You can’t play pickleball without some pickleball balls! Whether you’re an indoor pickleball fanatic or a versatile court-trotter, you never want to be “that guy.”

You know the one.

The person who never has their own ball.

Aside from being rude, it’s just downright silly to expect everyone to have an extra for you.

So, how do you find a good pickleball ball? Moreover, is there a difference between indoor and outdoor balls? What about an “official” ball?

Don’t worry! I’ve got the answers to all your questions. So, keep scrolling to learn more!

When Is It a Pickleball?

Long ago, in the far-away era of the 1960s, pickleball was played with a wiffle ball. There was no such thing as an “indoor” or “outdoor pickleball!” Then, people played with ping-pong paddles and — later — custom-machined plywood paddles. The wiffle ball was eventually swapped for the similarly-built “Cosom Fun Ball,” but designated pickleballs were not a “thing” for some time. It was a dark and primitive era for the sport, but we must all start somewhere.

Okay.

Fast forward. Fast forward a lot.

It is now 2023. In the 60-some years since its inception, pickleball has become America’s newest darling. Towns are repaving old tennis courts to make room for shiny, new pickleball courts. We now have purpose-built supplies and professional tournaments. The growth of the sport has even sparked heated debates across America!

Obviously, we need more clarity about pickleball balls.

What the Rule Book Says

According to the USA Pickleball rule book, all pickleball balls must meet the following requirements:

• Color: You can find pickleball in a rainbow of colors, but tournament-level pickleballs must be a solid color, per rule 2.D.3.
• Construction: All pickleball balls must have 26–40 evenly-spaced holes, per rule 2.D.1.
• Material: Pickleball balls come in various materials, as the rule book only requires that the ball’s construction be “durable.”
• Size: The diameter of a pickleball must be between 2.87 and 2.97 inches (73–75 millimeters).
• Surface: Much like the pickleball paddle, pickleball balls cannot have any texture.
• Weight: All balls meant for tournament play should be 0.78–0.935 ounces.
• Manufacturer Information: In tournament play, pickleball balls must bear the maker’s name or logo on the surface. This rule does not apply to most casual games.

You may notice that there are a few “loopholes” in this guide.

Some aspects of the pickleball ball are not regulated, which leaves plenty of room for players to customize balls to fit their play style. Such unregulated (and loosely regulated) features include:

• Color: Assuming the ball is a single color, players may use whatever hue makes them happy. Most pickleball balls are yellow or neon green. Notably, that same neon green color is often used in tennis matches to make balls more visible on television.
• Hardness: The precise hardness of a pickleball varies. A hard ball may be more stable, though it’s prone to crackling and warping. Conversely, softer balls may not “fly true,” but they’re more durable.
• Hole Size: The holes on most indoor balls have a diameter of 0.43 inches (about 10 millimeters); on outdoor balls, the hole is often 0.282 inches (7.168 millimeters). However, there is no definitive size requirement.
• Material: Rule 2.D.3 is remarkably vague, mandating nothing more than “a durable material molded with a smooth surface and free of texturing.” Nonetheless, most balls are made of lightweight plastic.
• Number of Holes: Most pickleball balls have 26 or 40 holes. However, any number between 26 and 40 is a perfectly valid number of holes.

Indoor Balls and Outdoor Balls

You may have also noticed references to “indoor” and “outdoor” pickleball balls.

Yes! It’s true! These are two different products, and they serve different purposes. You generally don’t want to use those outdoor pickleball balls on an indoor court, and you certainly shouldn’t break out an indoor ball for an outdoor court.

Why?

Well…

What Is an Indoor Pickleball Ball?

Indoor balls often have 26 large holes along their surface. In many indoor pickleball balls, these holes have a 0.43-inch (10-millimeter) diameter. These balls are usually made of a softer plastic and weigh less.

All of these factors make an indoor pickleball ball the perfect tool for your local sports complex. The larger holes ensure the balls fly true, as there’s no wind to contend with indoors. The softer material is easier on indoor courts and offers more bounce. Moreover, those soft spots give you more control over the ball.

However, these balls perform poorly in windy conditions. They also tend to be slower than their outdoor counterparts. Fortunately, they’re perfect for indoor play, where their durability and controllability shine.

What Are Outdoor Pickleball Balls?

