The balls used for pool are very influential in how well you play. The build of the ball itself, the roundness, balance, roll, and consistency are all very important factors.
Playing with the best billiard balls you are likely to see your skill grow and develop in each game.
If you're an experienced player looking to upgrade your current set or your new to pool and looking to invest in your first set of billiard balls, it's important to ensure that you select the perfect set.
We have done the hard work for you and browsed the market for our top five picks of the best billiard balls.
If you are in a hurry and don't have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.
OUR TOP PICK
For our top pick, we have selected the Japer Bees Pool Balls Professional billiard balls set. These deluxe resin billiard balls have been made to the highest quality, providing consistency as you play.
As well as the deluxe set, Japer Bees also offer a professional set that is suitable for players of all levels.
These are standard size pool balls measuring 2-1/4" inches in diameter, conforming to the regulation weight of 6.00 OZ.
Each ball is of a perfect roundness, creating a true role with perfect balance, at a consistent weight, and with one ball there is one center. They also boast outstanding and authentic bounce qualities for the best player experience.
Courtesy of the color saturation and glossy finish, these are visually pleasing balls that are made to excellent quality, allowing you to play with ease even in longer duration games.
These billiard balls are presented in a smart yet unique color box, making it an ideal gift and they are suitable for players of all levels, so any individual can get enjoyment from them.
Pros
Courtesy of their high-density surface and resin construction, they are impact and scratch-resistant.
The color saturation and glossy appeal prevent visual fatigue, ideal if you are playing long games.
These billiard balls are suitable for players of all levels.
With a consistent rebound, you can get perfect control of your shot.
Thanks to their homogenous core and surface these balls have perfect balance and accurate roll.
Cons
The balls are prone to chipping after a few uses.
EDITORS CHOICE
We have selected the Aramith pure phenolic Belgian made Billiard Ball Set as our next choice for you. This set contains a total of 16 balls, this includes 8 solids, 7 stripes, and a cue ball, each conforming to the size regulations with a diameter of 2-1/4".
Made using high-quality phenolic resin, they are scratch and impact resistant so you don't have to worry about them deteriorating in quality after a few uses. In fact, the resin used to craft these billiard balls is known to last up to 5 times longer than those made from standard polymers or polyester.
Impressively, these balls utilize vitrotech technology which refers to a heat curing process that offers maximum impact resistance, ultimately ensuring greater playability along with excellent durability.
These balls have been designed with perfect roundness offering a friction resistant roll and balance. This is also helped by the weight and hardness of the ball. Regardless of your skill level, these billiard balls can work for you.
Along with this premium set, there are also other options available including a super pro set, a tournament set, and a tournament black set, although these do increase slightly in price. However, they cater very well to individuals at different playing standards.
Pros
Their heavy-duty design and high-quality phenolic resin construction account for extended durability.
The resilience of the Amrath resin accounts for optimal and consistent rebound providing you with perfect control on each shot that you take.
Whilst these balls are suitable for players at all levels, the brand also offers other sets that cater to individuals at specific playing levels.
The use of Vivrotech technology ensures superior playability and durability.
The crisp and clear colors make the numbers easily distinguishable.
Cons
Retailing at a higher price they aren't the best option for those looking for billiard balls on a budget.
BEST VALUE
Next up we have chosen the Iszy Billiards Pool Table Ball Set. When it comes to quality, this set does not disappoint, classified as grade A deluxe quality balls they are of excellent quality.
With a 2 1/4" diameter and a weight of six ounces they conform to the regulation size and weight which is important when it comes to billiard balls.
Uniquely designed these billiard balls are made out of polyester resin, a material commonly used to make these balls making them a lightweight option.
The tech marble style is truly eye-catching making them a great addition to the pool table shaking it up from your typical design. With a glossy finish, they are pleasing to look at which is useful when it comes to playing games of a longer duration.
These billiard balls also come boxed upon purchase, giving them a professional feel but also making them a great gift for someone you may know.
Pros
The colors make the balls easily distinguishable, a unique addition to the pool table.
They are made to a high standard as they are classified as grade A deluxe quality balls.
For their quality, they retail at an affordable price.
This set comes boxed which makes them look professional and helps to keep them in good condition for longer.
These are lightweight balls that seem to roll very well.
Cons
The numbers labeled on the balls can sometimes be a little difficult to distinguish.
RUNNER UP
Our next choice is this Billiard pool table ball set by Felson Billiard Supplies. Precision engineered the design of these balls are intended to hold their roundness after each game, maintaining an excellent standard of quality allowing you to focus on your performance.
These balls have been classically designed incorporating the traditional color theme making them bold and sophisticated when in play on the table.
This set contains everything that you need to get started. Included is a total of 16 balls; 7 striped balls, 7 solid colored balls, a white cue ball, and a black 8 ball, and each are of the regulation size and weight.
Retailing at great value for money, this set can be used for professional use or practice use and can be used to play in tournaments, in the pool hall, or simply for a casual game at home.
Pros
These billiard balls are traditionally colored and designed giving them a sophisticated look and also making them easy to pinpoint on the pool table.
Retailing at an affordable price, they are an excellent choice for those on a budget.
As precision-engineered billiard balls, they have been designed to hold their roundness game after game.
These billiard balls roll very well on the pool table.
An ideal set for practice use or professional use.
Cons
These balls are prone to scratching after a few uses.
