In this padel ball guide, we discuss everything you need to know about getting the perfect ball for your level of play.
We discuss the difference between tennis balls and padel balls, how they’re made, how to stop them from going flat, and we provide our recommendations for the best balls out there in 2023.
What’s the difference between a Padel ball and a Tennis ball?
A Padel ball is smaller and heavier than a tennis ball, which makes them slower and easier to control.
They are made of rubber and have a felt covering, which provides a soft touch and helps the ball grip the court surface.
The pressure of the ball is also lower, which makes it easier to handle and reduces the risk of injury.
Padel balls are designed to be played on a smaller court, which means that the ball does not need to travel as far as a tennis ball.
This makes the game faster and more intense, with shorter rallies and quicker reactions required from players.
In contrast, tennis balls are larger and lighter than padel balls, which makes them faster and more difficult to control.
They are made of a hollow rubber core and are covered in a fuzzy felt material, which helps to increase the ball’s spin and speed.
The pressure of the ball is also higher, which means that it bounces more and travels further than a padel ball.
Tennis balls are designed to be played on a larger court, which means that players have more time to react and cover the court.
This makes the game more strategic, with longer rallies and greater emphasis on technique and endurance.
Can you use Tennis balls for Padel?
While tennis balls and padel balls may look similar, they are not the same, and they are not interchangeable.
Using tennis balls for padel can affect the game’s quality and fairness as the players will have to adapt their techniques to compensate for the different ball properties, making it a different game altogether.
What are the rules and regulations for a Padel ball?
- The Padel ball must be a rubber, spherical and white or yellow in colour
- It should weigh between 56 – 59.5g
- It should bounce between 135 – 147cm when dropped
- The Padel ball diameter must be between 6.35 – 6.77cm
- The pressure needs to be between 4.6 – 5.2kg per 2.54cm²
How do I stop my Padel balls from going flat?
One of the most common problems that padel players face is their balls going flat, which can be frustrating as it affects the ball’s performance and can interrupt the game.
However, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your padel balls from going flat and keep them in good condition.
Storage
Firstly, it’s important to store your padel balls properly.
Padel balls are pressurized, which means they are filled with air, and if they are stored in a hot or humid environment, the air inside the ball can expand, causing it to go flat.
To prevent this, make sure you store your padel balls in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Replacing & Rotating
Another important step is to replace or rotate your balls.
A Padel ball is designed to be hit with a certain level of force and frequency, and if you exceed this, the pressure inside the ball can decrease, causing it to go flat.
To avoid this, try to play with a fresh ball every time you play, and rotate the balls regularly to ensure they are all being used evenly.
It’s why you’ll see the pros swap balls every set.
Try to use new balls every 4-5 games or 2-3 weeks (frequent players will need to rotate more).
Quality
Finally, make sure you choose a high-quality padel ball.
Cheaper, low-quality balls are more likely to go flat as they may not be as well-made or well-sealed as higher-quality balls.
Look for balls from reputable brands and check their durability ratings before purchasing.
In our experience, the best balls available in 2023 are the Dunlop TB Pros.
They’re affordable and perform great for a long time before needing to be replaced.
Ball pressurizer
Ball pressurizers can help to restore some of your old Padel ball’s bounce.
However, while it is possible to use a ball pressurizer to revive old padel balls to some extent, it is not always effective or recommended.
Here’s why:
A ball pressurizer works by applying pressure to the ball, which can help to restore some of its bounce and liveliness.
However, if a padel ball is too old or has been used extensively, it may have lost its integrity and become deformed, which cannot be fixed by a pressurized.
The rubber core may have also become compacted, making it impossible to restore the ball’s original bounce.
Even if a ball pressurizer does manage to restore some of the ball’s bounce, the ball’s felt covering may have become worn or damaged, affecting its performance on the court.
Furthermore, if the ball has been exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, this can cause damage to the ball’s rubber core or felt surface, which cannot be reversed by a ball pressurizer.
Does altitude make a difference?
Altitude can have an impact on the pressure of padel balls.
At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower than at sea level, which means that the pressure inside the padel ball is also lower.
This can cause the ball to feel softer and slower than at sea level, which can affect the way it bounces and the overall play of the game.
The reduction in air pressure at higher altitudes means that there is less pressure pushing against the ball from the outside, which causes the air inside the ball to expand and the pressure inside the ball to decrease.
This decrease in pressure can cause the ball to lose some of its bounce and speed, which can make it more difficult to play with.
To compensate for the effects of altitude on padel balls, some manufacturers produce specific high-altitude balls that are designed to perform well in these conditions.
These balls are made with a thicker rubber core and a more durable felt covering, which helps them retain their shape and bounce at higher altitudes.
What is the best Padel ball brand in 2023?
From playing over the years, in our experience the best balls are…
Dunlop TB Pros
This ball is perfect for all levels of play. They’re the ultimate all-rounder.
We’ve played with this brand for years and is our go-to on the court due to its affordability, durability, and accessibility (great for all skill levels).
The Bull Padel Premium Pro
This ball has been used in the official World Padel Tour and is particularly popular in Spain.
After our team used this ball for a few games, we immediately noticed its quality and for a fairly modest price, you can see why it’s such a best seller.
How is a Padel ball made?
Step 1 – The core of the padel ball is made from rubber, which provides the ball with its bounce and responsiveness.
The rubber core is shaped into a sphere and placed in a mould.
Step 2 – The outer layer of the padel ball is made from a felt material that covers the rubber core.
The felt is usually made from a combination of wool and synthetic fibres.
The felt is cut into small pieces, and then several layers are wrapped around the rubber core.
Step 3 – After the felt is applied to the rubber core, the ball is pressed to ensure that the felt adheres to the rubber and creates a seamless surface.
The ball is then heated to cure the rubber and set the felt.
Step 4 – Finally, the ball is inspected to ensure it meets the required size, weight, bounce, and hardness standards.
How much do Padel balls cost?
The cost of padel balls can vary depending on the brand, quality, and quantity purchased.
In general, padel balls are sold in cans of three, and the cost can range from around £5 to £18 per can.
Lower-priced padel balls may be less durable and have less consistent bounce, while higher-priced balls may have better quality materials and construction, which can improve their performance and longevity.
Some brands may also offer specific types of balls for different levels of play, such as professional-grade balls or training balls, which can affect the price.
It’s worth noting that while padel balls may seem more expensive than other types of balls, such as tennis balls, they are specifically designed for padel and have different properties that affect their performance on the court.
Using the proper ball for padel can enhance the playing experience and ensure fair and consistent gameplay, so it’s important to choose the right type of ball, regardless of the cost.
Where do I buy Padel balls?
You can buy padel balls at a variety of sporting goods stores and online retailers that specialise in padel and other racket sports equipment.
Here are a few places where you can buy padel balls:
- Padel retailers: Many stores that specialize in padel equipment will carry a range of padel balls from different brands. Some examples of padel retailers include PadelNuestro, PadelStar, and PadelGeek.
- Sporting goods stores: Some general sporting goods stores may also carry padel balls. Examples of stores that may carry padel balls include Decathlon, Intersport, and DICK’S Sporting Goods.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in padel equipment and carry a wide range of padel balls. Some popular online retailers for padel equipment include Amazon, PadelShop, and PadelMafia.
