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Motiv Covert VIP EXJ Bowling Ball Review: EJ Tackett’s Limited-Edition Vanquish-Core Weapon
Motiv Covert VIP EXJ Bowling Ball: A Limited-Edition Benchmark Weapon for Heavy Oil
Celebrating EJ Tackett's Dominant 2025: The Vanquish Core Meets the Upgraded Propulsion HVH Coverstock
By Brian Halstrom, BowlersMart Editorial Team. Specs verified against Motiv’s official Covert VIP EXJ release data, with comparison testing notes from our pro shop drilling staff.
There was nothing covert about it. EJ Tackett absolutely dominated the 2025 PBA Tour season, winning his fourth Player of the Year title and his third in a row. That is not just a hot streak, it is absolute domination. To celebrate, Motiv is releasing a ball based on one of EJ’s favorite releases of all time, the Covert Revolt.
Introducing the limited-edition Motiv Covert VIP EXJ. Featuring the same Vanquish core as the Covert Revolt and an upgraded Propulsion HVH coverstock, this is a true benchmark weapon built to deliver powerful, controlled motion on medium-heavy to heavy oil, in a sleek all-black finish. The Covert VIP EXJ joins one of the deepest new-release seasons in years, which you can see in our 2026 new bowling balls roundup.
About This Guide
BowlersMart has been helping competitive and league bowlers find the right equipment since 2004. Our reviews combine official manufacturer specs with hands-on testing notes from our pro shop drilling staff and decades of staff bowling experience. All specs on this page are verified against Motiv’s official Covert VIP EXJ release data. Every Motiv ball at BowlersMart ships free with no minimum, comes with a 60-day return policy, and earns Striking Rewards points.
The Technology Behind the Covert VIP EXJ
Motiv built the Covert VIP EXJ to be a benchmark heavy-oil weapon. Specifically, the high-differential symmetric Vanquish core generates strong, even track flare and big continuation, while the Propulsion HVH coverstock reads the midlane with authority and drives hard through the pins. As a result, you get the powerful, controlled motion EJ Tackett relies on, now in a limited-edition release.
Vanquish Core: The High-Differential Symmetric Engine from the Covert Revolt
The Heart of the Covert VIP EXJ
At the heart of the Covert VIP EXJ is the symmetric Vanquish core, the same engine that powered EJ Tackett’s beloved Covert Revolt. At 15 lb it measures RG 2.47 and Differential .056, an unusually high differential for a symmetric core that produces strong, even track flare and big, continuous backend drive. The low RG gets the ball revving early, and the high differential keeps it flaring and finishing hard through the pins.
What makes a symmetric core like the Vanquish special is its smooth, predictable, controlled motion. You get the flare and continuation of a strong asymmetric paired with the clean, even rev-up of a symmetric design, which is exactly why it has become a benchmark shape for serious competitive bowlers facing heavier oil.
Propulsion HVH Reactive: An Upgraded Cover for Strong Midlane Read and Continuation
Motiv Covert VIP EXJ
An Upgraded Cover for Strong Midlane Read and Continuation
The Covert VIP EXJ takes the proven Vanquish core and pairs it with the upgraded Propulsion HVH Reactive coverstock, finished at 4000 grit. Where the original Covert Revolt set the benchmark, the HVH cover sharpens the package: it reads the midlane with authority on medium-heavy and heavy oil, then drives hard and continuously through the pins. As a result, the Covert VIP EXJ delivers the powerful, controlled motion that makes a ball a true top-of-bag weapon, with the kind of strong, even shape EJ Tackett rides to titles.
- Strong Midlane Read: The Propulsion HVH cover at 4000 grit reads heavier oil with authority without burning up the pattern
- Big, Continuous Backend: Paired with the high-differential Vanquish core, the cover drives hard and continuously through the pins for powerful carry
- Controlled Power: The symmetric core delivers strong flare and continuation with the smooth, predictable rev-up of a symmetric design
- Limited Edition: A limited-edition EXJ release celebrating EJ Tackett’s 2025 Player of the Year domination, in a sleek all-black finish
Overall, the Propulsion HVH coverstock at 4000 grit turns the proven Vanquish core into a sharpened benchmark weapon: strong midlane read, big continuation, and the controlled power competitive bowlers want on heavier oil.
