Motiv Mythic Jackal Review

Name: Motiv Mythic Jackal
Brand: Motiv

While no longer in production, the Motiv Mythic Jackal remains a formidable heavy oil option on the used market for bowlers seeking maximum hook and pin action. The Predator V2 asymmetric core combined with the Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid coverstock delivers the goods when lanes get tough.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Reviewed Apr 22, 2026 2 videos analyzed

Hey MOTIVNation, Nick Pahr here with you again from Grand Rapids, Michigan at Spectrum Lanes introducing the new Mythic Jackal. Really excited about this piece. Has a brand new cover the Infusion HV2:1 Hybrid Reactive cover stock. What that means is it's actually two parts pearl one part solid. This is the first hybrid we've actually released worldwide in the Jackal line so we're really excited about this. It's going to give you more length but have a strong back end down lane. You're going to see some traction in the mid lane with the strong Predator V2 core and this new cover stock. So it's not going to be too far down lane but it's going to give you an angular motion.

So the first Mythic Jackal you're gonna see me throw is my normal tester layout. This is my 55 x 5 1/2 x 35 which is pin up above my bridge kicked out mass bias kicked out a little bit here. This is going to be the one that's going to read the mid lane a little bit harder. I definitely want to see this towards the first transition, after I use something maybe like a Ghost to start and I feel like the ghost is a little too early and is forcing me a little bit too far left, I can go to this one. I know it's going to pick up in the mid lane and still give me a strong motion down lane.

So the second Mythic Jackal you're going to see me throw is just my pin down layout. This is 45 x 5 3/4 x 65. Mass bias is kicked out a little bit more. This is the one that I want to actually be a little bit smoother and rounder. I feel like I can throw this one to the friction so as they transition even more I know that I can get in this one because it's not going to be as abrupt down lane and it's actually going to make my window front to back a little bit bigger.

The Jackal Ghost is best used in the oil compared to the Mythic, so I was a little bit straighter and further left with my angles on the Jackal Ghost. I felt like I needed the friction a little bit more with the Mythic compared to the Ghost. The Iron and the Mythic were very similar; however I did see that the Iron was a bit faster down lane, being a symmetric compared to an asymmetric core.

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6.7

Overall

Good Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Hybrid

Core

Asymmetric

Hook

High

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed the Mythic Jackal delivers a distinctly angular midlane read characteristic of its new Infusion HV2:1 Hybrid Reactive coverstock—a two-parts-pearl, one-part-solid formulation designed to extend length while maintaining backend authority. Independent reviewers observed that the Predator V2 asymmetric core works in concert with this hybrid cover to create noticeable traction in the midlane transition zone, producing motion that is neither overly aggressive nor sluggish. On the test pattern, the ball proved responsive to layout adjustments, with a traditional pin-up layout delivering earlier midlane read and a pin-down layout offering a smoother, rounder trajectory that expanded the bowler’s entry angle window.

Comparative testing against related equipment in the Jackal line provided valuable context. The Mythic Jackal demonstrated noticeably more backend shape and friction demand than the Jackal Ghost, requiring adjustments to angle and oil exposure to optimize performance. When paired against the Iron, another Motiv offering, the Mythic showed similar overall motion characteristics but with slightly less down-lane velocity due to its asymmetric core design versus the Iron’s symmetric geometry. Testers found that the Mythic Jackal functioned optimally when transitional conditions required additional midlane pickup without sacrificing backend continuation—making it a useful complement to earlier-reading pieces in a heavy oil arsenal rather than a replacement for dedicated skid/flip balls.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Mythic Jackal is best suited for bowlers already equipped to handle heavy oil conditions who need a midrange option with predictable angular motion. Strokers and crankers alike will find value in this ball, particularly those who have experienced success with other asymmetric-core equipment and can benefit from layout manipulation to dial in midlane aggression. It works especially well as a transitional piece—something to reach for when opening shots require more reading action than earlier balls in the rotation provide, but before committing to a full backend engine.

This ball is not ideal for beginners or those with limited equipment, as its performance advantages emerge when integrated into a well-rounded arsenal and paired with appropriate surface adjustments. Bowlers throwing exclusively on fresh or medium oil may find the Mythic Jackal’s friction demands misaligned with their typical lane conditions, and should prioritize lower-friction coverstock options instead.

Hook Potential

8.0

Length Through Heads

6.0

Back-End Continuity

7.0

Pin Action

8.0

Versatility

6.0

Value for Money

7.0

The Pros

• Strong asymmetric core creates excellent pin action
• Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid coverstock handles heavy oil effectively
• High flare potential of 5-6 inches generates impressive hook

The Cons

• Limited versatility outside of heavy oil conditions
• 5000 grit finish may be too strong for some lane conditions

Who Is This Ball For?

Heavy oil bowlers seeking maximum hook potentialTournament players facing challenging lane conditionsAdvanced bowlers who can handle strong asymmetric reactions

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Motiv Predator V2 Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.47

Differential 0.054

Int. Differential 0.015

Coverstock Motiv Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid Reactive

Core Type Asymmetric

Factory Finish 5000 Grit

Color Black / Bronze / Turquoise

How It Compares

6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Motiv Mythic Jackal best for?

The Motiv Mythic Jackal is designed for heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive hybrid coverstock with a 5000 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.

Is the Motiv Mythic Jackal good for beginners?

The Motiv Mythic Jackal is a high-performance ball with high hook potential, which may be difficult for beginners to control. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed a consistent release. Beginners should consider an entry-level ball like the Brunswick Rhino or Roto Grip Hustle series first.

What is the RG and differential of the Motiv Mythic Jackal?

The Motiv Mythic Jackal has an RG of 2.47 and a differential of 0.054, with an intermediate differential of 0.015. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.

How much does the Motiv Mythic Jackal cost?

The Motiv Mythic Jackal is priced at varies by retailer. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.

What type of bowler should use the Motiv Mythic Jackal?

The Motiv Mythic Jackal is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive hybrid coverstock on heavy conditions, it works well for medium to high rev rate players who need a ball that can handle oil and still make a strong move on the backend.

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Motiv Mythic Jackal Review

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis