Best Pickleball Balls for All Types of Play in 2023

You can’t play pickleball with out a ball.

Something I didn’t know when I first started is that they manufacture balls specifically for outdoor and indoor play. I also assumed that certain balls would hold up better in warmer weather vs. cold.

Those are probably the two biggest factors when selecting a ball. Outdoor vs. indoor & warmer vs. colder. Because of that we made a quick reference on the balls we use, depending on the circumstance.

You’re probably here because you probably want to buy a ball so let’s get to it in 5 minutes or less.

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If you don’t care to do much reading, we’ve got you covered with these quick links.

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Top 4 Pickleball Balls (for all types of play)

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Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Warm Weather (above 50 Degrees) - Onix Dura Fast-40

Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Cold Weather (sub 50 degrees) - CORE Pickleball Outdoor

Best Indoor Pickleball Ball - Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball

Best Value Pickleball Ball - Franklin X-40

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Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Warm Weather (above 50 Degrees)

Onix Dura Fast-40

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The Onix DuraFast 40 is widely known as the “tournament ball” as it’s the official ball of all PPA tour events throughout 2023.

It is designed to play fast and features an even harder compound for immediate response straight to the paddle. I recommend it to those playing outdoors and in warm weather and especially recommend it for faster paced players and upper level outdoor players.

Pros

• Fastest and hardest ball
• Great for warm weather
• Greater for advanced players looking for pace
• USAPA approved

Cons

• Most expensive
• Can crack easy, especially in cold weather

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Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Cold Weather (sub 50 degrees)

CORE Pickleball Outdoor

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Pros

• Engineered for cold weather
• Doesn’t crack easy
• Stiffer ball

Cons

• Single color

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Best Indoor Pickleball Ball

Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball

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Pros

• Strong performance
• Inexpensive

Cons

• 2 colors

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Best Value Pickleball Ball

Franklin X-40

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Pros

• Most common ball
• More power and oomph than other brands
• USAPA approved

Cons

• Can crack and wear down fairly easily

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls

Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls are designed for specific playing environments, and they differ in a couple of ways. Indoor pickleball balls are usually made of lightweight plastic and have larger holes compared to outdoor balls.

Outdoor pickleball balls, on the other hand, are made of a harder plastic and have smaller holes, which makes them more durable and resistant to damage from rough surfaces.

Knowing, this take a look at the one indoor ball we have featured, the Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball. Notice how fewer holes the ball has compared to the remaining outdoor balls listed.

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What are the Best Pickleball Balls?

It depends on whether or not you are playing outdoors or indoors as well as what the temperature is. In our opinion, the best outdoor ball for warm weather is the Onix Dura Fast-40. The best outdoor ball for cold weather (sub 50 degrees F) is the Core Pickleball ball. The best indoor ball goes to the Onix Fuse Indoor ball.

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How Long do Pickleball Balls Last?

The lifespan of pickleball balls depends on several factors, such as the quality of the ball, the playing surface, and the frequency of use.

On average, a pickleball ball can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months before it needs to be replaced. Lower quality balls with thinner walls and larger holes may wear out faster than higher quality balls with thicker walls and smaller holes. Additionally, playing on rougher outdoor surfaces, compared to say an indoor gymnasium can have an impact on how long the ball might last.

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Can You Use Outdoor Pickleball Balls Indoor?

While outdoor balls don’t work as well on indoor courts, yes you can use outdoor balls indoors and vice versa. It is not recommended, but you can get away with it. You may notice you have more trouble if you try using an indoor ball outside as the lighter ball and thinner plastic may not hold up in windier conditions.

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Recap

Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Warm Weather (above 50 Degrees) - Onix Dura Fast-40

Best Outdoor Pickleball Ball - Cold Weather (sub 50 degrees) - CORE Pickleball Outdoor

Best Indoor Pickleball Ball - Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball

Best Value Pickleball Ball - Franklin X-40

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If you've now got a ball, but you still need a paddle, check out Best Pickleball Paddles of 2023

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Thanks. - Pat