Select the right ball for indoor or outdoor play

Indoor and outdoor pickleballs are designed differently. Using the wrong ball for your environment affects bounce, speed, durability, and overall gameplay.

Indoor Balls (26 holes)

• Softer, lighter plastic with 26 larger holes
• Slower pace, easier to control, longer rallies
• More durable — lose liveliness gradually but rarely crack
• Quieter play, ideal for gymnasiums

Outdoor Balls (40 holes)

• Harder, heavier plastic with 40 smaller holes
• Faster play, more resistant to wind
• Less durable — tend to crack from impact on rough surfaces
• Popular models: Dura Fast 40 (tournament standard, most pop), Franklin X-40 (durable seamless design), Onix Pure 2 (softer, friendlier bounce)

Tips

• Official specs: 2.87–2.97 inches diameter, 0.78–0.935 ounces weight
• Outdoor balls crack frequently — buy in bulk packs
• The Jugs Indoor ball (nicknamed the "marshmallow") is the best beginner ball for learning