Do you feel like you’re wasting time trying to find the best indoor pickleball balls? I know how you feel because I did the same thing!
In this post, I will share my top 5 recommendations for the best indoor pickleballs. These picks are based on my research and personal experience, so you can trust they’re top-notch.
I’ll also give you some helpful tips on what factors to consider when choosing an indoor pickleball ball.
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1. Franklin Sports X-26 Indoor Pickleballs
The Franklin Sports X-26 is an excellent choice and is one of the best indoor pickleball balls on the market. It is made of high-quality materials and provides good bounce and spin.
The X-26 is also quite durable, making it a good choice for those looking for a quality ball.
- One-piece construction offers premium durability
- Resists dents and cracks
- Meets USAPA indoor tournament requirements
- Official size and weight
- Balanced flight pattern with reliable spin
2. Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleballs
The Onix Fuse balls are specifically designed for indoor play and are made from high-quality plastic that can withstand the rigors of indoor courts.
These balls also have a consistent bounce, making them one of the best indoor pickleballs available.
- Offers the truest flight
- Exceptional bounce
- Superior durability
- 2 colors: Orange and Yellow
- Meets USAPA tournament requirements
- Precision drilled holes for balance
3. Joncaye Pickleball Ball
Joncaye Indoor Pickleball Balls are a popular choice for players of all skill levels.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned veteran, these balls provide great control.
- Smooth seam welding makes this ball durable and able to withstand aggressive striking
- Perfectly alighned holes provide balance and straight flight
- Designed to achiece a consistent bounce throughout the life of the ball
- Comes with a reusable mesh bag which makes it easy and convenient to carry and store the balls
4. Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleballs
The Gamma Photon is also considered one of the best indoor pickleball balls on the market.
They are made of high-quality materials and is designed to provide excellent bounce and spin.
The Gamma Photon is also one of the most durable balls, making it a great choice for those who play often.
- Engineered for true flight
- High visibility
- Perfect bounce
- Ultra balanced 2 piece construction
- USAPA approved
5. Wilson Tru 32 Pickleball Balls
Wilson Tru 32 Pickleball Balls are some of the best pickleballs on the market for both indoor and outdoor play.
These high-quality balls are made from dense, durable plastic that can withstand rough handling and extended use.
- Features a unique 32-hole design that ensures consistent flight and even bounce around the court
- Offers superior flight and bounce consistency
- Made in the USA
- USAPA approved for competitive play
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Ball?
You don’t have to be an expert to distinguish between pickleball balls, but having some knowledge about it wouldn’t hurt, either!
To help you choose the right indoor pickleball ball, here are a few factors that you should consider:
Indoor Use or Outdoor Use
Will you be playing indoors or outdoors? If you only plan on playing indoors, then any of the balls on my list of best indoor pickleballs will work fine.
However, if you also plan on playing outdoors, I recommend using an outdoor pickleball ball.
Remember that you will need to purchase a different ball for each environment since they are not interchangeable.
Pickleball Ball Material/Construction
Another thing to consider is the material or construction of the ball. Pickleballs are typically made from different types of plastics:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Polypropylene
- EVA (Elastomeric Polymer)
Franklin Sports X-26 Performance Indoor Pickleballs use EVA, which is rubber-like in flexibility and softness. This creates a more crack-resistant ball.
Pickleball Ball Color
The most popular colors for pickleball balls are bright orange and yellow. But it is not uncommon the see light blue, neon green, and even pink balls being used.
Most players prefer a brighter color because it’s easier to see. The playing environment can also play a role in your decision.
For example, if you’re playing outdoors on a sunny day, a brighter color will be easier to see than a darker one.
Pickleball Ball Size
A pickleball’s official (USAPA) weight and size are 2.874 to 2.972 inches in diameter and between .78 to .935 ounces. My picks for the best indoor pickleball balls all meet these requirements.
Pickleball Ball Bounce
The bounce of a pickleball affects how your game is played. A ball with a low bounce will not travel as far as a ball with a high bounce. This can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your playing style.
A well-constructed pickleball ball will have a bounce height of 30 to 34 inches, which is required to be USAPA approved.
