How to Evaluate Pool Cue Balls

To get the most enjoyment and consistent play out of your pool set, it is important to have quality equipment. The table should be level with undamaged felt. It is important to have a cue stick that is in excellent condition. It is also important to have a good set of billiard balls, particularly a good cue ball. The cue ball is struck more than any other ball, so it must be in good condition or it will affect your game.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth tape measure
  • Small scale
  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the circumference of the cue ball with the tape measure. In standard American pocket billiards, the cue ball is 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Which means the circumference will be about 7 inches. If your cue ball is smaller or larger than this, chances are it is designed to be used in another game (such as snooker or carom billiards).

    • 2

      Weigh your cue ball on the scale. A standard American cue ball weighs about 6 ounces, just slightly heavier than the colored balls (called object balls). The fact that the cue ball is slightly heavier makes it ideal for properly striking the other balls. If the cue ball is underweight, it will affect the game.

    • 3

      Examine the composition of the cue ball. Find a manufacturer's statement on the package that the balls came in that tells what materials they are made of. Most modern billiard balls, including the cue ball, are made of a substance called thermoset or phenolic resin. These substance make the best billiard balls.

    • 4

      Examine the cue ball thoroughly with the magnifying glass. If there are chipped areas or scratches, even if they are small, they will affect the performance of the ball.