New Pool Balls - Centennials vs Super Aramith Pro

[9b4me]

If you were going to buy a new set of pool balls and you had to chose
between Brunswick Centennials or Super Aramith Pro's would it come
down to which set looked the best (personal preference) or is there a
difference in the way they play?

I think they are both excellent sets of pool balls and i can buy the
Super Arabith Pro's a little cheaper than the Brunswick Centennials,
but it's not enough difference to worry about over the life of a set
of balls for home use.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jholly

[Steve Ellis]

Many people seem to believe Centennials play better, but I'm sure not sensitive enough to
tell the difference. I bought a set of Centennials and paid the difference just because
the do look significantly better IMO.

Post by 9b4me
If you were going to buy a new set of pool balls and you had to chose
between Brunswick Centennials or Super Aramith Pro's would it come
down to which set looked the best (personal preference) or is there a
difference in the way they play?
I think they are both excellent sets of pool balls and i can buy the
Super Arabith Pro's a little cheaper than the Brunswick Centennials,
but it's not enough difference to worry about over the life of a set
of balls for home use.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jholly

[Vader93490]

Post by 9b4me
If you were going to buy a new set of pool balls and you had to chose
between Brunswick Centennials or Super Aramith Pro's would it come
down to which set looked the best (personal preference) or is there a
difference in the way they play?

I like the way the SA Pro's play as opposed to Centennials, and I think they
look better than the Centennials as well. My chief complaint about the SA line
is that rotten squiggly S cueball that the set comes with skids too often for
my liking, so if you buy SA Pro's, see if you can get a red circle cue ball
while you're at it.

[Patrick Johnson]

... that rotten squiggly S cueball that the set comes with skids too often

What do you mean?

Pat Johnson
Chicago

[Vader93490]

Post by Patrick Johnson

... that rotten squiggly S cueball that the set comes with skids too often

What do you mean?
Pat Johnson
Chicago

I'm talking about the cue ball that comes with a set of Super Aramith Pro's.
The squiggly S is the logo on the cue ball.

[Patrick Johnson]

Post by Vader93490

Post by Patrick Johnson

... that rotten squiggly S cueball that the set comes with skids too often

What do you mean?

I'm talking about the cue ball that comes with a set of Super Aramith Pro's.
The squiggly S is the logo on the cue ball.

I mean what does "skids too often" mean?

Pat Johnson
Chicago

[Frank Glenn]

In article <***@news.supernews.com>,
***@comcast.net says...
:|:I mean what does "skids too often" mean?
:|:
:|:
Uh, that would mean it skids one time more than just right, wouldn't
it?

[Vader93490]

Post by Patrick Johnson
I mean what does "skids too often" mean?
Pat Johnson
Chicago

Pat, there was a discussion about this a few months back that you can google
about the SA cue ball, although I don't remember what the thread's name was.
Anyway, the jist of it is that it acts more like a heavier cue ball (something
along the lines of what you find on a bar box) and it has a tendency to come
off at unexpected wide angles. It doesn't draw very well, nor does it follow
very well either.

A red circle cue ball is much better to use with the SA Pro balls as it plays
much better and doesn't have the problems that an SA cue ball has.

[wayne crimi]

Red dot is excellent.

Post by Vader93490

Post by Patrick Johnson
I mean what does "skids too often" mean?
Pat Johnson
Chicago

Pat, there was a discussion about this a few months back that you can google
about the SA cue ball, although I don't remember what the thread's name was.
Anyway, the jist of it is that it acts more like a heavier cue ball (something
along the lines of what you find on a bar box) and it has a tendency to come
off at unexpected wide angles. It doesn't draw very well, nor does it follow
very well either.
A red circle cue ball is much better to use with the SA Pro balls as it plays
much better and doesn't have the problems that an SA cue ball has.

[Vader93490]

Date: 11/23/03 5:34 PM Pacific Standard Time
Red dot is excellent.

Yes, it sure is, Wayne, there's no question about that in my mind. It's my
understanding that they're starting to go for higher pricing now because they
play so well.

[Bob Jewett]

Post by Patrick Johnson

The squiggly S is the logo on the cue ball. ...

I mean what does "skids too often" mean?

I think it means that with that cue ball, the cue ball to object
ball contact is often imperfect with far more friction than
expected -- called cling, skid or kick -- far more often than
with the cue ball the OP is used to.

There were "squiggly S" cue balls at a recent 8-ball monster
tournament (BCA?), and all of them were very, very spotted with
chalk, and the surfaces were not shiny like one hopes for in a
nearly new ball. The surface appeared porous. I think these
particular balls were special for the magnetic ball return system
of the tables in use.

