All About Regulation Pool Balls



Obviously, one of the major pieces of equipment needed to play pool is the set of balls. Without them, there would be no game! The balls are designed specifically for the game and coincide with the physics involved in overall play. As you read, you will find out how the balls are made, what materials are used, regulation weights and more.

The earliest balls were made of wood clay. These were used for years until the use of ivory came into play. Ivory 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 many other items. Only eight balls could be made from one elephant! Seeing this as unfit, a new material was sought after.

A composition material was then invented, called cellulose nitrate. It was later commercial ally branded Celluloid, also known as the first industrial plastic to be marketed. Thought to be a great invention for making the balls, the material was soon not accepted as it caused the balls to occasionally explode, making these plastic billiard balls impractical.

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

The balls we commonly see today are made of resin and are regulated by weight and color. The standard ball has a weight of 5.5 to 6 oz. with the cue ball at a standard 6 oz. The balls are colored and grouped into solids and stripes and numbered accordingly. Custom balls are available offering an assortment of colors and markings and are often used in trick shooting to add visual appeal.








Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Translate Page Into English Translate Page Into Spanish Translate Page Into French Translate Page Into German Translate Page Into Portuguese Translate Page Into Korean Translate Page Into Japanese Translate Page Into Italian

Menu


My Articles

What Is A Push Shot?
What Are Pool Tables Made Of?
Where Can I Play Pool?
How To Care For Your Cue Stick
The Basic Pool Break
Break Cues-Light Or Heavy?
Master Your Cue Grip
What Is English And Sidespin?
Why Use Chalk?
The Masse Technique
A Brief Intro To Snooker
How To Use A Bridge When Playing Pool
What Is A Jump Shot?
A Brief History Of Biliards
Pool Table Maintentance
What's The Difference Between Pool And Billiards
How To Choose A Cue Stick
What Is A Dominant Eye?
Some Variations Of Pool
How To Rack For 8 And 9 Ball
All About Regulation Pool Balls
Why Use Chalk Playing Pool?
How To Maintain Your Cue Tip
How A Cue Stick Is Made






My Articles


How To Choose A Cue Stick In general, it is difficult to tell if you would like a cue stick just by..


A Brief History Of Biliards Though it is not known exactly when or where the sport originated..


Some Variations Of Pool There are a few different variations of the game, each with their own..


How To Use A Bridge When Playing Pool First, let's start by explaining what a mechanical bridge is. Many times..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
The Zen of Billiards - The Rafu Shimpo

    

AzBilliards.com

The Zen of Billiards
The Rafu Shimpo
Melissa Herndon, a half-Japanese American pro billiards player, is using her skill to garner attention to the sport of pool as well as a means to support ...
WPBA Welcomes New and Returning Sponsors and AffiliatesMaxim Billiards
Final 16 Set at San Diego ClassicInside POOL Magazine
San Diego Classic Day Two CompleteAzBilliards.com

all 5 news articles »



SPOTLIGHT ON: Kenco Pools, Spas & Billiards - Marshall News Messenger

    

SPOTLIGHT ON: Kenco Pools, Spas & Billiards
Marshall News Messenger
By Staff Reports Established in 1991, Kenco Pools, Spas & Billiards, a locally owned and operated business, continues to provide quality pool and spa ...