Pool Ball Weights

[SeniorTom]

Here is a visual comparison between pool balls. The faded 12 ball is from what I would assume the original set that came with the Brunswick Hawthorn pool table. I'm supposing that was manufactured in the '80s. The shiny brand new looking 12 ball is a newly purchased set from Dynasphere, specifically the Bronze model. The strange aspect of these two pool balls is that the new Dynasphere has a diameter of .249", and the old Brunswick set has a diameter of .229" . To me something sounds fishy, as I thought diameters of standard pool ball sets are 2 1/4 inches? I measured these with my calipers, which are spot on as far as measurements are concerned. This is the same device I use to measure when I reload ammunition and want to be very precise.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Here is a visual comparison between pool balls. The faded 12 ball is from what I would assume the original set that came with the Brunswick Hawthorn pool table. I'm supposing that was manufactured in the '80s. The shiny brand new looking 12 ball is a newly purchased set from Dynasphere, specifically the Bronze model. The strange aspect of these two pool balls is that the new Dynasphere has a diameter of .249", and the old Brunswick set has a diameter of .229" . To me something sounds fishy, as I thought diameters of standard pool ball sets are 2 1/4 inches? I measured these with my calipers, which are spot on as far as measurements are concerned. This is the same device I use to measure when I reload ammunition and want to be very precise.

You are saying that the balls you measured are less than an inch in diameter. That is a very remarkable observation. More askew than fishy.

 

[SeniorTom]

You are saying that the balls you measured are less than an inch in diameter. That is a very remarkable observation. More askew than fishy.

Ooops,that was a mistake. Move the decimal point over one spot to the right and you will have the correct measurement. I think I am right this time when I say the measurements are: 2.49" and 2.29" . Still, my question persists, those seem like strange measurements.

 

[phreaticus]

Ooops,that was a mistake. Move the decimal point over one spot to the right and you will have the correct measurement. I think I am right this time when I say the measurements are: 2.49" and 2.29" . Still, my question persists, those seem like strange measurements.

Your new numbers are suggesting a 1/4” difference, with the larger one being bigger than carom/billiard balls!?

I may be going out on a limb here but I’d say maybe something is a bit off in your measurements. Try again? Take multiple readings on each ball and try to get a consistent avg.

Cheers

 

[EL Picos]

Ooops,that was a mistake. Move the decimal point over one spot to the right and you will have the correct measurement. I think I am right this time when I say the measurements are: 2.49" and 2.29" . Still, my question persists, those seem like strange measurements.

No no, that's 2.249 and 2.229, 2.250 = 2 1/4

 

[iusedtoberich]

Ooops,that was a mistake. Move the decimal point over one spot to the right and you will have the correct measurement. I think I am right this time when I say the measurements are: 2.49" and 2.29" . Still, my question persists, those seem like strange measurements.

It's still off. I think you meant 2.249" and 2.229". Are you using a dial caliper (straight beam frame with sliding cantilevered jaws)? Or are you using a micrometer (C-shaped frame with screw spindle)?

 

[EL Picos]

We have some 20 years old Aramith ball set in our poolroom and some balls are reduced in diameter to 2.234, 0.016 mill and they never have been washed with machine only natural wear.

 

[SeniorTom]

Sheeesh, senior moment ! Here are the actual measurements displayed on the calipers. so the new dynasphere balls are spot on, it is the original pool balls that are approx .020"smaller.

 

[Island Drive]

In the past during play, if we thought a set had diameter differences.
Here's what we'd do.
Take the ball that was in question and place it between two others the same diameter.
Take a straight edge over the top.
If the middle ball is different, it's obvious.

 

[SeniorTom]

I was at a local pool hall playing, and on another table they were arguing over the ball weight, loudly. I thought they were going to get into a fight. There are some amazing players in there, and I guess a few tads of weight make a difference .