Pickleball may be a sport that doesn’t need as much equipment or serious investment, but that doesn’t mean the decisions you make when choosing equipment shouldn’t be well thought out.
It may not matter as much as in other sports, but the equipment you choose can still dramatically impact your game.
One piece of equipment that can play a huge part in your performance is the type of ball you use.
There are two types of pickleball to choose from. Indoor and outdoor. Where you plan on playing will impact the type of ball you decide to buy.
If you regularly play outdoors, you have to ensure you use the best outdoor balls possible.
The best outdoor ball will give you more control and power over the ball, whilst also ensuring consistent flight and bounce.
To help you find the best ball, we’ve put together a list of the best outdoor pickleball balls on the market (see also ‘Pickleball Accessories You Need In Your Life‘). In today’s article, we’ll show you each one.
Let’s kickstart our list with the Pure 2 outdoor pickleball balls from Onix. Bright yellow in color, these easy-to-spot balls are specifically designed for outdoor pickleball.
Offering true bounce and flight technology, these balls have a durable, high-quality design.
Compared to other outdoor balls on the market, this Onix pickleball has smaller holes.
These smaller holes along with a more precise weight help produce a more reliable bounce and resistance to environmental conditions.
When we played pickleball with this ball, we found that it stood up well against wind, consistently following a reliable flight path.
Made from strong plastic, the durability of the Onix Pure 2 is very impressive. Made to last, the balls have been made using a high-tech welding technique.
This technique sees two halves welded strongly together. The seams are melted and then quickly joined together to create an incredibly sturdy bond.
You’ll find that this bond can easily cope with powerful strikes and enthusiastic play. The Onix Pure 2 is available in packs of 3 and 6.
Pros
- Affordable – These balls are sold at a great price.
- Good resistance – The Pure 2 offers good resistance to environmental conditions.
- Made to last – This ball is extremely durable.
Cons
- No bulk options – It would be nice to be able to buy these balls in bulk.
Also available at:
Franklin Sports has a strong reputation for selling some of the best pickleball products on the market.
The brand’s X-40 pickleball is right up there with the very best.
Perfect for anyone that wants to buy in bulk, this trusted ball features 40 precisely drilled holes.
These holes guarantee a perfectly balanced flight pattern and a much tighter spin (see also ‘Best Pickleball Paddle For Spin‘).
As a result, you can expect smooth, reliable performance every time.
When we tried using this ball, we found that the well-thought-out design gave us more control and power over the ball, arguably helping us take our game to the next level.
The ball also performed well when it came down to durability.
Unlike the Onix Pure 2, this ball features a one-piece design. This one-piece design offers a much stronger design that should last longer.
To make things even better, the X-40 is made to the official size and weight. It is USAPA-approved.
Another brilliant thing about the Franklin Sports X-40 is that they come in packs of 100.
This is great for anyone that takes the sport seriously. It’s also handy for anyone that coaches pickleball.
Pros
- Multiple colors available – The X-40 is available in four different colors.
- Increased control – You’ll find it easy to control the spin and power of this ball.
- USAPA approved – You can use this ball in tournament play.
Cons
- Heavy – The X-40 is heavier than other balls.
Also available at:
Next up, we have the Dura Fast 40 outdoor pickleball. This outdoor ball is one of the best budget-friendly options on the market.
If you want to save money when purchasing your pickleballs, this is one of the best options on our list for you.
Despite the ball’s low price tag, these balls perform surprisingly well. In fact, we’d go as far as saying that they offer everything most premium balls do.
Approved for tournament play, these Dura pickleballs are 100% USAPA and IFP-approved. This just goes to show how well-made they are.
Built to perform, the 1-piece balls are rotationally molded and cut using reliable machinery. Each ball contains 40 precisely cut holes.
This makes it possible for the ball to offer true fly, speed, consistent movement, and great bounce.
When we reviewed the Dura Fast 40 ball, we were impressed by how well it performed. Even in tough conditions, the ball was easy to use.
Even after games in harsh conditions, the ball stood up to the test. You could probably get up to 10 games out of the ball before it starts to show wear and tear.
Pros
- Durable – You could play up to 10 competitive games with this ball.
- Affordable – This ball is one of the most budget-friendly balls on the market.
- Light – This ball only weighs 0.06 lbs.
Cons
- Better suited to experienced players – Some beginners would find this ball too hard to control.
Also available at:
The Penn 40 outdoor pickleball is another solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable outdoor pickleball. One of the best things about this ball is its color.
The Penn 40 is bright yellow, making it much easier to spot in low-light conditions. That’s just one of many things this ball offers though.
Made by one of the OG pickleball brands, this ball has been cleverly designed to effortlessly cut through the air. Even when the wind picks up, this ball has been designed to follow a straight flight path.
Unlike other balls on our list, this pickleball has also been designed with every level of player in mind.
Offering a soft bounce and tournament approval, beginners, intermediate and professional players can easily up their game using this ball.
The main reason this ball is so well suited to outdoor play is because of the 40 precision-drilled holes cut into it.
These holes ensure the ball performs reliably, whilst also ensuring more durability.
The only downside to this ball is that some reviewers have noted receiving the odd misshapen ball.
Pros
- Reliable brand – Penn has been producing high-quality pickleball balls for many years.
- Durable – This ball will stand up to the pressure of outdoor pickleball.
- Vibrant – The Penn 40 can be easily spotted in low-light conditions.
Cons
- Misshapen – Some reviewers have noted that they received the odd misshapen ball.
Also available at:
The final outdoor pickleball on our list is the Tourna strike outdoor pickleball. This ball makes our list for a number of reasons, but the main one is its suitability for competitive players.
As a result, if you play competitive pickleball, this is the best option for you.