[nbc]

Centennials for me. I have both sets and I prefer playing with the
Centennials.

My only two complaints with the set are: The red 3 and maroon 7 are
so close in color that you may sometimes make a mistake and shoot at
the 7 when you meant to shoot at the 3.

Also, the Super Aramith Pro cue ball seems to be of a nicer quality.

nbc

[Frank Glenn]

In article <***@posting.google.com>,
***@hotmail.com says...
:|:If you were going to buy a new set of pool balls and you had to chose
:|:between Brunswick Centennials or Super Aramith Pro's would it come
:|:down to which set looked the best (personal preference) or is there a
:|:difference in the way they play?
:|:
:|:I think they are both excellent sets of pool balls and i can buy the
:|:Super Arabith Pro's a little cheaper than the Brunswick Centennials,
:|:but it's not enough difference to worry about over the life of a set
:|:of balls for home use.
:|:
:|:Any opinions would be appreciated.
:|:
:|:Thanks,
:|:Jholly
:|:
I think they are made in the same factory using the same material.
I'm not 100% sure, but that is what I think. Therefore, it comes down
to price, and how they look.
Frank

[Patrick Johnson]

... it comes down
to price, and how they look.

I think how they look has a practical side. The Centennials are
shinier, which means a smoother surface, which means less ball/ball
friction. You may like this or not.

Pat Johnson
Chicago

[9b4me]

Post by Patrick Johnson

... it comes down
to price, and how they look.

I think how they look has a practical side. The Centennials are
shinier, which means a smoother surface, which means less ball/ball
friction. You may like this or not.
Pat Johnson
Chicago

Thanks to everyone for your opinions, etc. I bought a set of
Brunswick Centennial balls from a seller on ebay. I searched the
internet looking for the best prices and I couldn't find a site that
sold them for less than I paid on ebay.

Jholly

[Photodude]

I hope you enjoy them. I just got a set on ebay and I love them.
It's a personal preference thing, but I like the way they look. By
the way, I have the Aramith squiggle cue ball, it came with the set of
balls that came with my new table. I weighed it, and the Centennial
ball, and also another cue ball I had, and they all weigh exactly 5.9
oz. ( have a very accurate scale). Just passing along information.

Post by 9b4me
Thanks to everyone for your opinions, etc. I bought a set of
Brunswick Centennial balls from a seller on ebay. I searched the
internet looking for the best prices and I couldn't find a site that
sold them for less than I paid on ebay.
Jholly

[Patrick Johnson]

... I have the Aramith squiggle cue ball, it came with the set of
balls that came with my new table. I weighed it, and the Centennial
ball, and also another cue ball I had, and they all weigh exactly 5.9
oz. ( have a very accurate scale). Just passing along information.

I think the differences that players notice in these balls are largely
imaginary.

Pat Johnson
Chicago

[swede]

Post by Patrick Johnson

... I have the Aramith squiggle cue ball, it came with the set of
balls that came with my new table. I weighed it, and the Centennial
ball, and also another cue ball I had, and they all weigh exactly 5.9
oz. ( have a very accurate scale). Just passing along information.

I think the differences that players notice in these balls are largely
imaginary.
Pat Johnson
Chicago

I agree. My SA ball set I bought several years ago came with a red triangle
cue ball. It is just as shiny as all the numbered balls after being cleaned
and polished.
The QB naturally gets chalk marks and appears to lose it's shine faster
then the others because it's the one being struck directly with a chalked
tip of the cue stick and it's in play more often then all the other balls.

Swede

[Billy]

Post by Patrick Johnson

... I have the Aramith squiggle cue ball, it came with the set of
balls that came with my new table. I weighed it, and the Centennial
ball, and also another cue ball I had, and they all weigh exactly 5.9
oz. ( have a very accurate scale). Just passing along information.

I think the differences that players notice in these balls are largely
imaginary.

There is a definite difference in looks between the two sets, but I
never detected anything in the way they play. Although I have Super
Pro Aramiths, I think the Centennials are better looking with the
black border surrounding the number of each ball instead of being
plain. I also like the 9 ball design with the number in the white
portion instead of the yellow, just nicer to look at.

...............Billy

[vader93490]

Post by Patrick Johnson
I think the differences that players notice in these balls are largely
imaginary.
Pat Johnson
Chicago

Pat, if you're referring to differences between the Squiggly 'S'
cueball and the red circle cue ball, there is a definite difference in
the way they play. They may weigh the same, but it just seems that
there is a definite difference in the materials used in their
composition.

