Unlock your winning potential with our in-depth guide to the best pickleball balls on the market. From optimal bounce to superior control, we’ve reviewed and ranked the top picks to elevate your gameplay. Serve up success with the right ball choice
Most of them might be thinking, how does the ball matter while playing pickleball? It makes the game fun and lets you hit powerful shots with it. The Best Pickleball Balls are necessary to enhance the gaming experience and improve the performance on the court. Before jumping into the game, the right ball is a must.
If you’re interested in optimizing your pickleball setup, our article on the best pickleball paddles offers a comprehensive guide to finding the ideal paddle for your playing style. From paddle materials and grip types to weight and shape considerations, we delve into all the factors that contribute to a winning paddle choice.
What is Pickleball Balls
Pickleball balls are specialized balls used in the sport of pickleball. They are designed to meet the specific requirements of the game, including their size, weight, and materials used. Pickleball balls are similar to wiffle balls, featuring a hollow design with evenly spaced holes. The holes allow for better aerodynamics and slower flight, making the balls easier to control during play.
Pickleball balls come in different colors, typically yellow, white, or orange, to provide visibility and contrast against the court. The color choice may also depend on the playing environment, such as indoor or outdoor courts, as different colors can be more visible in certain lighting conditions.
It’s important to note that there are different types of pickleball balls, such as indoor and outdoor balls. Indoor balls are typically softer and have larger holes, designed to perform well on smooth indoor surfaces. Outdoor balls, on the other hand, are more durable and have smaller holes, providing better wind resistance and durability for outdoor play.
Choosing the right pickleball balls depends on factors like the playing environment, skill level, and personal preference. It’s recommended to select high-quality balls that meet the standards set by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) to ensure fair play and consistent performance.
| 1. | Franklin sports pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 2. | Pro Aviana Pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 3. | Onix Pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 4. | Vinsguir pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 5. | FILA Pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 6. | Dura fast pickleball balls | Buy it On Amazon |
| 7. | Selkirk SLK competition pickleball ball | Buy it On Amazon |
Best Pickleball Balls
We have reviewed each of the balls that are listed in this article with pros and cons. You can read each review and choose the ball that best suits your playing style, budget, and other needs. Certainly, having the right ball will improve gaming accuracy and less spin of the ball, besides helping you attain consistent performance. The state-of-the-art pickleball balls will take the game to another level. Be it you are a beginner or an experienced player; the ball would meet your needs. There are separate balls available to play this pickleball game indoors and outdoors. The indoor balls are made to cause less noise when they hit the ground, while the outdoor balls are good to be used on tough surfaces and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
1. Franklin sports pickleball balls
The Franklin Sports Ball manufactures USAPA-approved yet best pickleball balls that you should have in your pickleball gear. It is perfect for outdoor pickleball enthusiasts. The ball is made and approved by USAPA. It all meets the weight requirements and size. This supports flight support in that it has over 40 holes that are drilled into the ball to give you great results on the court when you play with this ball. It makes use of rotating molding technology to produce a ball that is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting. It is widely used in the pickleball championships played globally.
It is ideal for tournaments and is available in a pack of 3, 12, or 100. Having all these balls with you allows you to play this game on the court for a long time. It has durable construction and bouncing capabilities. The no-seam construction would provide additional strength to the ball without getting broken sooner. There is also a hollow core to retain the air and offer a balanced flight pattern to play consistently. You can stock these balls for training sessions, tournaments, and matches.
Specifications
- Material – Polyethylene
- Color- Ember
- Age group – For all ages
- Weight – 26 grams
Pros
- Quality material and robust design
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and compact
- High value for the money spent
Cons
- Too light for some players
2. Pro Aviana Pickleball balls
The Pro Aviana is an ideal choice for pickleball players who would want to play this game outdoors. These balls are USAPA-approved and are the perfect combination of durability and performance. The construction of the ball can also withstand hard strikes hit by the players with high force. It can take a lot of shots before being replaced. It also offers a straight as well as a balanced flight path. It offers 40 drilled holes that would reduce wind interference to play outdoors without flying off sooner.
The bounce technology will ensure the ball bounces consistently. Therefore, it becomes easy for you to count the rebound. It is designed to meet the USAPA standards set for designing the ball to use in tournaments. There are various factors considered to design the ball, such as weight, size, diameter, hardness, construction, holes, and smooth seam. It is suitable to be used by all players irrespective of their skill level. It also comes with a reusable can that lets you keep the balls organized and to transport the balls with ease.
Specifications
- Material – Plastic
- Colour – Yellow
- Age – Adults
- Weight – 0.85 ounces
- Price – $15.95
Pros
- Highly durable
- Ideal for playing professional games
- Easy to use
Cons
- Balls are less in the can
3. Onix Pickleball balls
When you look for the best pickleball balls for beginners and experienced players, this would top the list. Onix is known for its durability and great flight performance. It can withstand heavy strikes that you hit with your racquet without you having to replace the ball often. It is best to be used for competitive purposes and meets all the quality standards. There are different colors in which the balls are available so that you can easily find them in the court without having to search much. The quality seam welding will offer durability and resistance to splitting.
The balls are best to be used for a long time. The pickleball will offer balance to the ball strategically. The holes on the ball are drilled precisely to offer a rebound on the court. It can also resist winds. The performance that you attain through this ball is due to its special construction. Players would love to see the ball bouncing on the court. The tiny holes and weight of the ball will make it fly despite the outdoor conditions to deliver you the best gaming experience ever. The ball is ideal for professional and recreational players. For the clubs who are looking for balls that can last longer, then this is the one for them.
Specifications
- Colour – Neon green
- Age – Youth
- Number of items you get – 3
Pros
- Durable
- Quality construction
- Perfect to be used outdoors
- High bounce
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners due to excessive bouncing
4. Vinsguir pickleball balls
Vinsguir is known for producing the best pickleball balls that are designed to meet the USAPA standards. These are ideal for practicing and boosting gaming performance on the court. Practicing with these balls will improve your skills in no time. The balls of this brand are sturdy and durable and come with exceptional seam welding to resist splitting. Despite you hitting the ball 2,000 times, it does not get deformed sooner. Having this ball in your pickleball gear will give you an edge. You can practice with this ball as long as you want. The balls give you excellent balance and great elasticity. With precisely drilled holes, it reduces wind interference and creates a balanced flight pattern when you hit the ball with your racquet. The best thing is that the ball also gives unmatched spin.
The balls from this brand are durable, sturdy, and suitable to be used in courts. It is ideal for both beginners and experts. The balls are yellow and easy to spot on the court and even in the sunlight and dim light. These are perfect to be used both on indoor and outdoor courts.
Specifications
- Material – Polypropylene
- Colour – Yellow
- Age – Adult
- Sports – Pickleball and tennis
Pros
- Quality material is used to construct the ball
- Highly durable and lasts longer despite using this in the court every day
- Sleek and comes with a great design
- Sling bag to carry the balls without misplacing them
Cons
- Not so light
- Not suitable for all
5. FILA Pickleball balls
The brand ensures to construction of the best pickleball balls using durable material to keep the weight of the ball as per standards to use for tournaments and practice. It is ideal to be used by players to play on the indoor or outdoor court. It comes with a pack of four and is in orange color. There are 40 drilled holes on the ball, offering seamless construction to hit the ball to great lengths. It is also resistant to extreme outdoor conditions and wear while playing. The ball is available in standard weight and size and is suitable for playing highly competitive games.
The balls are suitable to be used by players at different skill and play levels. The superior flight technology will maintain the flight pattern of the ball. It is wind-resistant, bounces, and is ideal for players. The company understands the significance of constructing quality balls, and therefore, every pickleball made by them would accommodate the needs of players. Having these balls with you brings a lot of entertainment into the game. The superior design and great functionality will improve gaming performance. The pack of four balls can also be shared with friends and family. There is enough visibility in each hole. If you want to play a quality game every time, you can count on these balls.
Specifications
- Material – PVC
- Colour – Orange
- Age – All ages
- Weight – 0.88 ounces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cost-effective
- Highly durable
- Lightweight
- Made using quality materials
Cons
- It would break sooner when you hit hard shots
6. Dura fast pickleball balls
When looking for the best pickleball balls that give great value to the money you invest, without a second thought you can go for the Dura brand. The ball from this brand makes the game fun and lets you prepare to hit the court with confidence. These balls are a combination of durability, performance, and quality materials. The balls are USAPA-approved and are used to play tournaments. These will meet all the regulations set by the authorities in terms of size, weight, and shape to use in tournaments for playing. It is made with a unique blend of different materials to offer excellent playability and have enough control over the shots you are hitting with this ball in the court.
The ball from this brand is straight, fast, and flies briskly with the molded rotational design. It has 40 drilled holes. Many top players would love to use these balls for practice and in the game. It is designed and made for this sport. Durability is what is impressive about this sport. You can use this for up to 10 games and even in harsh weather conditions. There are many tests done on this ball, and it is proven to be durable compared to other competing balls. These are known for quality and performance. You can use them for recreation and at the tournament level.
