MOTIV Tank Yellowjacket | 4K Ball Review | Bowlers Paradise

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Here we go again. They say it’s not urethane, so I guess we’ll use the new PBA term and go with urethane-like. No matter what it is, this thing is YELLOW. The all new Tank Yellowjacket is Motiv’s newest microcell polymer release which comes out of the box at 1000 grit. Inside the yellowjacket is the flux core, previously featured in the purple tank, which has a high 2.57 RG and a low .015 differential, notably weaker than the gear core in the carbide tank.

Since motiv is presenting this as a more traditional urethane type ball, that meant putting a urethane type layout on it. The 4x5x5 2LS Layout is one that I have had a lot of success with on previous urethane balls, including the pitch black we are comparing the yellowjacket too. With that, it is my belief that this layout gives all balls of this nature their best chance to succeed in my hands.

AND ON THE LANES… well, I got almost exactly what I expected. Motiv’s marketing around this ball is all about how it doesn’t really take on lane shine which is definitely the case, but with the out of box finish being so dull, I almost needed some shine to make it look better. Now, I’ll say this about every urethane-like ball I ever review. There’s just about a zero chance at this point that I would use urethane on a house shot, and you can see why. It’s really strong front to back, so when I get it right, it’s exceptionally slow transitioning and hard to trust it to carry all ten pins.

But one good thing about the yellowjacket is that it gives a shape to motiv’s line that they’ve been lacking in that true, low flare urethane shape. When it’s right, storm and brunswick have had some pretty significant advantages over motiv with the pitch black and the multiple urethanes from brunswick, so having a similar option in motiv’s line gives that same opportunity with this piece. It’s definitely not as strong as the carbide tank either, which puts it even more in play for more bowlers.

Comparing it across brands, you can see that it is notably stronger than both the pitch black and the purple hammer. A lot of that has to do with the freshness of the coverstock, but no matter the reason, the pitch black is weaker in overall shape, and the purple is significantly cleaner than the yellowjacket while also generating a bit more angle downlane. The shapes though, although slightly different, as still in the same category and I would bet when you see these pieces in play, the yellowjacket will be on the lanes as well.

Which leads us to the downside of the yellow jacket, which is the same downside for basically all urethane at this point. It’s situational. It’s not something your team wants you to pull out of your bag every league night. It’s basically made for tournament conditions and if you don’t bowl competitively, there’s little need for it.

I will say that within motiv’s lineup, if you like this shape, the pride empire and the black venom would make great compliments to the tank yellowjacket. All three are pretty forward off the spot and give a good variety of core and cover strengths to ensure a great deal of versatility in your arsenal.

Lastly, my two recommendations for bowlers I think would match up well with this piece. First off is those that have struggled with other urethane options in the past, but want to have one in their arsenal. It is a different shape, and if the marketing holds up to be true where it doesn’t take on much lane shine, that will maintain the shape on the lane better than other urethanes do, hopefully adding to your success.

The second is speed dominant bowlers. Simply put, this cover is strong. You can tell even when you just touch it. So if you need a piece to play the gutter with and you’re a speed dominant player, not only will you catch eyes with how yellow this thing is, your scoresheet will as well.

The tank yellowjacket gives motiv a much needed competitor in the urethane market, and even though it might not be the best thing for all conditions, when its right, bowlers are sure to light up the lanes and blast the pins straight off the deck

The all new black venom from Motiv has great shelf appeal, but adding this kind of striking power to your arsenal makes it more than just a pretty face.

[hoth]

Idk why but I love the ugly balls the most, shout-out motiv mythic jackal ❤

[thebigeasy]

This ball reminds me of back in the day the old AMF Gold Angle. I know I speak for many that view your channel when I say we greatly appreciate your informative, helpful, honest reviews. Thank you for that. My only beef is that your not left handed! Oh well nobodies perfect. :)

[johnpenny]

Can you guys do more urethane and urethane like videos including the purple and black hammer.

[Erick-ylzi]

Waiting on mine to get here. Love your content thanks for what you do.

[nordattack]

That Pitch Black looked really, really good on this lane.

[danielweisman]

With your stats - what layout would you put on a NU for THS conditions ? ( sticking to playing more on the right targeting 1st arrow )

[BigJim]

Thanx for the vid! You said we don't need urethane on a THS but what about situational times you're bowling the dreaded house ball, plastic ball, high handicap team that drags half the lanes oil down lane? To combat that carrydown nightmare I'm thinkin a purple hammer right up 5/6 arrow @ 17-18 mph. I'm a speed dom bowler as is so gutter play my bread n butter. Purple hammer only at these times make sense?

[NorCalBowler]

So are you switching off two handed and one handed? Or was it just the editing?

[zackoakes]

Looked pretty good going down the lane, but left a bunch of 10 pins lol