If you think the tennis balls you choose to play with having a massive effect on your game is a load of balls… you are gravely mistaken, my friend. You need to use the best tennis balls to play to your maximum capability.
Your choice of tennis ball will massively affect how good your game is when you get onto the tennis court.
Different balls have different qualities depending on what brand you purchase and the quality of the ball itself which can make them better or worse for different types of players and different surfaces.
Part of the issue of selecting tennis balls to use is that it can be hard at the best of times to settle on a certain brand. The good news is that there is now more tennis ball brands on the market than ever before, which can make choosing the right one easier.
We have tested out several different types of tennis ball and in this guide we have picked the balls that we like to use when playing tennis as well as which balls which are the best tennis balls for specific surfaces such as grass, hard courts and clay courts.
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Our Tennis Balls List
Whether you’re a recreational player or a true tennis prodigy, you know that this beautiful sport demands good tennis balls if you ever want to master the techniques.
No matter what surface you play on or what are your aspirations, though, you most likely want to find the best possible deals when picking tennis accessories, balls and all included.
Our selection below includes balls for all skill levels and a variety of surfaces. What they have in common? Exceptional value for money. Check them out!
Wilson Prime All Court Tennis Balls
The Wilson Prime All Court is by far the best tennis ball around for all players. It is a versatile and durable option for casual tennis lovers who want to try their skills on all court surfaces. Its greatest strength is the exclusive Durawave felt that provides impressive endurance and outstanding performance anywhere you serve.
Approved by both USTA and ITF, this premium ball is ideal for casual players and professionals, for both training and competition. Wilson offers these balls in a range of different-sized cans and cases containing from 3 to 72 balls. So, if you want to stock up on tennis balls you can trust, these are an excellent choice.
Choose these for: All surfaces
Wilson Championship Extra Duty Tennis Balls
With a versatile ball offering, Wilson makes another entry with the Championship Extra Duty tennis ball. Designed for recreational players yet approved by both USTA and ITF, they are an excellent tennis ball for playing on a hard tennis court.
Their best feature is the pressurized core that ensures durability for several sets of play. As you’d expect from Wilson tennis balls, they boast the proprietary Durawave felt that enhances endurance and performance, while the excellent pressure maintenance ensures a satisfactory bounce even when playing at a fast pace. An ideal option for amateur play or practice, they bring unrivaled value for money.
Choose these for: Hard court
Penn Coach Practice Tennis Balls
If you’re looking for something fun and cheap to improve your tennis game, the Penn Coach Practice tennis ball might be it. From the USTA-approved tennis balls brand, these tennis balls impress with unrivaled performance despite their low price. Bounce is amazing on all surfaces, so you can play with them on clay courts, grass courts, and even indoors. What makes them different from Penn Championship tennis balls, then?
According to the manufacturer, they have the same quality. However, they are deemed unsuitable for professional play due to cosmetic defects. With this in mind, it’s really hard to get a better deal, especially if you’re a beginner aiming to turn into the next Djokovic or Nadal.
Choose these for: All courts / clay courts
Dunlop Australian Open Tennis Balls
The Dunlop Australian Open tennis ball might be more expensive than your average choice, but it’s built to last. They are the perfect choice for the serious player who wants to get the most out of the game. Designed with the pros in mind and approved by both USTA and ITF, it offers an HD core and upgraded HD Pro Cloth felt developed to withstand all demands of competitive playing.
With the Australian Open logo printed on each bal (they are the official ball)l, they are a perfect gift for an enthusiast or aspiring professional tennis player. As you can expect from a Grand Slam quality tennis ball, you’ll get a consistent bounce and outstanding durability. A beautiful, futuristic look, as well as aesthetic packaging, bring further value. Sure, you’ll have to pay for all these features, but these tennis balls are undeniably worth every dime.
