One of the most special parts of pickleball is the fact that you don’t really need a lot of equipment to get started! All you really need is a good pair of shoes, a paddle & a few pickleballs. The problem with that is that there are SO MANY DIFFERENT types of pickleball balls to choose from so which one do you pick?
What Are the Different Types of Pickleball Balls?
Pickleball balls typically come in two types:
- Indoor (non tennis court surfaced) pickleball balls
- Outdoor pickleball balls
So depending on where you’re planning on playing should really determine what kind of ball you should purchase! Let’s talk through outdoor balls first!
Outdoor Pickleball Balls
If you primarily play outdoors on tennis court type surfaces then you’re really going to benefit from playing with outdoor specific pickleball balls. There are 3 balls I would recommend for outdoor players!
Onix Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Ball
The Dura Outdoor Pickleballs, also known as the Dura Fast 40’s play harder and faster than any other outdoor ball. If you are interested in playing high level USA sanctioned tournaments, the I would HIGHLY recommend playing with Dura’s because this ball has been named the official tournament ball for the USA Pickleball Association’s National Championship Tournament.
PROS
- Official Tournament Ball
- Easier to hit harder & faster put-aways & drives
- Harder to hit soft & finesse shots
CONS
- Harder for Beginners to play with because the ball moves so fast
- Breaks and cracks easily in cold weather
- Very affected by the wind
Shop the Dura Fast 40 here & GET 15% OFF by using this link:
Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleball Ball
The X-40 is the official pickleball of USA Pickleball. The X-40 balls feature a no-seam, one-piece construction that ensures a stronger, longer lasting ball that resists dents and cracking. It plays a bit softer than a Dura Fast 40 ball and is definitely one of the most durable balls on the market.
PROS
- Most durable ball on the market
- Great ball for beginners to play with due to it’s softer & slower play compared to the Dura
- This is the best ball to play with when it’s windy because it’s less affected than a Dura
- Easier to hit soft & finesse shots
CONS
- Most high level tournaments won’t use this ball as their official ball
- Hard to transition to a Dura fast 40 ball after using this ball because it plays a lot slower & softer
Shop the Franklin X- 40 here:
Core Outdoor Pickleball Ball
The CORE Outdoor Pickleball is a dependable and long-lasting option that will endure frequent use in any weather! This is a USA approved ball and is the “in-between” feel between the Dura Fast 40 & Franklin X-40. It plays faster than a Franklin and a touch slower than a Dura and is A LOT more durable!
PROS
- USA Pickleball approved
- Doesn’t crack as often in cold weather compared to the Dura Fast 40
- Keeps it’s shape well
- Great ball for drilling & training because it’s fast and durable
CONS
- Most high level tournaments won’t use this ball as their official ball
- Harder to transition to a Dura fast 40 ball after using this ball because it plays a touch slower
Shop Core Outdoor Ball here:
https://corepickleballusa.com/discount/allthingspb
Indoor Pickleball Balls
If you’re planning on playing mostly indoors and especially if the courts are wooden basketball courts— you’re really going to want to use an indoor specific ball.
Indoor pickleball’s are softer, heavier and often play slower than outdoor court balls. They’re designed like this so that they won’t slip or slide when hitting the wooden basketball court surface. Here’s what I recommend!
Franklin X-26 Indoor Pickleball
The X-26 Performance Indoor Pickleball is USAPA-approved for indoor tournament play. It has a 26 gram weight and 74 mm diameter. The bright colors make it highly visible regardless of lighting and court conditions whether you’re playing on a gym floor, standard finishing or concrete.
The X-26 Performance Indoor Pickleball is a consistent and long-lasting choice for players who want an adaptable and officially-sanctioned ball.
Shops the Franklin X-26 Performance Ball here:
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