Just curious how many players here are buying ball cases to take them to the pool room for their personal usage? I’ve only seen it happen one time here in 25 years - about a month ago. We take a lot of pride in keeping our pool balls in excellent shape, as well as our house cues. Often players who come in here with their own cheaper two piece cues end up with our house cues in their hands.
We’re certainly not insulted by it, but I would think someone planning to do so who hasn’t been here before might check out the condition of our ball sets first before bringing in theirs. I’d think it would be embarrassing for them to discover ours are better quality and in better condition than theirs.
In my case (figuratively speaking), when I started the ball rolling on the match I played in the days following. I made it a point to find the hall we were to play in, as I had never laid eyes on it before. Figured I get a lay of the land, and a feel for the tables. Now I don't know how the rest of the pool halls on the continent are like, but around here not every owner likes the idea of spending >$300 on a set of balls for each table. ...especially the larger rooms. This one had maybe a 12-15 9ft and 6 snooker. The tables themselves were in great shape. However, I could not get anything better to use than the el'cheapy set that they throw in if you buy a table new.
Based on my homework, and the fact I did see some aramith balls being used while I was scoping the place out. I made it a point to follow up with my opponent and ensure he could indeed secure us a decent set of balls.
It's a complete failing on my part, but I play with a lot of spin. I tend to throw shots a fair bit, alter vertical cue angle to induce additional 'slide' (if you will), and usually opt to follow through then use draw for shape. When I play with a light cue ball, it causes me fits... Beyond that, I find no amount of additional power will make for a decent break with cheap balls. They simply don't react as they 'should'. Ya ya I know... everyone else never seems to have a problem, so it's obviously something wrong with my game/ability.
So on the night of the match, before we started I pointed out the balls we had were 'lack luster'. He tried to accommodate me, but we had no options. I suffered, I was annoyed but hey it's only a game right...lol.
Now does my lesson learnt mean I'm going to walk into every pool hall with my own set of balls...?..., no. My home room has about 15 9fters and nearly all the balls are on the good end. However if I'm going to travel to a foreign location to gamble. Wherein I have zero control as to what I'll be playing with. You can bet I'm going to be prepared moving forward. I look around rooms these days and seen countless players with CF shafts at >$500cdn. None of these shafts make any of these players better. Now you give me a good set of $300cdn aramith balls over some el'cheapies, and I'll show you what a difference it can make...lol