Anyone else buy cheap in bulk and run them through an ultra-sonic cycle as you need them? Turns standard new commercial pinball sized carbon steel bearings into the shiniest balls you can find anywhere. For games with magnets. When I joined the hobby a year ago I first bought 4 shiny pbl balls. Nice. But just the same as you can do for yourself if you want to. I washed out a clear plastic jug that originally was for cooking oil and store my bulk stock in mineral oil until I need them. Then when I'm ready for a change out on my pin I run only what I need through the ultra-sonic cleaner unit I picked up from Harbor Freight. Takes 10 minutes. The key is to remove and dry them from the cleaning unit the second the cycle shuts off. Volia. You literally can't get balls shinier.

I've read that report and found it really interesting but isn't the bottom line after 100 plays all the balls tested exhibited the same amount of scratches when viewed under magnification? I bet it would make no disernable difference if you threw them out and replaced them every 50 plays as it pertains to the balls actually damaging a pin. I think what we learned from the report was how nice the balls looked in comparison to each other under magnification before they were actually used.

There are less than 50 ball bearing manufacturers in the united states. Probably less than that who make bearings to the specifications used in the pinball industry. Once the bearing manufacturer meets the specifications for a bearing to be used in the pin industry one is really no different than another. Just my opinion but sheesh, it's not rocket science. I use carbon steel balls because my game has magnets. You can easily buy in lots of 50 or 100 or 1000 or whatever. Pinballs don't have to be expensive, and they really shouldn't be.

Mineral oil won't dull the glossy finish. Any pharmacy should have it. If you can't find it go to Walmart and buy baby oil. Same thing, just scented ...and more expensive.

??? Steve?

That's what I meant by specifications. Once you get the size and alloy there's not much more to it.

There's only so many manufacturers to get them from ...one is just as good as another. Not much to it.