Whether you are playing indoors or outdoors, your pickleball choice of pickleball matters. The main thing to consider is what type of court/surface you are playing on.
Indoor Hardcourt –
If your indoor court has a hard court surface, you can and should play with your favorite outdoor pickleball. If your courts are kept 63 degrees or below, you may even consider a softer outdoor pickleball.
Indoor Courts (other material) –
If you have indoor courts made of hardwood (gym floor), cement, vinyl squares, or sometimes carpet, you should switch to using an indoor pickleball. These balls have fewer holes and are made of softer materials promoting a higher bounce and less of a skip compared to outdoor pickleballs.
Other things to consider –
-Your ball of choice should meet USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) equipment standards and be listed with them as an “approved” or “certified for competition” item
-Indoor pickleballs are easier to control – extending rally duration
-Indoor pickleballs provide less power – they are softer in design with larger holes
-Outdoor pickleballs are a tad heavier and can withstand external variables better (court, weather, etc.)
-Outdoor pickleballs move faster and can be hit harder – resulting in shorter rallies
-The holes in your pickleballs impact their flight pattern
Outdoor pickleball brands to consider –
-Vulcan Vpro Flight, Onix Dura fast 40, Franklin X-40, and Selkirk S1
At the end of the day, pickleball balls are designed based on the surface they bounce on. Choose a ball that makes the most sense for YOU to play with!
-Taylor