Pool Ball Collecting.

[K2Kraze]

The year. 2000

Mike Sigel inspired someone and gave him an idea.

The beginnings of what we would all see 5 years later.

A lot has been written over the nearly 2 decades of what would become the rise and fall of the International Pool Tour. The IPT.

ONE of the very best things to come about as a result of this incredible but short-lived vision of “what could be” was a ball design and new technology taking us into the 21st century.

Aramith thought it worthy of a “beautiful new design” using traditional colors with a special logo cue ball denoting the launch of the IPT and their involvement.

They also became a large sponsor and promoter of this new venture into 8-Ball Tournament Play....with their new line of balls featuring their new technology, Duramith 4.

They called them simply the Aramith Tournament.

Here (pictured below) is the current non-IPT version of the Tournament set so you can see the subtle but noticeable differences - something you would never notice unless it’s pointed out or shared:

It’s all in the numbers.

Here is what makes the IPT Tournament set distinctive:

1) The background is opalescent giving them a depth not visible on the regular set today.
2) they increased the size of the entire area encasing the numerals so they are ever so slightly larger. Coupled with this new opalescent background only found in the number circles, they are much easier to see and read from a distance - especially under the amazing lights we have with high CRI and LED lighting.

The rest of the ball coloring and “whites” are the same with each set.

I’ll let you be the judge and see what you think

A special “Thanks” to my friend Wayne for getting this set to me of the 1 or 2 he has available.



~ K.

 

[HUKIT]

I think the IPT balls are one of the best looking sets in this thread(which is certainly one of my favorite threads). I'd love to have those on my table!

 

[K2Kraze]

Sometimes you run into the funniest things - and wonder how they did this. Who did this. And of course why?

Looks normal enough...

What the...

That bikini stripe is not painted on either. Silk screened perhaps

A lone ball amongst a box of other misfit pool balls at an estate sale that caught someone’s eye.



~ K.

 

[K2Kraze]

A quartet of Kings

Thank you, Rob, for getting the Kings to their new castle, sir.

~ K.

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[Rubik's Cube]

A heartwarming tale. Sincere thanks to XPLSV and K2K.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Indulge me if you will, dear reader, in taking this opportunity to recount an exceptional act of altruism and generosity to a stranger by a fellow AZB member.

Aside from a desire to share some pictures of my billiard ball collection with a few like-minded souls, I created this thread two years ago in a rather forlorn hope that a fellow enthusiast might help me secure one particular set above all others... the exceedingly rare marbleised Joe Camels. I had a fleeting chance to acquire a box in the early 1990s but balked at the asking price, a decision bitterly regretted as (to the best of my knowledge) not a single other example has ever appeared for sale anywhere ever since. And believe me, my friends, such elusiveness was not for the want of searching... I looked everywhere.

I had even begun to fear that my memory might be suspect. Were those elusive dromedaries merely a figment of a fevered mind? Although a mirage, perhaps, might be more apt in this instance! Imagine my astonishment and delight, therefore, when XPLSV joined the board (on the previous page) to reveal an incredible discovery. Even then, if it wasn't for the beautiful photographs that accompanied Mr X's story it would be hard to believe... a pristine set of Joe Camels!

After congratulating XPLSV on such a wonderful find and offering a word or two of thanks for his valued contribution to the thread, I fired off a brief private message to enquire if the balls could possibly be available for sale. Mr X's swift reply amazed and humbled me in equal measure. He told me that he remembered my appeal on page one of this thread and had always hoped that he might be able to help out one day. Yes, indeed, he would be glad to let me have this rare set as a much desired addition to my collection.

At this point I was already celebrating such a serendipitous stroke of good fortune, even though it would surely come at quite a hefty cost. And what price did our fine fellow quote for this 'must have' set of billiard balls plus shipping to my home in the United Kingdom? I will tell you, ladies and gentleman... he asked for absolutely nothing! Zero. Zip. Zilch. And that included the considerable international postage!

Words cannot adequately express my genuine gratitude for such a remarkable act of selfless altruism, it really was a wonderful surprise and truly humbling. It is to my shame, undoubtedly, that I felt unable to entirely accept XPLSV's most noble of gestures and, after many entreaties, I eventually managed to persuade him to at least allow me to cover costs as a very small token of my appreciation.

As has so often been the case during my time on the AZB forum, I am also indebted once more to K2Kraze in this happy tale. Not only did he offer to take receipt of the Camel Balls, adding them to a forthcoming consignment from Texas, he liaised with Mr X during the handover on my behalf and then wired across some typically beautiful images for me to enjoy.

Thank you, gentlemen, you are both a credit to this forum. I can only hope to do half as much and vow to 'pay it forward' as you say in America whenever the opportunity arises.

Best wishes
RC.

 

[The ProRailbird]

I love it !!

