Have you ever wondered why pool balls are heavy and thick? Why do they have different bright colors? If you are either a pool ball player or not, it is helpful to be aware and learn how pool balls are made. In this article, we will discuss the pool balls, what they’re made of, and which one is the best according to your preference. In case you are looking for a pool ball set, please do check our Best Billiards/Pool Balls article here.
What are pool balls made of today? the most common material that is often used is polyester and phenolic resin balls. Many years before, there are different materials make up a pool ball, namely wood, ivory, and ceramic.
There are many different reasons why people enjoy playing indoor games, just like billiard or pool games. Some say they like playing this type of game because of their satisfaction, while others are attracted to its radiant, bright colors.
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Phenolic vs. Polyester Balls
Typically, modern-day pool balls are made of phenolic and polyester resin. These two have a unique feature that is why most of the manufacturers choose to use them. It has been famously circulated worldwide, especially when it comes to the phenolic resin ball.
Phenolic resin is a type of material that is very easy to form into a particular size and shape. It is very dense and often used by many manufacturers like Aramith, because of its texture and quality, eight times better than the regular ones. This is why the price of this is much more expensive, unlike the other.
Also, the quality of the phenolic resin can last about five to six times longer than the polyester ones because the chemical ingredient in it creates lesser friction between the balls and the billiard cloth that reduces the burn marks of the balls. During the curing and polishing process, the phenolic resin creates a high-density surface that has more impact and reduces scratching than the polyester ones.
On the other hand, if you want a pool ball that is affordable than the phenolic resin, then you should try using polyester balls. These types of balls can be bought for a low price, but it does not guarantee you that they can meet your standards.
The polyester balls are made of acrylic that is why it is popular among billiard/pool players. Although it does not give that high-quality performance, it can provide you a product that can suit your budget. Nonetheless, the polyester pool ball does not quickly lose its shape.
How Pool Balls are Made?
In case you’re wondering how pool balls are made, you can watch this video:
Explaining things here is somewhat difficult than watching. Until now Saluc’s exact production process remains a well-kept secret!
How To Care For Your Pool Balls?
What’s the Right Pool Balls For You?
Now, that you have learned a lot about what pool balls are made of and how they are made, but still, having a problem choosing what kind of pool ball will you be purchasing? Think of this, if you are on a tight budget but are eager to play a pool game, try buying the cheaper and more affordable one. If you are not that of a pro player, you need not use the professional one, you can even get a unique pool ball set.
But when you have a budget and ready to buy the good and better ones, well, we recommend you to buy the Aramith phenolic resin balls. Base on its unique and exciting features, you will not only enjoy playing the game, but also you can count on them to last for a very long time. Sound’s exciting, right? You have many choices of where you will be buying those, but remember always to have a checklist to ensure that the ones you will be choosing will not be a waste of your money.
Whether it may be the polyester pool balls or the phenolic pool balls you will buy in the future, you must always know that satisfaction, enjoyment, and contentment is all it takes to be happy.
History
From the year 1340 up to the present, the primary material of pool balls keeps changing over time. The original pool balls are made of ivory and wood, but about 85 percent of billiard balls are made up of resin or phenolic balls.
The billiard balls were typically made of wood that can easily be found or produced. It is the reason why early pool balls were cheap and common in most places. But when the Asians and Africans began to colonize and invaded the Europeans, there were changes, and an elephant tusk made the trend.
Elephant tusk or also called “Ivories,” were beautiful and stunning. It is the main reason why the demand for this product has begun to increase, making it the most popular pool ball material. Although it has a distinct feature, many were not satisfied with its quality. They were prone to yellowing and began to crack when the weather changes. Not only that, because of the high demand for the Elephant tusk, it has also started to threaten its family members. Also, it is to ensure that no wild animal will be harmed or endangered.
Also, after the evolution of wood and ivories as a material for pool balls, there came ceramic ones.
It is best known for its features, such as its beauty, durability, and strength.
Then came the year 1907, when Phelan Baekeland, an American chemist, created a plastic-like material called the Bakelite. It has a durable and easy ways procedure. After this milestone of the pool balls, the rest became history.
Before pool, players can use these balls for professional or recreational purposes. Every part must undergo some criteria to measure its balance, density, balance, and roundness. Even its color precision, brilliance, and surface polish should be good. After a specific manufacturing step, it also needs to undergo what you call the casting, curing, and polishing process that takes about 23 days.
A specific qualification must reach with the help of modern-day technology to ensure the quality and affordability of every pool ball in the market.
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