Shopping for pool balls sounds fun. However, choosing the right set of pool balls for yourself is not as easy as it sounds. Why? Because there is much more to them than what meets the eye.
There are several factors that one needs to keep in mind to choose the best pool balls for themself. In this buying guide, we are going to talk about some of the important things you should know about pool balls to make the right purchase.
How to choose the right pool balls?
Let’s have a look at some of the features of pool balls that need to be taken into consideration while purchasing pool balls.
Material
The overall quality and performance of a pool ball are determined by the type of material it is made from. The best pool balls are usually made with phenolic resin, as the material is dense and moldable - providing the ball with just enough bounciness. Also, resin balls are much more durable as compared to pool balls made from other materials.
Roundness
Most of the pool balls come with a similar circular shape and size. The uniformity of a pool ball depends on its roundness. Errors in uniformity of the ball’s surface lead to imperfect shot trajectory. A ball that is uniformly round is bound to perform much better during the game. Therefore, it is important to check that all the balls used to play have the same roundness.
Glossiness
The glossiness of a pool ball is another thing that avid pool players pay a lot of attention to. It adds to the cosmetic beauty of a ball and is usually one of the first things that people notice about pool balls. Though this feature might not be as important for all snooker players, there are definitely players that like their pool balls to be shiny and glossy since it makes them look high-quality.
Elasticity
Though elasticity is one of the features that isn’t paid much importance while choosing pool balls, it is actually what decides the quality of the game itself. The elasticity of pool balls is known to affect the stop shots in a game. However, the only way one can determine the elasticity of pool balls is by actually playing a game with them.
Price
The price range of pool balls varies depending on the quality, manufacturer, and type of material they are made from. It is important that you have a rough budget in mind before you head out to purchase the best pool balls.
The more expensive ones are usually made from premium-quality material. On the other hand, the cheap ones are made from average to low quality material and aren’t very durable. High-quality sets usually cost somewhere between 50 to 199 dollars. Whereas, premium ones can cost up to 200 dollars and more.
How to take care of pool balls?
aking care of pool balls is no science. You can follow these simple steps to make sure your pool balls are always clean and last longer.
Clean Daily
Pool balls usually lose their glossiness over time due to chalk and other factors, which is why you must clean them daily or after every game session. You can also find several machines in the market that are designed specifically for cleaning and polishing pool balls.
However, it is not necessary to have one since they can also be cleaned using a water solution. You can also add a small amount of liquid bleach to the water solution if your pool balls have turned yellowish. Once you have cleaned the balls, make sure to dry them out and store them in a clean place.
Polish Regularly
If you are someone who doesn't clean their pool balls regularly, then there’s a good chance that a simple water solution might not be enough to bring a shine to them. For that, you can use products such as a paint thinner or solvent. You can also use cleaning waxes and polishers. All of these products can be used to wipe a pool ball clean with the help of a dry cloth.
Store them in a clean place
There’s really no use of cleaning and polishing your pool balls if you are not storing them in a clean place. Once cleaned and polished, you should store them in a dry and clean container. This would not only reduce the need to clean them every now and then, but would also protect them against climatic agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do good pool balls make any difference?
The best pool balls are made from high-quality material and perform much better as compared to the ones made from cheap materials. Also, good pool balls are much more durable and sturdy. Moreover, good pool balls also offer increased accuracy and a smoother ball surface - allowing them to glide on the billiard table effortlessly.
How long do pool balls last for?
Low-quality pool balls usually last for a few years - typically a year or two. This is because their material is not durable enough and wears off easily. Whereas, pool balls from good brands usually have a much more sturdy build, which is why they can easily last 5 to 10 times longer.
How can you distinguish ivory balls from balls made from other materials?
Ivory balls are no longer as common as they used to be. As compared to pool balls made from synthetic materials, ivory balls don’t melt or burn. Hence, you can test whether an ivory ball is authentic or not by heating up a needle and poking it in the ball. If it doesn’t burn, then it's an actual ivory ball.
Why do pool balls turn yellow?
Pool balls are typically made from phenolic resin due to which their color usually fades over time. The yellowing of pool balls is usually a result of air exposure, heat, and UV lights that result in the phenolic resin breaking down - causing the pool balls to turn yellow.