Having said that, it’s also a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly ball, as it is the most affordable ball on our list.
Available in bags of 12, this ball is approved by USAPA for tournament and sanctioned play.
It also meets the USAPA/IFP specifications for size, construction, weight, bounce, design, and hardness.
In other words, this ball offers the user everything they need in a professional, official pickleball.
Despite being designed for competitive players, any level of pickleball player can easily use this ball.
With a weight of 24.5 grams and a diameter of 74mm, you can expect easy control, spin, and a consistent flight path.
When we tested the Tourna strike ball we were impressed with its overall performance.
The ball offers good bounce, durability, vibrance, and mid-range hardness. All of these things make it a very fun ball to play with.
Pros
- Great value for money – This ball is the most affordable on our list.
- Used by the pros – Professional pickleball players such as Tyson McGuffin use this ball.
- Tournament ready – This is the best tournament ball on this list.
Cons
- Weaker bounce – Some users have reported that the ball offers less bounce than other balls on the market.
Also available at:
Buyer’s Guide
Now you’ve seen what the market has to offer, it’s time for you to start thinking about what you need from an outdoor ball.
Whilst this may seem pretty simple, there are actually a number of key things you need to think about in order to pick out the best ball for you.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide for you.
In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find a list of the most important factors to consider when buying an outdoor pickleball.
By considering each factor, you will be able to make a positive decision.
Let’s take a look at the most important factors!
What Type of Ball Are You Buying?
The first thing you need to take into consideration is the type of ball you need to buy.
The fact you’ve read through this post would suggest that you plan on buying an outdoor ball. However, is that all you need?
Some pickleballs are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, whilst others can only be used indoors or outdoors.
Before making a purchase, you need to decide what it is you need. If you only play pickleball outside, an outdoor ball is perfect.
However, if you play indoors and outdoors, you need to look for a ball that offers both. Luckily for you, most outdoor balls can be used outdoors or indoors.
On the other hand, you might actually not need an outdoor ball at all. If you only play indoors, you need to buy an indoor ball instead.
Size
Another important factor to take into consideration is the size of the ball.
Balls vary in size, with some meeting USAPA standards and others not.
If you don’t play competitive pickleball, this doesn’t matter too much.
You can simply choose a ball that suits your style of play. However, if you do play competitively, this is crucial.
To play with a ball in competitive tournaments, it must meet USAPA standards.
That means the ball should measure 40mm in diameter and weigh 26 grams. If the ball doesn’t meet those standards, it can’t be used.
Always read the measurements before buying.
Materials
The ball you choose has to be able to stand up to the pressures of outdoor pickleball.
That includes coping with winds and harsh weather conditions.
The best way to find a ball that will be able to battle outdoor conditions is to find one that is made from the best materials.
Thankfully, this is super easy because almost all outdoor balls are made of the same thing.
For the best performance, we recommend looking for a ball that is made from toughened plastics.
Durability
Tying in nicely with materials, you need to choose an outdoor pickleball that will last. Therefore, you need to take durability into consideration too.
One of the best ways to check for a ball’s durability is by reading product descriptions and reviews.
This will give you a good idea as to how well the ball performs over a period of time.
If most reviews state that the ball lasts longer than others, you can safely assume the ball is a good choice.
It’s also worth keeping a lookout for comments in regard to spin control and bounce as this is also an indication of good durability.
Color
The color of an outdoor pickleball is surprisingly important. When playing pickleball outdoors, you are more likely to play in low-light conditions. As a result, you need to play with a ball that can be seen at all times.
The only way you can see a ball in low light is if the ball is vibrant enough. Balls that are bright yellow, pink, orange, or green in color are more visible than darker balls.
For example, when the light begins to drop, keeping your eye on a bright yellow ball is a lot easier than spotting a black one.
With that in mind, we strongly advise you to choose a ball that is brightly colored.
Every ball on our list is super vibrant so you shouldn’t struggle to find one.
Price
Sometimes spending more money on a product is better than spending less money on a more affordable option. This could quite easily be said about outdoor pickleballs.
Whilst more affordable outdoor balls still provide solid performance, more expensive balls are usually a lot better.
Generally speaking, more expensive balls offer the best performance in tough weather conditions, last longer, and suit more aggressive play. Consider this when making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Good About Outdoor Pickleballs?
Outdoor pickleballs are specifically designed to cope with and overcome tough conditions.
This can include strong winds and rain. On top of that, they are designed to perform better outside in general.
Outdoor pickleball balls are designed to travel further, provide consistent spin and bounce, and last longer.
What Are Pickleballs Made Of?
Pickleballs are almost always made out of lightweight, yet durable plastics (see also ‘What Is A Pickleball Made Of?‘).
They are made from a mold and usually start as two pieces of plastic. The two pieces of plastic are then melted and molded together.
How Long Do Outdoor Pickleballs Last?
There are a lot of key factors that impact how long a pickleball lasts.
These include things like how often the ball is used, the conditions the ball is played in, and how well the ball is looked after.
However, the average pickleball seems to last between 3 and 5 games.
Having said that, some pickleballs can last for up to 10 games with proper care.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, five of the best outdoor pickleball balls the market currently has to offer.
Our list of pickleballs has shown you exactly what you can expect from the very best outdoor pickleballs.
We’ve looked at what each ball offers in terms of performance, design, durability, and price.
As a result, you should now have a much better idea of what you need and want.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a professional ball, a beginner ball, a ball you can buy in bulk, a ball that weighs very little, or a ball that weighs a lot, we’ve made sure there’s a great option on our list for everyone.
Now you have our list of options and buyer’s guide at your disposal, take some time to work out what exactly it is you need.
After that, you can start to narrow down your options until you find the pickleball that suits you best.
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