Time for new pool balls - Aramith Tournament Pro-Cup or Brunswick Centennial

[Bavafongoul]

I dunno what others experience but I’ve been playing nothing but Centennials since 1985.

Along the way I tried other brands, never purchased any, but played many hrs on friends’
tables with other brands. Never had any issues or complaints about Centennials becoming
susceptible to getting marks, losing luster after polishing, or overall durability. Aside from
what one or even a few people might otherwise say, look at the overwhelming praise and
testimonials Brunswick Centennials continue receiving down through the decades from pool
players. Every other brand seems to always get compared with Centennials but Centennials
don’t seem to get compared with any other brands. Why do you think that might be? Hmn…..

I think it’s because when you’ve held the unofficial crown for being viewed as the best, at least
my recollection is from the time I started going to pool halls the summer of ‘62 after turning 16
that was the legal age min. in NYC at that time. Since I became a pool hall patron, Brunswick
Centennials have always been considered the premier brand but let’s face it. Back at that time
there were a lot less brands. IMO, even today, Centennials rank as #1 for appearance & playability.

 

[7stud]

Aramith Tournament ball sets are $275 at HollywoodBilliards.com, free shipping. Who wants to be the guinea pig?

 

[fastone371]

I dunno what others experience but I’ve been playing nothing but Centennials since 1985.

Along the way I tried other brands, never purchased any, but played many hrs on friends’
tables with other brands. Never had any issues or complaints about Centennials becoming
susceptible to getting marks, losing luster after polishing, or overall durability. Aside from
what one or even a few people might otherwise say, look at the overwhelming praise and
testimonials Brunswick Centennials continue receiving down through the decades from pool
players. Every other brand seems to always get compared with Centennials but Centennials
don’t seem to get compared with any other brands. Why do you think that might be? Hmn…..

I think it’s because when you’ve held the unofficial crown for being viewed as the best, at least
my recollection is from the time I started going to pool halls the summer of ‘62 after turning 16
that was the legal age min. in NYC at that time. Since I became a pool hall patron, Brunswick
Centennials have always been considered the premier brand but let’s face it. Back at that time
there were a lot less brands. IMO, even today, Centennials rank as #1 for appearance & playability.

I hate to say it but I think the whole Centennials thing is because that was the premium ball for the "old folks" in the old days, I think now Aramith Tournaments are the most desirable ball. After having spent well in excess of a $1,000 on pool balls in the last 15 years I will not be buying anymore Centennials unlesss the formula is changed to Duramith. If you have not played Centennials and Aramith Tournaments side by side you dont know what you dont know. Hmmmmmmmm.

 

[jtompilot]

I'd cal the manufacturer...Aramith and ask the same question.

I sent them an email two days ago asking if the new Centennial balls use Durimith. My guess is they don’t, Brunswick web site doesn’t mention Durimith.

 

[Bavafongoul]

I hate to say it but I think the whole Centennials thing is because that was the premium ball for the "old folks" in the old days, I think now Aramith Tournaments are the most desirable ball. After having spent well in excess of a $1,000 on pool balls in the last 15 years I will not be buying anymore Centennials unlesss the formula is changed to Duramith. If you have not played Centennials and Aramith Tournaments side by side you dont know what you dont know. Hmmmmmmmm.

I’ve spent a lotmore than that on pool balls and not all of the sets have been Centennials. My friends have the Aramith and Dynashere pool balls. Aramith has a nice design but some designs are just timeless. Let’s see how you feel in 20 years from now. I won’t be around to nag you but remember my words…..Brunswick Centennial Pool Balls will still be around and still popular with pool players.

 

[iusedtoberich]

I’ve spent a lotmore than that on pool balls and not all of the sets have been Centennials. My friends have the Aramith and Dynashere pool balls. Aramith has a nice design but some designs are just timeless. Let’s see how you feel in 20 years from now. I won’t be around to nag you but remember my words…..Brunswick Centennial Pool Balls will still be around and still popular with pool players.

I'm a Brunswick table and Centennial ball fan. If Brunswick does not get back in the pro game immediately, in another 5 years, no one still alive will even remember Centennial balls. They are becoming as scarce these days as GC1 pool tables in commercial halls.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Maybe…maybe not……people still recognize the name Raschig.

 

[iusedtoberich]

Maybe…maybe not……people still recognize the name Raschig.

Sure, I even have a set of Rashig because I'm a fanatic. I guarantee you won't see one in the wild though. The last time I did was 1999 or so.

Centennials are going the same way. Rooms that still have Gold Crowns are replacing their worn Centennials with other brands. Rooms that have Diamonds/Predator/Rasoon tables never had Centennial's to begin with. The main way a room would get new Centennials today is if they get new Gold Crowns, which is rarely happening.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Sure, I even have a set of Rashig because I'm a fanatic. I guarantee you won't see one in the wild though. The last time I did was 1999 or so.

Centennials are going the same way. Rooms that still have Gold Crowns are replacing their worn Centennials with other brands. Rooms that have Diamonds/Predator/Rasoon tables never had Centennial's to begin with. The main way a room would get new Centennials today is if they get new Gold Crowns, which is rarely happening.

