Regulation Pool and Billiard Balls

The Primary Part of the Game: Balls

Obviously, one of the major pieces of equipment needed to play the game of pool is the set of pool balls. Without them, there would be no leisure sport! The poolballs are designed specifically for the objective of that sport and coincide with the physics involved in overall play. As you read, one can see out how the balls are made, what materials are used, regulation weights and more. You will soon find that it is not just an ordinary orb placed on the pool table, and that much design and engineering is involved.

The Earliest Poolballs

The earliest poolballs were construced of wood clay. These were used for many years until the use of ivory came into play. Ivory pool balls were short lived. By the 1800’s, millions of elephants were being slaughtered to obtain the ivory used to make the balls as well as several other items. Only eight poolballs could be constructed within one elephant! Seeing this as unfit, a new material was sought after.

An Explosive New Material of Poolballs: Cellulose Nitrate

A composition material was then invented, called cellulose nitrate. It was later commercially branded Celluloid, also known as the first industrial plastic to be marketed. Thought to be a great invention for the purpose of making
the balls, the material was soon not accepted as it caused the pool balls to occasionally explode, making these plastic billiard balls impractical. The invention of this material served many other useful purposes as the use of plastic became more accepted, but as for the purpose of the pool games performance, it was unacceptable.

The Right Compound For Making Poolballs: Phenolic Resin

Other compounds were experimented with until the perfect material had been found. Today’s balls are cast within the area of phenolic resin. This material is resistant to chipping and cracking and has become an industry standard. It’s the only ball material used today in play by masters. There are lower grade balls construced of polyester, but use of these result in shorter ball and cloth life.

Regulation Pool and Billiards Balls

The poolballs we commonly see today are composed of resin and are regulated according to weight and color. The standard ball has a weight of 5.5 to 6 oz. with the cueball at a standard 6 oz. The poolballs are colored and grouped into solids and stripes and numbered accordingly.

Custom Poolballs

Custom balls are available offering an assortment of colors and markings and are frequently used in trick shooting to add visual appeal.

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