Originally Posted by
JonathanGennick
That's right. I'm just wondering what it is about cartridge bearings that allows for a wider range of adjustment. Deep inside there are still balls.
I'm not certain why but I've had it described to me that cartridge bearings have different "seat angles" for the balls relative to the races and, therefore, can take a moderate preload and also don't tend to "Brinell" the way loose ball headsets can.