A variety of materials can be used to create pool balls. These include wood, plastic and phenolic resins. Each material has its pros and cons. Despite the numerous options, phenolic resin pool balls are usually the most durable and long-lasting.
They are strong and durable. However, they are scratch-resistant. They are usually more expensive, but the increase in price is worth it. These pool balls are also known for their unique feature of high density.
Phenolic Resin can be used in many industries. It is a very strong and durable substance. It is made from phenol and formaldehyde. This mixture is then molded under extreme pressure to form the ball. The material has high bonding strength and can withstand extreme temperatures. The molecular structure makes phenolic resin more resistant to cracking. Pool balls made of phenolic resin can last up to five to 6 times longer than those made from polyester.
Plastic compounds can also be considered very durable and nonflammable. Plastic compounds have their downfalls. They tend to lose their shine faster than phenolic resin ball. A disadvantage to them is their potential for leaving burn marks on the surface of your table.
Plastics were not yet developed in the 19thcentury. Leo Baekeland an American chemist discovered a new chemical which could be molded into a plastic-like substance. Bakelite was the name of the new chemical and it was used to make billiard balls. This material quickly became the standard in billiards.
In the United States, it became more popular during the early 20th Century, when wealthy Americans could afford to purchase them. The material was more durable than wood, even though it was still expensive. The material started replacing wood in production of billiard balls as early as the 1920s.
Most professional pool balls today are made of plastic and phenolic chemicals. This material is more durable than ivory or wood. This material is also more expensive but is worth it if you play often.
Consider purchasing professional-grade pool balls if you want to get started with billiards. You can get a pool table accessory set that includes extra pool balls, equipment, and other items to protect your game.
Another option is to purchase synthetic materials, such as acrylic or polyurethane. These materials are cheaper but have their downsides. These materials don't lose shine as quickly as phenolic rubber balls, but they aren't as durable and can be prone to deterioration as fast. They are not as scratch-resistant than phenolic resin.
However, if your budget doesn't allow you to purchase a set, you can still look for polyester balls. Polyester balls can be cheap but aren't as long-lasting. Some of them might even break. Polyester balls should only be purchased from reputable companies.