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.
The phenolic resin balls are durable and strong, but they are also 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 by combining formaldehyde and phenol. The mixture is then compressed under high pressure to form the ball. It is resistant to extreme temperatures and has high bonding power. The molecular structure makes phenolic resin more resistant to cracking. Because of this, pool balls made from phenolic resin are up to five- to six times more durable than polyester balls.
Also, plastic compounds are considered durable and non-flammable. But they also have their flaws. They can lose their shine more quickly than phenolic crystal balls. A disadvantage to them is their potential for leaving burn marks on the surface of your table.
In the 19th century, plastics were still in their infancy. Leo Baekeland an American chemist discovered a new chemical which could be molded into a plastic-like substance. Bakelite was the result of his research and was used for the manufacture billiards balls. This material quickly became the standard in billiards.
The material gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century. Wealthy people could buy it. Even though it was still very expensive, it offered more durability than wooden. By the 1920s, the material was replacing wood in the production of billiard balls.
Nowadays, professional pool balls are made mostly from plastic and other phenolic resins. This material is stronger than ivory and wood. It is also a bit more expensive, however it is an excellent investment for those who enjoy playing often.
Get a set of professional-grade pool balls to give you a chance at playing billiards. You can even get a pool table accessory kit that includes extra pool balls and other equipment to ensure your game doesn't suffer from any damage.
An alternative is to buy synthetic materials such a polyurethane and acrylic. 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.
If you don't want to spend the money on phenolic resin balls you can still get a set with polyester balls. Polyester balls are cheap, but they aren't as durable. Some of them may even break. Look for reputable brands when buying polyester balls.