Mismatched centennial ball sets [HELP]

[IamCalvin06]

So the pool hall I play out of uses centennial balls. Only problem is that, it's clear that the balls are from different sets.

We used to think it was the plastic racks wearing down and leaving gaps. So a few of us bought magic racks and its very clear that the balls are mismatched. We get gaps with the magic rack.

I guess what I'm asking is, does anyone out there know a good way to measure the balls so we know how to match the ball sets?

I was thinking about getting my own set to take to the pool hall but its trouble some and awkward.

 

[wendyb]

i use dial calipers to measure diameter and a small scale to measure them on. i have lots pf partial centennial sets, maybe we can trade a few balls and both come up with a complete sets? What number so you need? I need 1, 5, and 7, I have racks of 9 14,and 15s, several of all other numbers except 1,5 and seven, 7

 

[Red Shoes]

It is possible that they are from different sets...but remember ALL BALLS WEAR DOWN (wear away) from "use". The one through nine balls tend to wear down quicker than the ten through fifteen. I replaced all 18 sets of Centennials in my place last year (expensive proposition). I replace the Red Circle cue balls every 2-3 years. I would NOT recommend replacing a "few" sets...because eventually they will become "mixed" with the old sets. The house guy can help by using a caliper to match "like sized" sets...when he is not "scrubbing his fingers to the bone" cleaning the rest of the pool room.

 

[ctyhntr]

One of the criterias for a matched set is weight. You can try sorting by weight.

Here is an example from Freight Harbor on the type of scale needed for this task.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-gram-digital-scale-60332.html

 

[Buckzapper]

A local poolroom with about 30 tables had two young ladies working there that thought all the Centennial balls needed cleaning. Although they varied in age from new to 20 years old, they dumped them all in a sink at once and began washing them. This created sets of balls that are a joke to try to rack tight. Nobody ever tried to solve the problem. I swear they still use old cue balls that are from the era when Masconi and Crane were in their prime.