Pool balls can come in many different designs and colors depending on their manufacturer and the type and resin of plastic used. The quality of your pool ball is crucial to playing well and for professional players. A set of high-quality balls will last a lifetime.
The first pool balls used to be made of wood. Manufacturers sought out alternatives to make high-quality pool balls as the game developed. In 17th-century England, pool balls were made out of ivory. It was popular due to its durability and smoothness. It was also a relatively inexpensive material to make. Unfortunately, the population of elephants began to decline in the late 19th century and manufacturers started looking for alternatives.
Then, in 1907, an American chemist named Leo Baekeland invented a type of plastic called bakelite. In the 1920s bakelite became a favorite option for pool balls. Bakelite was more resistant to flames than celluloid balls and also less flammable. It was also easy to make and did not explode. Although it is a type of plastic, it is not the same as the resin used today. It is a thermosetting resin that cannot be melted.
The next pool ball was made from a combination of alcohol and nitrogen. This material is still being used today and is known by the phenolic-resin. Circuit boards are also made with phenolic. This resin is strong and durable, making it a popular material for making pool balls. The resin is used to create pool balls in a way similar to bakelite.
Polyester is another popular plastic for pool balls. Polyester is much cheaper than phenolic. However, it does not maintain its shine for as long as phenolic resin. Additionally, polyester is not very long-lasting. Polyester pool balls wear faster than other types of ball. They are also less durable than phenolic resin ball.
Saluc, a Belgian business that made pool balls in 1923 was founded. Saluc is most famous for Aramith balls, which are made from pure phenolic. Aramith balls have a mixture of phenolic resin and bakelite. A thermosetting plastic, phenolic resin is durable. It can last upto 40 years. It can be used to make volleyball balls. These are strong and can withstand upto 400,000 impacts.
You can also make pool balls from other types of materials. Polyester pool balls may be more affordable than phenolic balls but they aren't as strong. Also, polyester pool balls are not as durable as phenolic pool balls. However, they are inexpensive and durable enough for beginners. They are expensive, but are the best option for tournaments.