The Ultimate Pickleball Balls Guide: Size Differences, Material, Weight

Pickleball is a paddle ball sport that has similarities to badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The game is played on a court with a net and the objective is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court. Players use paddles to hit the ball and the game can be played singles or doubles.

The game is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball. The ball is served underhand with a paddle. The ball must bounce on the ground before it is hit. The ball can be hit off the bounce or after it bounces twice. The ball must be hit below the waist and with a downward motion.

If you’re looking to get started in pickleball, or just want to improve your game, this guide will give you all the information you need on pickleball balls. We’ll cover the different types of balls available, how to choose the right one for you, and how to care for your balls to ensure they last long.

Pickleball Ball Size Guide  Summary And Official Pickleball Balls Guideline

The Franklin X-40, which is already used in the United States Open Pickleball Championships and in more than 200 other independent competitions annually around the world, has been selected as the official ball of USA Pickleball’s premier National Tournament, as well as the National Championship Game at Newport Beach Championships and the Regional Championship Series.

Are There Different Size Pickleball Balls?

There are different size pickleball balls. The official pickleball ball is 2.875 inches in diameter, but there are also balls that are 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.0 inches in diameter. These larger balls are sometimes used in tournaments or by advanced players who want a little extra challenge.

What Is The Standard Ball Used In Pickleball?

Pickleball competitions held by USA Pickleball and the United States Open Pickleball Championships use the Franklin X-40 as their official ball. This ball is of the highest quality and plays really well on all kinds of outdoor terrain. It features forty holes that were machine-drilled properly in order to provide a flying pattern that is well-balanced.

Are Tennis Balls And Pickleballs The Same Size?

The balls used for pickleball and tennis are not interchangeable. Pickleballs measure 0.8 ounces each and are made of lightweight plastic. There are 26 holes in each ball. They have a diameter of approximately 7.11 centimeters (2.8 inches) and, in some respects, resemble Wiffle balls.

The two most important materials of a tennis ball are the felt and the rubber. They weigh approximately 2 ounces and have a diameter that ranges between 2.6 and 2.7 inches.

What Is The Best Color For A Pickleball?

The most popular color for outdoor pickleball balls is yellow, followed by orange and white. This is because of yellow’s superiority over other colors in the wide variety of outdoor lighting conditions that can occur during a pickleball match. All that is needed is that they be of the same color.

Read More About Graphite vs Wood Pickleball Paddles

How Do You Pick A Pickleball Ball?

The ball must be composed of a material that can be formed smoothly and have a color that is consistent throughout. It is required that the diameter fall between 2.87 and 2.97 inches. The out-of-round variation must be less than or equal to 0.02 inches plus or minus.

The weight of the ball must be anywhere from 0.78 to 0.935 ounces. When dropped from a height of 78 inches, the ball should have a bounce of between 30 and 34 inches.

Pickleball Ball Hole Size Guide

Even the total number of holes, which typically varies from 26 to 40, can be changed as long as they maintain their round shape and uniform spacing. Pickleballs need to have a score that falls between 40 and 50 on the Durometer D scale, which is a measurement that assesses the hardness of the ball.

Pickleball Ball Material

Pickleballs are manufactured using a mold and thermoplastic resin, and each ball has 32 holes that are uniformly spaced apart. One of the most well-liked brands of pickleball that are certified by USA Pickleball is made by ONIX, which is a name that is less well-known among the general public but is well-known among ardent pickleball players.

Pickleball Ball Weight

The weight of a Pickleball ball can range from 22 grams (0.78 ounces) to 40 grams (0.935 ounces). Most Pickleball balls that you will find on the market weigh around 26 grams (0.95 ounces).

Is Pickleballs Heavy?

Outdoor pickleball are heavier, sturdier, smoother plastic balls with 40 holes. Due to their composition and mass, outdoor pickleball are less vulnerable to wind.

Outdoor-played pickleballs leave the tee faster and with greater force than their indoor counterparts. They have less resistance, making it easier to deliver a powerful blow.

How Much Does An Outdoor Pickleball Weigh?

The weight of an outdoor pickleball varies depending on the type and material of the ball. However, most outdoor pickleballs weigh around 0.9 ounces.

How Much Does An Indoor Pickleball Weigh?

