Snooker balls come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics:

These are the official balls used in professional tournaments. They conform to strict size and weight specifications set by World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA). Key Features:

• Size: Each ball must be precisely 52.5mm (2.067 inches) in diameter, with a tolerance of +/- 0.18mm.
• Weight: They weigh between 154-159 grams, with a tolerance of +/- 1 gram.
• Composition: Traditionally made from ivory or bone, regulation balls are now manufactured using phenolic resin. This material offers excellent durability and consistency while maintaining the traditional look and feel.
• Numbering & Colouration: The white ball is used for cue shots (the 'cue ball'). Six coloured balls - red, yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black are arranged on the table before each frame begins. Each colour corresponds to a specific point value: Red (1), Yellow (2), Green (3), Brown (4), Blue (5), Pink (6), Black (7).
• Markings: Balls have distinctive markings that help players judge their position and spin when they roll on the table cloth.

These balls are designed for practice sessions, typically in clubs or home settings. They often feature a different colour scheme to make spotting easier during training:

• Colour Scheme: Common colours include orange, purple, turquoise, lime green, and electric blue.
• Size & Weight: While not identical to regulation balls, they are generally very close in size and weight (typically within 0.5mm diameter difference). This allows players to maintain consistency between training and tournament play.
• Composition: Typically made from durable plastic or resin materials that offer good bounce and spin characteristics.

These balls combine the precision of regulation balls with additional features designed for professional use:

• Precision Engineering: Manufactured using advanced techniques to ensure exceptional roundness, weight balance, and consistency.
• High-Quality Resin: Often made from a special type of phenolic resin that offers superior durability and resistance to wear and tear.
• Markings & Finish: These balls often feature subtle markings or patterns that help players visualize spin and trajectory. They may also have a high-gloss finish for enhanced visibility under bright lights.

These are the most affordable option, generally made from lower-quality resin materials:

• Cost-Effective: A good choice for beginners who want to try out the game without spending too much money.
• Durability & Consistency: While they may not last as long as higher-end balls and might exhibit slightly less consistency in size or weight, they still offer a playable experience.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing snooker balls:

The material used to make the ball significantly affects its durability, feel, and performance:

• Phenolic Resin: This is now the standard material for regulation and professional-grade snooker balls. It offers excellent consistency, hardness, and resistance to chipping or cracking.
• Plastic: Budget snooker balls are often made from plastic, which tends to be softer than resin and can show more wear over time.
• Ivory & Bone (Historical): While ivory and bone were traditionally used for making snooker balls, these materials have been banned due to ethical concerns about animal welfare.

As mentioned earlier, regulation snooker balls have very specific size and weight requirements:

• Size: 52.5mm diameter +/- 0.18mm
• Weight: 154-159 grams +/- 1 gram
• Consistency: Ensure that all the balls in a set are within these tolerances to ensure even play and consistent bounce.

The quality of snooker balls directly impacts how they roll on the table cloth:

• Bounce: High-quality balls should exhibit predictable bounces, allowing players to anticipate their movements more accurately.
• Spin Control: A good set of snooker balls will respond well to spin applied by the cue stick, enabling precise control over ball movement.

The markings and finish on snooker balls can significantly affect visibility and playability:

• Markings: The positioning and clarity of colour markings are important for quick identification during gameplay.
• Finish: A high-gloss finish enhances visibility under bright lights, while a matte finish offers better grip when handling the ball with chalked hands.

Durability is crucial if you plan to use your snooker balls frequently:

• Resistant to Chips & Cracks: High-quality resin balls are less prone to chipping or cracking than plastic balls.
• Long-Lasting Colouration: Look for balls with vibrant colours that wont fade over time.

Investing in quality snooker balls can provide several benefits:

• Enhanced Performance: High-quality balls offer superior bounce, spin control, and consistency, allowing players to perform at their best.
• Improved Accuracy & Precision: The precise size and weight of regulation balls help players develop better accuracy and precision skills.
• Increased Enjoyment: When your equipment is reliable and performs well, you're more likely to enjoy the game!
• Longevity: Quality snooker balls are built to last, saving you money in the long run.