Pool balls are made from a variety of materials. There are three main materials used to make pool balls: wood, plastic, and phenolic. Each material has its pros and cons. Despite the many choices, phenolic pool balls are typically the most durable.
Phenolic resin balls are not only strong and durable, but they also resist scratches. They are usually more expensive, but the increase in price is worth it. This is due to their unique surface, which is high in density.
Phenolic Resin has been used in many industries. It is made by combining formaldehyde and phenol. To make the ball, the mixture is compressed under extreme pressure. It is resistant to extreme temperatures and has high bonding power. In addition, the molecular structure of phenolic resin makes it more resistant to chipping. Pool balls made of phenolic resin can last up to five to 6 times longer than those made from polyester.
Plastic compounds are also non-flammable and very durable. But they also have their flaws. They can lose their shine more quickly than phenolic crystal balls. You may also get burn marks on the table from using them.
Plastics were not yet developed in the 19thcentury. Leo Baekeland, an American Chemist, discovered a chemical that could be moulded to create plastic-like substances. Bakelite was his invention and it was used in the manufacturing of billiard ball balls. This new material was popularized as a standard for billiards.
The material was more popular in the United States as wealthy Americans were able to afford it. Even though it was still very expensive, it offered more durability than wooden. The material began replacing wood in the production billiard balls by the 1920s.
Professional pool balls are now made from plastics and phenolics resins. This material is much stronger than ivory or wood. It is also a little bit more expensive, but it is a great investment for those who play often.
Get a set of professional-grade pool balls to give you a chance at playing billiards. You can also get an accessory kit with extra pool balls or other equipment to make sure your game is protected.
An alternative is to buy synthetic materials such a polyurethane and acrylic. These materials are cheaper, but come with some disadvantages. They are not as shiny as phenolic balls, but they can lose their shine just as quickly. They also don't resist scratches as well as phenolic.
However, if your budget doesn't allow you to purchase a set, you can still look for polyester balls. Polyester balls may be cheaper but they aren’t as durable. Some of them could even break. Look for reputable brands when buying polyester balls.