How to Find the Perfect Pickleball Ball

In my relatively short time playing pickleball, I have encountered a subject that sparks more passionate debates than any other aspect of the game: the choice of pickleball ball. Surprisingly, discussions about the brand of ball can become more heated than debates about line calls, legal serve techniques, and scoring combined.

Reflecting on all the sports I have played, I have noticed that players are always deeply passionate about the equipment they use, and pickleball is no exception. The pickleball ball itself has various features that drive each player’s ball preference. These features include indoor vs. outdoor, yellow vs. white, soft vs. hard, seamless vs. seamed, and many more, which often lead to passionate disagreements and disputes among pickleball enthusiasts.

I quickly learned about this phenomenon when I innocently picked up three Penn Outdoor pickleballs that were on sale. As soon as I pulled one out for the first time, I was immediately shut down and taunted by my fellow players. There I was, trying to contribute to the game by providing balls, but my group made me promise never to use that type of ball again. According to them, the balls were “too soft and didn’t bounce,” and apparently, I was also told that I was “ugly.” I’m not sure what my appearance had to do with the balls, but let’s move on with this article.

I know that the same level of passion exists in other sports like tennis (Penn vs. Wilson) and racquetball (Penn vs. Ektelon), and even in debates about beer (taste’s great vs. less filling). People quickly develop a favorite and defend it with their lives. It seems that the quality of their gameplay depends on the use of their preferred balls, and using the “wrong balls” in a recreational game can lead to a whole new level of disagreements among players, along with a plethora of excuses for missed shots.

So, I found myself wondering, “What are the official pickleball specifications?” I wanted to know the key details that define a pickleball.

Well, here are the important specifications:

1. The ball must be made of a durable material with a non-textured, smooth surface.
2. The ball may have a ridge or seam, but it cannot affect its flight characteristics.
3. The ball should have a diameter ranging from 2.87″ to 2.97″.
4. The ball should weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
5. The ball should have a bounce of 30″ to 34″ when dropped from a height of 78″ onto a granite surface.
6. The ball should have a hardness of 40 to 50 on the Durometer D scale at an ambient temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. The ball should have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes.
8. The ball must have the manufacturer’s name or logo printed or embossed on the surface.
9. Tournament directors choose the ball to be used in their tournaments, and it must be approved by the USAPA or IFT.
10. Currently, there are approximately 65 USAPA/IFP approved tournament pickleballs.

These ten facts provide a comprehensive picture of the pickleball, but they don’t necessarily answer the question of which ball is best for recreational play. They don’t offer any guidance on the quest for “Thee Ball,” because, in reality, there can be multiple options. Right?

So, what are the significant differences between pickleballs?

After considering those ten somewhat ambiguous and uninformative facts, I decided to dig a little deeper, as I often tend to do. The first distinction I discovered is between indoor and outdoor balls. When playing pickleball outdoors or on a tennis court surface indoors, outdoor balls are typically used. Outdoor balls are slightly heavier, harder, have smaller holes, and travel significantly faster than indoor balls.

Outdoor Pickleballs

• They weigh approximately 0.88 ounces.
• They come off the paddle with more power and speed.
• They are designed to be less affected by wind.
• Their performance may change as the weather heats up, causing them to become softer.
• Yellow is the most popular color, followed closely by white and orange.

Popular Brands of Outdoor Pickleballs

1. Dura Fast 40

• Considered the original pickleball.
• It has 40 holes of varying sizes.
• It was the official ball of the 2019 US Open Pickleball Championships.

2. Franklin X-40

• The ball is seamless and weighs 0.88 ounces.
• It has single-sized holes for consistent flight.
• Approved for USAPA-sanctioned tournament play.

3. Onix Fuse G2

• The ball is seamless and weighs 0.93ounces.
• It has smaller holes for improved durability.
• It offers a consistent bounce and flight.

Indoor Pickleballs

• They weigh approximately 0.81 ounces.
• They have larger holes for slower flight and less bounce.
• They are designed to be quieter and less likely to damage indoor surfaces.
• Yellow is the most popular color for indoor balls.

Popular Brands of Indoor Pickleballs

1. Jugs Indoor Pickleballs

• The ball is seamless and weighs 0.81 ounces.
• It has larger holes for a slower flight.
• It is designed for indoor play on gym floors.

2. Onix Pure 2

• The ball is seamless and weighs 0.81 ounces.
• It has larger holes for a slower flight.
• It offers a true bounce and consistent flight.

3. Franklin X-26

• The ball is seamless and weighs 0.81 ounces.
• It has larger holes for a slower flight.
• It is designed for indoor play on gym floors.

Now that we have covered the differences between indoor and outdoor balls, let’s dive into the various factors to consider when choosing the perfect pickleball ball for your game.

Playing Surface

The playing surface is a crucial factor in determining the type of ball you should use. If you primarily play on outdoor courts or tennis courts, outdoor balls are the way to go. They are designed to withstand the rougher surface and provide better performance in outdoor conditions. On the other hand, if you play on indoor gym floors, indoor balls are the better choice. They are designed to be quieter and less likely to damage the indoor surface.

Skill Level

Your skill level can also influence your ball choice. Beginners may prefer outdoor balls as they tend to have more power and speed, making it easier to get the ball over the net. Intermediate and advanced players may opt for indoor balls, which require more control and finesse to play effectively.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can affect the performance of pickleball balls, especially outdoor balls. In hot weather, outdoor balls may become softer, leading to a change in their flight characteristics. If you often play in hot climates, it’s essential to choose a ball that can withstand the heat and maintain its performance.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the perfect pickleball ball. Some players may prefer the feel and performance of a specific brand or model, while others may prioritize durability or price. It’s essential to try out different balls and see which one suits your playing style and preferences the best.

Now, let’s move on to the frequently asked questions about pickleball balls.

FAQ

Q: Can I use indoor balls for outdoor play?

While it is technically possible to use indoor balls for outdoor play, it is not recommended. Indoor balls are designed for indoor surfaces and may not perform well on outdoor courts. They may be affected by wind and may not have the same durability as outdoor balls.

Q: Can I use outdoor balls for indoor play?

Yes, you can use outdoor balls for indoor play, but they may not be ideal. Outdoor balls are heavier and faster, which may make it more challenging to control the ball on an indoor gym floor. It’s best to use indoor balls for indoor play to ensure optimal performance.

Q: How long do pickleball balls last?

The lifespan of pickleball balls can vary depending on factors such as usage, playing surface, and ball quality. On average, pickleball balls can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. However, it’s important to note that balls may lose their bounce and performance over time, so it’s a good idea to replace them periodically.

Q: Are there any regulations regarding pickleball balls for tournament play?

Yes, there are regulations regarding pickleball balls for tournament play. Tournament directors choose the ball to be used in their tournaments, and it must be approved by the USAPA or IFT. Currently, there are approximately 65 USAPA/IFP approved tournament pickleballs.

Q: Can the color of the ball affect gameplay?

The color of the ball can affect gameplay to some extent. Yellow is the most popular color for outdoor balls as it is easier to see against the sky and outdoor surroundings. White and orange are also commonly used for outdoor play. In indoor play, yellow is the most popular color as it contrasts well with the indoor gym floor. However, some players may have personal preferences for certain colors.