Pickleball Ball Balance
The ball must be balanced correctly to move properly and not bounce erratically. If the ball is not balanced, it can cause players to miss hits or make errors.
A well-balanced pickleball ball will have a consistent bounce and be easy to control. This makes the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Many factors go into constructing a pickleball ball, but ensuring it is balanced is essential for a high-quality product.
USAPA (USA Pickleball)
USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the United States, and it provides official rules, tournaments, rankings, and promotional materials to players.
The association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a board of directors and professional staff who provide guidance and infrastructure for the sport’s continued growth and development.
For those looking to take their game to the next level, keep these factors in mind when choosing a ball.
Again, my top picks for the best indoor pickleballs meet all these requirements. But for the average rec player playing to have fun and socialize, just about any ball will do.
Indoor Pickleball Ball vs Outdoor (What’s the Difference)
For those of you who are curious about the key differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls, here’s a quick rundown:
Weight- Outdoor balls are typically heavier than indoor balls. This is because they must withstand the elements and not be affected by wind. Most outdoor USAPA-approved balls will be around 0.9 ounces.
Number of Holes- Outdoor pickleball balls have more holes(40) than indoor balls(26). The extra holes for outdoor balls help to reduce wind resistance and allow the balls to travel farther.
Hardness- Outdoor balls are harder than indoor balls. This is because they must withstand the elements and not crack or chip as easily.
Noise- Outdoor balls are typically louder than indoor balls. This is because the hard surface of the ball makes a louder noise when the paddle hits it.
How Often Should You Change Pickleballs?
Typically, you’ll want to change your pickleball balls every few games. This also depends on how often you play and the court’s conditions.
If you notice that the ball is starting to show wear and tear, or if it is not bouncing as well as it used to, it is time to change it.
Which Ball Is Right for You?
Now that you know all about the best indoor pickleballs and what to look for, it’s time to decide which ball is right for you.
If you are a serious player looking to take your game to the next level, I recommend choosing a ball that meets all the requirements of a USAPA-approved ball.
If you are a recreational player looking to have fun, then any ball will do.
Did You Know?
I’ve witnessed a significant transformation in the sports landscape, with pickleball rising from a little-known activity to widespread prominence.
The 2023 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) brings thrilling updates for pickleball fans! The sport continues to be America’s fastest-growing, with its expansion showing no signs of abating.
The year 2022 marked a remarkable surge in pickleball’s participation, which nearly doubled, registering an 85.7% increase from the previous year and an impressive 158.6% growth over the last three years.
What makes pickleball so popular? There are several reasons; let’s check out the most popular ones:
Commonly Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll tackle the most frequently asked questions about indoor pickleballs, providing clear and concise answers to help you have a better understanding.
What ball do you use for indoor pickleball?
When playing pickleball indoors, you will want to use an indoor pickleball ball. These balls are designed specifically for indoor play and have several characteristics that make them ideal for indoor courts.
If you are playing for fun with friends, just about any pickleball ball will work.
If you are playing in a league, a tournament, or just looking to play a more competitive game, you will want to use a USAPA-approved ball.
What ball do pro pickleball players use?
The type of ball that pro pickleball players use depends on the tournament. For example, the US Open Pickleball Championships uses the Franklin Sports X-40.
However, in most other tournaments, players can choose any ball that meets the USAPA’s specifications.
What color are indoor pickleballs?
Indoor pickleball balls are typically bright yellow or bright green.
This makes them easier to see on indoor courts. However, I’ve also seen the light blue and bright pink balls used.
Which pickleball ball is right for you?
If you are a serious player looking to take your game to the next level, I recommend choosing a ball that meets all the requirements of a USAPA-approved ball.
If you are a recreational player looking to have fun, then any ball will do.
Final Thoughts on Selecting the Best Indoor Pickleball Ball
I hope this post has shed some light on choosing the best indoor pickleball balls for your game.
Remember, while selecting a ball is not challenging, using the right one is still important.
If you want to take your game up a notch, go for a ball that meets all the requirements of a USAPA-approved ball.
But any ball will do the trick if you’re playing for fun with friends!
