early traction of a Jackal.
On the Lanes
The Motiv RipCord Launch is the ultimate ball for medium oil conditions and the transition phase. When the lane loses oil in the heads and stronger solid balls start to hook too early, the Launch is the ideal choice. It glides cleanly across the areas that have been played and lets you move deep inside and open up the lane. Its strength is restoring the entry angle: even when you throw it well out to the right, it has enough stored energy and friction sensitivity to come back hard to the pocket. It is less suited to extremely long or heavy oil, where it could slide too far, but it shines on typical house patterns as soon as the first line has been played dry.