If you go to the pool hall often enough, or watch pool tournaments on ESPN, chances are you’ve seen a cue ball with red dots on it. As odd as it may look, those red dots serve a purpose, and that cue ball has a name.
A cue ball that has red dots on it is called a measles ball. The red dots allow players to visualize cue ball spin after a shot has been taken, thus serving as an effective visual training aid. A measles ball is only one of many different types of training cue balls available.
Using a measles ball can help improve your game. Plus, they’re not that expensive, so adding one to your arsenal of billiard equipment should be a no brainer…after you read this article, of course!
Benefits of Using a Measles Ball
Using a measles ball allows you to easily see the rotation of the cue ball. This helps you pick up on any shot inconsistencies or flaws in your stroke that you may not be able to see with a standard cue ball. Furthermore, using a measles ball allows you to observe the effects of sidespin, topspin, and backspin, all of which are crucial for cue ball control.
That being said, using a measles ball can certainly help make you a better player. Being able to pick up on mistakes that you’d normally miss can go a long way towards improving your skills at the table. And being able to visually observe the effects of topspin, backspin, and sidespin (English) is a huge benefit for anyone who takes pool seriously.
Who Makes the Measles Ball?
There are many different billiard ball manufacturers who make their own version of the measles ball, the most popular being Aramith. Aramith makes high quality billiard balls that are used by professionals and in tournaments worldwide. If you’ve seen a measles ball being used during a televised tournament, chances are it was an Aramith.
You can purchase your own Aramith measles ball on Amazon for a little under $40. Admittedly, the price is a little high when compared with those made by other manufacturers, but the quality is unmatched. The phenolic resin used in Aramith pool balls gives them a lifespan of five times longer than those made from other materials such as polyester resin.
Related Article: Are Aramith Pool Balls Worth the Money?
However, if you don’t want to drop $40 on a cue ball, I totally get. There are other measles balls out there at a fraction of the cost such as this one by Japer Bees. Its not made from phenolic resin but its still a high quality ball that’ll last for years. Of course, its regulation size and weight so no worries there.
If you do decide to purchase a measles ball and plan on taking it with you to the pool hall, be sure to protect your investment by keeping it in a case. This cue ball case by Ballsak is perfect.
Other Types of Training Cue Balls
Of course, there are other types of training cue balls available. One of the most popular ones being the Jim Rempe Training Cue Ball. One side of it is geared towards beginner players with the opposite side geared towards advanced players. It even comes with a 56 page instruction manual showing you how to get the most out of it. Its also made by Aramith, so quality is top notch.
