Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs – 7 Main Differences
Pickleball is a universal Sport. It can be played either indoors or outdoors. Your Choice of location is a point here in pickleball. Once you select your location where you are going to play then it comes to the selection of equipment especially pickleball balls.
The main difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs is in their hole patterns. Indoor pickleballs usually feature 26 larger perforations, whereas outdoor versions showcase 40 smaller holes. Indoor pickleballs are softer, less haviear and have small holes while outdoor balls are hard plastic, more heavy with large holes. This variation significantly affects the weight, hardness, texture, and durability of the balls. Moreover external factors like weather conditions, type of court (concrete, asphalt or Grass) and skill levels also affect here.
We will go through the detail of comparison of outdoor vs. indoor pickleball balls.
Pickleball Balls Indoor vs Outdoor- Detailed Comparison
Here is the detail differneces between pickleball outdoor and indoor balls. I have found quite a simple way to choose indoor vs outdoor pickleballs. They are almost all different from each other. Both are used in different cases and suitable in their own location.
Comparison Table of Outdoor vs. Indoor Pickleball Balls
| Feature | Outdoor Pickleballs | Indoor Pickleballs |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Hardness | Hard | Softer |
| Number of Holes | More, typically 32-40 smaller holes | Fewer, typically 26 larger holes |
| Material | Hard plastic | Softer plastic |
| Durability | Designed for outdoor elements and rough play | Designed for controlled indoor environments |
| Color | Yellow, green, or orange | Vibrant yellow |
| Bounce Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Suitable Court Surface | Outdoor courts: concrete, asphalt, grass | Indoor courts: wood, rubberized |
(1) Weight
Outdoor pickleballs are heavier than indoor pickleballs. This weight plays importyant role in the trajectory motion of pickleball. According to the rules and regulations the weight of pickleball valls should be 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
The outdoor pickleball has a weight of 0.925 ounces while indoor pickleball balls is 0.85 ounces of weight.
Outdoor
Outdoor pikleball has a weight of 0.925 ounces. It is heavier than indoor pickleball. The logic and reason behind the weight of outdoor pickleball is the location where it will be used. It;s holes are largers which helps to reduce friction and it moves smoothly. This feature keeps it quite different to move easily in the winds or opne environment.
Indoor
Indoor pickleball has a weight of 0.85 ounces. It is lighter than outdoor one. The menufacturer design the ball in such a that it can move smoothly in the absence of wind.
There are several factors contributing to the weight but the materials and number of holes plays a vital role and classified it eighter it’s indoor or outdoors.
How much does a pickleball weigh?
The weight of pickleball depends upon the location where you will play. The average pickleball weight is from .78 and 0.935 ounces (22.1 and 26.5 grams).
Are indoor and outdoor pickleball the same?
No, indoor and outdoor pickleball are not the same. The differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs are in their weight, hole number and diameters, hardness Durabilityn Speed and bounce rate.
(2) Hardness
Due to the fast pace game it is the requiremnet that the pickleball should be hard. The material from which it is designed should be hard which can not be hurted by shots. Most of the time menfucturers use plastic but not the common one. Usually, they perform a durometer hardness test to measure it’s hardness from 0 to 100 rating.
There are 4 types of plastics that are observed that are used in pickleball production.
- LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene: 40-50
- HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene: 60-70
- PP – Polypropylene: 70-83
- PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate: 85-95
Most of the time (PET) plastics are being used. It is spongier than the balls made from HDPE plastic. This should be noted while choosing outdoor vs indoor pickkleballs.
Hardness is an important factor to be considered and it affects the gameplay as well.
- The hardness of the ball.
- Compression when hit the court.
- The bounce rate.
Outdoor
Outdoor pickleball is harder than indoor pickleball. Its hardness rates from 80 to 85 A Shore. It is made up of LDPE and HDPE plastic. It has high thickness to face the turbulent flow dirung the game.
Indoor
It is made up of low profile plastics to sustain its thickness and weight. It is less heavier, less thicker and softer than outdoor pickleballs. It has a slow and low bounce rate. Most manufacturers keep it in low medium scale of hardness.
How do indoor pickleball facilities mitigate noise?
Indoor pickleball facilities reduce noise with sound-absorbing materials and rubberized flooring, creating a quieter environment for play.
(3) Bounce and Speed of Pickleballs
The bounce rate and speed depends upon the weight and design of pickleball. It may be outdoor or indoor pickleball balls. The bounce and speed of indoor pickleball is way greater than outdoor pickleball bnecause the hardness of outdoor pickleball.
Are indoor and outdoor pickleball courts the same size?
No, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts are not necessarily the same size. While both types follow standard dimensions, variations can occur due to construction differences. However, they typically adhere to the same length and width guidelines.
Which Pickleball Is Better?
It will be decided according to your requirements. If you are playing indoors then pickleball is better but if you are playing outdoors then you should play outdoor pickleball.
Which pickleball has a high speed and bounce rate?
Indoor pickleball has a high speed and bounce rate because of its plastic materials and hardness.
(4) Number of Holes and It’s Diameter
The number holes play an important role in the motion of pickleball. It decides whether the ball is for outdoor or indoor use. It helps the ball in its projectile motion. The shape of pickleball is solely designed withb the help of aerdynamic rules. its holes control its flight and maintain its direction. The holes rang from 26 to 40 but still it depnds upon typle of balls which are going to be used.
Indoor
There are 26 holes in indoor pickleball. Its holes are larger and few in numbers but enough to maintain the flow. Usually this pickleball does not need much maintenance because it did not face the winds or any other air.
Outdoor
The holes in outdoor pickleball start from 32 to 40 holes. They are smaller in size and more in mumber than indoor pickleball. The reason behind many holes is that the ball maintains the pace of the game during the winds.
How many holes in a pickleball?
A standard pickleball has precisely from 26 to 40 circular holes, evenly distributed across its surface. These holes play a crucial role in reducing wind resistance, allowing for controlled flight paths, and providing the characteristic bounce and speed essential for the game.
Holes Diameter
It can vary from brand to brand. Every brand has their own design but they are only bound to fullfill the number of holes criteria.
Outdoor pickleballs have smaller hole diameter upto .282-inches while indoor pickleball hole diameter is upto .43-inches. This is the remarkable difference which keeps them separate from each other. The data clarify that the diameter of indoor pickleball is40% greater than outdoor pickleball.
According to the rule of pickleball there are no regulations for the diameter of pickleball holes.
Why do indoor pickleballs have bigger holes?
Indoor pickleballs have bigger holes with an average diameter of 0.43 inches to maintain their bounce and speed on smooth indoor surfaces. The design helps optimize performance and gameplay in controlled indoor environments. That’s why indoor pickleballs have bigger holes.
(5) Color
Indoor pickleballs are usually vibrant yellow, optimized for visibility against indoor court backgrounds. Conversely, outdoor balls come in yellow, green, or orange hues, chosen for their enhanced visibility against diverse outdoor settings and lighting conditions, ensuring optimal gameplay experience outdoors.
What is the difference between orange and yellow pickleballs?
The difference between orange and yellow pickleballs lies in their visibility. Orange balls are preferred for indoor play, offering better contrast against indoor court surfaces. Yellow balls are commonly used outdoors, providing greater visibility against outdoor backgrounds and varying light conditions.
(6) Environmental Factors
Enviromental condition is also an important factor to be considered for outdoor and indoor pickleball. The direct sun damages the health and shape of pickleball. It mostly occures with outdoor pickleball. It aslo affects its durability. Just like direct sun, rain is also alarming for outdoor pickleball.
Indoor pickleball is quite safe from these environmental conditions.
(7) Durability
The use of materials decides the durablity of a pickleball. Ther most ahrd plastic material would not last longer while the soft pickleballs will last longer.
You will observe with the passage of time that the ball is going to be cracked or demolished.
Durability depends upon Many factors like, Court location, Game pace, Pickleball skill level and the frequency how often you play.
Suppose you are playing pickleball outdoors with the hard ball then it will not last longer due to its more hardness and its use in open sun and vice versa.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, the choice between indoor and outdoor pickleballs isn’t just about looks—it affects how the game feels. From weight and hardness to hole size and durability, each ball is made to work best in its setting. Whether you’re playing inside or outside, knowing these differences helps you play your best game. So, pick your pickleball wisely, considering the indoor vs outdoor options.
FAQs About Pickleball Balls Outdoor vs Indoor
Outdoor or indoor, which one is more durable?
As per my observations, indoor pickleball is more durable than ourtdoor pickleball. But still it depends upon the frequency of your gameplay.
Can you use indoor pickleball balls outside?
No, You can not use indoor pickleball balls outside because of low weight, and few holes. It is also officially not recommended.
Why are there two different balls for pickleball?
Two different balls exist for pickleball due to the varying playing conditions. Indoor balls feature larger, strategically placed holes for enhanced bounce and speed on smooth surfaces. Outdoor balls are designed with durability and resistance to outdoor elements like wind and temperature fluctuations.
Can outdoor pickleballs be used indoors?
It is also officially not recomended but still if you have no optional outdoor ball then you can use outdoor pickleballs for indoor gameplay.