Regardless, I got better control with a red circle than with the SA
cue ball, so that's what I used with my SA Pro's. I think if you had
an opportunity to try both cue balls you'd see what I'm talking about.

[Patrick Johnson]

Post by vader93490
Pat, if you're referring to differences between the Squiggly 'S'
cueball and the red circle cue ball, there is a definite difference in
the way they play. They may weigh the same, but it just seems that
there is a definite difference in the materials used in their
composition.

I've never played with one, but I can believe this causes the "skid" you
mention. But I don't see why it would be harder to draw, follow, etc.
These things would be weight-related.

Pat Johnson
Chicago

[Vader93490]

Post by Patrick Johnson
I've never played with one, but I can believe this causes the "skid" you
mention. But I don't see why it would be harder to draw, follow, etc.
These things would be weight-related.
Pat Johnson
Chicago

Pat, I'm thinking it's something to do with the composition of the different
cue balls rather than weight in this particular instance. However, all I can
say is that when I tried one of those SA cue balls out I experienced a rather
signifcant loss of control, plus it was hard to follow and draw that rascal,
and as a consequence, several run-outs can and will be messed up. Try one out
sometime with an SA Pro ball set and let your findings be known.

IIRC, at 2003's Derby City the SA cue balls were replaced with red circles
because several of the players remarked about the loss of control they
experienced using the SA cue ball.

On the SE Open tour, the SA cue ball was replaced after it was discovered and
proven yet again that a loss of control was found to be the case with the SA
cue ball. This wasn't the case with a red circle and thus, the red circle cue
ball is now used with the SA Pro balls.

Thus, it has to be concluded that the SA cue ball is an inferior cue ball to
use. Consequently, the red circle is a better cue ball to play with and
achieve better ball control.

[Gwtlaw]

When i got my used table, they threw in some aramiths. I just started checking
them and believe they are bottom of the line, crown aramiths (below super pro,
premium and premier). Would I notice a difference if i upgraded to either
super pro or centennial? Dennis

[Frank Glenn]

In article <***@mb-m05.aol.com>,
***@aol.com says...
:|:When i got my used table, they threw in some aramiths. I just started checking
:|:them and believe they are bottom of the line, crown aramiths (below super pro,
:|:premium and premier). Would I notice a difference if i upgraded to either
:|:super pro or centennial? Dennis
:|:
:|:
Probably, yes. I have Centennials and Premium Aramith sets. I like
both. I have not played with the Super Pro set, so far.

[Fred Agnir]

Post by vader93490
if you're referring to differences between the Squiggly 'S'
cueball and the red circle cue ball,

The "squiggly 'S' " is the Aramith logo. The red Aramith logo cueball
comes with the TV Super Pro set as well as being available
individually from Muellers. The green Aramith logo cueball is the new
metal-layered barbox cueball. The blue Aramith logo cueball comes with
the Aramith Premieres. The gray comes with the Stone Set.

As far as the red circle Champion cueball goes, a search in Google
Groups for "red circle Saluc" and author: Simpson shows:

http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=2gncgscpguojup4d9kvaf9ug5099llpr9n%404ax.com&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain

That is, the red circle cueball is made from a different resin: "Carom
Resin." Different material, different play.

FWIW, brand new, my red circle weighed 164.6 grams (5.81 oz) and
2.2390" diameter.

http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=37a9b2e1.12071247%40news.earthlink.net&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain

Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.

Fred

[Vader93490]

Post by Fred Agnir
The "squiggly 'S' " is the Aramith logo. The red Aramith logo cueball
comes with the TV Super Pro set as well as being available
individually from Muellers. The green Aramith logo cueball is the new
metal-layered barbox cueball. The blue Aramith logo cueball comes with
the Aramith Premieres. The gray comes with the Stone Set.

I know what the Squiggly S stands for. However I can't comment on any of the
other Aramith cue balls or ball sets like the Aramith Premiere series as, to
the best of my knowledge, I've never played with any of them, the SA Pro balls
and cue ball being the exceptions.

FWIW, the SA cue balls are also available individually through Ebay for I think
around $11 plus shipping, depending on the seller.

Post by Fred Agnir
As far as the red circle Champion cueball goes, a search in Google
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=2gncgscpguojup4d9kvaf9ug5099llpr9n%4

04ax.com&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain

Post by Fred Agnir
That is, the red circle cueball is made from a different resin: "Carom
Resin." Different material, different play.

I figured a red circle was made from different material, just by looking at the
two side by side. Nonetheless, a red circle definitely plays better IMO and I
get better control with it. The SA ball is pure crap.

