What Pickleballs Do The Pros Use? | Paddle2Racket

There are various pickleballs available on the market for you to buy, but have you ever wondered what pickleballs do the pros use?

Professional pickleball players know the importance of the right equipment, and they buy the best of it to enjoy the game to its fullest. High-quality equipment also lasts longer, which means you will be replacing it less often.

Some of the pickleballs used by professionals include the OnixPure 2 Pickleball, Dura fast 40 Pickleball, Onix fuse G2 outdoor Pickleball, Jugs Sports Pickleball, EasyTimePickleball, Franklin X-40 Pickleball, Day 1 Sports pickleball, and Tourna Strike outdoor pickleballs.

When it comes to choosing a pickleball, there are several factors to consider, and you might not be able to find a good quality product on your own. Therefore, you should use pickleballs that professionals prefer.

We have played pickleball with some of the best players and are familiar with pickleballs they prefer. Therefore, we have created a list of some of the most popular pickleballs among professionals.

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1. Onix Pure 2 Pickleball

TheOnix Pure 2 outdoor ball is built and refined particularly for pickleball, giving the most accurate trajectory and bounce possible. The Pure 2 produces optimal rebounding on outdoor courts and prevents wind disturbance thanks to smaller holes and accurate balancing. Unlike many other outdoor balls, the Pure 2 outdoor ball is made with an injection molding process and has uniformly sized perforations rather than varied sizes. This method produces a long-lasting product that flies accurately and bounces regularly throughout its lifespan.

Although the pure 2 outdoor ball has not been approved for use in official tournaments, it is a great option for casual players. The two parts of the Onix Pure 2 Pickleball are bonded together with intense heat to create a robust seam, similar to how indoor balls are made. The Pure 2 outdoor ball is slightly heavier and has smaller holes than indoor balls, allowing for more sustained success in windy circumstances. It is unquestionably a game-changer for the pickleball sport. These heavyweight, long-lasting pickleball balls are available in sets of 3 to 100 and feature Onix's trademarked true flight technology. To prevent splitting, they are made with precision-drilled perforations and top-notch seam welding.

Pros

  •  Seams are reinforced to prevent splitting.
  •  Authentic Bounce Technology is used.
  • Designed to be used aggressively.

Cons

  • Not allowed for use in tournaments

2. Dura Fast 40 Pickleball

Dura Fast pickleball balls are a delight to play with whether you're playing outside or on a difficult court. They're designed to fly straight and quickly. The balls are also extremely durable, lasting up to 10 games without needing to be changed. Previously known as the Dura 56, the Dura Fast 40 was renamed by the manufacturer many years ago. The use of strong plastic in pickleball is intended to extend the ball's life in harsh outdoor situations. The ball's name is an abbreviation for "durable," and so they stand up to their reputation.

A solitary glob of heated plastic is injected into a mold to create the ball. The mold is sealed and turned to uniformly distribute the plastic across the walls. The mold is opened, and the fresh ball is withdrawn once it has changed direction. Extra plastic seeped out of the mold might sometimes cause a tiny separation seam. It is scraped away effectively by the manufacturer during the manufacturing process.

An aircraft engineer created the unique hole pattern to achieve the greatest possible flying pattern. This ball has two sizes of holes bored into it. In stormy wind conditions, the two hole sizes and hole design assist in making the ball highly aerodynamic.

With a weight of 0.92 ounces, the Dura Pickleball is a robust ball. Even in stormy situations, this weight controls the ball and keeps it flying straight. It is also speedy due to the low weight. The Dura is likewise quite large, measuring 2.9375 inches in diameter. The ball has a 32-inch bounce height on average, ensuring a vibrant response to each stroke.

Finally, the Dura Fast 40 pickleball has served as the primary ball for the USA Pickleball Association's National Championship Tournament for several years, so the credibility is not compromised in any way, and professionals are always using this ball.

Pros

  • Credible
  • Can handle stormy situations
  • Bounce height is appropriate

Cons

  •  The shape is not evenly round

3. OnixFuse G2 Outdoor Pickleball

The Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball is a new version of the original fuse. These are ready to play straight out of the box, bridging the gap between interior and exterior play. These pickleballs are created and refined particularly for pickleball, resulting in the most accurate trajectory and bounce possible. The seams welding on the Fuse G2 balls is remarkable, resulting in increased durability and resistance to splitting.

The precisely drilled holes strategically position this ball in the top place in the pros category. The Fuse G2 ball has smaller perforations and accurate weighting for optimal bounce and resistance to wind interference. Furthermore, the balls are USAPA-approved for use in outdoor pickleball tournaments.

