I'm new, a ball question.......
- Thread starter dc8ray
- Start date
Welcome to the forums Ray!
Billiard balls tend to lose tiny amounts in their diameter with play over time. Some of the balls may be slightly smaller and inconsistent than others. I'd recommend a new set.
Billiard balls tend to lose tiny amounts in their diameter with play over time. Some of the balls may be slightly smaller and inconsistent than others. I'd recommend a new set.
Welcome Texas, it all depends on how much they have been used. The material ( Phenolic ) Pool Balls are made from doesn't break down due to age, it is a very strong material. However, if the balls are chipped, or if they have marks / fading colors that will not clean up they are most likely in need of replacement.
Do the balls have small indents in the circle around the balls number? If they do they are Brunswick Centennial balls, which some of the best ever made. Post some photo's of the balls it is hard to say if they need replacement with out pictures.
Again Welcome Texas!!!!!
The easiest way I know to check for undersized balls is to rack them. If the balls were properly racked, they should all be touching. Look for signs of gaps, and see if you can 'spin' any of the center balls in place without disturbing adjacent balls. Those are signs of undersized balls. Usually in play, I move the undersized balls to the back of the rack, and re-rack.
You should also do this for the cue ball, as its likely will have the most wear and likely candidate to be replaced.
It may be less hassle to sell off the old set, and buy a new one.
good luck
You should also do this for the cue ball, as its likely will have the most wear and likely candidate to be replaced.
It may be less hassle to sell off the old set, and buy a new one.
good luck
Thanks for the quick response to a newbie......
I was just looking at the one ball. The ring around the number is not raised. I can feel the number is raised slightly when I run my finger over it. The one ball does have some small pits in it, maybe 10-15 of the things. I really haven't looked at the other balls too close, figuring the one ball would be the most "abused".
Also, there appears to be small bubbles in the ball. Not that they are raised up or anything like that, it just appears that the clear finish on the ball has spots in it that will not clean up.
I have also noticed that when I'm pushing a tight rack up to the spot, that some of the balls rotate, while some do not and it's always the same balls. Sounds like some are out of round slightly.
Well, I guess I have talked myself into a new set of balls. I'm no pro or anything like that, but I love to play (usually by myself), so I am willing to spend some money on new balls. Any suggestions??
Thanks again,
Ray
I was just looking at the one ball. The ring around the number is not raised. I can feel the number is raised slightly when I run my finger over it. The one ball does have some small pits in it, maybe 10-15 of the things. I really haven't looked at the other balls too close, figuring the one ball would be the most "abused".
Also, there appears to be small bubbles in the ball. Not that they are raised up or anything like that, it just appears that the clear finish on the ball has spots in it that will not clean up.
I have also noticed that when I'm pushing a tight rack up to the spot, that some of the balls rotate, while some do not and it's always the same balls. Sounds like some are out of round slightly.
Well, I guess I have talked myself into a new set of balls. I'm no pro or anything like that, but I love to play (usually by myself), so I am willing to spend some money on new balls. Any suggestions??
Thanks again,
Ray
I love my balls!!!
Make sure you have a tight rack, plastic tend to distort compared to wood.
As Manwon suggested, post some pictures and let other opined. If they're at least 30 years old, they may be Hyatt, and/or bakelite phenolic. Possible collector's value here or on ebay.
Its my understanding that both Aramith Super Pros and Brunswick Centennials are made from the same resin and similiar level of quality control by Saluc of Belgium. These are the balls you'll find at good pool halls, and tournaments. This would be a good starting point, and you can move up or down depending on your budget.
Don't forget to buy a good rack if the current one needs replacement. From personal experience, new cloth, new balls, and tight rack makes a noticeable difference.
Good luck
As Manwon suggested, post some pictures and let other opined. If they're at least 30 years old, they may be Hyatt, and/or bakelite phenolic. Possible collector's value here or on ebay.
Its my understanding that both Aramith Super Pros and Brunswick Centennials are made from the same resin and similiar level of quality control by Saluc of Belgium. These are the balls you'll find at good pool halls, and tournaments. This would be a good starting point, and you can move up or down depending on your budget.
Don't forget to buy a good rack if the current one needs replacement. From personal experience, new cloth, new balls, and tight rack makes a noticeable difference.
Good luck
Aramith makes several different sets of balls that can fit the majority of price ranges, and their products get an A+ in my book. Many others will direct you toward Brunswick Centennials. Either way, you can't go wrong. Just do yourself a favor, and buy a decent set now, don't skimp. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
For casual play, it does not mater
For semi-serious play--you should change out the balls every 3-5 years, polishing them up at least once a year
For pro-level play, you should change out the balls every year or 2.
Let me try this again, the pics are showing up as red x's on my screen.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21860728@N05/4645986286/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21860728@N05/4645372235/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21860728@N05/4645986286/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21860728@N05/4645372235/
How about a new set to play with, and the old set in a rack on the wall. There's nothing wrong with saving an old set of balls, plus having a little Feng Shui
going on. :wink:
going on. :wink:
Secaucus Fats
Banned
Judging from the pics I say you should replace them.
If you want very good quality at a reasonable price the Aramith Premium set would fit the bill @ around $100 - $115.
If you want top quality then the Aramith Super Pro set @ around $170-$180 are just what the doctor ordered. The Super Pros come in a regular color version or a TV color version. The colors are different so that they stand out in televised pool matches. I like the regular color set.
If money is no problem then you should consider the new Aramith Tournament set @ around $215- $230 a set, or the Brunswick Centennial Set @ around $250-$300 a set.
If you want very good quality at a reasonable price the Aramith Premium set would fit the bill @ around $100 - $115.
If you want top quality then the Aramith Super Pro set @ around $170-$180 are just what the doctor ordered. The Super Pros come in a regular color version or a TV color version. The colors are different so that they stand out in televised pool matches. I like the regular color set.
If money is no problem then you should consider the new Aramith Tournament set @ around $215- $230 a set, or the Brunswick Centennial Set @ around $250-$300 a set.
Not a bad idea. I played many a game of nine ball with my old man (God rest his soul), with these same balls. The table has moved a 1000 miles, but it is still his table and will pass it on to my son.:thumbup: