If you own a billiard table, there’s some equipment that you absolutely need in order to complete the experience. Having a playing surface is only half the battle, you’ll still need pool table balls and cues, in order to play. These are important, and don’t always come with the table itself. So purchasing each item individually could be necessary, especially if you’re looking for quality items. Otherwise you can end up with substandard equipment which can damage your table, or fail to deliver a true pool experience.
The most important part of your set up are the pool table balls. This sets up the games you can play, and the way that you’ll be able to play them. You’ll want a professional quality set so that they meet the proper weight and size requirements for standard pool. Otherwise you could end up purchasing pool table balls that are too light or heavy, which will cause you difficulty when switching to properly weighted balls at a pool hall. So to buy a proper set, keep in mind that the balls should meet international pool regulations. That means weight should fall between 5.5-6oz and with a diameter of 2.25inches.
Also it’s a good idea to stick to brands that are reputable, so that you can guarantee quality. Companies like Sterling and Viking are two of the most widely trusted brands, and are a good place for you to start your search. Make sure that you check the packaging before buying a set however, to ensure they meet regulations on size standards for international pool balls. Also make sure that the set is complete. Any pool table balls should be numbered 1-15. Also it’s important that they are properly set up for all the different pool game types. Make sure that 1-8 are all solid colors, and that 9-15 are striped. Also make sure the set includes a plain white cue ball.
When you’re looking to purchase pool table balls you can find a local sporting goods store, or also shop online. Typically a full set will retail for around $40-100, depending upon the style and composition of the balls. But you can find a professional set on the lower end of the scale, which should provide for any type of pool you want to play. If you find that the prices in your local area seem a little high, you also consider shopping online. You can usually find a cheaper price by using websites like Amazon.com and Overstock.com.
In addition to standard pool table balls, there are also training tools that you can purchase, in order to learn how to play pool better. You can purchase cue balls that have specific markings to show you where to hit the ball, to produce which type of shot. Also some pool cues feature direction on which type of spin will affect the ball into making the move you want the ball to make. Usually training pool table balls will cost in the area of $20-30, and are guaranteed to make you a better player.