Comparatively, outdoor balls feature 40 small holes, each of which usually has a diameter of 0.282 inches (7.168 millimeters). Where the indoor ball is made for indoor surfaces, the outdoor ball is intended for less predictable outdoor courts. They’re often heavier and have thicker walls.

Together, these features create a sturdy, aerodynamic pickleball ball. Their rugged construction makes them rather durable balls, although their thickness often results in early crackling and warping. Outdoor balls are also susceptible to hot weather, which may further deform the plastic and negatively impact performance.

On outdoor courts, a purpose-built pickleball will exhibit greater controllability and excellent wind resistance. Outdoor pickleball balls also tend to be faster than indoor pickleball balls.

You can use an outdoor ball for indoor play, but it won’t work as intended. The heavier ball may also leave marks and scuffs on indoor surfaces.

How Are Pickleballs Made?

Regardless of its status as an indoor or outdoor pickleball, all pickleball balls are made the same way. Unlike their older counterparts, modern pickleball manufacturers use high-tech injection molding.

This means that manufacturers create the ball with special plastic molds. Molten plastic or powder is forced into these shells, creating a sphere. Once the sphere is ready, the material is cooled, locking in its shape. In most cases, these molds create a hollow, solid ball; the holes are drilled afterward.

There are two methods for manufacturing pickleballs.

Two-Part Injection Molding

The classic method uses two (or more) molds, one for each half. The core ball is made by welding the two halves; most companies use molten plastic.

A high-quality two-part pickleball is an affordable pick for most pickleball players. But beware, avoid the cheaply made two-part pickleball! When manufactured with low-quality plastic or cheap machinery, these balls lack a balanced flight pattern. Particularly egregious examples of shoddy pickleball balls may just split in half when hit. Yikes!

One-Piece “Rotocast” Pickleball Balls

Looking for something more durable?

Even exceptional seam welding will wear itself out. Eventually, that beloved two-part pickleball will no longer bounce correctly. Its deformities may cause the seam to snap. The solution to this problem is “rotocasting,” a process used to create balls without seams.

To create a rotocast pickleball, manufacturers inject the plastic into a spinning mold. The force of its movement evenly coats the outer shell, creating a smooth, solid slate for each pickleball. Producers of these unique pickleball balls claim that the seamless result offers more consistent bounce and better control.

These balls are often more expensive, but they offer higher durability and can withstand consistent high-level play. Wilson’s unique 32-hole pickleball, known as the Tru 32, is a popular one-piece pickleball.

What Are Pickleball Balls Made Of?

Like pickleball paddles, a durable pickleball can be made of many materials. Unfortunately, the simple construction of these sporting goods makes manufacturers wary of sharing much info. A herculean search only turned up some basic lists, as most companies’ precise material composition is a tightly-guarded secret.

The vast majority of pickleball balls are made of plastic, primarily…

• HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
• LDPE (low-density polyethylene).
• PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Notably, these plastics offer a range of hardness.

The heavy, hard plastics used in outdoor pickleball balls offer plenty of bounce and high control. Combined with their smaller holes, they’re remarkably resistant to wind interference. However, they are more susceptible to weather conditions. Warm weather makes them bounce less, but the high bounce of cold weather is countered by brittleness.

Comparatively, the soft plastic used for indoor pickleball balls creates bouncier, slower balls. Indoors, the lighter balls have a wonderfully balanced flight pattern, although they perform poorly in windy conditions. These balls may be a bit “sticky” and are prone to unintentional spin.

However, there are additional options on the market.

• Foam is not a sanctioned material under USA Pickleball Association rules, but it’s used for casual recreational play. Foam balls are incredibly quiet, though they tend to lack bounce.
• Resin is used in some recycled pickleball balls.

What to Consider When Buying Pickleball Balls

Let’s put all of it together.

There are so many factors that determine what someone considers their go-to ball. While many people will find the average ball a perfect fit, anyone looking for tournament play performance should dig a bit deeper than the mesh bag bin at your local sporting goods store.

Do You Want an Indoor or Outdoor Ball?

Your first problem will be play style.

If you’re planning on playing outdoors, an outdoor pickleball ball will work perfectly! You can even take it indoors, although I don’t recommend doing so regularly. However, if you’re a primarily indoor player, look for indoor pickleball balls.

You’ll want to get a few of each if you regularly engage in indoor and outdoor play.

