Overview

Our Parakeet Blue Chopped Balls in the 1 3/8 inch size are very large balls for use with our full size chop cups. If you have ever seen Don Alan do his Chop Cup routine, you know he used a very large ball. Now you too can use this large 1 3/8 inch diameter ball for your routine. It provides maximum visual impact and is adjustable so the gaff will work the way YOU like it every time.

The core is 1 1/4 inch, the jacket adds an additional 1/8 inch. For a view of how large this ball is, check out the additional images by clicking the "Images" tab above.

Each of our Crochet Balls is professionally hand-crocheted with the highest quality cotton/polyester thread over a hardwood core ball. Our hand-crocheted balls are preferred by most cups and balls performers for several reasons:

1. The crocheted jacket mutes the sound of a ball secretly added to a cup
2. The hardwood core provides a solid inner ball that makes handling easier
3. Under normal use and following our maintenance guidelines below, crocheted jacket balls will last for years
4. The ranges of colors we produce provide a rainbow of color choices so you can select colors that contrast with your working surface, the cups and your wardrobe or costume.

Remember to select a ball color that will really show up against your working surface. It would not make much sense to use a dark ball on a black mat, or to use a white ball if you wear a white costume. The spectator must always be able to SEE the balls even when held in your hand in front of your body, or when they are simply resting on your working surface. Brighter colors will be more visible (and will make the balls look larger) from a greater distance.

Craftsmanship

The first thing one must understand about a quality ball for the performance of cups and balls is the difference that a hardwood core makes. A hardwood core allows the balls to be machine laundered safely without the hazards that are associated with a rubber, latex or cork core. A rubber or latex core ball will break down over time as it is exposed to water and detergent. A cork core ball will absorb water and detergents and cause the ball to mold and deteriorate. The hardwood core results in a ball of adequate weight with long term durability.

The second thing one must understand about a quality ball for the performance of cups and balls is the difference between a "knit" ball and a "crochet" ball. A knit ball is constructed from a section of yarn that has been knitted (usually machine knitted) and then retro-fitted to the ball. This results in a bulkier, loose fitting jacket over the core. A crocheted ball is constructed with the thread actually hand-crocheted around the ball. This results in a tighter, custom fit jacket over the core. The hand-crocheted jacket results in a superior ball.

Maintenance

Our Crochet Balls can be safely laundered in cold water (to preserve color) and detergent. It is highly recommended that the balls be placed in a lingerie bag or some other mesh bag that would be used for delicate fabrics. This ensures that the balls will not get trapped in recesses in the washer or get lost in the washer. Simply put the balls in a mesh bag and throw them in with other cold water laundry to keep them clean and fresh. Air-dry the balls. It is not recommended that the balls be placed in a dryer.

Included

• 1 Gaffed crocheted hardwood core ball
• 1 Straight crocheted hardwood core ball
• Instructions on adjusting the strength of the gaff

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