Thank God for fanatics (non-violent of course) and having a passion for something that still matters to so many others.

 

[billiards_watch]

Can someone tell me the difference between the two?

Centennials is a staple and benchmark but that was a long time ago. They have been the premium ball for decades.

We also know the pool industry are always trying to improve their products. So the Aramith Tournament can be better.

 

[billiards_watch]

Also, yes pool balls do lose their sheen, shine or gloss. The colors seem to be intact but like anything it wears over time.

 

[billiards_watch]

This is not the "be all end all" but its a review. You need to play with these balls, pause, to know how they are.

 

[bbb]

I'd cal the manufacturer...Aramith and ask the same question.

I contacted Saluc SA via email. Saluc SA is the company that makes both the Aramith brand and Brunswick brand cue balls. Unfortunately they have not responded.

When this thread started i too sent an email
No response so far

 

[skor]

I won’t be surprised if Duramith makes more marketing noise than real difference in play.
I doubt that the average player can tell any difference between the previous TOL balls and the new Duramith balls.

I agree that if you are going to buy a new balls set, you might as well get the latest and greatest BUT, if a good deal comes your way on the previous TOL balls like the TV Cup Pro or Centennials for example, I would go for it without blinking.

 

[Renegade4006]

I'm a Brunswick table and Centennial ball fan. If Brunswick does not get back in the pro game immediately, in another 5 years, no one still alive will even remember Centennial balls. They are becoming as scarce these days as GC1 pool tables in commercial halls.

My pool ball "quest" came about because of a pool room called Borderline Billiards located in Bristol, Tn. My brother and I were in Bristol to watch an NHRA drag race and had looked up places to play that were near our hotel. Our check-in clerk at the hotel also knew of Borderline.

Wow!! What a great place. All Brunswick 9 ft. tables, all using Brunswick Centennial balls, all in great shape. All tables using Perimeter lights. 2 levels, ground floor and upstairs. It is a really well-done pool room. Alcohol and food are available. Reasonable table rates ($5/hr per person) also.

I like playing on Diamond tables but I have to say that I think that these Brunswick tables seemed more "substantial" in their build appearance. Loved the way the way the Brunswick played.

I contacted the owner to find out what pool balls were in use. One of the bartenders gave us her business card. Her name is Janet Atwell and she is a pro player in the WPBA.

 

[Glenee]

I am thinking about buying a set Dynasphere Palladium from Fort Worth Billiards Superstore.
I’ve been having trouble finding these balls in the USA markets and Ft Worth has a price is good.
Has anyone dealt with Ft Worth ? Are they reputable?

Have had a couple Transactions with them both went off without a hitch. Fast shipping and items packed well.

 

[loggerhead12]

Has anyone dealt with Ft Worth ? Are they reputable?

Their reputation is sterling.

 

[AtLarge]

My pool ball "quest" came about because of a pool room called Borderline Billiards located in Bristol, Tn. My brother and I were in Bristol to watch an NHRA drag race and had looked up places to play that were near our hotel. Our check-in clerk at the hotel also knew of Borderline.

Wow!! What a great place. All Brunswick 9 ft. tables, all using Brunswick Centennial balls, all in great shape. All tables using Perimeter lights. 2 levels, ground floor and upstairs. It is a really well-done pool room. Alcohol and food are available. Reasonable table rates ($5/hr per person) also.

I like playing on Diamond tables but I have to say that I think that these Brunswick tables seemed more "substantial" in their build appearance. Loved the way the way the Brunswick played.

I contacted the owner to find out what pool balls were in use. One of the bartenders gave us her business card. Her name is Janet Atwell and she is a pro player in the WPBA.

Looks like Borderline Billiards moved to their current location last year, and had a WPBA event there (won by Kelly Fisher) to celebrate. They have a "partnership" with Brunswick. Janet Atwell is the owner. Here is the their website: https://www.borderlinebilliards.com/. Nice room!

 

[billiards_watch]

I won’t be surprised if Duramith makes more marketing noise than real difference in play.
I doubt that the average player can tell any difference between the previous TOL balls and the new Duramith balls.

I agree that if you are going to buy a new balls set, you might as well get the latest and greatest BUT, if a good deal comes your way on the previous TOL balls like the TV Cup Pro or Centennials for example, I would go for it without blinking.

Agree.

With all that said I'm still a "deals" guy.

Perhaps, I don't take care too much for the balls I'm playing with. Those cheap default sets? Yes I can tell. I can't tell one premium set versus another. That's just me.

Cue ball? I can tell.

 

[7stud]

This is not the "be all end all" but its a review. You need to play with these balls, pause, to know how they are.

Some key points from the video (starting at 5:00):

1. The following ball sets are all made from the same resin, which is called Super Aramith Pro Resin: Aramith Tournament ball sets, Aramith Super Pro ball set, Centennial ball set, Predator Arcos II ball set.

2. Duramith is not a resin, rather it's something that forms on the surface of the ball.

3. Duramith does not affect the performance of the Super Aramith Pro Resin, so all ball sets using that resin should perform identically.

4. Duramith is exclusive to Aramith's Tournament ball sets.

On my screen, the colors of the balls looked really washed out compared to my set of Tournaments.