Pickleball Balls Explained: Indoor vs Outdoor
The real differences between indoor and outdoor balls, how long they last, and how to spend less on them.
Short answer: buy the ball built for your floor. Outdoor balls are hard and heavy with small holes, and indoor balls are soft and light with large ones.
Outdoor balls
These use harder plastic and usually have about 40 small holes. The extra weight cuts through wind, and they bounce low and fast on rough courts.
- Harder, heavier, quicker
- Lots of small holes
- More likely to crack, especially in the cold
The Franklin X-40 and the Dura Fast 40 show up at tournaments again and again.
Indoor balls
Indoor balls are softer and lighter, with around 26 large holes. They move more slowly and are easier to control, which suits smooth gym floors where a hard ball would skid.
- Softer, lighter, slower
- Fewer, bigger holes
- Tend to soften or go out of shape instead of cracking
Can one type do both jobs?
It can, but you will notice. An indoor ball outside gets pushed around by wind and wears quickly on rough surfaces. An outdoor ball inside feels fast and slides across the floor. If you play in both places, keep a labeled tube of each.
How long do they last?
That depends on how hard and how often you play. Outdoor balls can crack within a few sessions, especially in cold weather. Indoor balls last longer but lose bounce over time. Bin any ball that cracks, softens or warps, and keep them out of hot cars.
Spending less on balls
- Buy in bulk, because a dozen-pack costs less per ball than a trio
- Store them somewhere at room temperature
- Use your best balls for games and the oldest for serve practice
- Add balls to a paddle order so a percentage code covers them too. Our guide to getting more from every promo code explains why, and the promo code page lists what is live
For making all your gear last longer, see keeping paddles, balls and shoes in good shape.