Technical Specifications & Performance Data
Complete Ball Specifications
RG and Differential by Weight
| Weight | RG | Differential |
|---|---|---|
| 16 lbs | 2.51 | .050 |
| 15 lbs | 2.47 | .056 |
| 14 lbs | 2.50 | .056 |
| 13 lbs | 2.58 | .047 |
| 12 lbs | 2.58 | .050 |
Who Should Use the Motiv Covert VIP EXJ?
Designed for ALL Styles of Bowlers
Motiv built the Covert VIP EXJ for competitive bowlers who need strong, controlled power on medium-heavy to heavy oil. Specifically, the high-differential symmetric Vanquish core (RG 2.47, Diff .056 at 15 lb) generates strong, even flare and big continuation, while the Propulsion HVH coverstock reads the midlane with authority and drives through the pins. As a result, it is a top-of-bag benchmark weapon for tournament players, serious league bowlers facing fresh or heavier patterns, and collectors who want a piece of EJ Tackett’s championship history.
Ideal Lane Conditions
The Covert VIP EXJ is particularly effective when:
- Fresh, heavier oil where you need strong midlane read and big continuation
- Medium-heavy house and tournament patterns that reward a controlled, powerful benchmark
- When pearls and weaker solids skid too long and leave corner pins
- Sport and challenge patterns where strong, even, predictable flare matters
- Any time you want the controlled power EJ Tackett relies on at the highest level
Player Style Fit
- Tournament Bowlers: A controlled, high-flaring benchmark weapon that reads heavy oil with authority and carries hard
- League Bowlers: A strong first-ball-out piece for fresh, heavier patterns that drives continuously through the pins
- Rev-Dominant Bowlers: The smooth, even symmetric rev-up controls high rev rates while still delivering strong continuation
- Collectors and EJ Fans: A limited-edition EXJ release celebrating EJ Tackett’s third straight Player of the Year title
How the Covert VIP EXJ Fits in Your Arsenal
Where the Covert VIP EXJ Fits in Your Motiv Arsenal
In the Motiv lineup, the Covert VIP EXJ is a top-of-bag benchmark for medium-heavy to heavy oil. For example, where a control pearl like the Venom Hysteria reads clean and smooth on medium oil, the Covert VIP EXJ attacks heavier volumes with strong midlane read and big, controlled continuation. As a result, the two complement each other directly: open with the Covert VIP EXJ on the fresh, then step down to a smoother piece as the lanes transition.
Arsenal Strategy Guide
Medium-Heavy to Heavy Oil / Top of Bag: Covert VIP EXJ (Vanquish core, Propulsion HVH) ← Perfect middle ground
Medium Oil / Control and Length: Pearl benchmark pieces like the Venom Hysteria
Light Oil / Length and Spares: Pearls and urethane for drier backends
Real-World Arsenal Scenarios
Tournament Bowler: Open the bag with the Covert VIP EXJ on fresh, heavier oil. Its strong midlane read and big continuation give you a confident, controlled look, and the symmetric Vanquish core keeps the flare even and predictable. As the pattern transitions, step down to a smoother or cleaner piece for more length.
League Bowler: The Covert VIP EXJ is your first-game ball when the lanes are freshly oiled and stronger. As the pattern breaks down through games two and three, move to a control piece like the Venom Hysteria for the cleaner look you will need.
Rev-Dominant Bowler: High-rev players who overpower weaker equipment will appreciate the Vanquish core’s controlled, even flare. It delivers strong continuation through the pins without the jumpy over-reaction that high rev rates can create on lesser balls.
Ball Maintenance & Care Guide
To maximize the performance and longevity of your Covert VIP EXJ, follow these maintenance guidelines based on Motiv’s official recommendations:
Suitable Cleaners
- Wipe the cover with an approved reactive ball cleaner after every session
- Deep clean periodically to keep the Propulsion HVH cover reading the midlane consistently
Pro Tip: A reactive solid cover like the Propulsion HVH pulls in oil over time. Wiping the Covert VIP EXJ down after every set and deep cleaning regularly keeps the strong midlane read and continuation consistent over the life of the ball.
Suitable Polishes
- Take the surface to a lower grit for an earlier, stronger read on the heaviest oil
- Apply a light polish for more length when the fronts dry out or carrydown builds
Surface Adjustments: The 4000-grit factory finish is a strong, controlled benchmark setup out of the box. For even earlier traction on the heaviest oil, take the surface down with a lower-grit pad. For more length as patterns break down, apply a light polish. Have surface changes done at your pro shop for an even, consistent finish.
