Pickleball Balls: Indoor vs. Outdoor & Choosing the Best One

• Hole Count & Size: Indoor balls have 26 bigger holes, while outdoor ones have 40 smaller holes so the wind doesn’t throw them off.
• Material & Durability: Outdoor balls use harder plastic so they can handle rough pavement and bad weather like rain or wind. Indoor balls are softer, which makes them way easier to control on the smooth gym floor.
• Weight & Bounce: Outdoor balls weigh a bit more, about 0.9 oz, so the wind doesn’t push them around and they bounce faster. Indoor balls are lighter, around 0.8 oz, so they bounce softer and are easier to handle inside.

• Outdoor Balls: They’re getting more popular because everyone’s playing outside again. They last forever and work the same whether it’s sunny, rainy, or windy.
• Indoor Balls: People like them because they feel softer and give you more control, so they’re perfect for indoor courts and anyone just starting out.

Pick the one that matches where you usually play and how you like the ball to feel and respond.

You can grab pickleballs from a bunch of solid stores:

• Amazon: You can grab tons of different brands and buy in bulk if you want.
• Pickleball Central: All about pickleball gear and has a huge selection of balls.
• Local Sporting Goods Stores: Places like Dick’s Sporting Goods usually stock the big-name pickleball brands.
• Brand Websites: If you buy straight from the brands like Franklin, Onix, or Selkirk, you know the gear is legit and you get the newest stuff right when it drops.

Looking at how well they play, how long they last, and how many people actually use them, these are the best pickleball ball brands:

1. Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs: These balls are super popular for both weekend games and actual tournaments because they last a long time and fly the same way every time.
2. ONIX Dura Fast 40: These balls are super fast and the go-to choice for outdoor tournaments.
3. Selkirk Pro S1: The Selkirk Pro S1 is built tough and has this cool 38-hole pattern that keeps it playing great.
4. GAMMA Photon Indoor Ball: These balls are a hit for indoor games because they’re super bright and feel way softer.
5. Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT (Gen 2): The new Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT Gen 2 is a quick ball built for tournaments, and it works best for intermediate and advanced players.

• Best Overall Outdoor Ball: Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs
• Best for Competitive Outdoor Play: ONIX Dura Fast 40
• Best Indoor Ball: GAMMA Photon Indoor Ball
• Most Durable Outdoor Ball: Selkirk Pro S1
• Best Value for Outdoor Play: Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT (Gen 2)