RUNNER UP
For our final choice, we have chosen the GSE Games and Sports professional Regulation Billiards pool ball set. Within this set there are 16 billiard balls; 7 striped balls, 7 solid colored balls, one number 8 black art ball along with 1 white cue ball.
This set comes in a box that oozes a professional feel while keeping the balls in excellent condition.
Labeled AAA grade balls, they have been made from polyester resin which makes them resistant to scratches and impact with consistent response from each shot.
Each ball has been precision engineered to conform to the perfect round shape offering balance, resulting in exceptional playability and durability.
All of the balls in this set are made to professional regulation standards in regards to the size and weight. Each ball has a diameter measuring 2-1/4", weighing 5.9 ounces.
There are several styles available, each one different from the other offering uniqueness in every option. With marble, dark marble, and standard colors available these are sure to be an eye-catching addition to the pool table.
Pros
Made from high-quality resin these balls have exceptional scratch and impact resistance.
There are several different style options available, each one likely to be eye-catching and visually appealing on the pool table.
This set of billiard balls is suitable for players at all levels.
The numbers are white against the dark-colored balls which makes them easy to distinguish during play.
Retailing at an affordable price considering their quality, they are an ideal choice for those on a budget.
Cons
The color of the 8 ball makes it blend in easily with the other balls and some players may prefer it to be a more bold dark color.
Best Billiard Balls Buying Guide
Investing in billiard balls of a high-quality standard is crucial when it comes to playing to your best potential. Although you don't need to be highly skilled in this game to use these balls, it is important to select the best set that are worthy of your purchase.
Below, we have listed some criteria that we would recommend you considering before making your purchase. This will ensure that you select the billiard balls of the best quality that are going to see you through many games.
The Contents of a Billiard ball set
Within a billiard ball set there are typically 16 balls, this includes 7 striped balls, 7 solid color balls, a cue ball, and a black 8 ball.
Billiard Ball Regulations
There are certain regulations regarding the shape and weight of billiard balls, although they are likely to differ slightly between brands. The diameter of the ball should measure 2-1/4" with a weight of around 6 ounces. The white cue ball within the set typically tends to be slightly larger.
The Construction
The majority of billiard balls are made from polyester resin which is of high quality, and much more likely to withstand impact and resistance, creating a ball that is going to see you through many games without deteriorating in its quality. Typically this tends to create a lightweight ball that is easy to play with on the table.
The pattern and design
The pattern and design of the balls can vary between the brands. You will find some that incorporate a classic design with solid colors, whilst others are a little more unique with a more patterned design such as a marble effect.
If you are looking for billiard balls that are going to stand out amongst others then a patterned option is going to be an excellent choice. These are likely to be a great talking point amongst yourself and other players too.
The color saturation is also important when considering the pattern and design. A ball that has a glossy effect with good color saturation is going to be much more visually pleasing. If you are going to be playing longer games, this is beneficial because it prevents the occurrence of color fatigue making them easier to look at.
Player's Skill Level
Consider your skill level too, whilst this isn't crucial when it comes to all billiard balls it is necessary to consider. Some will be suitable for players of all levels and suitable for professional or practice use.
Within one brand you may find that they offer balls for different levels or at least different standard balls. Opting for the correct billiard balls is essential to ensure that you can play to your best potential.
Quality
As with anything that you purchase, the quality of your product is crucial. You don't want to be midway through a game of pool only to be confronted with balls that are going to chip, scratch, or completely break down.
Not only is this going to negatively impact your game and performance, but it is also going to become more costly in the long run as you are going to be required to purchase more in the future.
Price
The cost is an important factor to consider. You will find billiard balls retailing at all different prices, some seeming extremely affordable and others appearing pretty expensive. In some cases, the price can be an indicator of the quality and you may want to avoid investing in a cheaper set if you are a regular player who is looking for balls suitable for frequent use.
It may be worth spending a little more without the risk of compromising quality in the long run.
If you are on a budget, do not be put off as there are some affordable options available that retail at affordable prices.
Use
It is important to consider how often you are likely to be using your billiard balls. Are you likely to be playing pool on a daily or weekly basis or are you likely to be using them every once in a while? It is important to ask yourself this question as this is going to be very influential in the set that you choose.
If you are an infrequent player who likes to play pool every once in a while, then you may find it more beneficial to opt for a budget option. This also applies to those who are new to the game as you can familiarise yourself with the game to ensure that you like it and it is something that you want to continue. If it is a game that you enjoy you may then wish to invest in a more expensive set.
If you're a regular player of an advanced level or a regular player that is looking to improve their game, it is beneficial to opt for a more durable set that is going to be more consistent with a true and straight role.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will billiard balls last?
When subject to regular use, your standard billiard balls are likely to last for around one year. Those from particular high-quality brands are designed to last for a considerable amount of time longer.
The quality of the balls that you select is going to determine how long they last. You may find some that scratch and chip after a few games and others that last much longer retaining an excellent standard of quality.
Do billiard balls make a difference?
The billiard balls that you play with have more impact upon your game and performance than what you may think, with improved ball roll and quality, etc. In the long run, it is worth investing in billiard balls of a higher quality, retailing at a higher price, as this is going to be more cost-effective for you.
Those that maintain their quality for longer will mean that you won’t need to repeatedly repurchase your billiard balls regularly.
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I’m Lia and I love playing games. I started this site to share things with friends and they encouraged me to post more and now I’m trying to share things with the world – indoor and outdoor sports, and board and bar games. I write about things like Bocce, Croquet, Billiards, Darts and other fun ways to enjoy time with your friends and family!
