Got Balls?

[PlynSets]

Looking to purchase a set of balls.. My table came with an old set of centenials.. The Balls have yellowed over the years a bit, and have some marks on them that no matter how hard I try to clean them won't come out..

I'm leaning towards just a new set of centenials, but I figured I'd ask on here to see if there's some new hot ticket I'm not aware of etc..

Secondly, I'd like to get a measel ball, becuase it makes teaching the g/f sooooo much easier. Do they make different "grade" measel balls? I.E. Red Dot, Circle, Triangle etc.. Or is it pretty much measel and that's it?

Last question of the day, since I'm one of those guys that pretty much just goes out and plays on whatever.. Is there some hot sh*t cue ball I oughta get? Or is it pretty much the one that comes with the centenials is matched to the set?

Any other info that might be applicable is appreciated.

DJ

 

[Run the Century]

Ball Cleaner

Get a ballstar cleaner regardless of weather you get a new set or used. It is amazing. Aramith makes Centenials - so get a set of Aramith premiers. They are great. Centenialls are great too - just a bit more expensive. Got mine on e-bay.

Chris

 

[Billy_Bob]

I prefer Super Aramith Pro myself. Check around on the internet for the best prices. Search google.com for the following including quotes...
"Super Aramith Pro" price

And so far as I know, there is only one measles ball. I have one on my table and it is great for getting feedback on how you have shot the ball. You can see what the cue ball is doing when it is at the far end of the table.

FYI - Here is the Arimath web site page which describes the different quality of the balls they manufacture...
http://www.saluc.com/html/billiard/index.php?idlien=10

Also when buying a rack, *try* the rack out before buying. There are a lot of racks sold which will not rack properly. Some racks will rack differently depending on which corner you use! I guess they manufacture these without ever testing them?

 

[cigardave]

Some racks will rack differently depending on which corner you use!

I agree with the above statement... but would go on to say... MOST racks will rack differently depending on which corner you use.

My racking technique to determine the best corner for the head ball is to start out with the rack below the foot spot... apply even forward pressure on the back balls (whether racking for 8-ball or for 9-ball)... and then slide the rack forward.

If all the balls slide (i.e., not roll), than I have the correct corner foward.

If one or more balls roll as I slide the rack forward, then I switch corners and repeat... trying to find the corner for which all the balls slide.

If one cannot be found, switch a couple of the offending balls around and try again.

Still no luck?... swap out your rack for one from an adjacent, preferably unused, table and start over.

You wouldn't believe how many people I have known who shoot pool regularly are not familiar with this technique. It works.

 

[supergreenman]

I agree with the above statement... but would go on to say... MOST racks will rack differently depending on which corner you use.

My racking technique to determine the best corner for the head ball is to start out with the rack below the foot spot... apply even forward pressure on the back balls (whether racking for 8-ball or for 9-ball)... and then slide the rack forward.

If all the balls slide (i.e., not roll), than I have the correct corner foward.

If one or more balls roll as I slide the rack forward, then I switch corners and repeat... trying to find the corner for which all the balls slide.

If one cannot be found, switch a couple of the offending balls around and try again.

Still no luck?... swap out your rack for one from an adjacent, preferably unused, table and start over.

You wouldn't believe how many people I have known who shoot pool regularly are not familiar with this technique. It works.

I try to spend as little time possible racking

 

[Black-Balled]

I say go for the Aramith super pro's. The TV set w/ spotted cue ball. I got 'em and they done me right. I got min, new off ebay for around $100+ shipping (without any accessories). Shoot me a PM if you want details...