The holes also create proper flight and reduce wind interference, allowing you to focus on your game instead of adapting to an inconsistent ball. They have a bright yellow hue that makes them stand out against almost any background. These pickleballs have outstanding balance and weight, resulting in overall excellent responsiveness and rebound throughout the play.

The ONIX Fuse G2Pickleball has a soft touch that many players enjoy, and it's versatile enough to be used on a variety of courts and circumstances. This is certainly a ball that professionals use a lot for their games, and we can vouch for its reliability!

Pros

  • Bright yellow color
  • USAPA approved
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The balls can crack easily

4. Jugs SportsPickleball

Jugs Sports is the most well-known manufacturer of softball and baseball training equipment. Amateur and professional athletes, as well as instructors all around the world, rely on their training equipment. All of this is intended to assist you in being the best player or trainer possible.

Indoor balls are made of soft plastic that is suitable for use on cement, tiles, and hardwood flooring. These balls are larger than regular balls, measuring 2.78 inches in diameter and weighing 0.81 ounces. These are the thinnest balls with exceptional bounce, earning them the title of being a pickleball club favorite. Although not approved by USAPA, these balls still have some credibility and are used by professionals regularly.

The delicacy of this ball, combined with its somewhat rough surface, helps it bite and rebound off the floor. The Jugs Sports Pickleball seems to have the biggest bounce, as evidenced by its 37-inch bounce height. One of the reasons professionals prefer using this ball is because of its amazing bounce and efficiency. It comes in two colors:  white and lime-green, both of which look remarkable.

Pros

  • 12 balls in a single packet
  •  Lightweight
  •  Great for beginners as well

Cons

  • Not approved by USAPA
  • Ball can be a bit slippery

5. EasyTimePickleball

EasyTimePickleball balls come in a set of six orange and yellow balls that meet USAPA specifications. These are suitable for both beginners and specialists. They are easily visible and built using long-lasting materials. EasyTimePickleball is a genuine, straight, and speedy pickleball ball. Finely drilled holes allow the ball to fly at the right speed while reducing wind interference and creating a balanced and direct flight path, which is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

It is more resilient and less prone to breakage due to the unique seam welding. The ball, which is made of EVA and PE, will provide the right bounce for every match and training. Because of the vivid hue, the EasyTimePickleball allows superior tracking and accuracy in congested conditions. The yellow ball has 26 holes and is 2.83 inches in diameter, whereas the orange ball has 40 holes and is 2.91 inches in diameter. To prevent using the wrong ball, various colors can clearly distinguish between indoor and outdoor usage.

Another thing to keep in mind regarding these balls is that they are packaged in eco-friendly paper boxes, making them easy to store. For all levels of skill, the pickleball fulfills USAPA requirements for manufacture, shape, size, bounce, toughness, and design. The bright color of the pickleball balls ensures that you don't miss any of them when practicing outside, and even if you did, there are five more from which to choose!

Pros

  • Indoor and outdoor balls both are included
  •  Excellent visibility thanks to the bright hue
  • The bounce is good, and the hardness is in the midrange

Cons

  • Colors may differ from those depicted in the images

6. Franklin X-40 Pickleball

This 12-pack by Franklin Sports is among the most cost-effective solutions on our list if you practice pickleball regularly or are worried about losing your balls. While it is the most costly, you receive the best unit pricing per ball because other brands only offer pickleballs in packs of three or six. Thanks to accurate machine drilled holes; this ball has the best in-game trajectory out of all other pickleball in the market. Every ball will play regularly, one after the other, thanks to the precision of the machine drilled holes.

The X-40 Performance Outdoor Pickleballs are a well-balanced and durable solution for outdoor activity, with a rigidness that makes them perfect for usage on rough and punishing surfaces. Regardless of the weather, the bold colors shine against darker grounds.

The X-40 Pickleball contains 40 holes and a smooth construction for increased durability. They have a diameter of 2.91 inches and a weight of 0.88 ounces. They feature a smooth finish with a little recessed X in the center of the balls. Their bounce elevation also meets USAPA requirements. The nicest thing about any of these X-40 Pickleballs is that they'll always enable you to maintain your eye on the ball without putting you under any tension. These balls are often offered in counts of 3, 6, 12, and 100.

This ball will resist hours with the most solid play, thanks to only the best PE materials and sophisticated one-piece construction. These balls are perfectly weighted and proportioned to wow everyone on the court! In addition, the X-40 is officially the Authorized Ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships!

