If you've ever played a game of pool or billiards, you might have found yourself curious about what pool table balls are made of. It's a question that has intrigued many, especially considering the long history of cue sports.
People have enjoyed various forms of pool and billiards since at least the 16th century. While the rules, tables, and equipment have evolved significantly over the centuries, the pool balls have undergone a fascinating transformation.
For a long time, cue balls were made of materials that might surprise you—wood and ivory. These materials were standard until the 1920s, when advancements in technology and materials led to a significant change in how pool balls were manufactured. This shift not only improved the game but also marked a new era in the history of billiards. In this blog, we'll look closer at the evolution of pool balls, what's a pool ball made out of, how they've changed from simple wooden spheres to the modern-day designs we're familiar with today.
The Roots of Pool and Pool Balls
The exact origins of the pool, also known as pocket billiards, are somewhat mysterious. Still, we know the game has a rich history that spans centuries. It all started back in the 1340s with a lawn game played by French nobility, a mix between billiards and croquet. Fast forward to the early 1700s, and the game had shifted indoors, becoming a popular pastime among French and British aristocrats. Instead of playing on the grass, players used cue sticks to knock balls into pockets on a specially designed table.
In its early days, pool balls were made of wood, a cheap and easy-to-produce material. However, as Europeans expanded their empires into Africa and Asia, the affluent developed a taste for more exotic and luxurious materials. Ivory, sourced from elephant tusks, became a favorite among the elite in the 17th century. It was used to create all sorts of high-end items, from walking sticks to piano keys and pool balls.
These ivory balls, often called "ivories," were highly coveted for their beauty and rarity. However, they weren't perfect. Ivory balls had a tendency to yellow with age and were prone to cracking in humid conditions or if hit too hard. This pool ball material grew increasingly popular throughout the 1800s despite these issues. Unfortunately, this demand significantly increased elephant hunting, which seriously threatened elephant populations in Africa and Asia.
A New Kind of Billiard Ball
In 1869, as the pool grew in popularity and the cost of ivory soared, the pool table manufacturer Phelan and Collender made an intriguing offer: $10,000 to anyone who could invent a non-ivory pool ball material. This challenge caught the attention of John Wesley Hyatt, an inventor in Albany, New York.
Hyatt set to work and developed a material by combining camphor with alcohol and nitrocellulose, which he then molded into a spherical shape under high pressure. Although his creation didn't earn him the $10,000 prize, it was groundbreaking—it became one of the first synthetic plastics ever made. Hyatt continued to improve his celluloid billiard balls over the years, but they were still not as durable as ivory. Even more concerning was that nitrocellulose was an unstable material; on rare occasions, Hyatt reported that the pool balls would explode when struck with force.
It wasn't until 1907 that a more reliable solution was found. American chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, a new plastic-like substance that was durable and easy to produce. Unlike Hyatt's earlier attempts, Bakelite pool balls material was solid and safe, eliminating the risk of explosions. By the mid-1920s, Bakelite had become the standard material for pool balls.
Today, cue balls are made of acrylic or plastic resins. These modern materials are not only highly durable. Still, they can also be milled to precise standards, ensuring a consistent and reliable playing experience. The evolution of pool balls from unstable celluloid to reliable modern plastics is a testament to the ingenuity of inventors and the continuous pursuit of better materials.
What are pool balls made out of?
Today, pool balls are made from two main materials: phenolic resin and polyester resin. Each pool ball material has distinct characteristics that affect how the balls perform and how long they last.
1. Phenolic Resin Pool Balls
Thanks to its exceptional durability and consistency, phenolic resin is the gold standard for high-quality pool balls. This material gained prominence through Saluc, a company that has been a leader in the industry since 1923. Saluc is renowned for its Aramith and Brunswick Centennial pool balls and remains the only manufacturer that uses phenolic resin.
Phenolic resin is a type of thermosetting plastic that, once formed, becomes solid and unchangeable. Suppose you were to slice a phenolic resin pool ball in half. In that case, you'd find that the color runs consistently throughout, except for the laser-etched numbers on the surface.
The production process at Saluc is incredibly thorough, involving 13 precise steps to ensure each ball meets stringent standards for roundness, balance, color accuracy, density, diameter tolerance, brilliance, and surface polish. This meticulous process takes 23 days, and each ball is carefully matched with others of similar weight to ensure uniformity within the set.
Phenolic resin balls are incredibly popular, with Saluc supplying 85% of the pool balls on the market. These balls are known for their longevity, capable of lasting up to 40 years or withstanding 400,000 impacts without losing their luster or surface polish.
2. Polyester Resin Pool Balls
Polyester resin pool balls are a solid choice for those looking for a more economical option. While they don't maintain their shine as long and tend to wear out faster, they are still a good fit for beginners. Typically, polyester resin balls last around eight years or endure about 80,000 impacts before needing replacement.
These balls are perfect for newcomers to the game who want to own their set without spending too much. As players develop their skills and commitment to the game, they often transition to phenolic resin balls for improved performance and durability.
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Conclusion
Now that you know what a cue ball is made of, your choice of pool ball material will depend on your experience level and your value for longevity and performance. Phenolic resin balls are the top pick for serious players due to their unmatched quality and durability. In contrast, polyester resin balls offer a cost-effective entry point for those new to the game.
Looking for top-notch pool balls and beautifully crafted pool tables? Check out our selection online at Maximilliano Game Room today!
If you have questions or need help choosing the perfect pool balls or an artisan-crafted pool table, contact us through our website. We're here to help you create the ultimate game room experience!
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Author: Maria Azalea
Maria Azalea is the Founder and CEO of Maximilliano Gameroom, an online platform dedicated to providing high-quality pool tables and exceptional customer service. With a commitment to continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, humility, innovation, and integrity, Maria leads her team with a clear vision. Her goal is to establish Maximilliano Gameroom as one of the nation's premier billiard companies, recognized for its outstanding products and customer support. Maria's drive to enhance the customer experience and improve satisfaction fuels her passion for excellence in the industry.
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