Did you know that each venue has a distinct type of ball? In this article, I will discuss what is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls. I’ll also give you a few tips on how to find the perfect ball for your game.
Pickleball is a fun and fascinating game that can be played both indoors and outdoors, but did you know that various types of balls are available for each environment? If you are new to pickleball or want to improve your game, you may be wondering what is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls and how to find the best one for your playing style and conditions.
In this article, I’ll discuss the main differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls, and I’ll also offer some tips on how to choose the ideal ball for your needs.
What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls? 6 Main Differences
The first thing to understand is that indoor and outdoor pickleball balls cannot be used interchangeably. They are built for certain uses and have special characteristics that impact their performance and longevity. The following are the six major differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls:
1. Material
Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls are made of various plastics. Indoor balls are often constructed of softer, lighter plastics like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP). Because these polymers are more flexible and elastic, the balls are simpler to manage and fly slower. Indoor balls are also smoother in texture, which decreases friction and spin.
Outdoor balls are often constructed of more durable heavier plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These polymers are more hard and sturdy, allowing the balls to fly more powerfully and quickly.
2. Durability
Indoor pickleballs consist of a softer plastic material. This makes them appropriate for use on indoor courts like wood or gym floors. Indoor pickleballs are also lighter (approximately 0.8 ounces) and last longer than outdoor pickleballs because they are less prone to fracture or shatter. Indoor pickleball courts are ideal for beginners or those who want a slower, more consistent game.
Since outdoor balls must endure more adverse weather, including wind, rain, sun, and uneven terrain, they are typically more resilient than indoor balls. Because they have stronger walls and fewer holes, outdoor balls are less likely to shatter, split, or distort. This allows them to last longer and keep shape and bounce better.
3. Number of Holes
As a pickleball player, you’re aware that the balls aren’t simply plain plastic. They have holes that impact how they perform on the court. Do you know why the holes in indoor and outdoor balls are different?
Outdoor balls include 40 tiny holes to increase their stability. Indoor balls contain 26 large holes that increase their speed and spin. However, there is more to it than that.
- Number of Holes on a Pickleball (2.D.8.)
According to the official criteria, the ball must have a minimum of 26 and a maximum of 40 circular holes… They do not, however, indicate the number of holes for indoor or outdoor balls. So you may come across some outdoor balls with 26 holes or indoor balls with 40 holes.
4. Hole Diameter
The size of a pickleball’s holes is one of the aspects that influence its performance and longevity. The size of the holes on a pickleball varies significantly according to the brand, model, and kind of ball. The hole diameters of indoor and outdoor pickleballs change, influencing how they fly and bounce.
- USA Pickleball – Hole Diameter on a Pickleball
Indoor pickleballs have an average hole diameter of.43 inches, whereas outdoor pickleballs have an average hole diameter of.282 inches. Indoor pickleball holes are around 40% bigger than outdoor pickleball holes. Indoor pickleballs with wider holes are lighter and slower, whereas outdoor pickleballs with smaller holes are heavier and quicker. The size of the holes also influences wind resistance and ball bounce.
5. Weight
The weight of indoor and outdoor pickleballs is one of the differences. The weight of the balls is affected by their perforations. Indoor pickleballs contain fewer holes (26) than outdoor pickleballs (40), but the diameter of the holes is greater (40% larger on average). Indoor pickleballs contain more empty areas as a result, making them lighter.
- USA Pickleball – Weight of Pickleballs (2.D.4.)
The approved weight range for pickleball, according to USA Pickleball, is 0.78 to 0.935 ounces (22.1 to 26.5 grams). The average weight of indoor pickleballs was 0.917 ounces, whereas the average weight of outdoor pickleballs was 0.925 ounces, based on a small sample of balls.
6. Hardness
Another feature that makes a difference in pickleball balls is their hardness. The durometer hardness test measures the hardness of polymers on a range of 0 to 100, where 100 being the hardest.
USA Pickleball used to have a requirement that pickleballs had to have a Shore D of 40-50, which is near the bottom of the plastic hardness scale. This rule, however, has been abolished. There are no hardness requirements at the moment, although there are compression and bounce rules that are connected to hardness. Pickleball performance and gameplay rely heavily on hardness.
How Do You Find the Right Pickleball?
Now that you understand the key differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls, you may be wondering how to select the best one for your needs. Consider the following factors while making a decision on indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls:
- Playing Environment:
The most apparent consideration is where you will be playing. If you’re playing indoors, use an indoor ball, and if you’re playing outside, use an outdoor ball. This ensures the finest performance and durability for your playing circumstances.
- Playing style and skill level:
Your playing style and skill level are the second factors to consider when choosing a ball. You may choose an indoor ball if you are a beginner or an intermediate player, or if you like a slower and softer game, since it will allow you more time to respond, more margin for mistake, and more comfort. But if you are a more advanced or competitive player, or if you like a faster and more challenging game, an outdoor ball will provide you with additional power, spin, and challenge.
- Consider the brand and quality of the ball:
The brand and quality of the ball are the third factors to consider while selecting a ball. There are several brands and different types of pickleball balls available on the market, but not all of them are made equal. Some balls are more durable, consistent, and consistent than others, and some are better suited to specific playing circumstances and levels than others. Look for balls that have been certified by USA Pickleball, the sport’s regulatory organization, as they satisfy the required requirements and regulations for pickleball balls. On their website, you may obtain a list of authorized balls. Onix, Franklin, Dura, Jugs, and Gamma are some of the most well-known and reputable brands of pickleball balls.
- Try different balls and see what works best for you:
The final piece of advice for choosing a ball is to try a couple of balls to find what works best for you. When it comes to pickleball balls, there is no one-size-fits-all solution because different balls may suit different players, tastes, and scenarios. The easiest approach to figure out which ball you like is to try them all out and observe how they feel, perform, and influence your game. You can borrow balls from other players or purchase a variety of balls. The more balls you test, the more you’ll understand about them and be able to select the perfect ball for your game.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fun sport that anybody, anywhere, and at any time can play. Yet, for effective play, understanding what is the between difference indoor and outdoor pickleball balls as well as how to select the finest ball for your game is crucial. Indoor and outdoor balls have different properties that influence their performance, longevity, and adaptability for various playing circumstances and surfaces. You should select a ball that is appropriate for the playing conditions, your playing style and skill level, as well as the brand and quality of the ball. By following my tips, you will be able to find the ideal ball for your game and enjoy pickleball even more.
FAQs
The longevity of pickleball balls is determined by various factors, including the type of ball, frequency of usage, court surface quality, weather conditions, and level of play.
Yes, several brands specialize in pickleball balls tailored for either indoor or outdoor play, such as Onix, Franklin, and Engage.
They both require little upkeep, but outdoor balls may benefit from regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris from rough surfaces, resulting in a smoother and more predictable bounce.