Availability & BowlersMart Benefits
The Motiv Covert VIP EXJ is available now at BowlersMart. As one of the most anticipated releases of the year, demand is strong, so order soon to lock in your weight and layout.
Why Order from BowlersMart?
- Always Free Shipping: No minimum purchase required – ever
- 60-Day Returns: Shop with complete confidence
- Earn Striking Rewards: Get points on every purchase through our Striking Rewards loyalty program
- Expert Support: Questions about specs or ball selection? Our team is here to help
- Fast Delivery: Get your new equipment quickly for the upcoming season
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Motiv Covert VIP EXJ
The Covert VIP EXJ is a limited-edition release celebrating EJ Tackett’s dominant 2025 PBA Tour season, in which he won his fourth Player of the Year title and his third in a row. Motiv based it on one of EJ’s favorite releases of all time, the Covert Revolt. It features the same symmetric Vanquish core as the Covert Revolt paired with an upgraded Propulsion HVH coverstock at 4000 grit, in a sleek all-black finish. The result is a true benchmark weapon built for powerful, controlled motion on medium-heavy to heavy oil. It releases June 3, 2026 at $219.95.
Both balls share the same symmetric Vanquish core (RG 2.47, Diff .056 at 15 lb), so the fundamental motion and benchmark personality carry over. The difference is the coverstock: the Covert VIP EXJ uses the upgraded Propulsion HVH Reactive cover, which sharpens the package with strong midlane read and big, continuous backend drive on heavier oil. If you loved the Covert Revolt, the VIP EXJ delivers that same proven engine with an upgraded cover, in a limited-edition EJ Tackett tribute.
Specs and Core Technology
At 15 lb the symmetric Vanquish core measures RG 2.47 and Differential .056, an unusually high differential for a symmetric core that produces strong, even flare and big continuation. It is paired with the Propulsion HVH Reactive coverstock at a 4000-grit factory finish. Motiv rates it for medium-heavy to heavy oil with 5 to 6 inches of flare potential, in an all-black finish. It is a High Performance, limited-edition release available in 12 to 16 lb at $219.95.
Yes. Motiv built the Covert VIP EXJ for medium-heavy to heavy oil. The high-differential Vanquish core and the Propulsion HVH coverstock at 4000 grit read the midlane with authority and drive hard through the pins, so it handles fresh, oilier patterns with strong, controlled motion. It is a top-of-bag benchmark for tournament players and serious league bowlers facing heavier volumes.
Motiv offers the Covert VIP EXJ in 12 to 16 lb, and most competitive bowlers choose 14 to 16 lb. If you are matching an existing ball, stay with the weight you already throw. Because the Vanquish core is symmetric, your pro shop can lean the reaction earlier or longer through layout while keeping the core’s strong, even flare. Work with your driller to match the pin position to your PAP, rev rate, and ball speed.
Yes on both. The Covert VIP EXJ is a limited-edition release celebrating EJ Tackett’s 2025 Player of the Year domination, so quantities are limited. It also meets all USBC specifications and is approved for sanctioned league and tournament competition.
Ball Care and Buying at BowlersMart
Wipe the cover with an approved reactive ball cleaner after every session, and deep clean it periodically to keep the Propulsion HVH cover reading the midlane consistently. The surface is fully tunable: take it to a lower grit for an even earlier, stronger read on the heaviest oil, or apply a light polish for more length as the fronts dry. Have surface adjustments done at your pro shop for an even finish.
Absolutely. Motiv Covert VIP EXJ purchases qualify for our Striking Rewards loyalty program. Earn points on your purchase and unlock exclusive member benefits. Not a member yet? Joining is free.
Final Verdict: A Limited-Edition Benchmark Worth Chasing
The Motiv Covert VIP EXJ celebrates one of the most dominant seasons in recent PBA history, and it backs the tribute with real performance. By pairing the proven symmetric Vanquish core from EJ Tackett’s beloved Covert Revolt with an upgraded Propulsion HVH coverstock, Motiv built a sharpened benchmark weapon: strong midlane read, big continuation, and the controlled power that wins titles on heavier oil.
If you need a top-of-bag piece for medium-heavy to heavy oil, or you want to own a limited-edition tribute to EJ Tackett’s third straight Player of the Year title, the Covert VIP EXJ is worth chasing. As a limited release, it will not stay around long.
Available June 3, 2026 at $219.95. The Covert VIP EXJ is available at BowlersMart with always-free shipping, 60-day returns, and Striking Rewards points on every purchase.
Complete Your Motiv Arsenal
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