Depending on your situation, that may be the right choice. If you can't tell the difference in play, then the cheap ones will be fine. I learned to play with fairly soft plastic balls on a Sears table with a fiberboard bed. I knew it wasn't as good as the equipment at the rec center or the pool hall, but it was good enough for where I was.
At one time the counterfeit balls tended to break on impact. I think @Cornerman had this issue.
