Heavier cue ball vs Lighter cue ball and Bigger cue ball vs Smaller cue ball

[Cezar Morales]

Hi, noticed a variance in cue ball in pool halls and bars.

Realized that different pool hall seems to use different cue balls.

Although most pool halls use Aramith pool balls, some feels lighter and some heavier.

Also, bar to bar tend to use cheaper balls and some seem bigger and some smaller and weigh different.

However, playing with Aramith tournament set most of the time which i find it heavy and struggle to do a full table length draw on a 9 footer and transitioning to lighter balls used in some other pool halls, i find it easier to pot n move the cue ball with lesser effort and smaller stroke which increases my accuracy and running out percentagrs.

Anyone shares the same experience ?

Also, when i go to bars with 7 feet tables, monster big pockets and lighter balls, i feel like a ronnie sullivan performing full table draws with maximum english and tend to switch on my "auto-pilot" mode where i feel i can't miss and run out easily !

So i'm wondering if practicing 9 ball using carom balls because its heavier and bigger will work on my stroke , accuracy and running out percentage ?

Any thoughts or opinions ?

 

[JasBy]

Most 'bars' (to differentiate from pool halls that use 7 foot tables) lease their tables from a vending company, and when a ball is lost or stolen, the company just brings you a new one. Most bars have a supply of cue balls and 8 balls in the back as they are the most commonly stolen. The vending company can and will change brands of balls to whichever is cheapest at the time they are ordering. My parents got a barbox refurbished from a vending company and the set of balls they got with it had balls from at least 5 different sets (based on stripes, fonts etc.) Also, some older valley tables only work with the oversized cue balls if you want the ball return to work. Those tend to act 'funny' in my opinion - you get no draw to a certain point, and then *wham* full table draw - no in between.
That being said, I find the opposite to your experience being true with me - when I switch to Diamond tables from the bar tables I am used to, the red dot cue balls seem really light and I can make them dance with little or no effort.

 

[Buckzapper]

http://www.poolchat.net/forums/index.php?/topic/7113-cue-balls-the-facts-and-specs/

Here is an excellent article on cue balls, by a man that has done his research.

I easily notice a lighter cue ball because it won't take the intended path. It deflects wide and is very easy to draw. If you play much One-pocket, you'll soon learn that cue ball position is critical on every shot. 6" or 10" from where you really wanted it, is a recipe for a loss.
I carry 2 red circle cue balls. If you think I'm playing with your worn out light measles ball, find another game.