What's the reasoning behind a cue ball that weighs the same as another brand but plays/feels different?
Is it the density or how it's made or???
Is it the density or how it's made or???
Same Weight Cue Balls
- Thread starter Island Drive
- Start date
If they're equal in size and weight they're the same density, but maybe different "bounciness"? Or surface differences?
Obviously I got nothin'.
pj
chgo
There is a difference in Aramith balls but exactly how to describe it is kinda hard. The SAP formula balls look different and play a tad different than the newer Duramith balls. Probably more the look than anything. the Duramith is supposed to be a harder compound than SAP.
There really is not much difference in the ball itself. The only difference is in how clean and polished the ball is, which affects rolling and slip dynamics.
Most of the rest is in one’s head.
But even when proven empirically people respond with the like of “science doesn’t have all the answers” and “it is impossible to know using math”. Okie dokie
Most of the rest is in one’s head.
But even when proven empirically people respond with the like of “science doesn’t have all the answers” and “it is impossible to know using math”. Okie dokie
There are differences in the ball materials but this only really affects the impulse propagation (speed of sound) through the ball, which may affect ball spread patterns on close to perfect but not perfect racks.
Beyond that, ball cleanliness or surface roughness/scratches dominates durometer differences for pretty much everything else.
Except for huge differences like modern vs clay balls or something
Is it possible that the manufacturing process makes one more or less dense near the center? Kind of like a bowing ball. Just because they weigh the same doesn’t necessarily mean the weight is distributed the same throughout the sphere.
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Aramith and Dynaspheres CB's play/roll damn near perfect. Very consistent in this regard. ElCheapo asian crap not so much.
No not really. When talking about thermoset.
Bowling balls have a designed mass bias, pool balls do not.
ElCheapo is Central American, not Asian.
He'll be here all week, ladies and gentleman! Don't forget to tip your server.
I'm not talking about rolling perfect, it's the feel of when spin engages after contact, different brands just feel different and don't seem the same.
Effective surface friction, ball finish quality and scratch resistance mostly
I imagine the friction is a function of chemical composition and other characteristics like aging and wear.
Yes.
Firstly, you want a ball out of the factory that is regulation weight (168g) diameter (2.25”) and finished with a very high quality sphericity (+/- 0.05mm or less).
You also don’t want these properties to change much over time. Thermoset resin that produces a thick vitrification layer is extremely scratch and temperature resistant. This means that the average surface friction of the ball won’t start increasing as much as a ball that is made of softer materials. There are less places for dirt and grime to grab on to than a scratched or rough surface.
The rolling resistance of the ball will stay lower for longer, assuming you clean the ball occasionally.
So you need a company that finishes balls to a high standard and uses the proper resins.
People tend to think that the ball weighs more because it rolls further but this is not the case.
I really think it's all in everyone's head that CB xyz plays different. I bought a cheap $4 CB and paired it with my Aramith set a few racks, and it played the same to me.
A single cue ball can play very, very differently depending on how clean and polished it is. I think lots of people make the mistake of trying to compare cue balls that have not been maintained the same. They are completely unaware of the importance of the surface of the ball.
Some people that I had try the DigiBall already were impressed at how well it plays compared to other cue balls. I had to be honest and correct them by saying that there is no difference, it is only because it is a brand new ball and it is still clean.
I will have to make sure I keep it perfectly polished before demonstrations
You could also silicone it and have them try draw from a distance. Stroke like they've never had before.... I will have to make sure I keep it perfectly polished before demonstrations
Most of the difference is the Aramith Red Circle cue ball vs the rest of Aramith cue balls. The Red Circle is smoother, doesn't take on chalk marks as easy, and easier to clean. Most think it is easier to spin and draw. The reason, I believe is it has a carom finish, so probably a slightly different compound. Information sheet backs this up as well. Red Circle and Black Circle cue balls are a different composition.
All the best,
WW