Choose these for: All courts
Penn Championship Regular Duty Tennis Balls
The Penn Championship Regular Duty tennis ball is one of the most popular choices for amateurs. Durable and affordable, these balls impress with a rubber construction that provides consistent bounce on most surfaces. Rubber also reduces shock against the wrist when striking – an important feature, especially for beginners.
Dubbed as America’s #1 selling tennis ball, and the official ball of USTA league, the Penn Championship is an excellent choice for all courts, including indoor play. All this is possible thanks to the interlocked wool felt that enhances durability regardless of the surface you’re playing on. The unrivaled quality pairs with an attractive price point for excellent value for money. Various purchase options include three-ball cans as well as can cases with up to 72 balls, for casual and frequent players alike.
Choose these for: All courts
TOURNA Mesh Carry Bag of 18 Tennis Balls
It is often hard to find the good tennis balls for the money, but when you’re looking for an entry-level model and budget is an important consideration, you just can’t go wrong with the TOURNA Mesh Carry Bag of 18 Tennis Balls. These are probably the best pressureless tennis balls you can grab at such an awesome price point. They’re designed for practice but perfect for casual play too. In the latter instance, you can even rest assured they’ll stay by your side for months rather than weeks, as they’ll hardly lose their bounce.
These balls are durable, suitable to use on all surfaces, and long-lasting. They’re also regulation-sized, so should you ever make it to a real tournament, you won’t feel disadvantaged. The mesh bag is another highlight, delivering a handy and reusable storage solution – for the included balls or for the ones to come.
Choose these for: All courts
Penn Pro Marathon Extra Duty Tennis Balls
Coming in a case of 72 balls, the Penn Pro Marathon Extra Duty tennis ball is one of the best choices for intermediate or advanced players. Ideal for hard courts, they bring unique advantages, such as the Smart Optik felt that delivers maximum visibility in all weather conditions. Besides the bright color, the felt also ensures durability for extended play.
Another highlight is the exclusive Encore technology that brings high tenacity and endurance. A bit heavier than Penn Championship, they’re perfect to use when training with a buddy and even with a practice machine. Obviously, they’re also perfect to use in tournaments. Excellently priced for their quality, this case of tennis balls is a perfect choice if you want to make sure that you’ll never lack a ball when you most need one.
Choose these for: Hard court
Babolat Championship Tennis Ball
The ITF-approved Babolat Championship tennis ball won’t wow you with futuristic technologies nor associations with famous Grand Slams and tournaments, but they are a reliable option for amateur players or trainees. They are modest and unassuming, but they come cheap, so it’s perfect for helping you improve your technique. Because, in the end, why would you spend a fortune on a practice ball when this one can also do the trick?
Boasting playability and durability, these high-performance tennis balls are perfect for all courts. They are also highly visible thanks to the optic yellow color. Responsiveness and comfort may not be stellar, but they are undoubtedly an excellent choice for players on a lower budget.
Choose these for: All surfaces
Best Tennis Balls For Each Skill Level
There is a huge difference between tennis balls for beginners with high aspirations and those designed for professional players. The former needs durability and endurance, while the latter must feature the best technologies to withstand improved play techniques. With this in mind, let’s check out the best tennis balls for each skill level.
Penn QST 36 Tennis Balls
Targeting kids keen to playing tennis, the Penn QST 36 tennis ball is perhaps the best for beginners. They are the perfect size for a 36-foot court and a lower compression than regular-sized balls for reduced speed and more controlled bounce. Ideal for the rising talents, the ball is USTA-approved for the 10 and under tennis program. Durable felt also ensures endurance on all courts.
Its two-toned appearance is intentional, making it easier to spot and, subsequently, easier to learn to control. Due to the 75% reduced velocity, the ball is also easier to strike by young players. A true bargain for what they’re worth, these tennis balls come in a set of 12. They might not be the best for teens or taller players, but most kids interested in tennis will find them perfect.
