If you’re passionate about billiards and aim for the best possible playing experience, you’ve likely come across the debate about the worth of Aramith pool balls. High-quality equipment can be a game-changer, literally and figuratively, and Aramith balls often top the list of recommended accessories. But are they truly worth the investment, especially given their premium price tag?
Are Aramith Pool Balls Worth The Money?
The quick answer is yes—for the serious player, their superior durability, flawless roll, and reduced table wear make them a savvy long-term investment.
But there’s much more to consider. Read on as we dive into the nitty-gritty, evaluating everything from material quality to performance impact and even cost-effectiveness, to help you make the most informed choice for your billiards experience.
Aramith Pool Balls: The Ball of Choice For Professionals
Aramith pool balls, made by the company Saluc, are used in most of the major tournaments around the world. They’re not only used in pool but also in snooker and carom. They’re also an official ball sponsor of the American Pool players Association.
Chances are if you’re watching a game of pool on TV or at a tournament, they’re playing with Aramith balls. In fact, the majority of billiards associations around the world have endorsed Aramith pool balls. And that’s not just a coincidence.
Highlight Features of Aramith Billiard Balls
- Won’t easily scuff.
- Maintain their color and luster.
- Last up to five times longer than polyester balls.
- Maintain shape, density, and balance.
- Easier on pool table felt.
- Play consistently to help increase skill.
- Can be a money-saver in the long run.
- Used in most professional tournaments around the world.
What Makes Aramith Pool Balls Different?
The big difference between Aramith’s balls and that of other companies is the material they’re made of. Saluc uses only phenolic resin produced specifically for the production of billiard balls.
Most other billiard balls are made out of polymers or polyester. The problem there is that polymers and polyester balls have been shown to wear down faster and produce more wear or “burn” on pool tablecloth. Phenolic balls, on the other hand, have been shown to not only last significantly longer and produce less table wear, but also to hold their shape and luster after extended use.
Phenolic Resin’s Unique Properties
Other major factors to consider when purchasing a new set of pool balls are balance and density. Due to phenolic resin’s unique characteristics, it is possible to achieve uniform balance and density throughout every ball. This means that the center of gravity is always exactly in the center of the ball. This helps every ball play true and with the same characteristics and properties of all the other Aramith balls on the table.
Now, it’s nice to not have scuffed-up pool balls, but it’s even better to have balls that stay consistent hit after hit, year after year. Other balls tend to subtly lose their shape and as a result, act erratically on the table. In a game of precision such as pool, the last thing you want is to lose your ball consistency. Playing with misshapen or damaged balls is similar to playing on an uneven table— only worse.
Quality Engineering
In addition to the fine molecular structure of the phenolic resin, Amarith balls are engineered with several specific qualities in mind: roundness, diameter tolerance, surface polish, brilliance, and color precision. Not only are the balls checked numerous times by computers during and after their forming, but they’re also hand checked before being packaged up for shipment.
The quality of the material, the precision engineering, and the thorough quality control process all come together to make the best pool balls on the market, hands down.
Six Decades of Billiard Ball Excellence
The Belgian company Sulac, the maker of Amarith balls, was founded in 1923 but didn’t start making billiard balls until the 1960s. The competition was heavy at the time, but it didn’t take long for people around the world to notice the quality of the Amarith products.
Today, roughly 80% of the billiard ball market share belongs to Sulac. In 2012 they merged with one of the world’s premier billiard cloth manufacturing companies, Iwan Simonis, in order to bring the market better billiard cloth, balls, and other products.
What Justifies the Amarith Price Tag?
Aramith pool balls are definitely more expensive than many other brands on the market. And not everyone should buy them. If you only play a couple of times a year or aren’t serious about developing your skills, you’ll probably be fine with a cheaper set of balls. But, if you play fairly often and are looking to get better, then you’re better off investing in a set of Aramith pool balls.
Amarith Pool Balls Can Help You Hone Your Skill
Becoming a better pool player is all about consistency. Not only in practice but also in your equipment. Without consistency, you won’t know where you need improvement.
After independent testing, Amarith pool balls were found to hold their properties up to five times longer than polyester balls. Some players even bring their balls with them to play at pool halls and tournaments. Luckily though, the best pool halls already have Amarith balls on their tables.
Amarith Pool Balls Can Save You Money
It might be tempting to buy a $60 set of polyester balls, but before you do that, think about the long-term cost of those balls on your table. Factor in a couple of cloth changes, depending on how much you play.
Also, think about how many times you’ll have to buy another set of balls. The fact is, for semi-active and active pool players, spending around $200 to get a set of Premier Amarith pool balls will likely save you the trouble of multiple cloth changes and you won’t have to worry about buying set after set of balls.
Amarith Pool Balls Stay Clean and Shiny
Although this isn’t the most important concern, it is well known that Amarith balls are notoriously hard to scuff. Since the phenolic resin used to make Amarith balls has a structure almost one hundred times finer than certain mineral-filled polyester balls, they are able to keep their glossy look while other balls fade and scratch.
Aramith Pool Ball Sets
If you’re now convinced that a set of Aramith pool balls is a good investment, check out the options I’ve left below. Aramith is rated #1 in the industry and for good reason. Check out these Aramtih pool ball sets for yourself. Once you have the right information it’s easy to see why Aramith pool balls are worth the money!
Aramith Super Pro Value Pack**
Aramith Tournament Pro Value Pack
In Conclusion
For any player who picks up a cue more than a few times a year, Amarith balls are the way to go. The Sulac company has been the leader in billiard ball production for decades— for good reason. Their precision engineering, commitment to quality, and use of phenolic resin all come together to make the best pool balls available today.
