Motiv Bowling is a U.S. - based brand that makes bowling balls, bags, and gear. It ranks among the top three bowling brands alongside Storm and Brunswick.
In the past few years, Motiv has gained more fans among amateur bowlers. This rise came after strong results from Motiv staff players on the PBA Tour.
If you want the best Motiv bowling balls in 2025, our BowlingLife testers have done the work for you. We reviewed the newest releases and proven favorites to help you choose the right ball for your game.
We built this list based on each tester’s style, the lane conditions they face, and their personal results.
Please note, certain links provided in this article may be affiliate links.
Best Motiv Bowling Balls for 2025
Don’t want to read the full guide? Here are our top 6 picks for the best Brunswick bowling balls this year. Each bowling ball was tested on different lane conditions to pick the best one.
Motiv Venom Shock – the best Motiv bowling ball overall
Motiv Jackal Onyx – the best Motiv bowling ball for heavy oil
Motiv Evoke Hysteria – the best Motiv bowling ball for transition oil
Motiv Subzero Forge - the best Motiv bowling ball for medium oil
Motiv Max Thrill Pearl – the best Motiv bowling ball for dry lanes
Motiv Steel Forge – the best new Motiv bowling ball release
Best Motiv Bowling Balls - Detailed List
Motiv Venom Shock - Best Motiv Bowling Ball Overall
(Release date: March 28th, 2014)
Key advantages:
- Smooth control with a strong backend finish
- Clean motion through the front of the lane
- Consistent performance when others switch to urethane
The Motiv Venom Shock stands out as one of the best Motiv bowling balls for all-around performance. It blends smooth control with a strong backend finish that’s tough to match.
Its Gear core pairs with the Turmoil cover to create a clean motion through the front of the lane. The ball then makes a strong, predictable move off the friction for consistent pin carry.
This ball shines when you need extra pop downlane without losing control early. Many bowlers trust the Venom Shock when others switch to urethane, because it keeps its shape and drives hard through the pins.
If you’re building a medium oil arsenal, the Motiv Venom Shock is a must-have among the best Motiv bowling balls.
Motiv Jackal Onyx - Best Motiv Bowling Ball For Heavy Oil
(Release date: January 8th, 2025)
Key advantages:
- Leverage HXC solid reactive coverstock with Duramax formula
- Predator V2 core for high rev rate and strong flare
- 1000 grit finish for early traction on heavy oil
The Motiv Jackal Onyx is one of the best Motiv bowling balls for heavy oil. It delivers serious hook from the first shot, gripping the lane early and driving hard through the pins.
Its solid reactive cover and powerful Predator V2 core combine to create strong flare potential and a high rev rate. This design gives you the control and confidence needed for slick lane conditions.
The Jackal Onyx thrives when oil volumes are high and the lane feels unforgiving. If you need a ball that hooks without quitting, this heavy oil choice ranks among the best Motiv bowling balls.
Motiv Evoke Hysteria - Best Motiv Bowling Ball for Trasition Oil
(Release date: March 18th, 2025)
Key advantages:
- Propulsion MXV pearl reactive coverstock for length and shape
- Overload asymmetric core for layout flexibility
- Performs best on medium to medium-heavy oil
The Motiv Evoke Hysteria is one of the best Motiv bowling balls for transition oil conditions. It delivers clean length through the heads and a sharp backend move when it hits friction.
Its Propulsion MXV pearl reactive coverstock combines with the Overload asymmetric core to give you layout flexibility. You can drill it for more flare or a smoother arc, depending on your needs.
This ball shines on league nights, sport patterns, or when your solid cover ball starts reacting too early. For bowlers wanting a versatile pearl, the Motiv Evoke Hysteria stands out in any list of best Motiv bowling balls.
Not sure yet? We reviewed Motiv Evoke Hysteria in an in-depth review.
Motiv Subzero Forge - Best Motiv Bowling Ball for Medium Oil
(Release date: September 18th, 2024)
Key advantages:
- Detonator symmetrical core for stable mid-lane read
- Leverage MXC solid reactive coverstock
- Ideal for medium oil and a smooth hook shape
The Motiv Subzero Forge is one of the best Motiv bowling balls for medium oil. It delivers early roll with a stable mid-lane read, giving you a smooth, predictable motion.
Its Detonator symmetrical core pairs with the Leverage MXC solid reactive cover to create control without losing hook potential. This makes it a strong option when you want hook without sudden jumps.
The Subzero Forge performs well in long league sets and tournament play, especially when other balls start reacting too sharply. If you want mid-lane control and hitting power, the Subzero Forge ranks high among the best Motiv bowling balls.
Need more information about the ball? We reviewed Motiv Subzero Forge to help you decide!
Motiv Max Thrill Pearl - Best Motiv Bowling Ball for Dry Lanes
(Release date: June 5th, 2024)
Key advantages:
- Turmoil XP3 Pearl coverstock for more length and angular motion
- Halogen core for versatility and hitting power
- 42% higher differential for added flare and drilling options
The Motiv Max Thrill Pearl is one of the best Motiv bowling balls for dry lanes. It’s built to deliver strong downlane motion when the oil is gone.
Its Turmoil XP3 Pearl coverstock creates the perfect mix of strength, clean travel through the heads, and angular backend shape. This is a clear upgrade over the Top Thrill Pearl, offering more length and sharper finish.
The returning Halogen core adds versatility and power, making it a valuable option for any bowler’s arsenal. With a 42% increase in differential, it also provides more flare potential and layout flexibility.
Bowlers will value it as a weaker pearl that still ranks among the best Motiv bowling balls for dry lanes.
Motiv Steel Forge - Best New Motiv Bowling Ball
(Release date: August 13th, 2025)
Key advantages:
- Propulsion MXV Pearl coverstock for clean length and angular motion
- Detonator symmetrical core for strength and speed
- 5000 grit LSS finish for traction and control
The Motiv Steel Forge is one of the best Motiv bowling balls for bowlers who want clean length with controllable backend motion.
Built on the Detonator symmetrical core, it combines low RG and high differential for fast revs, strong flare, and high hitting power.
The Propulsion MXV Pearl coverstock, first seen on the Evoke Hysteria, is tuned here for more angle. Bowlers can use its versatility, making the Steel Forge one of the best Motiv bowling balls for creating angle.
History of Motiv Bowling
Motiv Bowling began in the 1990s as Wilbur Products, a company that designed
bowling ball cores for other brands.
When Brunswick moved
manufacturing from Michigan to Mexico, Wilbur Products started producing its
own bowling balls in the United States.
This decision led to the
launch of the Motiv brand in 2009, now known for making some of the best Motiv
bowling balls on the market.
Choosing the Best Motiv Bowling Ball for You
Choosing the best Motiv bowling balls for your style and lanes can improve your scores, control, and overall consistency.. The right ball matches your style and works on the lane conditions you bowl most often.
Coverstock
The coverstock is the outer shell of a bowling ball. Most coverstocks fall into three main types: plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. Each type reacts differently to lane oil. This helps you adapt to changing conditions.
Core
The core is the weight block inside the ball. It affects how the ball rolls and hooks. Cores come in symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes. Each shape changes how the ball reads the lane.
Radius of Gyration (RG)
RG measures how the ball’s weight is distributed. High RG balls skid longer before hooking. Low RG balls read the lane earlier. Choosing the right RG helps match ball motion to lane conditions.
Differential (Diff)
Differential measures the ball’s flare potential. Higher differential creates a stronger hook. Lower differential gives smoother motion. Knowing this helps you pick the best Motiv bowling balls for your desired hook shape.
FAQ
Where are Motiv bowling balls made?
Motiv bowling balls are made in Muskegon, Michigan, USA.
Is Motiv part of Brunswick?
No. Motiv is an independent company that started making its own balls in 2009.
What is the best Motiv bowling ball?
The best Motiv bowling balls for you depend on style, lane conditions, and what reaction shape you want most. Top picks include the Motiv Venom Shock, Motiv Jackal Onyx, and Motiv Max Thrill Pearl.
