Pool Balls Buyer's Guide

If you're looking for pool balls, you've come to the right place. From basic billiard balls to more elaborate MLB and NFL team ball , you can find a set to fit your tastes. Most balls today are made from thermoset or phenolic resin, which is a synthetic substance which forms the basis of plastics and adhesives.

Are you new to pool and shopping for billiards for the first time? For straight pool, 8-ball and 9-ball, you will want a standard 16 ball set with 1-8 solid, 9-15 striped, and one white cue ball. A snooker ball set will consist of 15 red balls, 6 balls of various colors, and a cue ball.

For more experienced players, you can also find replacement balls if you lost just one ball but don't want to buy a new set, or buy special training and practice balls from Elephant. You can also compare prices on magnetic and special sized cue balls if you have a commercial pool table .

The best billiard ball manufacturers usually charge over $100, but there are a number of value ball sets that can be had for under $100.

High quality billiard ball sets can be found online from well-known manufacturers such as Belgian Aramith, Elephant and Brunswick. Their price range is easily over $100, with the premium ball sets in the $225-$250 range. For economy sets under $100, you should look for the Royal Crown and Action brands, as these give you relatively durable balls for a good price.

Those looking for unique sets can find balls that are clear, marbled or swirled. If you have children, you can even buy special Disney and glow-in-the-dark pool ball sets.

For grown-ups, you can collect balls according to your favorite sports teams - buy a set of seven for the New England Patriots, another set for the St. Louis Rams, and play your own version of Super Bowl XXXVI pool with a buddy.