Ivory balls

[DynoDan]

While I only dabbled briefly (early 60s) with 3-cushion, I remain thoroughly amazed at how experienced players could actually play position in that game, since just making the billiard always took every bit of concentration I could muster (it’s as puzzling to me as 3-D printer technology).
Regardless, it occurred to me recently that the ‘old-time’ poolroom where I played in my youth still had a set of antique ivory balls they would only take out for the best 3-C players (they guarded them like the frigging ‘Crown Jewels’, and were especially cautious re: environmental circumstances). Just wondering (though doubtless no longer PC) if any older players out there remember them playing so much better (as I’ve heard) than contemporary resin balls?

 

[Bob Jewett]

They don't play better for the most part. They roll funny as they age and get lop-sided. Because they are less resilient than plastic, they follow better and draw worse.

I have practiced all of the old catalog of artistic billiard shots with ivories -- about 80 shots all together -- and also practiced straight rail. The rail nurse changes quite a bit because the cue ball goes through the first ball more.

 

[DynoDan]

They don't play better for the most part. They roll funny as they age and get lop-sided. Because they are less resilient than plastic, they follow better and draw worse.

I have practiced all of the old catalog of artistic billiard shots with ivories -- about 80 shots all together -- and also practiced straight rail. The rail nurse changes quite a bit because the cue ball goes through the first ball more.

I know I am talking ‘out of school’ here, but isn’t ‘follow’ generally more important than ‘draw’ in 3-C? “Less resilient” would also suggest how the angle off the first ball is effected?
I guess the issue will never be resolved, since only fresh/undamaged balls could be an accurate test, and that is not likely to happen.