Having the best sports equipment makes a game more fun and enjoyable. In pickleball, choosing which ball to use can be a game-changer. So what pickleball ball is used in tournaments?
In tournaments, such as the US Open and Nationals, they are using the Dura Fast 40. The brand has been a staple in major and minor tournaments across the country because of its high and consistent quality of games.
There are various factors to consider in deciding which pickleball ball to use in your match. These include:
- Capability to bounce properly and exhibit a good flight.
- Secure seams to avoid cracking easily.
- Has bright colors to be more visually clear while playing.
In this article, we will dive into everything you have to know about pickleball balls and why it’s important to choose the best brands to improve your pickleball experience.
Are There Different Types of Pickleballs?
Yes, there are actually two types of pickleball balls— indoor balls and outdoor balls. Now, let’s discuss each of them and know what sets them apart from each other.
Indoor Pickleball Balls
If you don’t want to be bothered by the heat of the sun or uncontrolled winds, then playing pickleball indoors is the best option. And here, it is ideal to use indoor pickleball balls.
These balls are smaller in size and weigh less compared to outdoor pickleballs. It only weighs 0.8 ounces, perfect for group fun inside the house.
What’s more interesting is that you will notice holes that enable them to go along with the wind. And since less wind is present indoors, the holes of indoor pickleball balls are actually bigger and fewer than outdoor ones. Normally, indoor pickleballs have a total of 26 holes.
Moreover, having fewer, bigger holes result in a lot of advantages. These include more consistent bounces, enhanced flow of air, and more precise trajectories that are perfect in indoor conditions.
Indoor pickleball balls also have a textured surface that allows players to give more spin to them. Hence, you may expect longer rallies while playing with this ball. However, it will be difficult to perform hard hits to the ball because of the said texture.
Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Playing pickleball outdoors is actually more challenging because of different environmental factors. These include strong winds, the high heat of the sun, and uneven playing fields. Hence, outdoor pickleball balls are actually designed in a way that they can adapt to these conditions.
Due to this reason, you will notice that outdoor pickleballs have more holes in them. They are also made smaller to avoid being deflected easily by the wind. Normally, they have 40 small holes.
Outdoor pickleballs actually bounce better compared to indoor balls. Also, power strikes will be easier for players, given the ball’s smooth surface. Hence, fewer rallies are expected when playing using outdoor pickleballs.
Outdoor pickleballs will be harder to control as they spin less than indoor pickleballs.
What Color of Pickleball Is Used In Tournaments?
The most commonly used pickleball color in major and minor tournaments is bright yellow. This is because this color gives the players a clearer and cleaner visual. Also, playing outdoors means that the light can vary from time to time. And using colors such as bright yellow will offset this effect.
Aside from bright yellow, some tournaments also use the color orange or white. The only rule is that uniform color should be used throughout the match.
If you’re deciding which color to use when playing, following these colors is good. However, keep in mind that there are still other factors to consider. For example, you want a color that contrasts with the dominant colors in your playing location.
What Is The Best Brand Of Pickleball Balls?
In major tournaments, like the US Open and the Nationals, they are using the Dura Fast 40. However, there are other famous pickleball brands that you can pick for your next game.
Here, we will be discussing 5 of the best brands of pickleballs.
Onix Pickleball Ball
Because pickleball balls are normally holed, one must have a proper weight to create the perfect balance once in mid-air. And Onix Pickleball is among the brands that add weight to their products to avoid wobbling.
Moreover, Onix is designed for aggressive playing. It is infused with Bounce Technology and made with a seam that can protect the ball from splitting.
This Amazon’s best-seller is also welded in a way that can prevent the ball from cracking. It’s durable, affordable, and very user-friendly. However, this brand is not approved for tournament usage.
Core Pickleball Ball
Core Pickleball Ball is guaranteed to be 5 times more durable compared to the average pickleball ball. They are also available in bulk quantities, where you can get up to 100 balls in just one purchase.
Core Pickleball can also be used in all weather types, as they are built with over 40 holes in them. However, this is not recommended for those who want minimal quantities because the brand is for bulk orders only.
Day 1 Sports Pickleball Ball
As mentioned above, bright colors are perfect for a pickleball game. Day 1 Sports Pickleball Ball offers their pickleball in a bright yellow tone, perfect for outdoor or indoor gaming experiences.
Moreover, this brand also meets the qualifications for use in tournaments. It is also manufactured using a top-quality resin that ensures it’s for long-term usage.
However, the seams of the ball may affect your playing experience. Consider this before purchasing them.
Franklin Sports Pickleball
Franklin Sports Pickleball can be a little bit expensive compared to other brands. But it already comes in a 12-piece pickleball package which is the most economical option for you to consider.
It is approved by the USAPA and has been manufactured with durable materials to ensure it won’t crack easily. It also has 40 holes to stabilize its flight. Moreover, rotational molding is used to ensure its durability.
However, Franklin Sports Pickleball is only recommended for outdoor pickleball games.
EasyTime Pickleball Ball
EasyTime Pickleball Ball is the only purchase where you can get both indoor and outdoor pickleball balls. Plus, they come in bright colors for better visual experience during the game.
The ball is also welded using hot steam that gives the ball a smooth surface. This enables the ball to have a good bounce. However, this brand’s downside is that the balls’ colors may differ from their photos.
How Long Does A Pickleball Last?
The lifespan of pickleball balls is affected by numerous reasons. These include the type of pickleballs, the brand, the temperature, the playing surface, and even the style of play the players do.
For the type of pickleballs, indoor balls will normally have a longer lifespan. This is because they are not used on rough surfaces, like in outdoor areas. For outdoor pickleballs, they can last up to ten games if taken care of properly.
Moreover, some players play more aggressively than others. How hard they hit the ball during the game will affect its lifespan. Those who like to rally the ball near the kitchen area will typically wear the ball more.
What Should You Consider In Buying Pickleballs?
Now that you’ve learned more about pickleballs, these tips will help you in choosing the right pickleball for you.
Outdoor/Indoor?
Knowing whether you will play indoors or outdoors is a deciding factor in choosing the right brand of pickleballs. Since these two are manufactured differently based on a lot of factors, using indoor balls for outdoor play may cause you some difficulties.
What’s best is to find a product that you can have both types of pickleballs in one purchase.
Color
Again, color is very important. Choose a bright color, such as yellow, orange, or white, in buying your pickleball. This will allow you to clearly see the ball even when the lighting changes.
However, choosing bright colors is not always the right move. You still need to analyze your location and determine the dominant color. Choose a color that will contrast the dominant color for better sight of the ball while in play.
Diameter
The ball’s diameter will help it have a stable motion once the paddle hits it. Hence, knowing the diameter for each type of pickleball will give you a better playing experience.
For indoor pickleball, choose that with a diameter of 2.8 inches, and for outdoor pickleballs, choose that with 2.9 inches diameter.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is enjoyed the best with quality sports materials. If you want to fully enjoy the game, you need to invest in high-quality brands that offer the best pickleball balls.
Take note that there are two different types of pickleballs— indoor and outdoor. In choosing the best pickleball, you might also want to consider its color, brand, and lifespan.
