Older Centennial Balls

[Sloppy Pockets]

Anybody know what the difference is between the older Centennials (white box with blue lettering) and the ones currently being made? I've seen some used ones from the 70s or so being offered on occasion for not too bad prices. Were they made by Aramith back then? If so, how does the formulation compare with today's?

BTW I'm currently using the Aramith Premier set.

 

[Tramp Steamer]

If I live to be a hundred would I have centennial balls? I've always wondered about shit like that. :smile:

 

[WildWing]

Believe the older (1970s) vintage Centennials were made by Albany Billiard Ball Company, Albany, New York. They also made the other popular lines, such as Vitallite. No doubt a somewhat different composition compared to Aramith, which are made overseas today. Having played with both generations, I think playability is comparable, though I have no doubt the modern process is a bit different.

 

[ctyhntr]

I could be wrong, but its my understanding when Albany Billiard went out of business, Brunswick awarded their ball contract (Centennial brand) to Saluc (maker of the Aramith brand). Albany also made Hyatt brand balls.

 

[Sloppy Pockets]

Thanks for the info, guys.

I ended up pulling the trigger on a NIB set from Ebay. The box says "Made in Belgium", so that's my final answer as to who made them. I didn't steal them by any stretch of the imagination, but they are a perfect set without a mark anywhere. They are just beautiful to look at, with a better polish than my Aramith Premiers came with when I got them. Almost a shame to play with them. They are collector quality, including the perfect condition box, but I bought 'em to hit 'em, so... :wink: