Which Pickleball ball would be ideal for your game? There are so many different brands on the market so how will you know which ones are the best Pickleball balls? You might have watched Pickleball videos & all the balls for Pickleball look the same, but it’s really important to use the right Pickleball equipment if you want to improve your Pickleball game.
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We’ve done quite a bit of research into the different types of Pickleball balls out there. We’ve chosen the best ones that have it all for both indoor and outdoor play.
Pickleball Balls – Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs
One of the biggest advantages to playing Pickleball is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors. It is, however, important that you use the correct type of pickleball ball. This will depend on whether you’re playing in a community center or outside on a hard court. That’s why it’s important to look at outdoor vs indoor pickleballs.
What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Indoor Pickleballs
Typically, indoor pickleballs have bigger holes than outdoor ones. Pickleballs played indoors tend to be much softer and easier to control than those played outdoors. On the other hand, indoor pickleball tends to have a lot more drag than the outdoor variety, so it can be difficult to slam.
There are usually more textures on indoor pickleballs than on outdoor versions, which allows for better spinning. Furthermore, they are smaller and lighter, and have longer rallies. Unlike an outdoor pickleball ball, an indoor pickleball will not crack very easily. Wear and tear also causes soft spots to form on indoor balls.
Since indoor pickleballs have lightweight bodies, they are very affected by wind. This is why they are called indoor pickleballs and should not be used outside. Furthermore, because the ball is lightweight, it is much quieter than outdoor models. This is also why being hit by an indoor ball is less painful than being hit by an outdoor ball.
Outdoor Pickleballs
A smooth plastic body makes the outdoor pickleball harder and heavier. There are also 40 holes in the body. Because of the body’s heavier construction, they can withstand wind better than indoor pickleballs. It’s important not to be hit by an outdoor pickleball though. Due to their reduced drag, outdoor pickleballs can be hit very hard very easily.
Compared to indoor pickleball, an outdoor pickleball comes off the paddle faster and harder. Due to their difficulty to control, pickleball outdoor balls make for more heated gameplay. This is because it’ll require a lot of finesse to handle them. In the long run, outdoor pickleball will not be very durable because it they go out-of-round or crack at some point in the near future, so it’s sensible to keep a good supply of balls available.
Playing style, temperature, and the playing surface are generally determinants of the life cycle of an outdoor pickleball. In addition, it is important to check their roundness on a regular basis since they can easily go out of round. The best way to do that is to spin the ball and watch how it moves. The weight of outdoor pickleballs makes them noisier than indoor pickleballs.
The Best Pickleball Balls (Updated July 2022)
When looking at buying the best Pickleball balls it’s important to understand the conditions under which those balls will be played with. Pickleball is generally played either indoors or outdoors. Choosing the best Pickleball balls means you need to choose either Pickleball balls for outdoor use or indoor Pickleball balls, depending on where you will be playing. The good news is that we’ve done the necessary research for you to bring you our recommendations of the best Pickleball outdoor balls and the best indoor Pickleball balls.
Best Indoor Pickleball Balls
Jugs Indoor Pickleballs
The Jugs Indoor Pickleballs also offer good bounce on indoor Pickleball court surfaces but here’s the thing: they can also be used for some level of outdoor play (non-breezy conditions), so buying one pack of Jugs Balls should suffice for your Pickleball play needs! As Pickleball indoor balls, Jugs Balls are softer, which makes them easier to control. These balls definitely add to the fun of any Pickleball game.
Gamma Sports Photon Indoor Pickleballs
The design is quite durable, which is why these balls tend to last for longer periods, even with elements of rough play. Another advantage of the Gamma Sports Photon Pickleball ball is the engineering, which provides a consistent bounce for indoor Pickleball courts.
Onix Fuse Indoor Orange Pickleball Balls
Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball balls are Onix’s USAPA-approved update to the Onix Pure 2. As a result of their slightly lower bounce, the Onix Fuse Pickleball balls can be used in sanctioned tournaments. Due to their precision-drilled holes, they retain a soft touch and a smooth, true flight. Seam welding makes the balls more durable and helps them last longer.
There is a reasonable pace of play due to the holes being larger than those of their outdoor counterparts. They are also made using an injection-molding process, like the Pure 2s. The Onix Fuse Pickleball balls also boast both True Flight Technology and Authentic Bounce Technology for consistent flight and bounce! They can also be used outdoors in low-wind conditions.
You can prepare for tournaments without sacrificing your enjoyment of the game with the Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball balls. You definitely want to have the Onix Fuse Indoor Orange Pickleballs in your Pickleball bag. They’re not only a great ball, but the bright orange color stands out too!
Penn 26 Indoor Pickleball Balls
Having large, precision-drilled holes in the Penn 26 Indoor Pickleball allows for maximum airflow. It also allows the ball to fly accurately while not veering off course. Both newbies and high level players alike will find their visibility and smooth surface to be highly desirable in just about any indoor setting.
Pickleball players who want a ball with accuracy, pleasant touch, and dependable performance should choose Penn 26 Indoor Pickleball balls.
Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball Balls Orange Version
Pickleball has never been more fun than with Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball balls orange version. It is the second version of Onix Pure Indoor Pickleball ball and has been approved for use in sanctioned USAPA tournaments. In addition to supposedly flying straighter, bouncing more reliably, and staying rounder in indoor conditions, it is designed to perform impeccably under those conditions. Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball balls orange feature perfectly round holes that were precision-drilled for a consistent bounce. The two pieces of the ball are heat-welded together so that the seam appears nonexistent.
With its thicker plastic and larger holes, the Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball balls orange version is similar to other indoor balls. It measures 2.875″ in diameter and weighs .81 ounces.
The Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball balls orange have great feel, spin, touch and pace, while the orange color makes it very easy to see in indoor conditions.
Best Pickleball Balls for Outdoor Use
Engage Tour Outdoor Yellow Pickleballs
The deep yellow color of Engage Tour Outdoor Pickleballs make them highly visible against an array of backgrounds and courts. Despite its classification as an outdoor ball, this ball can be used indoors if desired. The ball has a bounce height of 32 and 1/2 inches and 40 holes evenly spaced on the surface which allows it to fly effortlessly through the air.
Players of all levels appreciate the versatility and controlled, soft feel of the Engage Tour Outdoor Pickleballs which is why it is highly recommended by us.
Franklin Sports X40 Outdoor Performance Pickleballs
The 40 machine drilled holes of this ball are spaced for aerodynamics. We found that the feel off the paddle felt softer than the Dura Fast 40, but harder than the Onyx Pure 2.
It’s clear that this ball is highly regarded by USAPA because it’s being used by more & more tournaments and it’s also the official ball of the US Open.
This ball has a weight of 26 grams & a diameter of 74mm and works perfectly with the most common Pickleball machines. We tested these balls with the Pickleball Tutor Plus Pickleball Machine and they performed really well.
The Franklin X 40 outdoor pickleballs come in 2 colors, Optic Yellow & Pink. The Optic Yellow(as seen in the clickable image) is very easy to see when playing at night under lights & the bright pink color is great to use during the day because they don’t disappear in the sun.
The Franklin Sports X 40 Outdoor Performance Pickleballs get our stamp of approval for their durability and consistency. They are definitely highly recommended.
Core Outdoor Pickleball Balls Review
With their slightly above average weight, these CORE Neon Green Outdoor Pickleball balls fly straight through the air with minimal wind interference while still adhering to USA Pickleball standards. Due to their one-piece construction, they are resistant to cracking. They come in a striking, bright neon color to make them easy to see no matter what the court’s color is. In addition to being USA Pickleball approved for tournament play, these pickleballs are also loved by recreational players for their durability.
