Understanding your ball finish and why it matters! Read the blog post here: https://www.motivbowling.com/blog/what-is-the-best-finish-for-a-bowling-ball.html Every bowling manufacturer has its own process for achieving a ball’s final surface finish, or “grit.” Whether it’s 1000, 2000, or 5500 grit, that finish dramatically affects ball motion. You’ve probably heard the saying: “Surface is 70% of ball reaction.” But why does it matter so much? The surface is the only part of the ball that actually touches the lane — and how it’s finished determines how your ball reads the lanes front to back and also left to right. What Does “Finish” Mean? The finish refers to how rough or smooth the surface of your ball is — in other words, whether it’s dull/matte or polished. Dull bowling balls (typically 1000–3000 grit) have a rougher surface. Under a microscope, they feature larger peaks and valleys that absorb oil and create traction. This causes the ball to read the lane sooner and hook more gradually. More tread = more hook. Polished bowling balls (4000–5500 grit with polish) feature peaks and valleys that are smaller and smoother, allowing oil to bead on the surface instead of being absorbed. This makes the ball skid longer through the front part of the lane and store energy for a sharper backend motion. Dull vs. Polished: When to Use Each Knowing which finish to use — and when — is key to consistency. Dull Balls: Best for oily or unpredictable lane conditions. The rough surface “blends” the transition from oil to dry, using energy earlier for a smoother motion. This helps you control overreaction when the pattern feels jumpy or inconsistent. Polished Balls: Ideal for lanes with early friction or when you need more backend motion. Polished balls store energy through the oil and release it downlane, creating a sharper hook when the ball exits the pattern. In short: Use surface (dull) when you need control. Use polish when you need length and pop. Maintaining the Right Surface Surface maintenance is critical — especially for dull equipment. Over time, friction and oil smooth out the ball’s microscopic peaks, softening its motion. Dull equipment: Refinish every 2–3 weeks to maintain consistent motion. The lower the grit, the more diligent you will have to stay at making sure the grit is maintained. Polished equipment: Requires less frequent attention since polish holds up longer. Be careful not to sand too often. Every resurface gradually reduces the ball’s texture, eventually changing how it reacts. That’s one reason PBA pros constantly refresh or replace balls throughout the season — their conditions demand precise surface control. Take Control of Your Surface Surface adjustments are one of the few variables you can directly control. Most pro shops sell Abralon® or sanding pads, which let you tweak your equipment anytime. Every competitive bowler should carry a range of pads to adapt to different lane conditions. Understanding and maintaining surface finish gives you a massive advantage. It’s the difference between fighting the lane and matching up to it — and that’s what separates good bowlers from great ones.

Even though it's classified as slow oil absorbing, the Shadow Tank is still NOT URETHANE. MOTIV was the FIRST to create new MCP technology, a fusion of traditional urethane and reactive resin. This allows a 78 hardness ball to move like urethane, with the added continuation through the pins of reactive resin! Read more: https://www.motivbowling.com/blog/urethane-vs-mcp-vs-resin.html

COMING AT YOU 🟣⚫️🦅 The Raptor Reign and Shadow Tank are now released! Get yours TODAY #MOTIVNATION

Today is the worldwide release of the Raptor Reign and Shadow Tank!!! Two new weapons that will give you ultimate control of the lanes. See more: Raptor Reign - https://youtu.be/lUMlBBDOIXQ?si=XFTIdtNMLYOquvX- Shadow Tank - https://youtu.be/AwMplXjMDuw?si=IQ19-h-MypszM4O-

Evoke Hysteria = IMMEDIATE IMPACT 😤 #MOTIVNATION

We told you, don't call the Thrill line entry level! Congratulations to the #MOTIVNation on crushing it with their different Thrills 💥

You have to love a good #MessengerMonday 🎳

Born from years of relentless development of Microcell Polymer technology, this Tank is the smoothest, most controllable MCP ball we’ve ever built. This slow oil-absorption ball is over 78 hardness to give you urethane-level control without compromise #MOTIVNATION

🤯 and these stats are just for the past 3 years! #MOTIVNATION

PIN UP vs PIN DOWN RAPTOR REIGNS Our typical pin up tester layout is 55 x 5 1/2 x 35. Our typical pin down tester layout is 45 x 5 3/4 x 65. The pin up layout allows you to play deeper in the oil with enough backend downlane. The pin down layout is straighter through the fronts and you can play more up the friction without losing motion downlane #MOTIVNATION

🦅 the Raptor Reign is a modern heavy-oil beast designed for high-performance bowlers who need added bite on the lanes! #MOTIVNATION See more: https://www.motivbowling.com/products/balls/heavy-oil/raptor-reign.html

🎉 15 years at MOTIV Bowling! 🎳 Huge congratulations to Brett Spangler, our fearless team captain and proud owner of the most legendary mustache in bowling! Your dedication, leadership, and world-class ‘stache have been guiding forces for MOTIV for a decade and a half. Here’s to another 15 years of striking, dominating, and keeping that mustache in Hall of Fame form! Scott Hewitt from MOTIV had this to say: “15 years! Wow, that was fast. Brett's been part of the MOTIV family since the very beginning and he's a huge part of our success. His passion for the sport of bowling, excellence, and player support helped create the MOTIV culture that many envy on the pro tour. 😄 Congrats Brett!"

Which line are you playing? #MOTIVNATION

Which line are you playing? #MOTIVNATION

Take control of the lanes! 🔥 Both the Shadow Tank and Raptor Reign release worldwide 10/22/2025 #MOTIVNATION

🐍258-300-300 for 858 with the LETHAL VENOM! A huge congratulations to Jay Allen on the massive series! #MOTIVNATION

300 with the RAPTOR REIGN for Sean Lavery-Spahr! #MOTIVNATION #TeamMOTIV

Shadow Tank putting in work at the PBA regional this weekend! ⭐️🟣⚫️ #MOTIVNATION

Control has arrived!⭐️ The Shadow Tank is coming to take command of the lanes #MOTIVNATION https://www.motivbowling.com/products/balls/light-oil/shadow-tank.html

Control has arrived! ⭐️ The Shadow Tank is coming to command the lanes #MOTIVNATION