What are cheap pool balls made of?

Billiard balls made from polyester resin are generally more affordable. However, they don't last as long, while those made from phenolic resin are expensive but are top-rated and last up to eight times longer. In a detailed manner, polyester resin pool balls are another choice for phenolic resin.

What material is used to make pool balls?

There are two different materials used to make pool balls today: Phenolic Resin. Polyester Resin.

Which is better phenolic resin or polyester resin pool balls?

Phenolic resin is preferable to make billiard balls because it is tougher and longer-lasting than polyester resin. If you were to compare a ball made from phenolic resin to one made of polyester resin, you would notice polyester resin balls lose their luster much faster.

How can you tell if pool balls are ivory?

A firm prick should do it. If the ball melts or smells like burning plastic, it isn't ivory. If the ball smells like burning hair, it is ivory.

What is pool balls made of ivory?

The best billiard balls once came exclusively from the tusks of Asian elephants. No natural material other than elephant ivory had the physical size, strength, and beauty to perform in the billiard room and the concert hall.

Here's The Chemical Compound You Can Thank For Billiard Balls And False Teeth

Do ivory pool balls turn yellow?

Ivory pool balls were also prone to yellowing with age and tended to crack in humid climates or if struck with excessive force. On average, a tusk would only yield up to 5 balls. Sometimes a shipment of 50 tusks would only have as few as 1 tusk that was suitable for making billiard balls.

What replaced ivory for billiard balls?

Throughout billiards' history, people have made pool balls from different substances, such as wood and ivory. However, billiard balls are made today from phenolic resin, polyester resin, and epoxy resin. Each one, at its time of use, proved somewhat superior to its predecessor, although they could have been better.

Is it illegal to sell ivory pool balls?

The sale of most ivory items is now prohibited in the United States by law. If you have inherited pieces of jewelry or luxury goods made with ivory or ivory components, you can donate them to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).

When did pool balls stop being made of ivory?

Ivory pool balls were made from the 17th century, although there were still ivories in 1875 until 1920.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive pool balls?

The main reason for the large price difference in pool ball sets is the primary material that they are made of. Pool balls that are on the low end of the price range are typically made of acrylic and/or polyester while the better quality balls are made of phenolic resin.

What billiard balls do professionals use?

Pratically all billiards tournaments worldwide exclusively use Aramith balls, and every day, an estimated 3 to 4 million professional and amateur players play with Aramith.

Do quality pool balls make a difference?

The quality of the billiard balls you use has an impact on the quality and accuracy of your game. In fact, most experienced players will tell you it isn't always a defect in the table that makes a shot go awry.

What are the disadvantages of phenolic resin?

Disadvantages of Phenolic Resin

Not tolerant of open flame or thermic shock. Moderate corrosion resistance but may not be suitable for use near caustic chemicals.

Why buy expensive pool balls?

Phenolic resin balls remain popular today for tournament play and even amateurs who want professional play. In fact, 85% of playersaround the world use these high-end balls. They stand up better to impacts, high friction temperatures, and extended use.

Do pool balls go bad?

Nevertheless, balls sometimes need replacing after considerable use. This is more common among sets made from polyester and acrylic. Aramith balls, manufactured from phenolic resin, are said to last five times longer than other balls. Interestingly, cheaper balls threaten the longevity of the billiard cloth.

What are the two types of pool balls?

Why are pool balls red and yellow?

One reason the pool balls were changed to two colours was that it was easy to replace Red or Yellow balls if one went missing. Rather than break a set up just for one numbered ball.

Why do pool balls turn yellow?

If your pool balls are made of phenolic resin, then they'll turn yellow from exposure to UV light, heat and oxygen in the air. If your pool balls are made of polyester resin, then they will not turn yellow from exposure to these elements and instead will turn grey.

Why do pool table balls turn yellow?

Most billiard balls are made of hard plastic materials that are resistant to cracking and chipping. As sometimes happens with plastics, over time exposure to UV light, combined with exposure to heat and oxygen, can cause a process called photodegradation through photooxidation.

How can you tell ivory from plastic?

The test consists of heating up the point of a needle until it's red-hot and then pricking what you believe is your ivory carving. If the needle goes in, it's plastic; if not, it's probably ivory, or at least bone.

What states is it illegal to own ivory?

California, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey and Washington are the only US states that entirely prohibit the sale of ivory to deter the slaughter of elephants and other wildlife for their tusks and teeth.

Does real ivory turn yellow?

Ivory and bone may develop an attractive brownish yellow "patina" over the years. This is the result of a natural aging process and, as there is rarely any aesthetic reason for trying to whiten the artifact, no attempt should be made to remove this patina.

What is the most pool balls made off break?

The most pool balls potted off the break is 6 and was achieved by Zahidul Islam (USA) in Richardson, Texas, USA, on 17 Ocotober 2022. Zahidul, an experienced pool player, wanted to attempt this Guinness World Records title to show the skills he has honed after years of practice.

Is there a substitute for ivory?

Elforyn Super Tusk the closest material to ever replicate genuine elephant ivory. An unbelievable imitation of the color, grain and “Schreger lines”. The structures are visible even in the smallest applications and create a peerless look on each product.

What is the blue chalk for in billiards?

The chalk color should always match the felt color. Blue is recommended in most tournaments as it allows the referee and players to see marks on the cue ball. The marks can be cleaned off easily.