Pros

  • 12-pack for a low price
  • Multiple hues are available
  • For a straight flight, there are 40 precision-drilled perforations
  •  For long-term use, rotational molding is used

Cons

  • Only suitable for use outside

7. Day 1 Sports Pickleball

Finding the correct ball that fulfills tournament requirements is crucial for serious pickleball professionals. Day 1 Sports' pickleball balls satisfy those specifications and are built with 40 precise holes for constant flight and rebound. These excellent, durable, Pickleballs have a diameter of 2.9 inches and a mass of 0.8 ounces and are designed solely to comply with USAPA standards for professional outdoor sports.

The balls are uniquely molded with 40 smartly placed holes to give consistent bouncing and flight, designed for unrivaled accuracy, and always provide a smooth, fast, and precise trajectory. With its specially colored neon lights to offer greater visibility on drive strokes and overheads, this ball would be easy to comprehend and track irrespective of the outside circumstances you're competing in, whether they're flat light, cloudy, or sunny. These Pickleballs are not only approved for professional tournaments, but they are also great for beginners. Kids, schools, leisure games, community halls, and hobbyists will enjoy hours of engaging fun with these Pickleballs.

Each ball is made of a unique, durable co-polymer resin that ensures long life and the best performance across many pickleball matches while reducing breakage damage from repeated use.

Pros

  • For maximum visibility, they are offered in a bright color
  • Meet the tournament's requirements
  • Can be used both, inside and out

Cons

  • Play may be hampered by seams

8. Tourna Strike Outdoor Pickleballs

Our next brand of outdoor pickleball balls features optimized holes drilled to precision to ensure a smooth, dead-on flight on every hit. Tourna is a reliable company, and its products have always been top rated among professionals.

The Tourna Strike Outdoor Pickleballs hit effectively on the paddle and produce a pleasant sound that will restore your confidence throughout competitive games. These balls have 40 holes drilled in their bodies to reduce drag to virtually nothing. This implies that you can anticipate a pretty straight stroke even in more difficult conditions like wind or mild rain.

If you do run into some little inclement weather, you won't want to stop playing, so having a reliable ball like the Tourna is essential. These are available in various vibrant colors, which will aid visibility once again.

These balls are made of strengthened, lightweight plastic and have also been approved for use in USAPA and IFP tournaments, so you won't be worried about them breaking down in the heat of the official tournaments. If you want a durable product to take pickleball to a whole new level, the Tourna Strike Pickle bell is worth it.

Pros

  •  Durable
  • Adapted for breezy conditions
  •  Can be purchased in bulk

Cons

  • They can split quickly

9. Gamma Photon Indoor or Outdoor Pickleballs

The Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleball Ball is a fun and robust ball. It's built of a two-piece design that bounces equally on any surface and keeps it balanced. The ultra-bright neon color is highly visible and will stick out in any setting. These balls are larger than regular outdoor balls, making them easier to manage while still flying straight.

This ball is 2.9 inches in diameter and weighs 0.85 ounces, which is within USAPA guidelines. The bounce height is 33 inches, which is on par with other possibilities. This ball's 26 equally drilled holes enable it to be easily steered and jump through the air precisely where you want this to go.

The Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleball is likely to impress if you like the pace and consistency of outside balls but require an indoor alternative. These are available in packs of three, six, or sixty balls. The ball's optic green tint is intended to increase its visibility. For organizations, schools, or instructors who utilize a large number of balls for drills, courses, or training shooting with an automated ball throwing device, the large 60 pack is a good choice.

Pros

  • Optic green color for visibility
  • The drilled holes are precise

Cons

  • A bit expensive

10. Selkirk SLK Competition Pickleball

The SLK Outdoor Pickleball was designed for high-level professionals who want a long-lasting pickleball game. This ball is more durable and lasts longer than other outdoor pickleball, allowing you to play numerous games. It provides consistency, excellent visibility, and genuine flight, ensuring that your matches are skill-based and not disrupted by broken equipment.

The ball has a distinctive 40-hole pattern and an even load distribution, allowing it to go where you strike it. The vivid neon hue stands out against diverse backgrounds and court ground colors in varying illumination. Furthermore, USA Pickleball has authorized this pickleball for tournament play, and it meets all of the criteria of skilled outside players, allowing them to prepare for matches effectively. The SLK Competition ball can endure hours of gameplay without losing its integrity, resulting in consistent trajectory and bounce each time.

Pros

  •  Lasts longer
  •  Even weight distribution

Cons

  • Some customers have complained that the ball is rough

About THE AUTHOR

Michael Stevens

Michael Stevens

Since initially playing at the collegiate level, I have amassed several decades of experience playing racquetball, tennis, and pickleball. I have played thousands of matches and games, and won medals and awards in multiple tourantments. I am constantly improving my game and enjoy mentoring and coaching other players in strategy and technique. I have authored dozens of articles on the sport.

Read More About Michael Stevens