Pool balls come in a variety of colors and designs depending on where they are made and what resin or plastic is used. A quality pool ball is essential for professional skill development and can make all the difference in playing pool. You can be sure that your balls will last a long time if you purchase high quality ones.
The first pool ball was made of wood. Manufacturers sought out alternatives to make high-quality pool balls as the game developed. In the 17th century pool balls were made from ivory. This material was very popular as it was strong and smooth. It was also quite affordable to make. Manufacturers looked for other alternatives as the elephant population declined during the latter part of the 19th Century.
Then, in 1907, an American chemist named Leo Baekeland invented a type of plastic called bakelite. Bakelite was a popular choice for pool balls in the 1920s. Bakelite was less volatile and more durable than celluloid. It was easy and did not explode. While it is a type plastic, it is not as strong as today's resin. It is thermosetting and 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 of phenolic resin. It is a strong, robust resin that is preferred for pool balls. The resin is used in the manufacture of pool balls using a process similar that of bakelite.
Polyester is another popular plastic for pool balls. Polyester is more economical than phenolic. Polyester does not last as long as phenolic, however. Also, polyester isn't very durable. Polyester pool balls can be more easily worn. They don't last as long as phenolic or resin balls.
Saluc, a Belgian firm that specialized in pool balls, was established in 1923. Saluc is best known for Aramith, a company that makes pure phenolic-resin balls. The resin used in Aramith balls is a combination of the properties of bakelite and phenolic resin. A thermosetting plastic, phenolic resin is durable. It can last upto 40 years. It can also be used to make volleyball ball, which can withstand upto 400 000 impacts.
Other than the ones mentioned, there are many types of plastic used in making pool balls. While polyester pool balls are cheaper than phenolic, they are less strong than phenolic. Furthermore, polyester pool balls don't last as well as phenolic-resin pool balls. But they are affordable enough and durable enough to be used for beginners. They are expensive, but are the best option for tournaments.