We found these balls to be excellent for high performance and tournament play. The Core pickleball balls have a ‘one-piece’ rotational molded design. They are seamlessly constructed. The ball has a light parting line, however there are no seams inside, only a smooth one-piece construction.
We felt that these balls were very lively, fun, and fast playing when it comes to playability. We’d definitely classify it as a professional tournament style ball. We were most impressed by its durability. The Core Outdoor Pickleball balls are among the most durable we’ve played with.
It is strongly recommended to play CORE Outdoor Pickleball balls at the highest level due to its ability to withstand repeated intense play. For those who just want to play one more game, this ball is excellent.
Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleballs are designed to perform consistently regardless of the weather conditions. In contrast to most outdoor pickleball balls, the Onix Pure 2 Outdoor pickleball balls are produced using an injection molding process and have holes of the same size rather than varying sizes. As a result of this process, the ball has a long lifespan, flies true, bounces consistently, and is long lasting.
Despite not being approved for official tournament use, the Onix Pure 2 Outdoor pickleball ball is an excellent option for recreational players.
Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball balls are made of two halves that are joined with high heat to form a durable seam. The Onix Pure 2 Outdoor pickleball balls are slightly heavier and have smaller holes, which make them more consistent in windy conditions.
The Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball balls are a game-changer social players of the sport of pickleball.
Dura Fast 40 Pickleball Balls
Tourna Strike Outdoor Pickleballs
Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleball Balls
With this ball’s bright color, pickleball players can keep their eyes on the action no matter what the lighting conditions are. In terms of teaching new players, drilling or when you want a more relaxed match, the bouncy, slightly slower style of play is ideal.
Pickleball players can enjoy high bounce and excellent durability with the Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleball.
Wilson TRU 32 Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Precision and reliability are the hallmarks of the Wilson TRU 32 Outdoor Pickleball balls. A patented 32-hole design and a unique ball composition offer highly consistent play.
Onix Fuse G2 Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Compared to the original Onix Fuse, the Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball balls are three times as durable. This ball combines a pleasant, softer feel with just enough hardness to meet USAPA specifications so that they can be used in tournaments. Due to their yellow color, they are easily visible against virtually any surface. Due to their excellent balance and weight, these pickleballs respond and bounce exceptionally well during play.
With their gentle touch and adaptability across multiple courts and conditions, the Onix Fuse G2 Outdoor Pickleball balls are a favorite for many players.
So if you’re looking for the perfect balls that offer great durability, balance and bounce, all of these are ideal for you.
The good thing about playing a Pickleball game is it only requires a few items of Pickleball equipment. You need one Pickleball ball and two Pickleball paddles(some call them Pickleball rackets) in order to play! Now you can decide which ball is best for you, thanks to our reviews 🙂
What Type Of Ball Is Used In Pickleball – Specifications of Pickleball Balls
According to USAPA, there are specific criteria that an official Pickleball ball should have. These are:
- The ball should be of a uniform color.
- It should be made of a durable molded material with a smooth surface. A ball can have up to one seam as long as the seam does not affect the movement of the ball.
- The diameter of the ball should be between 73 to 75.5 centimeters and a weight of 0.78 to 0.935 ounces.
- A Pickleball should have 26-40 holes with designed spacing for normal movement.
- It should bounce between 30-34 inches if it is dropped on a granite surface from a 78-inch height at a temperature of 75-80F.
- The ball has to have a score of 40-50 on the Durometer D Scale at a temperature of 75-80F.
- It has to have the manufacturer’s name printed on it.
What’s The Difference Between A Wiffle Ball And A Pickleball?
You may have wondered what the difference is between a wiffle ball and a pickleball. They are different! So you cannot use them interchangeably with one another. Both are plastic with holes, but the pickleball is heaver, larger and has more holes. A pickleball is also brighter in color than a wiffle ball which is usually white. A pickleball weighs more than a wiffle ball, and has round holes instead of oblong ones.
