How is the cue ball different?

Question

on a quarter pool table the cue ball gets issued to the other side... is it smaller?

Answer 1

Most cue balls on coin op tables are either larger or magnetic which allows them to be identified by the table and separated in the return.  The "laser" system from Diamond uses optical density sensors to detect the cue ball.

Answer 2

its white. more mass. a little bigger in diameter.

Answer 3

The ball has metal in it and there is a magnetic bar inside the table by the ball return that sends the cue ball in the other direction.  Some tables (Diamond Smart) now have a laser system so you can play with a ball that does not have the metal in it because over all it should be more consistent in its roll.

Answer 4

yyeah.

Answer 5

Some are larger and some have the magnet inside them. One thing to remember that most bar table cue balls that are over sized or the Optimo brand will weigh 6.8 oz. Where as the object ball weighs 5.7. There is a big advantage to knowing that because due to the physics involved the control both before and after collision with the object ball will be different. Good luck!