
Cue
balls are used in cue sports, such as carom billiards, pool, and
snooker. The number, type, diameter, color, and pattern of the balls
differ depending upon the specific game being played. Various specific
ball properties such as hardness, friction coefficient and resilience
are very important to the finer points of gameplay. These balls are also
known as pool balls/snooker balls/billiard balls.
History: Wood and clay were the earliest materials used for
making billiards ball. Clay billiard balls were in use till mid 20th
century. By mid of 18th century, Ivory became the favorite for making
billiard balls. For fulfilling the demand of billiards ball, elephants
were killed at a rapid rate for their ivory. Only eight balls could be
made from the ivory obtained from a single elephant. Then the billiards
industry realized the danger of elephant being extinct. In1869, John
Wesley Hyatt invented a material called cellulose nitrate for making
billiards ball. Later celluloid was used for making balls. Certain other
materials like Bakelite and other plastic compounds were used.
Now-a-days: In all major tournaments, phenolic resin billiard
balls are used. These balls are highly resistant to cracking and
chipping. Polyester is the other material used for manufacturing
billiards balls, but they are more prone to damage.
The balls are available in different sizes such as: 1 5/8in, 1 3/4in, 1
7/8in, 2in or 2 1/2in.
Billiards / Pool / Snookers
Equipment: Billiards / Pool /
Snookers Table |
Cue/Cue Stick |
Cue Balls
Billiards / Pool / Snookers Accessories:
Cue Chalks |
Cue
Cases |
Table Cloth
|
Bridges & Extenders
|
Joint Protectors |
Table Brushes |
Table Components |
Cue Holders |
Cue Gloves |
Table Covers |
Cue Tips