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It’s surprising for beginners that many players wonder about indoor versus outdoor pickle balls selection. Do you know the unique difference between each pickleball? The correct selection of balls shapes your playing experience. Pickleball is different from other balls. It has a wide range of options. Indoor and outdoor balls are also different from each other.
The main differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs are quantity, size numbers, and holes. Typically, an indoor ball has 26 large holes, while an outdoor ball has 40 small holes. However, you can select each pickleball based on the climate’s base and the surface’s colour. Pickleballs’ hardness, texture, and durability also affect the game.
This article helps beginners choose the right ball. Beginners need to learn about the main differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball.
Indoor balls are used for indoors and outdoor ball are preferred for outdoor games, but ideally, which ball is perfect for both situations? Let’s discuss them in detail.
How do I choose pickleballs?
When you go to buy indoor or outdoor balls, keep in mind these main differences and choose the ball.
| Indoor Pickleball | Outdoor Pickleball | |
| Holes: | 26 holes with a bigger diameter of 0.43 inches | 40 holes with a smaller diameter of 0.282 Inches |
| Weight: | 0.78 to 0.855 ounces | 0.9 to 0.935 ounces |
| Durability: | More Durable | Less Durable |
| Hardness: | Softer | Harder |
| Bounce: | Higher | Lower |
Every specification of indoor and outdoor balls makes them unique from each other.
What's the Difference between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls?
There are five main differences between indoor pickleball balls and outdoor pickleball balls.
1. Holes in Pickleballs
Pickleballs are thoughtfully designed with holes. These holes maintain consistency and create balance during playing.
Number of Holes
Number of Holes
It’s interesting to know indoor balls have 26 holes, while outdoor balls contain 40 holes. But why? Why do both balls not have an equal number of holes?
It all comes down to observing each shot closely and avoiding the effects of outside factors like the court’s texture or the wind. The smaller holes on the outdoor balls are more resilient to gaming in the wind.
Every hole is uniform in size and placed across the ball. 40 small holes on the outdoor pickleball and 26 large holes on the indoor pickleball ball. The holes on the indoor ball are slightly larger than that on the outdoor ball.
Diameter of Holes
The Indoor Pickleball has a diameter of 2.874-2.897 inches whereas the outdoor ball has 2.897-2.972 inches of diameter. There is not much of a difference when it comes to the sizes of two balls. When it comes to hole diameter, the hole diameter of an indoor pickleball is 0.43 inches per hole, while that of an outdoor ball is 0.282 inches per hole.
NOTE:
The above-given measurement gets after 10 to 12 pickleball measurements in the market.
2. Weight
Weight plays a vital role during the game because it affects the ball’s response.
As many players think outdoor pickleball weighs more than indoor ball, is that right or wrong?
Yes, it is almost less than 1% larger because outdoor balls need to withstand many obstacles, such as air.
Usually, if you check the weight of both balls, it’s between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces. There are no strict rules for any ball as long as they fall within its parameters.
The average indoor ball weight is in between 0.78 to 0.855 ounces, while the outdoor ball weight is 0.9 to 0.935 ounces. It is a little heavier ball.
Anyhow, players like to play outdoor games because they’re more beneficial. When the ball is slightly lighter, it can’t be easy to control.
There are two main reasons for the weight differences between the two balls.
- Material
- Number of holes
3. Durability
Many players think that indoor and outdoor pickleballs lose their shape. The hardball can crack over time.
The material of each ball heavily influences durability. Generally, more rigid material is more durable than softer material.
The outdoor ball is less durable due to more challenging plastic use. Hard plastic may crack, split, or lose shape with time.
However, the indoor is more durable due to the softer plastic. Indoor balls are typically a soft spot for the duration of their lives.
In indoor courts, such as hardwood gyms or floors, indoor balls are customized according to requirements. In comparison, sturdier plastic helps to make outdoor pickleballs. Outdoor balls are more rigid and face environmental challenges due to their design.
4. Hardness
As you know, pickleballs consist of different types of plastic. Every plastic has a unique quantity.
Hardness is the main difference between both pickleballs. Outdoor pickleball is harder than indoor pickleball. The other one is more complex because it can resist wind and other weather effects.
However, an outdoor pickleball is thicker than an indoor one. But it does not affect the dimension of the ball.
