Aramith Premier Balls - Fake or Just Not Balanced Very Well?

E

Eric M.

Member
Odd question, but what the heck.
2 years ago I purchased a set of new Aramith Premier balls (Aramiths entry level balls). Craigslist deal, there was no plastic on the box, the balls were new and it was in an Aramith box. Got an odd feeling about the guy and asked where they came from. He said his boss was going to purchase a pool table and only got as far as the balls so he was selling them for his boss. $50.

I have noticed from time to time when playing, a ball will slow down and right before it stops, it will turn ever so slightly. Thinking it may be the table, I try to recreate the slight turn with no luck. I've checked the table and it is dead level. I got to thinking the balls may not be perfectly balanced and a heavy spot may be on the high side when the ball is coming to a stop and will turn slightly as the weight pulls the ball in one direction or the other. I also have issues with the balls pulling away from each other when racking.

Fast forward to now. I have purchased a set of Aramith Duramith Tournament balls (Top of the line) and don't have either of those issues anymore. I wondering if the Premiers are just not that well balanced of it this craigslist guy picked up some cheap balls that looked like the Aramith Premiers and stuck them in the box. Although I haven't been able to find a cheap set that matches the look of the Premiers and even the cheapest balls run $35 with tax and shipping. Doesn't seem worth it for a $15 scam.

Anyone else have this issue with the Premiers?


Thanks,

Eric
 
Golden rule of used pool balls buying:

"What's in the box, is not what came in the box"

Most people get a new set of balls when they don't like there old ones. New set goes on the table old ones go in the box. Someone buys the box with the oldest at a garage or estate sale and thinks there exactly what the box says then go online to FB, eBay, etc and price the balls as if there the new set in complete ignorance.
 
Yeah, I had a bad feeling about those Premiers from the day I got them. I thought I was just being paranoid. Glad to know I'm not paranoid .... just stupid!
 
Eric M. said:
Just out of curiosity, does anyone make an Aramith Duramith Tournament "look alike" ball?
Click to expand...
Several Chinese companies do, here is a set that is a knock-off the Tournament Black, the most expensive set the make outside of the 100's
1000005623.png
 
Eric M. said:
Holly crap, that's a dead perfect match.
Click to expand...
Yes, and no... When your holding one it's pretty clear it's a polyresin ball and not pure phenolic. Plus after a few months of modest play they will be dull and surfaced scratched all to hell.

No amount of polishing will return the out of the box luster.
 
Hmmm. Well, maybe the Premier were legit. They polish up fine and have been used quite a bit. I've been doing some looking around online. You're right, you have to buy new (or from someone you know and trust), there are just too many knock offs floating around. Who would have thought even pool balls are subject to counterfeits.

I'm now worried about my Aramith Duramith Tournament balls (Facebook Marketplace ....). Although with all the comparisons I've done to real ones online - design, font, even how the numbers seem the bleed the black color slightly, they polished up nicely, I think I got a legit set. Plus I can't find a counterfeit of the Aramith Tournament balls, everyone goes for the Tournament Blacks or TV colors. Why make a counterfeit $20 bill when you can make a $100 bill.

Next time I'll purchase new from a legit dealer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top