If you’re only going to enjoy friendly matches, a foam ball is another option. Foam balls are not “legal” under USA Pickleball Association rules, but they offer a much quieter experience for casual games. Note that a foam ball will work on both indoor and outdoor courts, although many say they perform better during indoor games.

Durability

Softer balls tend to be more durable, as they are less prone to warping. Such balls offer fairly consistent bounce indoors but may act erratically on outdoor pickleball courts.

Harder balls are better for outdoor play, as they absorb the impacts of uneven or dirty surfaces. However, their rigidity makes them more prone to cracking. Poorly made balls of this caliber may split in half when exposed to rigorous competitive play.

“Fly True”

As you read reviews, you’ll come across people mentioning if a ball “flies true.” This term is just a fancy way to say that a ball follows its expected path.

Again, the best pickleball balls depend on the playing conditions. Outdoor pickleball balls fly true against considerable wind interference, though they may waver in the stagnant air of an indoor court. Similarly, that indoor pick may be the best pickleball ball at the sports center, but it won’t fly true in windy weather.

Color

It may seem strange to worry about the color of your pickleball balls, but you’ll quickly find that the hue of your tool is as important as the number of holes it has! Consider your favorite pickleball court. What color is it? Choose a pickleball that has high contrast with that court. Otherwise, you may have a hard time finding it when it crosses courts.

Yellow and neon green are the most popular colors, but you can find many more!

The Best Pickleball Balls for You

Awesome!

We’ve gotten through the theory. Now, it’s time to look at some pickleball balls.

This list contains plenty of options, but it’s worth knowing there are other balls out there. If none of these fit your fancy, hit the web! There are many more manufacturers, and you don’t have to rob a bank to afford a good, long-lasting ball.

(I did not include any foam balls on this list, as they are not suited for both casual and tournament play.)

So, whether you’re a globe-trotting outdoor pickleball player or someone who wants to comfortably play indoor pickleball, check out this list of the top pickleball balls to find your perfect match!

Affordable Outdoor Pickleballs for Everyone

If you like color, durability, and affordability, try the Franklin X-40. Made by Franklin Sports, this ball is well-known for its balanced flight pattern and 40-hole design. It’s also the official pickleball of the US Open Pickleball Championships.

Though sturdy, the one-piece Franklin X-40 is not meant for indoor play. It’s made of a softer material, so it’s not the right ball for someone seeking excessive authentic bounce. Nonetheless, it’s a proven pick for both casual games and intense outdoor tournaments. Aside from its professional backing, the Franklin X-40 comes with the time-tested quality of its manufacturer, Franklin Sports.

This ball is available in four colors: optic, ember, lava, and pink.

Franklin Sports Franklin X-40 Features

• Diameter: 2.9 inches (74 mm)
• Number of Holes: 40
• Price: $11.99 for 3
• Type: Outdoor
• Weight: 0.917 ounces

A High-Visibility Outdoor Pickleball

The PCKL Elite 40 is a balanced pick for outdoor play.

It’s made of a mid-weight plastic, which gives it a nice mix of control and consistent bounce. Like the Franklin X-40, the PCKL Elite 40 sees plenty of high-level play; it’s the official pickleball of the APA and Southern Pickleball Tournaments.

While it’s not recommended for consistent indoor play, it will work on both indoor and outdoor courts.

This pick has only one color: neon green.

PCKL Elite 40 Features

• Diameter: 2.76 inches (74 mm)
• Number of Holes: 40
• Price: #13.99 for 4
• Type: Outdoor
• Weight: 0.918 ounces

The Indoor Pickleball Ball With Authentic Bounce

Finally, indoor players will love the ONIX Fuse indoor pickleball. Available in orange and yellow, this tournament-ready ball is praised for its consistent performance and reliability. It’s a durable, affordable pick, making it beloved among indoor tournament balls.

ONIX Fuse Features

• Diameter: 2.9 inches (73.66 mm)
• Price: $16.99 for 6
• Type: Indoor
• Weight: 0.938 ounces

Learn to Play

Hopefully, you’ve found the perfect pickleball!

You’re ready to tackle the game and dominate the court! Be sure to drop by the rest of the blog to find more amazing tips, tricks, and pickleball news.

And, if you still need some gear, I’ve got tips for finding the perfect pickleball paddles and shoes.