Rating of the best billiard balls for 2020

Many people think that billiards is a game of chance. In fact, quite the opposite: hot-tempered and gambling people are better off not approaching the billiard table.This activity can rather be attributed to sports, intellectual games on a par with chess. Intelligence and logic are the main allies of an experienced billiard player.

This hobby is considered to be masculine, but among the fairer sex there are a lot of fans of "chasing balls". To make the game enjoyable, not disappointing, you need to choose the right inventory, in particular the balls. How to do it correctly - further in the review.

Types of billiard balls

Before buying the first set you come across, you need to decide what kind of billiards you plan to play.

Depending on this, the following types of balls are distinguished:

• for Russian billiards, which is also known as the Russian pyramid, products made of phenolic resin are suitable. The mass of one specimen is 280-290 grams, and the diameter is not less than 68-68.5 mm. The set includes 15 numbered white balls and the cue ball is usually red.
• for snooker, a set of 15 pieces of red, 6 colors and 1 white cue ball is used. Only 22 pieces. Each weight: 142-156 gr., Diameter 52.8-54.4 mm. These are the smallest among all types of billiard balls, made from modern polymer.
• the pool set includes 15 colorful balls and a white cue ball. Specimens for aiming are numbered from 1 to 8 and each painted in specific colors: from 9 to 15 - white with a stripe corresponding to the first eight.

Today, in specialized and online stores, you can mainly find two types of products: poured from phenol-formaldehyde resin and from polyester and polymers. The first type is represented by the Aramith trademark from Saluc, the second is produced by Chinese, Taiwanese manufacturers.

Saluc is the world market leader in the production of this kind of accessories. The balls produced by the company are used even in world-class competitions.

Budget kits are often made in violation of technology: products with a solid middle, covered with phenolic plastic.

Historical fact! There is an opinion that billiards appeared in Russia thanks to Peter I. While on state affairs in Holland, he drew attention to a previously unknown game. The king personally brought from there balls and a table, which were installed in the reception room so that the guests would not get bored while waiting for the reception. And today, according to tradition, in the yellow mansion in Novo-Ogarevo, where meetings of the country's leadership are held, the waiting room is decorated according to Peter's behest: a table for Russian billiards is always at the guests' disposal.

Criterias of choice

Main quality. Balls cast from cheap materials in violation of technology will only ruin the game. In addition, they wear out quickly. Experienced players advise not to save on the set, because with adequate care and proper storage, accessories will last more than one year.

First of all, you should pay attention to the even distribution of weight and the correctness of the shape.

The selection takes into account the following four parameters:

1. Hardness. In order for accessories to have this characteristic, they must be made of the strongest plastic or special resins. The aforementioned Saluc company even has its own developments in the form of a unique material aramid. Its main feature is high strength with low weight. If there are chips, cracks, scratches, it is better to refuse to purchase, since these signs indicate a violation of manufacturing technology or transportation rules. In addition, such damage has a negative impact on speed, rebound and roll.
2. Balancing. In other words, even weight distribution. Full and productive play is only possible with perfectly balanced accessories. This means that if the material of manufacture is not hard enough, there will be no normal batch.
3. Smooth surface. The ball should be perfectly round and smooth. Otherwise, it will slow down and linger on the table, the speed will decrease, and, accordingly, the game and mood will be ruined.
4. Colors. Depending on the type of billiards, the set includes balls of different colors, which should be bright and rich, without streaks and scuffs. Such shortcomings indicate poor quality, and it makes no sense to buy such a set.

Interesting! Many billiard players believe that the best balls are made from ivory or mammoth ivory. They are partly right: until the beginning of the twentieth century it was so. In search of a more humane method of production, craftsmen began to use phenolic resin. In fact, ivory has a rather heterogeneous composition, subject to the influence of moisture. Today, products made from such material are nothing more than a museum exhibit.

Top 3 best sets of balls for Russian billiards

Palko 60.3 mm

3rd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	China
Manufacturing material:	polyester
Weight:	3.17 kg.
Price:	1890 RUB

This set is a budget option for those who do not play billiards very often. The set includes 15 white numbered pieces and a red cue ball.

The option is good for those who like to drive balls on the weekend or in the summer season at the dacha, and at the same time do not overpay. The kit is not suitable for heavy loads: the materials of manufacture are not of the highest quality and simply cannot withstand frequent batches.

• affordable price;
• compact size.

• fragile materials of manufacture.

Toronto 38 mm

2nd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Canada
Manufacturing material:	phenol formaldehyde resin
Weight:	2.6 kg.
Price:	11,710 p.

Despite the fact that the kit costs almost 12,000, it belongs to the budget. For competitions, such a set, of course, is not suitable, but for training and small establishments with appropriate tables - just right.

The cardboard box contains 15 white balls and a yellow cue ball.

Thanks to the strong phenol-formaldehyde resin used in production, the products are strong, resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

Users note the durability of the accessories, their smooth, even surface and the correct shape.

• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• strength and reliability;
• perfect surface without cracks and scratches.

• the kit is only suitable for teaching or training.

Aramith Premier 60.3 mm

1 place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Belgium
Manufacturing material:	phenol-aldehyde resin
Weight:	3.44 kg.
Price:	9 900 RUB

The kit is produced by the famous company Saluc, which was mentioned above.A flawless smooth surface and perfect balance promote perfect contact with the cloth of the table, protecting the surface from frequent changes.