In the world these days, it's hard to find a gesture like that of XPLSV's. It's actions like this that make my day !!

Well done XPLSV !!

This entire thread is one the best on AZB in my opinion!

 

[xianmacx]

The year. 2000

Mike Sigel inspired someone and gave him an idea.

The beginnings of what we would all see 5 years later.

A lot has been written over the nearly 2 decades of what would become the rise and fall of the International Pool Tour. The IPT.

ONE of the very best things to come about as a result of this incredible but short-lived vision of “what could be” was a ball design and new technology taking us into the 21st century.

Aramith thought it worthy of a “beautiful new design” using traditional colors with a special logo cue ball denoting the launch of the IPT and their involvement.



They also became a large sponsor and promoter of this new venture into 8-Ball Tournament Play....with their new line of balls featuring their new technology, Duramith 4.

They called them simply the Aramith Tournament.


Here (pictured below) is the current non-IPT version of the Tournament set so you can see the subtle but noticeable differences - something you would never notice unless it’s pointed out or shared:



It’s all in the numbers.

Here is what makes the IPT Tournament set distinctive:

1) The background is opalescent giving them a depth not visible on the regular set today.
2) they increased the size of the entire area encasing the numerals so they are ever so slightly larger. Coupled with this new opalescent background only found in the number circles, they are much easier to see and read from a distance - especially under the amazing lights we have with high CRI and LED lighting.

The rest of the ball coloring and “whites” are the same with each set.

I’ll let you be the judge and see what you think

A special “Thanks” to my friend Wayne for getting this set to me of the 1 or 2 he has available.



~ K.

Thanks for sharing the side by side and your synopsis. I always wondered if KT convinced aramith that the IPT was going to be huge and got them to produce so many set they had no choice but to re-brand them and keep selling them.

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Those IPT balls really are a beautiful design. The pearlescent number backgrounds are rather reminiscent of Mr K's unusual diamond set of post 593.

 

[Wieguns]

Those IPT balls really are a beautiful design. The pearlescent number backgrounds are rather reminiscent of Mr K's unusual diamond set of post 593.

Agreed. IT is a beautiful set, and definitely the one I would want to play with regularly on my table.

 

[CJH]

This latest thread contribution today comes with a decade-long story of pursuit that has taken me on the path over no less than 5 less-than-desirable boxed sets that just didn’t pass muster for a number of typical reasons...no original-issue blue box; damaged balls displaying those “normal” and irritating nicks, gouges and scratches; no leaflet; missing gray ball tray; and even balls replaced with imitation numberless balls from untold Chinese manufacturers. I had to pass them all along to other buyers over the years because I could not get my hands on the ultimate set: Unplayed and perfect. Original box and tray. Original paperwork. Flawless.

Maybe they didn’t exist.

This shortened story began over 1 year ago with my good friend and partner of phenolic pursuits, Rubik’s Cube, from across the Atlantic. A set of balls matching my requirements “may”have been located he says. And so it began....

The end story: the relatively rare and flawless Raschig numberless 9-Ball set. Untouched by human hands. Never distributed. Never played. 100% original everything.

And it happened. I got them 6 months later.

Tolerances exceeding any ball set I have in what I call “The Collection”, which includes every ball set Aramith makes or has made in the last few decades. Not Hyatt. Not Cyclop. Not Vigma. Not even close really. Fabled perfection.

The sheer depth of color and brilliance is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Even under magnification. Yeah, crazy to even look under a scope, I know.

And not one set, but 2. One to play with and experience and marvel over and one perfect set to preserve and display. A conversation piece. A story that can’t be told standing up. Sit down, share a dram and prepare for a tall tale of balls, friendship and passion stretching across continents and many countries...

But we’ll share the whole story in its own thread in short time for all Raschig ball fans to chime in on and share.

One of a triumvirate in what I’d call the cornerstones of ball collecting - the peerless numberless Raschig 9’s.

Finally.

I couldn’t have done this without you, Rubik’s Cube - appreciated beyond words, sir!



~ K

I saw one of these unplayed sets tonight and even had the opportunity to buy the set. Magnificent, unique vibrant colors. Nicest ball set I've ever seen.

 

[K2Kraze]

Hello Rubik’s, my friend - always a pleasure to see your posts here in the PBC thread to share not only the amazing collection of wondrous ball sets you’ve acquired over the years, but to selflessly credit those that have helped along the way...leaving many inspired to follow in your footsteps - myself especially. It’s been not only a pleasure but an honor to partner on numerous occasions over the past two + years to help fulfill a few wishes.

Especially the Camels.

(From the generous and thoughtful XPLSV)

I know you’ve been anxiously awaiting to see a few photos of the dashing dromedaries this past few days, Rubik’s, and I finally had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the royal Arabian caravan. And what a grand time we had together.

