There are various differences between indoor vs outdoor Pickleball balls, however the main difference is that indoor Pickleball balls have 26 wider holes compared to 40 smaller holes in the outdoor ball. Moreover, outdoor balls are heavier, harder and less durable than indoor Pickleball balls.
With the growing demand for Pickleball all over the world, the necessity for Pickleball equipment rises, and due to a pickleball balls relatively short lifespan, our enthusiasts always need to stay on top of their Pickleball ball supply.
In this post, we delve into the unique differences between indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls, and why you need to know how each ball performs. Finally, think about whats under your feet as well as where you are playing.
Table of Contents
Key Differences – Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Balls
| Feature | Indoor Pickleballs | Outdoor Pickleballs |
|---|---|---|
| Number of holes | 26 | 40 |
| Hole diameter | Wider | Smaller |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Hardness | Softer plastic | Harder plastic |
| Durability | Less durable plastic but longer-lasting | More durable plastic but crack faster |
| Bounce | Higher | Lower |
| Color | Yellow, orange, blue etc | Yellow, green, orange, white etc |
Factors To Consider
Now that you understand the key differences of indoor vs outdoor Pickleball balls, take note that the right Pickleball ball for you is not only dependant on playing indoors or outdoors. Continue reading below to see the additional factors that will guide your Pickleball ball purchase in future.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Ball Construction
- Indoor: Constructed from softer plastic with 26 larger holes, delivering higher bounce and slower speed for smoother indoor Pickleball courts.
- Outdoor: Produced from harder plastic with 40 smaller holes for enhanced durability and lower bounce to combat wind and rougher Pickleball court surfaces.
Ball Performance
Bounce: Indoor balls have a higher bounce, ideal for smaller courts and our beginner picklers. Outdoor balls have a lower bounce, adapting better to outdoor courts and players that enjoy faster Pickleball play.
Speed: Indoor balls are slower, allowing for better control and shorter rallies. Outdoor balls are faster, suited for powerful shots and strategic plays on outdoor Pickleball courts.
Spin: Due to their softer nature, indoor balls provide more spin potential for drop shots and volleys. Outdoor balls offer less spin owing to their harder shell, focusing on controlled power plays.
Ball Durability
- Indoor: The softer plastic makes them more susceptible to scuffing and wear and tear. However, they are less prone to cracking owing to the court surface and indoor playing conditions.
- Outdoor: The harder more durable plastic enhances the lifespan against rougher outdoor Pickleball court surfaces and the outdoor elements. Conversely, it also makes them more likely to crack with faster gameplay and constant outdoor court scuffing.
Read Pickleball Ball Reviews: Franklin X-40 Pickleball ball review
Other factors To Consider
Color: Indoor balls are typically bright yellow for improved visibility indoors. However, there are options for multiple other colors. The most popular color of outdoor balls are bright yellow, neon green, orange, and white in order to improve visibility in various light conditions.
Price: Outdoor balls are often slightly more expensive owing to their harder plastic and more durable construction.
Choosing the Right Ball
- Court Playing Surface: You should match the Pickleball ball to the Pickleball court surface. Indoor balls are for smooth surfaces like gym floors and wood courts. On the other hand, outdoor balls are ideal for concrete, asphalt, and tennis and Pickleball courts.
- Skill Level: Our beginner picklers can benefit from the control offered by slower indoor Pickleball balls. Our frequent Pickleball players typically prefer the faster pace of outdoor balls, but there is no rule to where each skill level should play.
- Playing Style: If your preferred Pickleball playing technique is focused on a slower game with finesse and spin, prioritize an indoor ball for indoor courts or a slower outdoor ball for outdoor courts. For a more powerful and rapid Pickleball game, opt for a faster outdoor ball.
5 Popular Outdoor Pickleball balls
| Outdoor Pickleball | Price (Per dozen) |
|---|---|
| PCKL Elite 40 | $32.99 |
| Franklin X-40 Outdoor | $29.99 |
| Onix Dura Fast 40 | $43.99 |
| Selkirk S1 Pro | $35.00 |
| Onix Pure 2 Outdoor | $33.98 |
5 Popular Indoor Pickleball balls
| Indoor Pickleball | Price (Varies) |
|---|---|
| Onix Fuse Indoor | $29.99 |
| Franklin X-26 Indoor | $29.99 |
| Gamma Photon Indoor | $14.99 (6) |
| PCKL Optic Speed | $13.99 (4) |
| ONIX Recruit Indoor | $11.15 (3) |
FAQ
What is the primary difference between indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls?
The immediate visual difference between indoor vs outdoor pickleballs balls is the number and size of holes. Indoor balls have 26 larger holes and outdoor balls possess 40 smaller holes.
What is the difference in weight between indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls?
Outdoor pickleballs tend to be heavier than indoor pickleballs. However, the difference is often very small.
Do indoor or outdoor pickleballs bounce higher?
Indoor pickleballs tend to bounce higher than outdoor pickleball balls due to their lighter construction.
Watch here: Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball balls review
Our Final Thoughts
After reading our review on indoor vs outdoor Pickleball balls, you can clearly see that the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs are quite significant. The number and size of holes, weight, hardness, and durability all affect the ball’s performance and suitability for distinct Pickleball playing conditions. As you may have noticed, the court playing surface also plays a vital role in your ball purchasing selection, and your typical Pickleball playing technique and style will suit different balls.
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