Since there is not a whole lot of recent data or reviews out there for these two products. I figured since I’ve now owned both I’ll do a short review. My pet peev is vibrations usually cause by unbalanced tires.

In early 2012 while on a long trip to Texas I stopped (planned) by the Centramatic store and purchased the Centramatic wheel balancers that cost 199.00 per set of 4 (Part number 300-318). These balancers produce 8-12ozs of weight per tire using a type of steel ***** in a proprietary oil. They are silver in color (so I painted them black). I’ve used them for close to two years now. These balancers didn’t stop me from having to rebalancing the tires on the normal schedule. I put approximately 22K using these balancers. The tires wore perfectly but recently had to change the tires due to dry rotting. But I got 58K on the OEM tires and still could have gone another 20-30K. Another thing to note is that at slow speeds (under 20mph) that there is a distinctive noise generated by these balancers. Not over powering but noticeable with the windows down but, I got use to it fairly quickly.
http://centramatic.com/Home.aspx

On 1/18/2014 I received my Balance masters wheel balancers part # MHD 206R (come painted black) for a cost of $431 (4) including delivery charge. They only come in sets of two for $201 per set and use liquid Mercury in a rubber bladder. Both share a similar design. But right off the bat they are twice the money of the centramatics. These wheel balancers reportedly produce up to 30ozs per tire. These also claim that no pre-balancing is required and that you MUST remove all wheel weights. I was apprehensive so I marked my wheels and the wheel weights, just in case. There was some confusion from Balancer Masters as to my trucks proper part number and so I got one set wrong and had to return them. So I installed the proper set (MHD-206R) on the fronts.
http://balancemasters.com/

I took the truck out today for almost 200 miles. I was pleasantly surprised that there was absolutely no shimmy at all speeds from the front (with all of the weights removed). The back are still balanced and running the centramatics.

It also should be noted that these balancers produced no noise at any speed. These balancers claim that they will increase the tire life up to 50% or more and that you never need to rebalance your tires again. My truck is very gentle on tires in general so I’m expecting super long life out of my New tires Toyo Open country HT with Tuff duty. And if everything works as claimed I should never have to balance them again.

2005-2012 Dodge Truck 2500 use 8 Lug, 6.5" bolt pattern with a 9/16 bolt size. Dually’s require different part numbers for both product because of the wheel shape.

I just got the correct second set of blance masters MHD206R (today). I pull the rear wheels and removed the weights form both wheels and installed the balance masters. I took about a 10 mile drive on the interstate. Man the truck rides extremely smooth at all speeds.

 

Thanks for the write up....it is very interesting.

Have you seen any independent supporting information on the balance masters actually extending tire life? For those of us who drive the heck out of our truck, they could provide a good return on investment if they really do extend tire life.

Also, do the balance masters wear out from rolling around inside the tire? For example, do you have to replace them every 200,000 miles?

 

Your welcome. There isn't a whole lot of data out there, other than the manufactured claims. The centramatic seem to have a large following with the big rigs and motor homes. They are also half the price. I'm learning that I may have used the centramatic improperly by leaving my weights on the entire time. I know the balancemaster work excellent without any wheel weights. If you never have an out of balance tire I would have to assume you'd get more life out of the tire. But we all know there are so many factors that govern a tires life, i.e. alignment, wearing front end parts, proper inflation.
My old truck used to get the edges a little chewed up , but I countered that by frequent tire rotation. With the current trucks oem tire I didn't see that win the past 22K. As matter of fact all tires were wearing the same.

I purchased the balance master so I could remove the weights and never have to worry about balancing tires again. Hopefully this will work out as planned.

 

I've been using Centramatics on my DRW for over 70K miles with out any other balancing. No problems and always a smooth ride. Prior I would need to rebalance every few months. I even put a set on my tandem axle dual wheel GN trailer. I wish they made them for smaller trailers and cars, would have them on everything I pull or drive if I could.

 

i think i still have a set of centramatics that went on my 07 2500 megacab if someone wants to offer something for them