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11 Best Pickleball Balls for All Types of Play in 2023
Because we all know how annoying a bad ball can be.
PICKLEBALL CONTINUES to grow at a rapid pace. According to the most recent major surveys, the number of participants in the sport has reached nearly five million. And with half a million new participants entering the sport since the Pandemic alone, pickleball has now earned the title for "fastest growing sport in America" for the last two years .
Contrary to what some might believe pickleball isn't a new sport, but thanks to pickleball's popularity the innovation in the game has never been more rampant. What was once a game played with wooden paddles and wiffleballs has now turned into high performance pickleball paddles, responsive pickleball shoes, and special precision cut pickleball balls.
Like Yin and Yang, a pickleball paddle and a pickleball ball are forever tied to each other. The game cannot happen unless you have both, and if you're picky about your gear like we are, a proper pickleball setup isn't right unless you have your preferred paddle and ball. We reviewed the different types of pickleball balls you can find on the market right now, and we found the best picks for indoor and outdoor play, as well as the best pickleball balls for competitive play here in 2023. Ready to find your new go-to playmaker?
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Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs, Bucket of 36 USAPA Approved Balls
Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs, Bucket of 36 USAPA Approved Balls
Pros
- Available in wide array of colors
- Wallet-friendly when bought in bulk
- Easy to spin during play
- Long lasting build
- Comes in container bucket that's easy to travel with
- Trusted by pickleball community
- Over 9,900 five-star Amazon reviews
Cons
- Not ideal for indoor play
Franklin is another trusted brand in pickleball, and the X-40 is a continuous go-to pick for most players in the community. The X-40 has 40 precise machine-drilled holes that ensure tight spin and a balanced flight pattern, all while still adhering the USAPA specifications for tournament-approved balls.
We like them as the best ball to buy on Amazon because you can choose between four colors (Optic Yellow, Ember, Lava, and Pink) and you get a deal of about $3.22 a ball when buying the 36-pack bucket, which is a steal when it comes to snagging USAPA-approved balls.
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| USAPA Approved | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Wilson Tru 32 Ball - 2 Pack
Wilson Tru 32 Ball - 2 Pack
Pros
- Unique injection molded design
- Great price point
- Color is easy to track
- Made in USA
- Special 32-hole design for improved air distribution, according to the brand
Cons
- Some advanced players might want a faster ball
Wilson has quickly climbed the ranks in the world of pickleball thanks to its dedication in developing better tech for the sport. The Tru 32 is made from a 32-hole injection molded design that promises better air distribution and bounce consistency. Wilson also applied a neon chartreuse color that's brighter and easier to track than traditional balls. Add to the fact the ball has a friendly price point and is made right here in the USA and you've got an all-around winner.
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| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 32 |
Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball Ball, 6-Pack
Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball Ball, 6-Pack
Pros
- Approved for tournament play
- High level of durability
- Consistent bounce
Cons
- Some might find the ball too bouncey
Onix is at the top of the food chain in competitive pickleball. The brand makes several outstanding pickleball balls that carry United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) approval. The Fuse G2 is a commonly used ball for outdoor tournaments thanks to its consistency—meaning the chances of getting a dead ball from a batch are slim.
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| USAPA Approved? | 40 |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | Yes |
Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
Pros
- Highly responsive to spin shots
- Ball moves faster for high-level play
- Approved for tournament play
- Hard ball design that lasts long
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners to pickleball
The Dura Fast 40 is what a player comes to when it's time to really start getting competitive. The ball plays notoriously fast and is made with a harder compound that responds more to spin. It's true the ball is less responsive than other balls, but if you're looking to become an advanced player (or already are) you'll find this ball is much more rewarding when you square it up on your shot. Just don't expect the Dura Fast 40 to be very forgiving on less-than-quality shots.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Jugs Sport Pickleballs, 12-Pack
Jugs Sport Pickleballs, 12-Pack
Pros
- Easy to track in low light
- Excellent bounce
- Solid price point
Cons
- Not USAPA approved
Indoor players carry high praise for the Jugs brand. The ball is a tad bit lighter and cut with wider holes to ensure a more responsive bounce with less chance of skipping. The material of the ball is also softer and more rubberized, so it's be easier to return in a gym and have less chance of taking a weird hop. Jugs balls are not sanctioned for USAPA tournament play, but nonetheless are a favorite indoor ball for recreational use.
