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@DFP
Size for size the balls inside a loose ball hub would be larger than the balls inside the equivalent catridge bearing hub. The cartridge bearing also has a cage/retainer and a shell which is much weaker than the balls themselves. So cartriddge bearing can get beat up more easily than equivalent looseball. (not saying thats easy, or anything to worry about.)
This is the reason why quality entry level MTB, trials and similar hubs have loose ball bearings even though for the price, putting in a cartirdge bearing would be possible and more 'convenient' for the user to maintain. The fact is that they are stronger. If your comparing similar sized/priced hubs/bearings.
I run a Suzue track hub on the rear, in my opinion the quality is very good. ive also used many old school BMX hubs like what the OP was on about (I think) and I also have DMR revolver hubs on my mtb, (yes looseball again)
On my current BMX I do have sealed cartridge bearings, but they are HUGE ones that fit over a 20mm hollow thru axle. I think they need to be of a hefty size to be of notably better performance and longer durability.