The characteristics of the balls will not disappoint even the most pampered players.

The Premier is considered less durable than the Super Aramith sets used in international tournaments, but for billiard clubs and home use it will be difficult to find a better option: the set will last five times longer than cheap Chinese counterparts.

• verified manufacturer;
• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• perfect surface and balance of each piece;
• price-quality ratio.

• no negative reviews were found.

Interesting! One of the leading surgeons of the Russian Federation, the head of the medical department of the president's affairs, academician S. Mironov, conducted research and found out that for just one party into the Russian pyramid, a person “walks” about 3.5 kilometers! Moreover, the professor claims that during the game the player simultaneously performs a whole range of different rhythmic and artistic gymnastics exercises!

Top 3 best sets of snooker balls

Standard 52.4 mm

3rd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	China
Manufacturing material:	polyester
Weight:	3.57 kg.
Price:	3,990 p.

By tradition, in third place is a budgetary set of balls of classic diameter made of polyester resin. A good option for home, education and non-core entertainment, nothing more.

Users note that at low gaming loads, these accessories last long enough, have rich colors and good balance.

The set includes 22 balls and a white cue ball.

• low cost;
• bright colors, good balancing.

• balls will not withstand heavy loads.

Aramith Tournament Champion PRO-Cup Snooker 52.4mm

2nd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Belgium
Manufacturing material:	phenol-aldehyde resin
Weight:	3.52 kg.
Price:	14,900 RUB

In second place is the set for professional players. Each element of the kit passes the strictest quality control from the manufacturer. You can be confident in the reliability of the balls and use them both for training and education, and for professional snooker competitions.

Due to the perfectly round and even surface of the balls, the risk of damage to the felt is minimal, and due to the fact that the center of gravity is exactly in the center, each element moves along the canvas quickly, without braking or snagging.

A distinctive feature - 6 red dots on the cue ball, thanks to which not a single movement of the element escapes from spectators and players, and the game goes on without unnecessary disputes about moves and adjustments to strikes.

• the balls were approved by the World Professional Billiards Association - WPBSA;
• reliable materials of manufacture;
• a special cue ball for a more comfortable game;
• price-quality ratio;
• perfect surface, balanced and rich colors.

• no negative reviews were found.

Aramith Premier 52.4mm

1 place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Belgium
Manufacturing material:	phenol-aldehyde resin
Weight:	2.78 kg.
Price:	9 400 RUB

An excellent complex with the best price-quality ratio becomes the leader of the rating. The set includes 15 red balls, 6 multi-colored balls and a white cue ball.

The main advantages of the set are the perfect quality of each piece, impeccable saturated colors and a smooth surface.

Among other things, such balls are resistant to temperature changes, and even under extreme loads do not leave marks on the table cloth and do not lose brightness.
All elements of the set are painted in bulk, the colors are strictly controlled. Thanks to this, if necessary, the damaged copy can be replaced with a new one.

• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• strict quality control;
• the kit is suitable for home use and for tournaments;
• strength and durability;
• price-quality ratio;
• perfect balance and rich colors.

• not found.

An entertaining fact! Billiards is one of the most popular games in Russia and has 25 million fans. In Moscow alone, there are no less than 500 billiard clubs and gambling establishments offering entertainment as an additional service. In hotels, restaurants and other places you can also often see a billiard table.

Top 3 Best Pool Ball Sets

Standard Pool 57.2 mm

3rd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	China
Manufacturing material:	polyester
Weight:	3.26 kg.
Price:	2 600 RUB

This set belongs to the class of budget accessories. They are intended for playing at home or in establishments whose main activity is not aimed at billiards, since experienced players put forward special requirements for such objects.

Polyester is used in the manufacture, so this kit is not suitable for professional games or tournaments.

The set is packed in a cardboard box, includes 15 colorful balls and one white cue ball.

• low price;
• bright colors, smooth surface.

• unreliable materials of manufacture.

Aramith Standard Pool 57.2mm

2nd place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Belgium
Manufacturing material:	phenol-aldehyde resin
Weight:	2.93 kg.
Price:	8,990 p.

The set is intended for playing in American pool, includes 15 colored balls and a white cue ball of standard diameter.

Traditionally, components are made of phenol-formaldehyde resin. According to the assurances of the players, they will last several times longer than molded from polyester.

The only reason for the reduced price of the kit is some visual flaws. The products are so durable that they can withstand 50 times more impacts than other brands.

• price-quality ratio;
• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• perfect balancing;
• strength and durability.

• flaws in the color scheme.

Super Aramith Pro Pool 57.2mm

1 place

Main characteristics
Manufacturer:	Belgium
Manufacturing material:	phenol-aldehyde resin
Weight:	4.55 kg.
Price:	15,990 p.

The Super Aramith Pro kit takes a well-deserved first place, despite the rather high cost.

The kit comes in a convenient case for storage and transportation and, in addition to balls, includes a cleaner for cleaning inventory from dirt and a special microfiber cloth. Among other things, the case reliably protects the contents from shocks, shocks and other mechanical damage.

The set includes 15 pieces, a classic diameter for the pool, and a cue ball.

• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• one year manufacturer's warranty;
• reliability and durability;
• perfect balance and surface;
• convenient case for storage and transportation.

• not found.

Attention! The article is for informational purposes only. In order to avoid mistakes when choosing, before buying, it is worth checking the characteristics and prices with a consultant in the store or by phone with a customer support operator.