Introduction: When it comes to outdoor pickleball, the concerns of durability and shape retention are crucial. Having tested various brands in all weather conditions, I present my honest opinions on each, focusing on the key factors that matter.
UPDATE – DIADEM OUTDOOR BALLS
In my ongoing quest for outdoor pickleballs that perform well, maintain their shape, and resist cracking, I discovered the Diadem “Official” ball. Despite its name, there’s nothing officially endorsed about it, but it is USAPA Tournament approved. Crafted in a single mold with seamless construction, this design significantly reduces the risk of cracking. Made from incredibly durable plastic, the Diadem ball features a hard material and 40 uniformly sized holes, making it ideal for outdoor play. Its hardness makes it a fast ball, positioning it at the upper end of the USAPA speed range. My wife and I have played at least 10-20 games with these balls on our hard asphalt court, and they have maintained their shape without any signs of cracking. Overall, this is an excellent ball.
If you are interested on purchasing the Diadem balls, follow this link: https://diademsports.com/collections/pickleballs/products/the-official-pickleball
If you use the code GREGH10 at checkout, you should get a 10% discount.
ORIGINAL POST
Negative Experience: Franklin X: The Franklin X balls, despite retaining their shape, disappoint with their tendency to crack in any temperature. In my opinion, they are a definite “no.”
Negative Experience: Vulcan VPro Flight Outdoor PPA Tour Pickleball: Despite Vulcan’s claims of superiority, and the fact that they are now the “official ball” of the PPA, my experience with their balls in chilly weather (36 degrees) left much to be desired. The balls quickly became “out of round,” leading to unpredictable bounces. In my opinion, not the best choice for outdoor play.
Selkirk SLK: Selkirk promotes the Pro S1 as a perfectly round and balanced ball for both indoor and outdoor play. While they resist cracking, the balls did exhibit uneven highs and lows, compromising their roundness. Ideal for a ball machine, especially if you are okay practicing wonky bounces, but not my first choice for actual play, considering the price.
Crown Pickleballs: Crown Pickleballs claim to be the best value, and my experience supports this. They haven’t cracked or gone out of round, playing well consistently. Keep an eye out for sales, as the company occasionally offers incredible deals.
Body Helix SPIN Pickleball: Body Helix’s seamless and rotationally manufactured SPIN Pickleballs live up to their promises. Regardless of the weather, these balls maintain their shape without cracking. A dozen of these balls has proven to be a durable investment. UPDATE: I have been using the same four Body Helix balls for a month now and they continue to play flawlessly. They have not gone out of round, nor have they cracked. Here is the best part. They retail for slightly more then $2 a ball. In addition, you can a discount on these balls by going to this link: https://www.bodyhelix.com/?ref=Yf_7tRXqqls4Fe
Selkirk Pro S1: I had the opportunity to play with these during a recent pickleball camp and they seemed fine. They did not crack, nor did they get out of round. But, like all Selkirk products, they are expensive. There are better options available.
Conclusion: In the world of outdoor pickleball, personal experience trumps marketing hype. While I haven’t tried every brand available, based on my experiences, I will continue to rely on Diadem, Crown, and Body Helix Balls for their consistent performance, durability, and overall value. Remember, it’s essential to find the right fit for your game, and these brands have earned my trust through practical use.
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