Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleballs: Which to Buy and How to Save
Pickleballs look alike, but indoor and outdoor balls are built differently and play differently. Using the wrong one makes the game harder and wears through balls faster, so it is worth buying the right type.
Outdoor balls
Outdoor balls are made from harder plastic and usually have around 40 smaller holes. They are heavier and less affected by wind, and they bounce lower and play faster on rough outdoor courts.
- Harder, heavier and faster
- Smaller, more numerous holes
- More likely to crack, especially in cold weather
Popular outdoor balls include the Franklin X-40 and the Dura Fast 40, both widely used in tournaments.
Indoor balls
Indoor balls are softer and lighter, usually with around 26 larger holes. They are easier to control and slower through the air, which suits smooth gym floors where a hard ball would skid.
- Softer, lighter and slower
- Fewer, larger holes
- Go soft or lose shape over time rather than cracking
Can you use one ball everywhere?
You can, but you will notice the difference. An indoor ball outside gets pushed around by wind and wears out quickly on rough surfaces. An outdoor ball inside can feel fast and skid off the floor. If you play both, keep a tube of each.
How long do balls last?
It depends on how hard and how often you play. Outdoor balls in regular use can crack within a few sessions, especially in cold weather. Indoor balls last longer but gradually lose their bounce. Retire any ball that cracks, goes soft or goes out of round.
How to spend less on balls
- Buy in bulk. Packs of 12 or more cost less per ball than packs of three.
- Store them at room temperature. Cold outdoor balls crack sooner.
- Keep newer balls for games. Use older balls for drills and serving practice.
- Add balls to a paddle order. A percent-off code covers everything in the cart. See our current codes and our guide to stacking codes.
For more on making gear last, read how to clean and maintain your pickleball gear.
