So, I just picked up a Columbia 300 Benchmark Traction LE. I have the original Columbia 300 Benchmark, too, and the CG is designated with a small dot in the center of the brand logo... a hard thing to find and discern from a blemish. But with the Traction LE one that came in the mail, I don't see anything... not even a blemish. I know I could use a scale and twist and turn over and over until I find where it might be, but, it'd be so much easier if you guys could use your eyes to see what maybe I can't seem to find.

Interestingly, I saw another thread a while back where someone was having a hard time finding the CG on their original Benchmark, too.

Take a look at my attached photo. The box lists the pin to be 3-4". For reference, 3" is at about where the "a" is in "Columbia," and 4" is at about where the "U" is in "U.S.A."

I tried the 180º thing on both my original Benchmark and my U2 The Classic.

The results... are mixed.  While 180º between the CG and serial number almost connects, it's still a little off, especially as shown on the U2.  Also, it's hard to say where the serial number begins and ends, especially on a sphere.  And since the serial number is approximately an inch wide, that can yield a huge area of where the CG might be if mapped out in reverse.  But, I'll give it a try on my new Benchmark LE and post a pic of what I come up with.

See below for a pic of me doing it with the original Benchmark:

Using that rule of 180º from the serial number on the Benchmark LE, it designated a spot on the label that isn't a conclusive CG etching.  But again, I could have adjusted where I set the "starting" point on the serial number to get an entirely different result.   

See below for pics:

Vacuum with blower output... a fairly stout, round, 8" diameter  plastic container and some system to port air to said object and control the volume of air flow...

Float the ball on a cushion of air and the heavy spot should face down?

*shrug*

Isn't that basically how they do it in the factory?  Albeit on a more sophisticated device...

It's pretty doubtful that I could arrange to find/make that kind of setup/device.