Pickleball is a sport in which precision is key, and the success of a game can hinge not just on the players, but also on the equipment you use.
While paddles and nets are essential, it's often the humble pickleball ball that receives the most attention from dedicated players. The pickleball you choose to play with can significantly impact your shot trajectory, speed, and overall gameplay.
Enter the pickleball "ball snobs" — pickleball enthusiasts who are extremely particular about their ball of choice and aren't shy about advocating for it. Pickleballs vary in weight, hardness, and durability, which can affect gameplay … and a ball snob’s opinion.
How to choose which pickleball to use
Newer players often use a generic pickleball that comes with a starter set of paddles, but typically within a few trips to the courts, a ball snob will step in and hand them their preferred pickleball. But how do you know if the ball snob’s preferred ball is right for you?
Selecting the right pickleball is not a one-size-fits-all decision. For example, you might first choose a ball based on whether you’ll be playing indoor or outdoor. Indoor pickleballs tend to be lighter, providing a softer impact on gym floors. However, because of the lightweight material, they drag more in the air and therefore play slower. Outdoor pickleballs are built to withstand wind and rougher surfaces, so they are heavier and play faster.
Another sticking point for many players is the color of the ball. Although it may be fun to play with a hot pink or electric blue ball every once in a while, most players prefer the standard neon yellow ball because it is easiest to track in the air.
Additionally, if you're gearing up for a tournament, you might choose to use the specific ball designated by the event organizers. Flexibility in adapting to different scenarios is key for serious pickleball players.
The current top choices for ball snobs
The pro tours have shaken up the ball debate. The LT Pro 48 from Life Time is now the official ball of both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
The Franklin X-40 is still the official ball of the APP U.S. Tour. However, Selkirk's S2 Pro is the official ball of the APP Asia Tour.
The LT Pro 48 breaks from the familiar 40-hole design with 48 holes and chamfered edges, which Life Time says improve flight and resist cracking. Proponents of the X-40 often praise its durability, but some say it plays slower than other balls. Because the pros now play different balls depending on the tour, many players are rethinking which ball they reach for.
The new choice for ball snobs
For those who’ve been yearning for innovation in the world of pickleball balls, Selkirk Sport is introducing the S2 Pro. In recent years, the pickleball industry has seen tremendous innovation in paddles, but balls seemed to lag behind.
Selkirk Sport set out to change that. After rigorous research and development, the result is the S2 Pro, a ball built to solve one of pickleball’s biggest frustrations: warping. It’s made for competitive practice and tournament-level play, and it’s the official ball of APP Asia.
What sets the S2 Pro apart is its patented 38-hole geodesic design. The holes come in three sizes (7.5 mm, 6.5 mm, and 4 mm) and are spaced for even weight distribution and wind resistance, with no mid-air wobble. The result is a dependable flight path and bounce from the first point to the final rally.
The S2 Pro is also built to last. True-round injection molding helps the ball keep its spherical shape and resist cracking around the holes, even under high impact. That durability is backed by an industry-first 1-Year No-Crack, Out-of-Round Warranty.
The S2 Pro has a harder, high-velocity feel that plays like a tournament ball. Its textured surface gives you extra spin right out of the box. It lets players control their shots and execute with precision and confidence.
The choice of pickleball can be a hotly debated topic among enthusiasts, and for good reason. Your pickleball is your game partner, and you want a ball you can rely on.