Post by Fred Agnir
FWIW, brand new, my red circle weighed 164.6 grams (5.81 oz) and
2.2390" diameter.

IIRC, my red circle tips the scales at around 5.9 ounces rounded. That's where
it's supposed to be if I'm not mistaken.

Post by Fred Agnir
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=37a9b2e1.12071247%40news.earthlink.n

et&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain

Post by Fred Agnir
Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.

Strange, Fred... I wonder why the SA cue balls plays like dog poop, but their
SA Pro balls themselves play just great. Weird.

And FWIW... I've thought in the past Brunswick's blue circles played on the
light side whenever I used them... easy to draw, didn't follow well. Perhaps
it's a material used issue as well, I honestly don't know.

[Fred Agnir]

Post by Vader93490

Post by Fred Agnir
Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.

Strange, Fred... I wonder why the SA cue balls plays like dog poop, but their
SA Pro balls themselves play just great. Weird.

I don't know why you think this is strange. "Plays like dog poop" is a
subjective opinion. I think you really mean that it plays differently
than the red circle cueball (which you like). All the measurements and
e-mails substantiates this.

Post by Vader93490
And FWIW... I've thought in the past Brunswick's blue circles played on the
light side whenever I used them... easy to draw, didn't follow well. Perhaps
it's a material used issue as well, I honestly don't know.

What do you mean by "past Brunswick blue circles." Like 20 years ago,
or 5 year ago? Past Brunswick Centennial cueballs had a blue dot. It
was also a different material, considering they were made by the Hyatt
Ball Co. I have one. It's smaller and lighter. But, it's older, too.

Fred

[Vader93490]

Post by Fred Agnir

Post by Vader93490

Post by Fred Agnir
Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.

Strange, Fred... I wonder why the SA cue balls plays like dog poop, but

their

Post by Vader93490
SA Pro balls themselves play just great. Weird.

I don't know why you think this is strange. "Plays like dog poop" is a
subjective opinion. I think you really mean that it plays differently
than the red circle cueball (which you like). All the measurements and
e-mails substantiates this.

True, it's an opinion. However, it does play differently (an terrible
difference, I might add) and it's out and out junk IMO. However, the SA Pro
balls themselves play great. What's strange to me is that the quality of the
SA cue ball is less than the quality of the SA Pro balls themselves, you'd
think Aramith would make a quality cue ball to go with the rest of the set.

Post by Fred Agnir

Post by Vader93490
And FWIW... I've thought in the past Brunswick's blue circles played on the
light side whenever I used them... easy to draw, didn't follow well.

Perhaps

Post by Vader93490
it's a material used issue as well, I honestly don't know.

What do you mean by "past Brunswick blue circles." Like 20 years ago,
or 5 year ago? Past Brunswick Centennial cueballs had a blue dot. It
was also a different material, considering they were made by the Hyatt
Ball Co. I have one. It's smaller and lighter. But, it's older, too.
Fred

I'm talking about 10-15 years ago. Sorry for the confusion. I remember that I
had to move the tip of my cue upwards a bit to get any power out of it on the
initial break. The light cue ball is as bad to play with IMO as a heavy
bar-box ball.

[Billy]

Post by Fred Agnir

Post by vader93490
if you're referring to differences between the Squiggly 'S'
cueball and the red circle cue ball,

The "squiggly 'S' " is the Aramith logo. The red Aramith logo cueball
comes with the TV Super Pro set as well as being available
individually from Muellers. The green Aramith logo cueball is the new
metal-layered barbox cueball. The blue Aramith logo cueball comes with
the Aramith Premieres. The gray comes with the Stone Set.
As far as the red circle Champion cueball goes, a search in Google
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=2gncgscpguojup4d9kvaf9ug5099llpr9n%404ax.com&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain
That is, the red circle cueball is made from a different resin: "Carom
Resin." Different material, different play.
FWIW, brand new, my red circle weighed 164.6 grams (5.81 oz) and
2.2390" diameter.

Fred, I have a set of Super Pro Aramith's and weighed each one in oz.
and grams and it seems that the red circle would be quite a bit
lighter than the balls in the set. Here's what I got: 9 of the balls
are 6.00 oz. at 170 grams; 6 of the balls are 5.95 oz. at 169 grams;
and the cueball with the squiggly logo is
5.9 oz. at 168 grams. A lighter cueball like that would probably
provide more draw action, but I don't know what would occur with
follow or other spin. I did order a red circle yesterday, which
should be here on Friday, so I'll weigh it and see if I can detect any
difference in play.

