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Best Pickleball Balls

Choosing the right pickleball ball can greatly affect your game, making it essential to do a little research before buying. Did you know that different balls are designed for specific conditions, playing levels and court types? This article will provide insights on what to look for along with our top recommendations from extensive testing.

Stay tuned as we unveil the best pickleballs of 2023 sure to enhance your play!

Franklin X-40 Ball Set

Price * Sold By
$90.97 Franklin Shop
90 Overall Score
Never lose another pickleball with this 36 pack ball set from Franklin Sports. Franklin is known for quality and this ball set is no exception. This set is drilled with 40 holes for balanced play, optimum bounce, and premium performance. They are also USAPA Approved!

Product Details

Specifications

Holes: 40Width: Regulation 74mmWeight: 0.92oz

Pros

Over 15,000 5 Star reviews on AmazonUSAPA ApprovedComes With Storage bucket

Cons

WILSON TRU 32 Pickleball Balls

Price * Sold By
$6.49 Wilson Shop
88 Overall Score
Wilson is no slouch when it comes to making pickleball or tennis equipment. Wilsons pickleball set comes with 32 holes apposed to the standard 40 for a livelier more consistent flight.  They are easy to see and of course are USAPA Approved.

Product Details

Specifications

Holes: 32Color: Red or YellowPack: 2 or 48

Pros

USAPA ApprovedBrightGood Overall Consistency

Cons

Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball Balls

Price * Sold By
$11.49 Onix Shop
92 Overall Score
Available in 3 to 100 packs onix is the go to for pickleballs. Onix balls are used by professionals and have exceptional durability. This set is seam welded to prevent splitting. Onix balls are made with smaller holes to deliver better rebound and resistant to wind interference. They are also slightly heavier than the average ball.

Product Details

Specifications

Balls: 3-Pack to 100-Pack:

Pros

Good for heavier windsTrue Flight TechnologyAuthentic Bounce Technology

Cons

PCKL Optic Speed Pickleball Balls

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$13.99 PCKL Shop
92 Overall Score
The PCKL outdoor pickleball set really sets itself apart with the color options. The balls themselves play very well and are regulation sized. However, you wont get your standard boring yellow colored ball from PCKL. Do note that colors orange and blue only come with 26 holes (Indoor Play) while the other colors are 40 holes (Outdoor Play).

Product Details

Specifications

Balls: 4 PackColor: 5 OptionsDimensions: Regulation 26 grams & 74mmHoles: 40

Pros

USAPA ApprovedLots of color options

Cons

FILA Pickleball Balls

Price * Sold By
$9.99 FILA Shop
89 Overall Score
FILA balls are easy to see and very durable. Great beginner option that wont break the bank.

Product Details

Specifications

Balls: 4-Pack or 12-PackColors: Orange, Yellow, or LimeSize: RegulationHoles: 26 (Indoor) or 40 (Outdoor)

Pros

Fused SeemsUnique Colors

Cons

Understanding Pickleball Balls

Pickleball balls come in different variations for indoor and outdoor play, with factors like weight, bounce, seams, and visibility affecting their performance on the court.

Difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls

Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls showcase significant differences due to the conditions they are meant to withstand. Indoor balls possess larger holes, designed explicitly for reducing excessive bounce on indoor court surfaces.

This reduction in bounce results from the softer materials used in their construction – frequently plastic or foam. In contrast, outdoor pickleball balls are often crafted from more robust materials like composite or graphite that enhance durability.

They have a smaller hole pattern, making them harder with increased bounce suitable for tough external environments. Their resilience makes them an excellent fit for challenging weather conditions, as demonstrated by models such as the ONIX Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball which supports higher bounce appreciated by beginners and senior players alike.

Importance of weight and bounce

The weight of a pickleball affects its speed and trajectory during play. Heavy balls, like the Franklin Sports X-40 Pickleballs, move slower but are less affected by wind, making them ideal for outdoor games.

Conversely, lighter balls offer more speed and are perfect for indoor courts due to their quick travel in the air.

Bounce plays an essential role in gameplay as well. High bouncing balls result in longer rallies and allow players enough time to position themselves for the next shot. Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs are known for their consistent bounce which provides predictability while playing aggressive shots or hard smashes.

A dependable bounce level is crucial for competitive play where precision counts.

The role of seams and visibility

In pickleball, seams and visibility play crucial roles in the performance of the ball. Seams determine its aerodynamics and how smoothly it travels through the air, with seamless balls offering more consistent flight patterns.

On the other hand, visibility is essential for players to track the ball during high-speed plays or under different weather conditions. Most pickleball balls come in bright colors like neon green or orange to enhance their visibility against various backgrounds.

For competitive play, choosing a ball with defined seams and high-visibility color can greatly impact your game strategy and success on both indoor and outdoor courts.

Key Takeaways

  • Different pickleball balls are designed for specific conditions, playing levels, and court types, so it’s important to do some research before buying.
  • Indoor pickleball balls have larger holes and softer materials to reduce excessive bounce on indoor courts, while outdoor balls are made from more durable materials with smaller holes to withstand tough external environments.
  • The weight and bounce of a pickleball ball impact its speed and trajectory during play. Heavier balls move slower and are less affected by wind, making them ideal for outdoor games, while lighter balls offer more speed and are suitable for indoor courts.
  • Seams and visibility also play crucial roles in the performance of a pickleball ball. Seamless balls offer consistent flight patterns, while high visibility colors help track the ball during fast-paced plays or different weather conditions.