You’re standing there, chalking up, looking at a sea of generic solids and stripes. It’s fine. It’s functional. But if you’re a fan of America’s Team, "fine" usually doesn't cut it. There is something specifically satisfying about lining up a shot on a 5-ball that sports that iconic blue star instead of just an orange circle. Dallas Cowboys pool balls aren't just about showing off; they actually change the entire vibe of a Saturday night in the basement.
Think about it.
The silver, blue, and white color scheme isn't just for jerseys. When you see those colors rolling across a green (or even better, a navy blue) felt, the game feels more high-stakes. It’s weird how a little bit of branding makes you want to win more. You’re not just playing Billiards; you’re defending the star.
Most people think these sets are just cheap plastic with stickers slapped on them. That’s a mistake. If you buy the right ones—specifically the ones licensed through the NFL and made by reputable manufacturers like Imperial or Boelter—you’re getting high-grade polyester resin. This isn't just about looks. It’s about how the ball reacts when the cue tip hits it.
What You Are Actually Paying For
When you start hunting for a set of Dallas Cowboys pool balls, you’ll notice a massive price gap. You might see a set for $60 and another for $200. Why? It comes down to the manufacturing process. The cheaper sets often use a "top-print" method where the logo is basically baked onto the surface. Over a few years of heavy play, those logos can chip or fade. If you’re a "once a year" player, that’s probably fine.
But for the die-hards? You want the "inlaid" or "subsurface" graphics.
In these premium sets, the star and the numbers are part of the ball’s structure. They won't rub off because they aren't on the surface; they are the surface. Professional-grade resin ensures the ball is perfectly balanced. If a ball has a tiny air bubble or an off-center weight distribution because of a cheap logo application, it’ll roll slightly offline. You’ll miss that bank shot into the corner pocket and blame your stroke, but honestly, it might just be a crappy ball.
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Imperial Billiards has been a staple in this space for a long time. They hold the licenses for most NFL team gear, and their "Home Team" collection is generally the gold standard. They use a Kobo resin that mimics the play style of standard Belgian Aramith balls, which are the industry benchmark. You get that crisp "clack" sound rather than a dull thud.
The Style Factor: Graphics vs. Traditional
There are actually two main styles of Dallas Cowboys pool balls you’ll run into.
First, there’s the "Primary Mark" set. This looks like a standard pool set—the 1 through 7 are solids, 9 through 15 are stripes—but the colors are modified to match the Cowboys' silver and blue. The team logo usually replaces the number on one side or sits right next to it.
Then you have the "Graphics" or "Helmet" sets. These are bold. Sometimes the 8-ball is a different color entirely, or the entire set features full-wrap graphics. While these look incredible in a display case or a man cave, some purists hate them. Why? Because it can be slightly harder to distinguish between a 6 and a 10 at a glance if the graphics are too busy.
If you actually play competitive games, stick to the classic numbered style with the logo accents. If your pool table is basically a glorified piece of furniture that mostly holds beer cans during the playoffs, go for the wildest graphics you can find.
Why the 8-Ball is the Real Prize
In most of these sets, the 8-ball is the star of the show. Literally. While the rest of the balls might just have small logos, the 8-ball often features a large, centered Cowboys star. It’s the money ball.
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There’s a certain psychological edge to playing with these. Imagine your buddy, a Giants or Eagles fan, having to sink the Dallas star to win the game. It hurts them. It’s a subtle bit of home-field advantage that you just don't get with a standard set of Red and Yellows.
Maintaining the Shine
Don't be that person who lets their gear get gummy.
Since these balls are often made of polyester resin, they can pick up chalk dust and skin oils faster than the phenolic resin balls used in pro tournaments. To keep that silver-and-blue popping, you need to clean them.
- Skip the harsh chemicals.
- A simple microfiber cloth and a bit of warm water usually do the trick.
- If they get really grimy, use a dedicated ball cleaner like Aramith’s brand.
- Whatever you do, don't put them in the dishwasher. People do this. It ruins the finish and can even cause the resin to micro-crack.
The Misconception About "Collector Sets"
You’ll often see "Vintage" Dallas Cowboys pool balls on eBay or at garage sales. Be careful here. Back in the 70s and 80s, the licensing wasn't as strict, and the materials weren't as durable. Old sets can become "pitted" over time. Small craters form on the surface, which act like sandpaper on your table’s felt.
If you find an old set, keep it for the shelf. For the table? Buy new. Modern manufacturing ensures the balls are the standard 2.25-inch diameter and the regulation 6-ounce weight.
Buying a set also means you need to think about your cloth. If you have a traditional green felt, the blue and silver look great. But if you’re going all-in, many fans pair these balls with a grey or "tournament blue" cloth. It makes the white star on the balls practically glow under the table light.
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Making the Investment
A high-quality set of Dallas Cowboys pool balls is going to run you anywhere from $140 to $220. That sounds steep. But consider that a good set of billiard balls can last 10 to 20 years if you aren't literally slamming them onto a concrete floor.
It’s one of those rare purchases where the "fan tax" actually buys you something durable. You’re paying for the license, sure, but companies like Imperial know that if they produce a product that chips in the first month, NFL fans will be the first to let the world know.
How to Spot a Fake
Because the Cowboys are globally popular, knock-offs are everywhere. Look for the "Officially Licensed" hologram on the packaging. If the blue looks a little too "royal" or the star looks "off," trust your gut. Fake sets often use inferior dyes that will leave blue streaks all over your expensive felt.
Authentic sets will have:
- Uniform weight across all 16 balls.
- Centered logos that don't look lopsided.
- High-gloss finish that reflects light evenly.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Game Room
If you're ready to upgrade your setup, don't just stop at the balls. To really make the set work, look for a matching cue ball—some sets come with a logoed cue ball, but many pros prefer a plain white one for better visibility on the "hit point."
First, measure your table. Most home tables are 7 or 8 feet, which use the standard 2.25-inch balls. If you have a small "toy" table, these balls will be too heavy and will ruin the bumpers.
Second, check your rack. Sometimes the slightly different coating on polyester balls makes them a bit "slicker" in a wood rack. A plastic or lined rack can help you get a tighter break.
Finally, grab a dedicated storage case. Don't leave them in the pockets of the table when you aren't playing. Pockets can trap moisture and dust, which leads to those pits we talked about earlier. Keep them in a padded case, and they’ll stay looking like they just came off the assembly line in Arlington for a decade or more.