| USAPA Approved? | No |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 26 |
PCKL Optic Speed Pickleballs Outdoor 4 Pack
PCKL Optic Speed Pickleballs Outdoor 4 Pack
Pros
- A couple of colors to choose from
- High quality build
- Good bounce
- Built to USAPA specs for competitive play
Cons
- Not available in anything larger than a 4-pack
PCKL has quickly risen as a high quality brand in pickleball. Not only have we enjoyed testing its paddles but we also have enjoyed its Optic Speed balls. The ball has ample bounce and has great response in competitive play. It's not quite up to the Franklin X-40 performance, but in many ways it gets pretty dang close in our eyes.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Onix Pure 3 Indoor Pickleball Balls
Onix Pure 3 Indoor Pickleball Balls
Pros
- Long lifespan like the Onix Fuse
- High level of bounce to help with court surfaces
- Made with USAPA specs
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor play
Even though Jugs is our favorite indoor pickleball ball, we wouldn't knock you for going with the Pure 3. Thanks to the ball's consistent balance and authentic bounce, the Pure 3 falls in line with USAPA specs for indoor tournament play.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Wilson TRU 32 Ball - Case
Wilson TRU 32 Ball - Case
Pros
- Wallet friendly
- Slim chance of receiving a dud
- Made in USA
- About $3.18 per ball
Cons
- Advanced players will probably want a harder and faster ball
Similar to buying tennis balls, buying pickleball balls in bulk is no joke. Wilson's cases aren't the cheapest, but they also aren't the most expensive. If you want to go the case route, a 48-ball case of Wilson's TRU 32's are going to become a mighty fine investment in the long run—especially if you're buying for you and the family to use.
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| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 32 |
Selkirk Sport SLK Hybrid Indoor & Outdoor Pickleball
Selkirk Sport SLK Hybrid Indoor & Outdoor Pickleball
Pros
- 100% matte finish makes it play well on indoor and outdoor surfaces
- Comes in a six pack
- Great for beginners to the game
Cons
- Not ideal for competitive play
For someone who wants a pickleball that can be played on indoor and outdoor surfaces, Selkirk's hybrid ball is a solid choice. Selkirk manufactures its hybrid by utilizing a 100% matte finish on the ball, making it so it will resist scuffs and skipping no matter what court it plays on.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Wilson Tru 32 Pro Ball - 2 Pack
Wilson Tru 32 Pro Ball - 2 Pack
Pros
- Ideal for intermediate to competitive play
- Ball plays faster
- Unique all red color
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners, as ball isn't as forgiving on bad shots
The Pro Ball is Wilson's answer to a more competitive ball model. Like the Dura Fast 40, the ball is specially made to respond faster and carry more bounce. What's also great about the Pro Ball is it's only a couple bucks more than the Tru 32 original.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 32 |
Recess Pickleball White Pickleballs
Recess Pickleball White Pickleballs
Pros
- Classic all white wiffleball look
- 40-hole design
- Plays well with Recess paddles
Cons
- Plays its best with Recess paddles
- Not made with USAPA specs
Recess is a small pickleball brand making some of the most stylish (and functional) gear in the game. Our favorite feature of the 40-hole ball is its classic white color, making it easy to track in outdoor play. There's also something to be said about uniformity with pickleball brands, so if you're going to play with a Recess paddle you might be best off with a Recess ball.
| USAPA Approved? | No |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
What to Look for in a Pickleball Ball
When looking for pickleball balls to buy you want to first check the material its made of. A ball should be firm and resistance to denting. If you can easily press an indention into the ball, then it's likely the ball will be prone to dead spots and not bounce properly.
Second, you want to make sure the holes in the ball are evenly dispersed and cleanly made. The holes are what deliver balance, so if anything is off the chances of the ball wavering or "waffling" in the air are increased.
Lastly, you want to check the seam of the ball. Most of the time a ball is put together in two halves, so there's a seam that's molded/glued together at the end of the production process. If that seam is weak, or not evenly placed together, the ball has a higher chance of splitting in half during play or taking un-natural bounces on court surfaces.
Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Pickleball is played just as much indoor as it is outdoor. Indoor surfaces are generally smoother and more polished, like a gymnasium floor, while outdoor are rougher and harder.
Generally speaking, an indoor pickleball ball is often softer and lighter because of the fact there won't be any wind impacting it's travel. The ball also sometimes has bigger holes to ensure a higher bounce since indoor floors (usually wood) aren't as strong as outdoor courts (typically concrete).
On the flip side, an outdoor pickleball ball is going to typically be a tad bit heavier and made with stronger materials to combat weather elements like wind and humidity. An outdoor ball will be made with more abrasive-resistant materials to better handle scuffs and impacts.
How We Selected
We consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the top pickleball balls in 2023. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, put a number pickleball balls to the test and evaluated their performance, durability, and color. We also considered top-reviewed pickleball balls that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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