Balls, stainless or regular?

[Acyclo]

The lovely people of Shimano offer hub ball bearings in 'regular' and stainless. Does anyone know whether the stainless balls have any real advantage, rust resistance notwithstanding?

 

[Smurfy]

Chrome steel balls will be harder than stainless balls.

 

[Gravity Aided]

52100 hardness, or 440c?
52100, I've been told, is hard enough to take most anything.
Fronts are 3/16", rear are 1/4". At least in my experience. Your results may vary.
@YellowTim is correct on chrome steel, here are some specs.
http://www.ibsco.com/chrome-steel-bearings.php
http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-types/balls/features
Here's a supplier
http://www.bocabearings.com/bearing-types/balls/chrome-steel-52100-series

 

[Acyclo]

Regular it is.