Replacing Balls

[Kootcha]

I have been searching threads and can not locate a discussion about how long a set of balls should last. The table I play on is in use about 35 hours a week.
One forum comment made several years ago suggests that a club set is replaced every 5 years. Can anyone confirm? Is 35 hours a week approximately average for a club?

[Kootcha]

Please! I need a club manager or owner to respond to this request for information. I live on Vancouver Island and there are only 3 snooker tables within 50 km. The owner of the local club is using balls about 30 years old and the senior centre staff know absolutely nothing about snooker. I need some guidelines so I can advise the board.

[poolqjunkie]

I am no expert but I think you should weight the balls, to see if they are more or less the same weight.
The cue ball and the black is usually a bit lighter after a while.
The weight should be about 140g. My set of TC is 141g each. I had a set of SC and it was also the same. I think if it is 139g or so is fine, but if it is 130g then you need to replace it.
You can also check the size to see if they are the same. Cue ball is usually smaller with old sets, sometimes by a lot.
Just place the cue ball in the middle of two red balls by the cushion and put a cue on top to see if the top of the cue ball touches the cue--if not, the cue ball is too small.

[barracuda911]

Snooker balls do not last forever, contrary to many 'lay-people's' views. The lose their 'spring', they get 'flat spots', their internal construction changes over time.
They need replacing, just like tennis balls, golf balls, soccer balls etc. However, not at the same rate of replacement.
I would suggest that the amount time your table and balls get, you should be replacing the set every year, if you want top shape equipment.
But, each to their own.

[Kootcha]

Thanks to both of you. Our group of only 19 seniors can't afford new balls every year but we can replace them every 4 or 5. We are also responsible for table recovering, cushions, rests, cleaning materials, etc. We have two tables and that's a lot of money over a 5 year period. New cloth this year cost $910 Cdn and next year we have cushions on the oldest table ( plus a new cloth as well), another $500 Cdn., total abnout $1400.
With your information, I feel comfortable buying new balls this coming year.
Pooljunkie, you are correct that the white ball is marginally smaller ( I have very accurate calipers). How does this happen? Just wear?
I plan on buying tournament quality this time and hope to find a set with 2 white balls so the set will last longer. Any suggestions about a Cdn source?
Thanks again for the information.

[highbreak 8]

reply

Hi im glad i read this thread , so no need to start a new one .

I have being trying to tell our club for ages, [ and one person in particular ] that over time snooker balls DO shrink / reduce in mass , and develope flat spots . The man in the club is not having this ,so could my points be confirmed , or i will have to KILL him .
This confirmation along with the reasons for this ,may result in our club reverting back to Aramith balls and not crystalite, which slide, resulting in the lose of the cueball on almost every shot .

Many thanks .

[highbreak 8]

reply

Im glad i read this thread , so no need to start a new one .


Could it be confirmed that snooker balls over time , shrink , lose some of there mass , and develop flat spots . the man in the club is not having any of this , and , our club as a result are using crystalite balls which are awfull compared to aramith.

if any body could confirm the above pionts i would be gratefull ,or i will have to shoot him .

thanks .

[Kootcha]

I have a very accurate set of electronic calipers and I found that on a 3 year old set of balls the yellow is the correct size, the white is 5/1000 smaller and the black is 4/1000 smaller. Reds were 3/1000 and the other colours almost "like new". (All in inches.)
There is no reason to argue with your friend, simply take an accurate measurement.

[Terry Davidson]

kootcha:

There is a place in Kitchener, ON called 'Wholesale Billiards' and if you have a business license of some sort (HST Number required) you can get a set of Aramith Tournament balls for under $150(CAN) plus shipping.

Now if your order your 2 cloths along with 2 sets of balls he will probably cover the shipping too.

Try Canada 411 and it's either wholesale billiards or else billiards wholesale and on Homer Watson Drive I think

Terry