loose bearings are what i'm familiar with-- and i know they work.
If it will not damage the HUB, i'll use the caged for now and see how they perform/hold up... that's saying if i can get the axle to thread right. if not, it's off to the LBS to replace it all.
i appreciate your comments and advice, as i am still new to some of this and don't want to ruin a decent hub.
The guy at the LBS said they'd work, so I'll assume, along with everyone else's comments, that they will. thanks guys