Pickleball balls
- Outdoor balls: heavier, hard, and resistant to wind and abrasive surfaces.
- Indoor balls: lighter and more flexible, with a more controlled bounce suitable for the smooth floors of gymnasiums.
The approved balls generally have between 26 and 40 holes, with 40 holes for outdoor balls (e.g., Franklin X-40) and 26 larger holes for indoor balls.
They are made of rigid plastic polymer (polyethylene), ensuring both robustness, consistent bounce, and longevity against repeated impacts.
On average, expect between 10 and 20 matches for outdoor competition balls. Indoor balls often last longer (20 to 30 matches), provided that repeated heavy impacts against walls or very hard floors are avoided.