Pickleball is a game which can be played both indoors and outdoors. One may get to think of pickleball as a game with a season. Hey! don’t worry this game has not season, whenever the temperatures plummets or it get windy you can play indoors. Therefore any pickleballer that needs to improve skills should know how to play both indoors and outdoors. Although it might be slightly difficult to switch from indoor to outdoor game due to underlying issue such as wind, sunlight , one must feel comfortable with both scenarios.
There is a clear cut between indoor and outdoor pickleball and most of the manufacturers differentiate these balls. Outdoor balls are heavier and have a harder plastic dur to the surface used outside. These are durable and wind resistant as compared to the indoor balls. So we have reviewed quiet a number of pickleballs so that you familiarize and acquire knowledge before buying. The difference between the two is crystal clear and every player should be enlightened.
Indoor pickleball
Indoor balls are softer and have lighter plastic with large holes to provide more accurate shot. Indoor pickleballs are tailored for use on smooth court surfaces that are indoors . These balls also have large , fewer holes of about 26 approximately. These balls normally do not bounce as high as outdoor balls and also the only weigh 0.8ounces. The most fortunate part about indoor balls is that if you get hit by the ball it hurts less as compared to the hard outdoor ball. However, the ball wears out easily due to the softness.
It can be quiet a challenge to slam an indoor ball due to the fact that its usually has more drags than the outdoor. It is reviewed to be having more textures and have longer rallies . However due to their lightweight they are most affected by wind if they are used outside. Therefore their distinct features means they are not fit for outdoor games.
Types of indoor pickleballs
Jugs sports indoor pickleball
The ball weighs 0,85 ounces and they have a good bounce for touch play and also long rallies.The weight of this ball makes them the lightest regulation balls on the market. They are made of soft plastic which respond well on indoor rubber, tile. These balls are also known for their explosive pop that is with a bounce of about 37 in height. These jug balls come in two colors that is white and lime green.
Jugs pickleball also make the midnight indoor ball and these balls often come in dark colors. However, some players complain of the colors they come in because they seem to be destructing players as the colors blend in with the playing service and background. therefore this becomes hard for them to see the ball. The “”Midnight” ball come is several colors that is black, indigo, coral.
Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball
These are optimized and designed for pickleball providing an authentic bounce. They are ready to play as soon as they are out of the box and also they create a consistency between outdoor and indoor games. The fuse balls consist of seam welding offering that has greater durability and also resist splitting. The ball provides a larger pattern of holes and less bounce off of indoor courts. The ball is aligned strategically with precision drilled holes. The balls meet the USAPA requirements for indoor tournaments.
Onix fuse features a bright orange design that will be best for visibility in a lighting situation moreover, the balls have been designed with an optimal engeenering featuring balance motivated holes that are designed for the creation of consistency performance.
Gamma Photon indoor pickleball
This ball is designed to be durable and also it is tournament approved. The rigid hardness of the ball translate into a nice bounce that players value and the balls require no conditioning. However, there is something wrong about the hue of the ball and this leads to the ball being lost throughout the course of the game. However, despite those factors the gamma photon ball has got a good bounce factor as compared to other balls.
Outdoor pickleball
These balls are heavier and harder and they are made of smooth plastics. They also comprise of 40 drilled holes. These balls are less affected by wind due to the way they are made. The lifespan of the balls depend on the player however outdoor balls last a few rounds or much longer. Another feature of an outdoor ball is that since they are heavy they tend to be noisier and also if one is mistakenly hit by this ball it becomes painful.
Outdoor balls need to be replaced more often due to the exposure they have to sunlight, rough surfaces. They are also allow for harder hitting and faster shots and also they tend to bounce higher. These balls weigh about 0.9ounces.
Penn 40 outdoor pickleball
This ball features an optimal combination of value and performance. The most pleasing thing about this ball is the visibility factor that is they are brighter and comprise of a yellow color which is very clear. The Penn 40 ball features consist of a durable bonded plastic material that helps ensure quality and long life consistency. The price of this ball might be high but its worth the price considering the fact that they last longer. The price tag is more than justified.
Tourna Outdoor pickleball
This ball is affordable and a value ball. Thus if you are a buyer with a budget this is the best ball for you. Despite the fact that these balls are cheap, they also preform adequately featuring holes optimized to cut through the wind for consistency. These balls are also designed with visibility in mind that is a bright yellow color which makes it clear for the players to see the ball. To add on, tourna balls are lightweight and effective however there is also an aspect of ”cheap things are costly” that is at times you will notice scuffs, crakes however you wont feel too much disappointed about it.
Dura Outdoor pickleball
It seems most of the pickleballs have a yellow colour for visibility, this is another ball which is yellow in color so that players will see clearly. This ball is kind of the OG brand in the world of pickleball. The pedigree is good for players looking for a ball they can trust. However, being a 4 pack one pays more per ball than usual. These are durable and very good for an outdoor game.
Franklin X-40 outdoor pickleball
This is a sturdy and balanced pickleball which boost a hardiness that is when used on a hard surface. These have precise single sized holes drilled into their surface so that they remain consistency during the play. They also have a bright color and have a seamless design to enhance durability. Franklin balls measure 2.91 ” in diametre and 0.88 ounces weight.
Franklins bounce height meets USAPA specifications and also they have an X marked on the middle of the ball and they are smooth. This ball will always allow you to keep your eye on the ball without straining yourself. Last but not least they come in 3pack , 6 pack and dozen.
In a nutshell although one does not get arrested for using the wrong ball for pickleball either indoor or outdoor, it is ideal to get the best ball for a specific court so that you do not disturb your game by changing broken balls. We have given you a list of balls and their differences. Enjoy your pickleball game with the best balls for a specific court