Which padel balls to buy?

Help in choosing padel balls

Difference between tennis ball and padel ball

Are padel balls the same as tennis balls? Although they look similar, the balls are not the same. Therefore, it is better not to play padel with tennis balls and vice versa. A padel ball is slightly smaller and has lower pressure, causing it to bounce lower than a tennis ball. Due to the lower pressure, the speed is also lower. Additionally, the felt on a padel ball is a bit longer, also to reduce speed. This is important because a padel court is smaller than a tennis court.

Material padel balls

The inside of a padel ball is made of rubber. Most padel balls are filled with gas or nitrogen. The outer layer is mainly made of felt, which can consist of natural fibers (made from sheep's wool) or synthetic fibers.

There are also balls that are not pressurized; these balls are made of a thicker type of rubber. Non-pressurized balls will last longer but may change shape if played with extensively.

Types of padel balls

The most commonly used padel balls are pressurized balls. There are two types of pressurized balls: normal speed and high speed.

Normal speed: Balls with normal speed have slightly lower pressure and longer felt. This creates more air resistance and therefore less speed. These balls are mostly used by juniors, beginners, and intermediate players.

High speed: Balls with high speed have higher pressure and shorter felt. These balls are mainly used by players with an intermediate to advanced level who prefer a more active game.

Quality requirements

To qualify as a padel ball, the ball must have a certain bounce height. This is measured by dropping the ball from a height of 2.54 meters onto a hard surface. The ball must then bounce back to a height between 1.35 and 1.45 meters.

Additionally, a padel ball must meet the following requirements:

- The weight of the ball must be between 56 and 59.4 grams;
- The pressure must be between 4.6 and 5.2 kg per square centimeter;
- The ball must have a diameter between 6.35 and 6.77 centimeters.

How long do you play with padel balls?

Most padel balls are sold in a pressurized can. Once a can is opened, the pressure inside the can is lost. After opening, several factors affect the lifespan of the balls. These include altitude, humidity, temperature, court surface, and playing style, all of which influence durability.

Additionally, the quality of the balls also plays a role in their lifespan. Balls filled with nitrogen generally last longer, while gas-filled balls lose pressure faster. Balls made with high-density quality rubber also retain pressure better.

On average, padel balls lose a quarter of their pressure after one game. Usually, the balls need replacing after 2 to 3 weeks or 4 to 5 matches. Due to pressure loss, the balls will bounce less and have lower speed. Professional players need to replace balls more frequently. Also, if you are an aggressive player who smashes and hits hard balls often, the balls will wear out faster. Professional matches are always played with new balls.

It is very important to replace the balls in time. Playing with balls that are too soft not only affects the game but also increases the risk of arm injuries.

Storing padel balls

Open het blik pas wanneer je de ballen daadwerkelijk gaat gebruiken. Ongeopende blikken behouden de druk, waardoor de kwaliteit van de ballen niet achteruit gaat wanneer je ze nog niet gebruikt.

Nadat de ballen zijn gebruikt, kun je ze het best bewaren op een droge en donkere plaats op kamertemperatuur. Laat de ballen bijvoorbeeld niet in je auto liggen, vanwege de temperatuurschommelingen verliezen de ballen dan sneller hun druk. Wanneer de ballen natgeregend zijn, kun je de ballen het best laten drogen op kamertemperatuur (buiten het blik).

Je kan ook gebruik maken van drukregelaars. Met drukregelaars kan je 3x langer spelen met dezelfde ballen. Op die manier blijven ze dus ook beter bewaard.

Price of padel balls

Padel balls in a can are available starting from €4.95. Some brands are more expensive than others, but prices can also vary within a brand depending on the quality of the balls. Generally, balls with higher quality and durability are more expensive. Depending on your playing level and frequency, you can decide how much you want to invest in padel balls.

If you are looking for a larger quantity of padel balls, it is best to choose a box. These are often priced more advantageously. As long as you do not open the cans, you can store the balls for a long time.