When it comes to purchasing the best tennis ball, one that fulfills all your needs, you should know exactly what it is that you’re looking for. And don’t worry, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Even someone who has played tennis their whole life can not know the difference between each ball which can significantly impact their performance.
So in order to choose the right kind of tennis ball for you, the first and the most important thing you need to do is assess what your tennis needs are and then buy something that caters to those needs. Our guide will help you face this overwhelming task as it breaks down all the imperative factors you should be considering when buying the best tennis ball based on your age, level and court surface. Let’s get started!
How To Choose The Best Tennis Ball?
Pressurized vs. Pressureless?
One of the biggest differences you can find between tennis balls is the pressure. Some are pressurized which means these balls have been made through a process that adds internal air pressure to the balls which helps them bounce quite high whereas pressureless tennis balls don’t have any compressed air inside them. This means these balls don’t bounce quite as high as pressurized balls do with many people considering them as “slower” balls.
Pressurized balls are usually the most common balls you find on the court with all major tennis tournaments using them as official balls too.
Since it is common for every tennis player to use pressurized balls, you will find the packaging stating if the balls are pressureless so you know what to steer clear of. But if you’re still in doubt then it is safe to assume that if your balls come inside a package that is vacuum-sealed then they are 100% likely to be pressurized balls. But if they come packed in a box or mesh then they’re usually just plain old pressureless balls.
Regular Duty vs. Extra Duty?
Another significant difference between tennis balls is that some are regular duty while others extra duty balls. While this difference is not as noticeable as the pressure in the tennis balls, it is the factor that determines how long your balls will last. And of course, you need them to last a long time. No one likes replacing things and spending money to buy more.
When it comes to extra duty, these balls are made of more nylon than wool whereas it is the opposite for regular duty balls. This is what makes the extra duty tennis balls feel fluffier than the regular ones, making them move slower and hence, last longer on hard courts. Whereas, regular duty tend to move faster in comparison which means that they’re the ideal choice if you’re playing on softer surfaces like grass which don’t wear out the balls as quickly as hard courts do.
Professional vs. Championship?
Now, the last important difference between most tennis balls is that some are professional while others are championship tennis balls. Professional balls give the user a better feel when playing but they can usually be more costly and less likely to last a long period of time. Hence, they are mostly used only for professional tournaments.
Whereas, championship balls tend to be more easy on the pocket and are durable which is why many sporting stores keep them around. These balls are made of great quality and happen to be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a tennis ball for practice matches.
Now that you’re clear on what the different types of tennis balls you can find on the market are, the next step is to see how you will choose the tennis balls you need. And in order to do that, it is important to determine who is going to be using the balls.
Who Is Going To Use The Tennis Balls?
Kids
If you’re looking for tennis balls for young kids who are just starting out, then you’ll need balls that not only help them learn the game but are also safe to play with. Thankfully, tennis balls are available for all levels which means you can find something for your kids to use, no matter what their age is.
Recreational Players
If you’re someone who just likes to play a few times a month for recreational purposes then consider a tennis ball that is more durable so you don’t have to skip out on your playing days just because your tennis ball is all worn out.
Professionals
Professional tennis players should opt for the same ball that they know is going to be used in the tournament they will compete in. This will help them get accustomed to the speed and bounce of the ball beforehand.
Players With Injuries
Much like beginners, players that have injuries should be careful when picking a tennis ball, opting for the softer ones that will help them avoid further aggravations to their injuries. And if you especially suffer from tennis elbow then getting the right kind of ball can help you minimize the pain.
FAQs
How long do tennis balls last?
How long a tennis ball will last depends on the level of game, ball type and most times on the overall weather too. There is no actual time limit as the durability of tennis balls is gauged by their bounce and fur. But on an average, tennis balls for beginners tend to last for 2-3 sessions, intermediate for 1-2 sessions and professionals for 1-2 sets.
What brand of tennis ball bounces the most?
Many people opt for DUNLOP tennis balls because of their bounce ability. However, every ball is different so it all just depends on the type you get.
How often should I replace my tennis balls?
Tennis balls should ideally be replaced after every set you play. Changing your balls frequently can help you improve your performance as the newer the balls are, the better they are to play with.
What tennis ball do professionals use?
Professional tennis players use balls according to their upcoming tournaments. However, the Australian Open tends to use the DUNLOP AO tennis ball as the official one.