The official Pickleball ball sponsor of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship has a 4.7 Amazon rating and boasts an Amazons Choice tag. The Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls are by far the most sold ball on Amazon. They are used by social and professional Pickleball players on outdoor courts, rendering them an exceptional option for almost any player.
After spending hundreds of hours of research and on-court play testing, we’ve put together this review of the Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls, taking into account its specifications, pros and cons, pack and color options, and its overall performance.
Table of Contents
Franklin X-40 Ball Specifications
- Brand: Franklin Sports
- Model: X-40
- Approved by: USA Pickleball (USAPA)
- Holes: 40
- Material: Plastic
- Diameter: 2.9 inches
- Weight: 26 grams
- Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Franklin X-40 Pickleball Balls Pack options
3 Pack: $11.99
12 Pack: $29.99
36 Pack – With a bucket: $119.99
100 Pack: $199.99
Pros and Cons Of The Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USAPA-Approved premium balls | Questionable durability |
| Balanced flight pattern and consistent spin | Batches vary depending on the order |
| Economical price point | Does not suit a power game |
| Multiple pack and color options |
We have been using the Outdoor Franklin X-40 pickleball balls on and off since the start of our Pickleball journey, and we have noticed the wide-spread popularity of these Pickleball balls in the social and professional Pickleball space. The official ball sponsor of the U.S. Open Championship is crafted with 40 machine-drilled holes that deliver a relatively consistent flight movement, adequate bounce consistency, and spin.
With over 10,000 ball packs sold in the last month on Amazon, it is clear that the Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls are a winner in the Pickleball world. However, the ball is not perfect, and buyers have mentioned questionable durability, quick breakage if used by power hitters, and several buyers have experienced ball shape deformity from approximately 30 outdoor pickleball 100 pack box balls that they purchased.
We love the pack choices available, with the 36 ball pack coming in as our favorite due to the additional transportable plastic bucket that comes with the purchase. There are 4 color options to choose from, the ember, lava, pink, and the popular optic yellow that is most commonly used from our experience. Finally, we believe this ball suits a more control-orientated game as power drives react slower than other balls we have experienced.
Watch a Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls review here
Comparisons With Other Pickleball Balls
| Brand | Price | Holes | Weight | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin X-40 | $29.99 (12 pack) | 40 | 0.92 oz | 2.9 in |
| DuraFast 40 | $43.99 (12 pack) | 40 | 0.92 oz | 2.9 in |
| Onix Pure 2 | $33.98 (12 pack) | 40 | 0.92 oz | 2.9 in |
| PCKL Elite 40 | $29.99 (12 pack) | 40 | 0.91 oz | 2.91 in |
| Asbocer 40 | $25.99 (12 pack) | 40 | 0.88 oz | 2.95 in |
| Selkirk S1 Pro | $35.00 (12 pack) | 38 | 0.93 oz | 2.8 in |
Amazon Reviews
Anonymous – “I have been playing pickleball for a few years now and have tried many different brands of balls. The Franklin X40 outdoor Pickleballs are by far my favorite. They are durable and hold up well on outdoor courts. I also like that they come in a convenient 36-ball bucket for easy transport. Highly recommend!”
Nate Kilgore – “These are the best on the market – for good reason. They last for a while, about 10-12 games, given you don’t hit the ball with 1000% power on every hit. They do show wear, but the ball plays perfectly fine. This ball is also used in most tournaments and recommended by the pros, if that tells you anything.“
Read more Amazon Reviews Here
FAQ:
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?
Indoor pickleball balls are crafted to be lighter and slightly softer than outdoor Pickleball balls. They are also made with 26 smaller holes to reduce wind resistance. Outdoor pickleball balls are heavier and sturdier, with 40 larger holes to make them more aerodynamic.
How many holes does a pickleball ball have?
A pickleball ball has 26 to 40 holes, depending on the ball’s design and brand. In the case of the Franklin ball, the X-40 stands for 40 holes in each ball.
Our Final Thoughts
Our super honest Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls for outdoor use review demonstrated the most important information you need to know about the most sold Pickleball ball on Amazon. We provided you with the upsides and downsides of these balls after experiencing hundreds of hours of use in distinct climates, different outdoor Pickleball courts and throughout a variety of times of the day. Finally, let us know about your experience with the Franklin X-40 Pickleball balls, and if you have any questions, drop us a comment below.
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