Choose these for: All surfaces
Skill level: Beginner
Penn Pressureless Tennis Balls
The Penn Pressureless tennis ball is an intermediate option for players looking to fine-tune their game. Coming in a reusable bucket of 48 balls, they’re compatible with all surfaces and can even be used with a tennis ball throwing machine. Their pressureless feature adds durability and longevity. Durable felt and good bouncing bring versatility to the game.
Released back in 2010 to celebrate Penn’s 100 years of excellence, these tennis balls incorporate the best of both recreational and performance tennis worlds. They are affordable yet dependable, an excellent choice for casual players as well as professional training sessions.
Choose these for: All surfaces
Skill level: Intermediate
Slazenger Wimbledon Official Tennis Balls
The Slazenger Wimbledon Official Tennis Ball is one of the best choices for professional players looking to get some practice in their home court or during a casual play. Covered in felt that provides long-lasting fuzziness, they’re perfect for hard court, although being advertised as great for all surfaces, and have a reliable bounce.
With Wimbledon printed all around the optic yellow felt, they also boast the aesthetics bonus. No doubt, the best gift for the next tennis master.
Choose these for: All surfaces
Skill level: Advanced
Top 4 Tennis Balls For Each Surface
Below you will find some of the best tennis balls for this year. These tennis balls have been selected as they are the ones we like to use when playing. There are many good things about the tennis balls below, as they are the perfect combination of price, features, and durability.
If you want to find out more about any of the tennis balls that can be seen below, simply navigate to each of the product’s listing pages on Amazon. There you will find a wealth of reviews from satisfied clients who are more than happy to share their experiences with you.
Wilson US Open Regular Duty Tennis Balls
The Wilson US Open Regular Duty tennis ball is the official ball of the US open. These tennis balls are an ideal choice if you want to play indoors or on clay courts, as they are hard wearing and have a thick felt made from high-grade wool. Although they may not be the ideal choice for other surfaces.
This tennis ball is a great choice if you want maximum performance as well as increased durability against wear and they will generally last longer than other tennis balls. The Wilson Standard stacks up well to the professional version of the ball, which makes them some of the best on the market today. They are also USTA and ITF approved for competitive play.
Choose these for: Clay courts and indoor courts
Get a full case of these here.
Wilson US Open Extra Duty – Official US Open Balls
You can’t go wrong with the Wilson US Open Extra Duty tennis balls. These bad boys are the official tennis balls of the US Open and are incredibly tough and hard-wearing which makes them perfect for hard courts. They are made of high-quality wool that is constructed to make a denser felt to resist wear and tear.
They are also approved for USTA and ITF tournaments and provide a high-performance ball at a reasonable price. What more are you looking for in a hard court tennis ball?
Choose these for: Hard courts
Get a full case of these here.
Penn Championship XD Tennis Balls
The Penn Championship XD tennis ball is the top-selling tennis ball in the USA and are the official tennis ball of the USTA League and are some of the easiest balls to play and are of excellent quality. The Championship XD tennis balls are extra heavy-duty with a wool fiber felt meaning they can be used on any surface and will last well.
The XD tennis balls are famous for their controlled fiber release, which delivers a consistent spin and speed during serves and volleys. They are constructed from natural rubber which reduces the shock of the ball as it hits the court’s surface.
Choose these for: All surfaces / most durable balls
Get a full case of these here.
Dunlop Championship Tennis Balls
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The Dunlop Championship tennis ball is perfect for playing on all surfaces and is a high-quality low-cost option with a highly pressurized core and low fuzz felt which makes then great for speed and bounce during swings and serves.
You can use the Sports Championship tennis balls for practice or during club games without a problem. You get four balls per tube, so you still get quite a bit of quality for its relatively cheap price. Dunlop Championship tennis balls are durable, as well as a pleasure to play with. You get an even consistency, which is pretty impressive as well.
The only downside to these tennis balls is that they can sometimes feel a little stiff, but they are still great to use during periods of practice.