I have a new found perspective, appreciation and love for the marbled and the swirled orbs, my friend. Each ball is literally a masterpiece of ONE. No two could possibly be the same. Nuances. Images within the swirls. Colors. Randomness. Beauty.

Take the blue 2:

Reminiscent of what you may see if looking into the swirling cosmos and the direction of the Pleiades and her seven sisters. This is what I first thought when I gazed into this beauty under the lights. Wow is the fitting word.

The colors of the 7 - with it’s unique signature swirl above the numeral that goes to show how special she really is...

And now for the stripes - I really wonder how they manufacture the necessary components and features into each ball, Rubik’s? I captured images with the balls turned in slightly different directions to illuminate various things like the numeral borders and vaguely noticeable edge line around each. And the edging for each stripe is ..... well ...... amazing yet crazy unique....

Here are a few more spectacular Camels to tide you over until the caravan arrives in Woolecombe:

Beside the perfectly toned purple hue, notice anything unique - special perhaps? Maybe the back side of a near-perfect colored drop of yet another swirl....like this marvel:

Only the 4 and the 15 have this bizarre and unique circle feature - with each image being similar but yet uniquely different from the other. A true one in a billion randomness, my friend. Stunning really.

And saving the best for last....The Caravan all together getting ready for the journey eastbound, sir...

I can’t help but leave you with this parting thought as I was wrapping up the photo shoot...

I wonder what these Camels would sound like whilst being maneuvered around the dunes of mocha baize with purpose and my cue? I must admit the thought crossed my mind numerous times as I rolled them under the lights

I hope you have enjoyed the presentation and photos of just a few of these marvels, sir. I had the sincere pleasure of spending some quality time with them this past few days from unpacking to arranging and photographing knowing they will be appreciated even more so when they get to you soon.

The desirous dromedaries. I will never forget them.

Cheers, my good friend!

~ K.




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[K2Kraze]

Post error

 

[K2Kraze]

I saw one of these unplayed sets tonight and even had the opportunity to buy the set. Magnificent, unique vibrant colors. Nicest ball set I've ever seen.

We’ll have to play a similar set of the special Raschig 9’s from my collection in a match at my home soon, CJH, so you can hear and see these beauties under the lights.

~ K.


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[classiccues]

Unopened Gold Crown Ball Set

https://www.ebay.com/i/232690476945

How many still have the cellophane?

JV

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Not many that's for sure, sir. Moreover, the gentleman has two sets for sale, both still wrapped in the cellophane!

Nice find. Are you tempted to bid?

 

[K2Kraze]

Those Brunswick ball sets are the less desirable predecessor to the crown standard design we see today being made by Aramith - I believe anyway. I’ve always maintained over the years that the Aramith Crown Standard set is a great value and play exceptionally well for their pricing, but don’t have enough experience with the older Brunswick offerings to assess a fair value.

This is what they “should” look like:

I can’t say for sure if these boxes sets are indeed holding the similar Aramith design I mentioned above since we can’t see them. Interesting that the two boxes have never been opened - kind of like buying what’s behind door #3 on Monty Hall’s show Let’s Make A Deal - and yours for trading a truckload of chickens perhaps - or what’s in your wallet.

So - who wants to buy them and see what’s behind door #3?

Hmmmm


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[rexus31]

My friend turned me onto this thread and I'm glad he did. Very interesting. Here's my contribution to the mix: prototype Predator Arcos Billiard Balls. These never made it into production and I'm told only a handful of sets exist. I particularly like the font, it's size, the darts at 12,6,3 and 9 o'clock and I really like the black dot Measle Ball however, I'm not a fan of the Predator logo. They all weigh in at 169-170 grams. Enjoy!

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Hello, Rexus.

Thank you very much for sharing pictures of your wonderful Predator Balls, sir, very much appreciated indeed. Always great to welcome a new collector, especially when they have a unique contribution to the thread! I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I really like the logo.

Best wishes,
RC.

 

[rexus31]

Hello, Rexus.

Thank you very much for sharing pictures of your wonderful Predator Balls, sir, very much appreciated indeed. Always great to welcome a new collector, especially when they have a unique contribution to the thread! I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I really like the logo.

Best wishes,
RC.

Thanks Rubik's! Here's another contribution. I acquired these Centennials with my table around 25 years ago. The table is a mid to late 50's AMF Commercial model similar to a Brunswick Sport King or Anniversary. I was curious if anyone can date these? Any ideas on removing the yellowing?

 

[Rubik's Cube]

Another beautiful set, sir.

They look like something from the 1970s vintage for my money, but I stand to be corrected. The yellowing seems to be consistent in your photograph and isn't unattractive at all to my eye, quite desirable really as an honest indicator of age.

K2Kraze is the man to seek advice about all things to do with restorative cleaning and polishing, he's a genuine expert on the subject.

Best wishes,
RC.