Some of the typical plastics are used in pickleball. The hardness measuring scales indicate the following kind of plastic. Here are a few plastic types commonly used in all pickleballs.
- LDPE (Low-density polyethylene)
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Every type of plastic has different hardness levels.
Durometer Hardness Test
Pickleball hardness can be measured with the help of a durometer hardness test. It shows the shore D value of plastic. This test shows the given results.
- LDPE: 40 to 50
- HDPE: 60 to 70
- PP: 70-83
- PET: 85 to 95
It’s not fixed that outdoor balls should use plastic that is different from indoor balls. However, on average, the hardness of the ball should be 40-50 on the Durometer D scale.
5. Bounce and Spin
Pickleball has unique characters of two types: bouncing and spinning. It depends on the ball selection.
The indoor pickleball balls have soft plastic, so they bounce higher. On the other hand, outdoor balls are constructed of challenging material, with fewer bouncing balls.
The bounce and speed have a significant influence on your game. The lighter bounce ball has faster exchanges. At the same time, the less bounce balls help to control the strategy and make a good game in an outdoor environment.
Can You Play Indoor Pickleball With Outdoor Balls?
No, always choose the right ball for the proper condition. As outdoor and indoor environments are vastly different, the ball requirements are also different for playing.
Whether outdoor or indoor play, the right choice always provides the best experience.
It depends on your location. Weather conditions and environmental adaptability are essential in choosing the right pickleball for your game.
Since they are weather-resistant, outdoor pickleballs are ideal for playing outside in the rain or extreme heat. Both types have their pros and cons. Let’s discuss more about pickleball.
Official USA Pickleball Balls Guidelines
USAPA is an official pickleball tournament in the USA. These guidelines help you choose the right ball, whether you play indoor or outdoor games. The given feature must approve pickleball balls.
- Its bounce is about 30 to 34 inches.
- The ball hole diameter is between 2.874 and 2.972 inches.
- Don’t select a multicide ball and a non-textured surface.
- The maximum hole in a single ball should be 40, and the minimal hole should be 26.
- Use the D scale to pass the pressure test.
- Weight is between 0.78 to 0.935 ounces.
Which Pickleball is For Outdoor Tournaments?
You can find many indoor or outdoor pickleballs in the market. If you want outdoor pickleball, Outdoor Pickleball is very popular in tournaments. If you want an indoor pickleball, try purchasing some amazing indoor balls.
Pros and Cons of Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Games
Indoor Pickleball
Pros
- Indoor pickleball doesn’t depend on weather conditions, so it’s always cool. So, you don’t need additional equipment such as hats, sunscreen, etc. It’s also protected from harsh sun, rain, or snow.
- The Indoor environment is always better
- Playing Indoors is best for restrooms, courts, and rotation systems.
Cons
- Everything is loud, so you can hardly hear yourself.
- Due to softer ball the pace of the game is not too much.
- You can get distracted by the shiny indoor wall.
Indoor Pickleball Court
Source: https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/travel-recreation/recreation/pick-pickleball-how-and-where-to-play-the-popular-sport/
Outdoor Pickleball
Outdoor courts are my favourite because of the fresh air and open space.
Pros
- In outdoor play, you will be free from any gym smell, and the slight wind keeps you cool in the summertime.
- A player feels freedom and freshness while playing outdoors.
- In outdoor courts, there are better and clearer boundary lines. Moreover, you enjoy the game due to the great bounce.
Cons
- Sometimes, wind and sun make your game hard.
- You can’t play in rainy weather.
Outdoor Pickleball
Photo by @ The Landings
Conclusion
After reading this article, I hope you can buy the right ball for your game. Now you have a lot of information about indoor vs. outdoor pickleball ball, which helps in choosing suitable balls in pickleball for beginners. No matter what you prefer to play, pick the right ball for your game.
Addressing the main aspects of each ball provides you with complete knowledge about indoor and outdoor balls.
If you are playing indoor or outdoor games, the five primary differences between the two pickleball balls are based on holes, weight, durability, hardness and bounce. All these characteristics are unique according to environmental demand. You can comfortably play on outdoor courts or indoors by choosing the perfect ball. This article helps you gain complete knowledge about both balls. After reading, you will be able to learn in-depth information about pickleball.