Pickleballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in several ways, including their construction, size, weight, and color.
Below are the main Differences between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleballs
- Construction: Outdoor pickleballs are made of hard plastic, whereas indoor pickleballs are made of a softer, lightweight material such as foam or a composite material. The harder construction of outdoor balls makes them more durable and able to withstand the rougher surfaces found outdoors, while the softer indoor balls provide a better bounce on the smoother surfaces found indoors.
- Size: Both indoor and outdoor pickleballs are the same size, measuring 2.87 inches in diameter.
- Weight: Outdoor pickleballs are slightly heavier than indoor pickleballs. Outdoor balls weigh between 0.88 and 0.92 ounces, while indoor balls weigh between 0.78 and 0.83 ounces. The extra weight of outdoor balls helps them resist wind and fly straighter.
- Color: Outdoor pickleballs are usually bright neon or high-visibility colors like yellow, green, or orange, making them easier to spot on outdoor surfaces. Indoor pickleballs are often white or light-colored to contrast with the indoor playing surfaces.
Overall, the main differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs are their construction, weight, and color, which are all designed to make them suitable for the different playing conditions of each environment.