Often, the cues in an accessory pack receive all the attention; but billiard balls are the jewelry of your table!
The nicer sets of billiard balls are not inexpensive. As with all things, you get what you pay for. The cheaper sets you see advertised on Amazon and Ebay are usually made of nylon and weigh much less than balls made of phenolic resin; or, if they are phenolic resin, they are likely made in China. The Chinese-made balls are not made with the same processes that Aramith uses, except in the case of Dynaspheres. Dynaspheres are made in China by an ex-Aramith engineer and have been met with good reviews from the Billiard community. They have a non-traditional font and beautiful finish (see below).
Brunswick Centennial Ball Set:
Aramith is a Belgian company, and it has been making billiard balls and other products with resins for over 70 years. They have made a study of phenolic resins and coatings that improve both the look and performance of the pocket billiard ball. Professionals prefer to play with Aramith balls and when asked why, they general refer to the snap of the balls as they bounce off of each other and the balance that makes the ball path predictable.
Aramith is the premier billiard ball manufacturer in the industry; they've been making billiard balls since 1950 and they make the best. We have seen several companies try to enter this market in the last 25 years and there are few who have been able to keep the attention of the billiard enthusiast. Aramith is the industry standard because the players have demanded it. I've included some information below from the Aramith website; you can also visit the link here.
Aramith introduced the Duramith technology several years ago and this has made the balls with this coating highly desirable because they retain their shiny new look for the life of the ball. The Duramith technology also decreases the burn marks normally made by the high-velocity spin of a pocket billiard ball. Currently, the Duramith coating is available only in the Tournament and Centennial sets.
This is a brief explanation of the new technology from Aramith:
Duramith™: the new benchmark
- its through-hardened vitrified surface and core holds the glossy look
- the specifications, rebound and playing consistency is maintained in each ball
- the cloth wear and white marks that so easily ruin the look of the table are minimized
- improved friction resistance minimizes burn spots as well.
Here are my favorite sets when you are considering the purchase of a ball set or upgrading the balls that come in your kit:
Green prices are the upgrade for the BSBS Custom Play KitsBlue prices are the upgrade for the Olhausen Play Kits
Red prices are the upgrade for the Brunswick Kits
The Price of the Upgrade depends upon the table/kit you are purchasing. The price that BSBS charges is listed at the top of each Ball Set. The kit plus the price of the balls will be your total. The full MSRP Prices are listed in black:
Aramith Tournament Series: MSRP $503.19; BSBS Price $460.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $410.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Upgrade Price: $335.00
Aramith Brunswick Centennial Billiard Balls: MSRP $500; BSBS Price $450
The Brunswick Centennial Billiard Balls have been the "traditional" top of the line balls. Recently challenged by the Tournament Series, this set is still the most popular set worldwide. This set has all the benefits of the Aramith balls, but is specially made and branded for Brunswick Billiards.
BSBS Custom Kit Upgrade Price: $410.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $400.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Upgrade Price: $325.00
The Aramith Premier Set: MSRP $215.78 BSBS Price: $210.00
The Premier Set features:Made of Phenolic Resin
Aramith Phenolic resin with high impact resistance and prolonged longevity.
High quality standards
Eight criteria: density, balance, diameter, roundness, color, glossiness, hardness, weight.
BSBS Custom Kit Upgrade Price: $170.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $160.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Upgrade Price: $85.00
The Aramith Premium Set: MSRP $236.30; BSBS Price $229.00
The Best Compromise
With its classic “numbers in the stripe” look and tight cosmetic criteria, it is the perfect compromise between quality and price.
Made of Aramith Premier Resin
Aramith phenolic resin with far better resistance longevity than polyester and other phenolic sets.
High quality standards
8 criteria: density, balance, diameter, roundness, color, glossiness, hardness, weight.
BSBS Custom Kit Upgrade Price: $189.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $179.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Upgrade Price: $104.00
The Aramith Crown Style Set: MSRP $141.34; BSBS Price: $130
BSBS Custom Kit Upgrade Price: $90.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $80.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $80.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Upgrade Price: $00.00 (Same Balls)
Aramith phenolic resin and the production process that ensures the best-balanced ball on the market is found in this entry-level Aramith Crown Style set of balls. Known in the industry as the White Box Aramith Ball set, this is a great, long-lasting set for family play and you will not regret investing in quality billiard balls.
The Aramith Camouflage Set: MSRP $288.68; BSBS Price: $265
Custom Kit Upgrade Price: $225.00
Olhausen Kit Upgrade Price: $215.00
Brunswick Heritage Kit Price: $140.00
The Aramith Stone Set: MSRP $280.42; BSBS Price: $258.00
The Dynasphere Bronze Set just arrived: $160
You can read about the Dynasphere's brand HERE. They have larger numbers and since this set is being discontinued, they are probably now a collector's edition ;-)