The weight of an indoor pickleball is 0.8 ounces.

What Ball Do Pro Pickleball Players Use?

Professional pickleball players have been using the Dura Fast 40 for several years. Since the United States Pickleball Association has certified the Franklin X-40 as the official pickleball, it is often used by professional pickleball players. Both the Franklin X-40 and the Dura Fast-40 have seamless construction.

Are There Different Size Pickleball Balls?

Yes, there are several different sizes Pickleball balls. Standard Pickleball balls are between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter. This is the size used in the majority of tournaments and leagues.

What’s The Difference In Pickleball Balls?

The primary distinction between pickleball used indoors and those used outside is the kind of material they are constructed from.

Pickleball balls used outside are often composed of tough plastic, but pickleball balls used indoors are generally made of more forgiving materials such as foam or rubber. Pickleballs made of hard plastic are intended to be played on courts made of concrete or asphalt.

Difference In Pickleball Balls

The balls used for indoor pickleball are often softer, have a bit of texture, and are less in weight. They make playing pickleball on indoor courts and in gyms much simpler, but they are not designed to withstand the gusty conditions of outside play.

Pickleballs used outside are bulkier, have more holes, and can cause a significant amount of pain if you are unfortunate enough to get struck by one.

Pickleball Ball Types

There are two different types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor. Each type of pickleball ball is designed for a specific playing surface.

1. Indoor Pickleball Balls

Indoor pickleball is made from a softer material than outdoor pickleball. The softer material makes indoor pickleball bounce lower than outdoor pickleball.

Indoor pickleball is also smaller than outdoor pickleball. The smaller size makes indoor pickleball easier to control than outdoor pickleball. They have large 26 drilled holes.

2. Outdoor Pickleball Balls

Outdoor pickleball is made from a harder material than indoor pickleball. The harder material makes outdoor pickleball bounce higher than indoor pickleball.

Outdoor pickleball is also larger than indoor pickleball. The larger size makes outdoor pickleball more difficult to control than indoor pickleball. Outdoor pickleball has 40 holes.

Pickleballs Difference Table

Key	Indoor Pickleballs	Outdoor Pickleballs
Pickleball Ball Size	2.87 inches	2.97 inches
Pickleball Ball Weight	Weighing approximately 0.9 ounces	Weighing approximately 0.8 ounces
Pickleball Ball Dimensions	2.87 inches (7.29 cm)	2.97 inches (7.54 cm)
Pickleball Ball Differences	Lighter and impacted by wind, 26 holes, however, they are bigger and fewer	more substantial and wind-resistant, with approximately 40 holes, but they are smaller
Pickleball Ball Machine	Lobster Sports Pickleball Machine	Spin shot Player PickleBall Machine
Pickleball Ball Material	built from a lighter plastic	built from durable plastic

Pickleball Vs Tennis Ball Size

Tennis balls are required to have a diameter of between 2.57 and 2.70 inches and a weight between 1.98 and 2.10 ounces. “Optic yellow” is the official designation for the color of tennis balls.

The ball used for pickleball is available in any color and is typically constructed of perforated plastic. Its diameter can range from 2 7/8 to 3 inches, and its weight can range from 0.78 to 0.935 ounces.

What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Pickleball Balls – Interlink Korben

Pickleballs played indoors and outdoors differ primarily in that the indoor balls are lighter, softer, and smaller in diameter while the outside balls are heavier and larger in diameter. Compared to indoor balls, outdoor balls are noticeably bigger, heavier, and more robust.

Pickleballs played indoors are frequently denser than those played outside, allowing for a greater spin. They are also slightly more steady overall, and their rallies last longer. Indoor Pickleball has larger 26 holes and outdoor Pickleball has smaller 40 holes.

Growth Of Pickleball Vs Tennis

Comparative Development of Pickleball and Tennis The expansion of the sport of pickleball is constantly compared with the growth of tennis due to the similarities between the two games. The development of pickleball and tennis are compared in the given figure.

The number of people playing tennis increased by 27.9% during the course of the past two years (2019-2021), while the number of people playing pickleball increased by 39.3% during the same time period.

Pickleball Balls Buying Guide: How To Choose Pickleball Balls

Buying Guide: Pickleball Balls

Type

The game of pickleball can be played with different types of balls. The two main types are indoor balls and outdoor balls. Each type has its own set of characteristics that make it more or less suitable for different playing conditions.

