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Best Pickleballs for Outdoor and Indoor Play
- Our top pick: Franklin X-40 Outdoor · Check price on Amazon
- Runner-up: Dura Fast 40 (Onix) · Check price on Amazon
- Also great: Selkirk Pro S1 · Check price on Amazon
Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes and a harder shell to handle wind and rough courts; indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Most clubs standardize on one of a few tournament balls, so it is worth playing with what your local courts use.
1. Franklin X-40 Outdoor
Pros- Long-time official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships
- Consistent bounce, easy to find
- Can crack in cold weather, like most hard outdoor balls
2. Dura Fast 40 (Onix)
Pros- Classic tournament outdoor ball, fast and lively
- Harder and faster; less forgiving for beginners
- Known to crack with heavy use
3. Selkirk Pro S1
Pros- Seamless construction aimed at durability
- Usually costs more per ball
4. Onix Fuse Indoor / Franklin X-26
Pros- Softer, slower balls for gym floors
- Quieter and easier to control
- Not suited to outdoor courts
Buying tips
- Buy in packs of 6–12; outdoor balls wear out and crack.
- Check the ball is USA Pickleball approved for sanctioned play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?
Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes (about 40) and a harder shell to handle wind and rough courts. Indoor balls have fewer, larger holes (about 26) and softer plastic, so they play slower and quieter.
How long do pickleball balls last?
It depends on use and temperature. Hard outdoor balls wear out and can crack, especially in cold weather, so most players buy packs of 6 to 12. Indoor balls generally last longer.
What pickleball balls do tournaments use?
Sanctioned events require a USA Pickleball approved ball. The Franklin X-40 has long been the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships, and the Dura Fast 40 is another classic tournament ball.