Many players consider these tennis balls the best option for newbies and professional players alike, which is due to the fact they are proven to go the distance and their bounce is very good. While they could be a little heavier than other balls, you can easily purchase them in bulk and they are of exceptional quality. We recommend you try a can of these tennis balls for yourself, they’re very affordable!
Choose these for: Grass courts
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About Tennis Balls
Tennis balls have developed since then and have evolved substantially over the last several years, with a huge amount of money spent on the development of new technology.
Some popular brands of tennis balls include:
- Dunlop
- Wilson
- Slazenger
- Tretorn
- Penn
Tennis balls are made all over the world though primarily in the USA and Europe.
There are a variety of surfaces that tennis is played on such as grass, clay courts, hard courts, asphalt, concrete, and astroturf. Different tennis balls suit different surfaces better than others.
Colors
The standard color for tennis balls is yellow as decreed by The Tennis Federation. This color was chosen due to is clear visibility for both the players and spectators.
Types of Tennis Balls
There are three main types of tennis balls that are available for purchase: type1, type2, and type 3. With high altitude tennis balls also available.
Type 1 tennis balls are used on slower courts, Type 2 tennis balls are for standard speed courts, and type 3 tennis balls are used on the fastest courts.
Weight & Dimensions
There are certain restrictions on the size and weight of tennis balls. The ATP Offical Rulebook lists these as:
| Type 1 (Fast) | Type 2 (Medium) | Type 3 (Slow) | High Altitude | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 56.0-59.4 grams 1.975-2.095 oz | 56.0-59.4 grams 1.975-2.095 oz | 56.0-59.4 grams 1.975-2.095 oz | 56.0-59.4 grams 1.975-2.095 oz |
| Size | 6.54-6.68 cm 2.57-2.70 in | 6.54-6.68 cm 2.57-2.70 in | 7.00-7.30 cm 2.76-2.87 in | 6.54-6.68 cm 2.57-2.70 in |
| Rebound | 138-151 cm 54-60 in | 135-147 cm 53-58 in | 135-147 cm 53-58 in | 122-135 cm 48-53 in |
| Forward Deformation | 0.56-0.74 cm 0.22-0.291 in | 0.56-0.74 cm 0.22-0.291 in | 0.56-0.74 cm 0.22-0.291 in | 0.56-0.74 cm 0.22-0.291 in |
| Return Deformation | 0.74-1.08 cm 0.291-0.425 in | 0.80-1.08 cm 0.315-0.425 in | 0.80-1.08 cm 0.315-0.425 in | 0.80-1.08 cm 0.315-0.425 in |
Levels: Recreational, Championship, and Professional
There are three main types of tennis balls that are made by manufacturers: professional level balls, championship level, and recreational level. The kind of ball that you choose will come down to what you want to use it for, as well as how advanced your game is.
Recreational level tennis balls: are the best tennis balls for practice matches and those who are getting used to the game.
Championship level tennis balls: are used for those who are already good at tennis and want something with a little more kick behind their serves.
Professional level tennis balls: are used by some of the best tennis players around the world and allow for more precision, control and power.
Types of Tennis Balls: Pressurized balls v Pressureless balls
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a tennis ball is whether they are pressurized balls or pressureless balls. Most modern-day tennis balls are pressurized balls but it is still worth considering. Pressureless balls bounce on their rubber shells and do not have the pressurized air inside.
Non-pressurized tennis balls have the advantage of not losing their bounce like normal tennis balls and will gain more buoyancy the more you use them.
Pressurized tennis balls are what is generally used by professional players and in tournament matches. These tennis balls are more common, as the internal air pressure gives the ball more bounce, speed, and spin. The only downside to pressurized tennis balls is that the use of them fades over time.
Regular Duty Tennis Balls vs. Extra Duty Tennis Balls
If you are on the lookout for new tennis balls, the type of court that you play on makes a big impact. If you are playing on softer courts like clay courts or indoor courts, you will want to purchase regular duty tennis balls.
If you are playing on harder surfaces or grass, then you can opt for extra duty balls.
