What are snooker balls made of?
Ever wondered what makes the perfect break in a snooker game? Beyond skill and technique, the composition of snooker balls plays a crucial role in the game's precision and enjoyment. In this insightful guide, you'll discover exactly what snooker balls are made from, how materials have evolved, and why it matters to your performance on the table.
The evolution of snooker balls
Snooker balls have a fascinating history. Originally, they were made from ivory, valued for its beauty but inconsistent in play and problematic for wildlife. As awareness grew and demand for better performance increased, the industry sought more ethical and reliable alternatives.
From ivory to synthetic innovation
Early experiments with celluloid and other plastics paved the way for modern advances. Today, phenolic resin is the gold standard for professional snooker balls, offering uniform density and exceptional durability.
Modern snooker balls: Phenolic resin
Modern snooker balls are made from a specially engineered phenolic resin, delivering:
- Durability: Can endure up to 4 million impacts without losing their shape or performance.
- Consistency: Phenolic resin balls are manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring a predictable response for spin, rebound, and cue ball action.
- Precision: According to Aramith’s high-precision design, each ball achieves surface roughness as low as 0.03 µm and resists friction heat up to 250 °C—much higher than ordinary polyester balls.
Player perspective: Does the material matter?
“After years of playing with both budget balls and Aramith phenolic resin sets, the difference is night and day. Top-quality balls roll truer, last far longer, and feel better in every shot—especially when you start using more spin or play a lot of games back-to-back.”
— Tony, club player
Performance impact
The choice of material isn’t just about durability. Phenolic resin balls deliver a crisp, lively response, enabling advanced shots, consistent break-offs, and fewer unexpected “kicks.” Most professional tournaments and reputable clubs use Aramith for precisely this reason.
Environmental and ethical considerations
The move away from ivory wasn’t just about performance. Modern materials have helped protect wildlife and driven a wider shift toward sustainable manufacturing. Today, innovation continues, with some brands now exploring recycled or bio-based plastics for future developments.
Conclusion
The journey from ivory to phenolic resin highlights the role of technology and ethics in shaping the modern game. Today’s snooker balls offer precision, longevity, and peace of mind—whether you’re playing at home or chasing a century break in your club.
Want to feel the difference for yourself? Explore our range of snooker balls for home and club use, including the world-renowned Aramith Premier Snooker Balls—the benchmark for quality and playability.
