Are pearl urethane balls such as the Mix actually more durable than polyester balls?
After going through cracking on my polyester ball every 8-12 months I got fed up. I clip the edge of the thumbhole on my spare release, and the plastic balls would slowly crack around the edge. I'd plug and redrill the thumb 2-3 times before giving up on the ball, but that whole circle of misery got old.
I bought a Mix last year, and no cracking. I still hit the thumbhole, but there is no sign of any problems. It's been at least 300-400 games, and plastic would have shown some cracking by now.
Just as important, the reaction is almost the same. On real toast, the mix will move a board or two more than plastic, but it was easy to adjust. I can't see going back.