Hales Micro blocks use high tech ceramic balls which are used in various high tech products such as top of the range racing bicycles. Ceramic balls run more smoothly with less friction and do not require lubrication. Ceramic balls are lighter. In Hales Micro blocks another advantage (possibly the most important) is that since ceramic balls are insulators, there is no metal to metal contact anywhere in the moving parts of the block. This absolutely removes the possibility of electrolytic corrosion. All Hales Micro blocks now contain ceramic balls.