What are the different types of pickleball?

There are different types of pickleball, but the two main types are indoor pickleball and outdoor pickleball. Indoor pickleball is played on a hard court, while outdoor pickleball is played on a soft court.

Size

Pickleball balls are typically 2.9 inches in diameter, which is slightly smaller than a tennis ball. They are also available in different sizes for different age groups and playing levels.

What size pickleball do I need?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different preferences. However, most experts recommend using a pickleball that is between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter.

Materials

Pickleball balls can be made from different materials, such as plastic, rubber, or foam. The material of the ball will affect its bounce, durability, and price.

What is the best material for a pickleball ball?

There are a few different materials that can be used for pickleball balls, but the most popular material is polyethylene. This material is durable and has a good bounce, making it ideal for pickleball. Another popular material for pickleball balls is nylon, which is also durable and has a good bounce.

Weight

Pickleball balls typically weigh between 0.6 and 1 ounce. The weight of the ball will affect its speed and bounce.

What is a good weight for a pickleball ball?

A good weight for a pickleball ball is between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces. This weight range allows for the ball to be easily controlled while still being able to move quickly.

Colors

Pickleball balls are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, green, pink, and blue. Some balls are two-toned, while others are solid-colored.

What colors do pickleball balls come in?

The balls used for pickleball are often yellow or lime green in color. Players will have an easier time competing if the court is painted in colors that contrast with each other. You are free to use any hue you like, including reds, purples, blues, greens, or any other color.

Brands

There are many different brands of pickleball balls on the market, including Onix, Dura, and Jugs. Each brand has its own set of features and benefits.

What is the best brand of pickleball balls?

There are a few different brands of pickleball balls that are popular among pickleball players. Some of the most popular brands include Jugs, Onix, and Dura. All of these brands make high-quality pickleball balls that are designed to provide a great experience for players.

Indoor balls

Indoor pickleball balls are designed for use on hardwood or tile floors. They have a softer construction and a lower bounce than outdoor balls.

What is the best indoor pickleball ball?

The best indoor pickleball ball is the Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball. It is made with a soft, flexible material that is easy on the hands and does not bounce as high as a hard ball.

Outdoor balls

Outdoor pickleball balls are designed for use on concrete or asphalt. They have a harder construction and a higher bounce than indoor balls.

How Is The Ball Served In Pickleball

At the beginning of the service, the player must have only one leg behind the baseline; however, neither foot may touch either the baseline or the court unless the ball has been struck.

It is necessary for the ball to land within the boundaries of the other diagonal court once it has been served diagonally crosscourt. There is only one opportunity for a service allowed.

Read Also Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Kind Of Ball Do You Use For Pickleball?

Pickleball is played with a ball made of a lighter substance such as plastic so that the paddles, which are used to play the game, can provide a flawless and smooth grip on the ball. Pickleball features drilled-in holes and can be played on courts with varied degrees of resilience.

2. Is There A Difference In Pickleball Balls?

There is a difference in pickleball balls. The two main types are indoor and outdoor balls. Indoor balls are designed to bounce less and have a softer feel. Outdoor balls are designed to bounce more and have a harder feel.

3. What Type Of Plastic Are Pickleballs Made Of?

Pickleballs are made of different types of plastic, depending on the manufacturer. The most common types of plastic used are 

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE), 
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 
• And polypropylene.

4. What Pickleballs Are Used In Outdoor Tournaments?

The DURA outdoor pickleball is used in outdoor tournaments because they are made to withstand the elements. They are also made to be durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

5. How Long Does A Pickleball Ball Last?

A pickleball ball will last for approximately 100 hours if used regularly. If the ball is only used occasionally, it may last for much longer. The lifespan of a pickleball ball will depend on several factors, such as how often it is used, what type of surface it is used on, and how it is stored.

What is the Difference in Pickleball Balls? Pickleball Review

Conclusion

To conclude, the best pickleball balls are those that have been carefully designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the game. They should be durable, have a good grip, and be able to bounce well.

With so many different brands and types of pickleball balls on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. However, by following the guidelines in this article, you should be able to find the perfect pickleball ball for your game.