...............Billy

Post by Fred Agnir
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=37a9b2e1.12071247%40news.earthlink.net&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain
Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.
Fred

[Photodude]

What cue ball would you recommend to make me stop missing easy shots
after running 20 balls? I feel like such an asshole when I do that.

Post by Billy

Post by Fred Agnir

Post by vader93490
if you're referring to differences between the Squiggly 'S'
cueball and the red circle cue ball,

The "squiggly 'S' " is the Aramith logo. The red Aramith logo cueball
comes with the TV Super Pro set as well as being available
individually from Muellers. The green Aramith logo cueball is the new
metal-layered barbox cueball. The blue Aramith logo cueball comes with
the Aramith Premieres. The gray comes with the Stone Set.
As far as the red circle Champion cueball goes, a search in Google
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=2gncgscpguojup4d9kvaf9ug5099llpr9n%404ax.com&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain
That is, the red circle cueball is made from a different resin: "Carom
Resin." Different material, different play.
FWIW, brand new, my red circle weighed 164.6 grams (5.81 oz) and
2.2390" diameter.

Fred, I have a set of Super Pro Aramith's and weighed each one in oz.
and grams and it seems that the red circle would be quite a bit
lighter than the balls in the set. Here's what I got: 9 of the balls
are 6.00 oz. at 170 grams; 6 of the balls are 5.95 oz. at 169 grams;
and the cueball with the squiggly logo is
5.9 oz. at 168 grams. A lighter cueball like that would probably
provide more draw action, but I don't know what would occur with
follow or other spin. I did order a red circle yesterday, which
should be here on Friday, so I'll weigh it and see if I can detect any
difference in play.
...............Billy

Post by Fred Agnir
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=37a9b2e1.12071247%40news.earthlink.net&oe=UTF-8&output=gplain
Others have consistently reported blue circle cueballs weighing in at
5.9-6.0 oz. That is, it implies (but doesn't confirm) that out of the
manufacturer's hands, the red circle seems to be targeting a lighter
weight than the blue circle. BTW, according to an e-mail I have from
Saluc, the cueballs that come with the set have the same tolerances as
their respective object balls.
Fred

[Billy]

Post by Photodude
What cue ball would you recommend to make me stop missing easy shots
after running 20 balls? I feel like such an asshole when I do that.

I'd say quit using the squirrely one, which is the ball that's looked
at last before pulling the trigger. How to identify a squirrely cue
ball: Just before your final stroke, stare intently at the contact
point of the cue ball instead of the object ball. If the light is
just right, you'll see two beady little eyes peering back at you. At
that very moment, you'll know where the little critter is located.

...............Billy

[ratchet]

Post by Billy

Post by Photodude
What cue ball would you recommend to make me stop missing easy shots
after running 20 balls? I feel like such an asshole when I do that.

I'd say quit using the squirrely one, which is the ball that's looked
at last before pulling the trigger. How to identify a squirrely cue
ball: Just before your final stroke, stare intently at the contact
point of the cue ball instead of the object ball. If the light is
just right, you'll see two beady little eyes peering back at you. At
that very moment, you'll know where the little critter is located.
...............Billy

I am usually too busy lookimg at the teeth hehehe >>> Tom <<<

[Tracy Beal]

Post by Frank Glenn
I think they are made in the same factory using the same material.
I'm not 100% sure, but that is what I think. Therefore, it comes down
to price, and how they look.
Frank

Two products can come from the same factory, made of the same material and
yet be different. The two sets could have different sets of standards and
methods of finishing. The question should be how stringent is the judging to
be firsts for each set. If the centennials are shinier they probably are
given more time in processing. I think I would go with the Brunswicks, I
always heard their standards are very high. That does not make them best
anwhere but in my mind, and the minds of those who feel likewise.
Tracy

[wayne crimi]

Centennials with a Belgium Red Dot cue ball.

Post by 9b4me
If you were going to buy a new set of pool balls and you had to chose
between Brunswick Centennials or Super Aramith Pro's would it come
down to which set looked the best (personal preference) or is there a
difference in the way they play?
I think they are both excellent sets of pool balls and i can buy the
Super Arabith Pro's a little cheaper than the Brunswick Centennials,
but it's not enough difference to worry about over the life of a set
of balls for home use.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jholly

[nbc]

Post by wayne crimi
Centennials with a Belgium Red Dot cue ball.

Is this the Red Dot cue ball that you mentioned above?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3640954317&category=1292


Or is it the Red Circle cue ball that plays better? In
www.hawleys.com, they sell Red Circle cue balls... it has a red circle
and not a dot...and these cueballs cost significantly higher... $22.50
compared to the $10 to $12 for the Red Dot cue ball in the ebay link
above.


nbc