The main difference between the two tennis balls is the thickness of the felt covering. It is thicker on extra duty to allow for play and harder surfaces.
High Altitude Tennis Balls
One point of consideration to make when choosing a tennis ball is where on the court you are hitting the ball. Higher altitudes will cause your shorts to bounce higher and travel faster, which can make it difficult for a range of players.
High altitude, in this case, is set to be 4,000 feet or higher. If you are playing at this height, you’ll want to invest in some high-altitude tennis balls to mitigate these issues.
Tennis Balls For Beginners and Kids
Children just starting out with tennis require specialty tennis balls that are designed for a slower pace. Faster balls may be ideal for adults, but younger kids won’t be able to keep up with the pace of the game. Slower-moving foam tennis balls with lower bounce are the best for kids for an easy introduction.
There are three types of stages that are suitable for use by children and beginner tennis players:
- Stage 3 (Red)
- Stage 2 (Orange)
- Stage 1 (Green)
These tennis balls have specific weights and dimension that are specified by the International Tennis Federation as:
| Specifications | Stage 1 (Green) Standard | Stage 2 (Orange) Standard | Stage 3 (Red) Standard | Stage 3 (Red) Foam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass (Weight) | 47.0-51.5 grams 1.658-1.817 ounces | 36.0-46.9 grams 1.270-1.654 ounces | 36.0-46.9 grams 1.270-1.654 ounces | 25.0-43.0 grams 0.882-1.517 ounces |
| Size | 6.30-6.86 cm 2.48-2.70 inches | 6.00-6.86 cm 2.36-2.70 inches | 7.00-8.00 cm 2.76-3.15 inches | 8.00-9.00 cm 3.15-3.54 inches |
| Rebound | 120-135 cm 47-53 inches | 105-120 cm 41-47 inches | 90-105 cm 35-41 inches | 85-105 cm 33-41 inches |
| Forward Deformation | 0.80-1.05 cm 0.315-0.413 inches | 1.40-1.65 cm 0.551-0.650 inches | - | - |
Specialty Balls
In addition to the above, there are also tennis balls that exist for tennis players who have elbow injuries, as well as balls to reduce the impact of the arm.
Best Tennis Balls For Hard Courts
If you are playing tennis on a hard tennis court, then you should opt for heavy-duty brands such as those made by Dunlop, Wilson, and Penn. Hard courts require a professional ball option, as softer balls will degrade faster and may not last the distance.
The tennis balls that we have chosen above can be a great option for getting the best tennis ball for hard courts. Other options may still be available if you are ready to look around and compare your options.
Best Balls for Soft Courts
Softer courts require a different kind of tennis ball, which can easily be found out by reading the label and product description of your ball to see if it’s suitable for use on a soft court or not. The items that we have listed above should give you a clear indication if it is suitable for use on a soft tennis court, as well as by reading the reviews from other satisfied buyers.
Conclusion
That concludes our guide and list of the best tennis balls. We hope that you have found this article informative, as well as helpful in your selection for the best tennis ball for your specific needs.
As you may have discovered, choosing a tennis ball that is an ideal fit mostly comes down to your own requirements and expectations, and there is certainly a lot of variety out there.
For beginner tennis players, we recommend that you select a non-pressurized, type 1 ball, as these generally perform the best for slowing down the pace of the game which can allow you to improve your mechanics and succeed at tennis. More advanced players can opt for a Professional series ball that is provided by many of the leading brands today, which will give you more kick behind your shots.
Many of the above balls have earned four and five-star reviews, which means you can be assured of their quality and durability. You can read about other user’s experiences using the links provided above, as they can give you a good indication of whether a certain brand is going to perform better for you than a different model.
Thanks for reading this article. We hope that you have enjoyed learning about the different kinds of tennis balls that are on offer. The prices of tennis balls can go up or down at a moment’s notice, so thrifty shoppers will take advantage of the low-cost deals while they still can.