Specifications
- Material – Plastic
- Colour – Neon
- Age – Adult
- Weight – 0.06 pounds
Pros
- Quality design to be used for tournaments
- Low maintenance
- Versatile
- Holds to use heavily
- Bounces well
Cons
- Will crack easily
7. Selkirk SLK competition pickleball ball
It is the best outdoor pickleball ball for intermediate players. These are highly competition-focused and are USAPA-approved means they all meet the quality standards and the design standards of the tournament. The brand constructs the ball using quality material and is known for its performance. The unique hole pattern on the ball delivers exceptional performance and will take your game to another level. The durability of the ball allows you to use this without worrying about cracking or warping. It also performs well in all extreme conditions.
The outdoor ball is ideal for competitive players to thrive in the game and have the best playing experience without taking a toll on performance and durability. Having this ball in the pickleball gear will allow you to play with high confidence all day long. The drilled holes in the ball are engineered to offer a consistent flight pattern and hit every shot perfectly. The weight is also distributed equally to offer a great experience for players. The neon color of the ball offers great visibility when playing in low-lighting conditions. It is designed to last longer compared to other hard players. It also withstands hours of play without distorting the ball’s integrity and offers you consistent flight and bounce all the time. It is USAPA-approved and has the weight, size, and shape of the ball as per the standards.
Specifications
- Total holes in the ball – 40
- Weight – 0.91 ounces
- Colour options – lime
- Moulding – seamed
- Diameter – 2.85 inches
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Durable
- USAPA approved
Cons
- Pricey
Looking to take your pickleball game to the next level? Check out our guide on the best pickleball machines for efficient practice. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to explore our article on the best pickleball balls to ensure you have the perfect gear for your winning matches!
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the best pickleball balls with pros and cons. You might have decided which ball is right for your skills and play style by now. All these balls are available in different colors and can be used both for indoor and outdoor games. Having the right ball will enhance your gaming experience and take your game to another level. The balls are suitable to be used for tournaments and by recreational players. These are a combination of great price, durability, performance, and visibility. All of these are constructed with quality material to withstand wear and not get worn out sooner. The balls offer you with best play conditions to learn the game without complicating the game and learn to hit complex shots.
FAQs
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pickleball balls, along with their answers:
Q1: What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?
A1: Indoor pickleball balls are designed for smooth court surfaces and have larger holes, resulting in a slightly slower game. Outdoor balls are more durable, with smaller holes, and are suitable for rougher surfaces and windy conditions.
Q2: How do I choose the right ball for my skill level?
A2: Beginners might prefer balls with larger holes and a slightly softer feel for better control. Advanced players often opt for balls with smaller holes and a more solid construction, allowing for more spin and precision.
Q3: Are all pickleball balls the same size and weight?
A3: USAPA-approved pickleball balls must adhere to specific size and weight standards. However, slight variations might exist among different brands and models.
Q4: What does USAPA approval mean?
A4: The United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) approves balls that meet size, weight, bounce, and material requirements, ensuring fairness and consistency in gameplay.
Q5: Can I use indoor balls for outdoor play and vice versa?
A5: While it’s possible to use indoor balls outdoors, they might wear out faster due to the rougher surface. Outdoor balls can be used indoors, but they might feel livelier and faster than indoor balls.
Q6: Do ball colors matter?
A6: Ball color affects visibility against the court and lighting conditions. Yellow and white are common colors. Choose a color that contrasts well with the court surface.
Q7: How important is ball durability?
A7: Durability matters, especially for outdoor play. Look for balls made from sturdy materials that can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor surfaces.
Q8: Can I practice with different ball brands?
A8: Yes, practicing with various ball brands can help you adapt to different playing conditions and ball characteristics. However, for competitive play, it’s best to stick with a consistent ball.
Q9: What’s the difference between plastic and polymer balls?
A9: Plastic balls are made from a single material, while polymer balls consist of multiple layers for enhanced durability and bounce consistency. Many players prefer polymer balls for their performance.
Q10: How many pickleball balls do I need for a game?
A10: A standard pickleball game requires a minimum of two balls, one for each team. Having a few extra balls on hand is recommended for convenience.
Q11: Are there eco-friendly pickleball ball options?
A11: Some brands offer eco-friendly options made from recycled materials. Look for environmentally conscious choices if sustainability is important to you.
Q12: Can I wash pickleball balls?
A12: Yes, you can clean pickleball balls with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that might affect the ball’s performance.
Q14: How do I store pickleball balls when not in use?
A14: Store pickleball balls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as they can affect the ball’s performance.
Q15: Can I mix and match different ball brands during a game?
A15: It’s recommended to use the same brand and model of the ball for consistency during a game. Mixing different brands might lead to variations in bounce and play.