Are you looking to level up your Pickleball game? Are you at that point in your Pickleball Adventure where you want to play in a tournament? And if that is the case, you need to know all about USAPA balls. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about USAPA approved balls. And we cover which four USAPA certified pickleball balls are the most used across the world in tournaments and pickleball leagues.
Let’s kick it in, and dive into the the USAPA Approved Balls for All guide.
What is a USAPA Approved ball
A USAPA approved ball is tested and meets the criteria set by USA Pickleball, to ensure the best ball possible for pickleball players. A ball that is consistent in bounce and stable in construction, ready for tournament play.
The amazing thing about Pickleball is that you can get started using any pickleball ball. You may never look twice at what ball you are using. As long as it bounces, it’s good. And if it breaks, grab another and keep playing. That is it. But a USAPA approved ball is a higher quality ball.
Let’s see how USAPA tournament balls are approved.
How USAPA Pickleball Balls are Approved
Like all professional sports, Pickleball is regulated by an official Pickleball organisation. The USA Pickleball (ex USAPA), and the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) manage the official rules. They decide what is “approved” in regards to pickleball paddles, balls and courts for tournament play.
All Pickleball balls (and equipment) must be submitted to USA Pickleball for approval. The approval process requires the equipment testing is completed by an independent partner.
The NTS are known for testing US space and and defence equipment. They also test Pickleball equipment using the USA Pickleball testing standards. These standards were developed by the USA Pickleball Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC).
When a Pickleball ball is approved, they are included on the USA Pickleball approved equipment ball list. The Approved USAPA ball list is updated regularly as new balls enter the market. That list can be used to check if a pickleball ball is USAPA approved.
However, most manufacturers will not be shy about their USAPA approval. They will advertise the fact on their ball packaging and on their company and commercial websites. Some balls even stamp “USAPA approved” on the ball so that players know their ball is the real deal while playing.
What Are the Official USAPA Pickleballs Specification
All USA Pickleball Approved balls must meet the following ball specifications.
- Construction: The ball must be a single color, molded with a smooth, durable material and free of texturing.
- Size: The Pickleball ball must be 2.87 inches (7.29 cm) to 2.97 inches (7.54 cm) in diameter.
- Weight: The Pickleball ball must weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22.1 and 26.5 grams).
- Bounce: The Pickleball ball must have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) when dropped from a height of 78 inches (198.1 cm).
- Design: The ball must have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes. A manufacturers or supplier’s name or logo must be printed or embossed on the surface.
More details, such as hardness, compression and design requirements for packaging and tournament balls can be found in the Equipment Standards Manual.
All new balls and evolutions in pickleball ball technology must conform to these standards. This includes the new quiet balls, or balls that are designed to be stronger and not break as often. They must all follow the USAPA specifications to be approved.
USAPA Approved Balls Across the World
The Pickleball balls used in tournaments vary across the globe, and it does change. There are four main pickleball balls used in tournaments across the world. The ball used can change depending on the country, the tournament or the league.
Ultimately, Pickleball players will use the ball that has a commercial agreement with the tournament or league. Let’s take a look at the official tournament balls and the differences between them.
1. The Franklin X-40 Pickleball Ball (Outdoor)
Franklin entered the Pickleball market in early 2016 with the release of the X-40 ball.
The Franklin X-40 is designed with precision drilled holes and durable polyethylene. These outdoor pickleball balls are built to outlast and outperform. They are designed for a reliable, consistent bounce and spin with a durable surface.
Shop Now at Pickleball Central Shop Now at Amazon AUSTournaments and Leagues that use the X-40
- USA Pickleball: The Franklin X-40 became the official ball of USA Pickleball in July 2021. USA Pickleball signed a multi-year partnership with Franklin for the X-40 to be the official ball for both the US Open Pickleball Championships and USA Pickleball.
2. Franklin X-26 Pickleball Ball (Indoor)
The Franklin X-26 indoor pickleball ball has 26 precise bevelled holes, engineered for a consistent bounce. The EVA construction provides a “superb flight pattern and superior balance.” And it is USAPA approved for indoor tournament play.
Some Pickleball jurisdictions only mention the X-40 as their official ball. While others will mention the X-40 for outdoor play and the Franklin X-26 for Indoor play.
Shop Now at Pickleball Central Shop Now at Amazon AUSTournaments and Leagues that use the X-26
- Pickleball Australia: The Franklin X-40 (Outdoor) and X-26 (Indoor) balls became the official balls of Pickleball Australia in August 2023. This multi year deal has Franklin as the official ball partner for all tournaments, leagues and club events in Australia.
- Pickleball England: The Franklin X-40 (Outdoor) is the official ball of the English Open and English Nationals. While the X-26 (Indoor) balls are the official ball for Pickleball England’s indoor events. Franklin’s partnership agreement with Pickleball England was recently extended. This has evolved from an initial contract in 2021 to a multi-year agreement.
- Pickleball Canada: The Franklin X-40, X-26 and a wide assortment of paddles became the Official Balls and Paddle of Pickleball Canada in June 2023 in a multi-year partnership. The Onix Dura Fast 40 was the official ball for Canada before the switch to Franklin balls and paddles.
3. Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleball Ball
Onix was founded in 2005 and The Onix Dura Fast 40 is considered the “Original Official Pickleball”. It has been used in tournaments across the World for years.
The Dura Fast has a 40-hole design and is the “fastest ball made in the sport of pickleball”. Making it a favourite outdoor ball for Pros and fans that like a faster game.
Shop Now at Pickleball Central Shop Now at Amazon AUSTournaments and Leagues that use the Onix Dura Fast 40
- Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL): The CNPL re-signed a partnership with Onix Pickleball in May 2024, making the DuraFast 40 the official ball for the Canadian league.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) Australia: The MLP Australia recently announced that the Dura Fast 40 is the official ball for the Australian MLP. Interesting that the ball has changed from the Franklin ball, and it is different to the MLP USA official ball.
- The Seniors Pro Tour (USA): The Senior Pro Tour announced the Dura Fast 40 as the official ball for the 2024 Seniors Pro Tour. The tour showcases seniors and amateurs across the United States.
- National Pickleball: National Pickleball is part of the Advanced Sports Media group (ASM) of websites. They promote and help grow amateur athletics in the United States. The Dura Fast 40 is their “tournament ball of choice” and has been since 2019. Onix Pickleball and National Pickleball recently announced their continued partnership.
4. Vulcan VPro Flight
The Vulcan VPro Flight is an outdoor ball, and it’s the newest ball on the block. Designed in collaboration with the PPA tour, the ball is designed for resiliency, speed and responsiveness for today’s game. The 40 hole, outdoor ball has been “re-imagined” with a bold new high-visibility colour. It has been crafted with an exclusive resin blend to be durable in all temperature conditions.
Vulcan Sporting Goods was founded in 2015, and their Vulcan V-Pro will be available in Summer 2024, but can be pre-ordered now on the Vulcan VPro Flight webpage.
Shop Now at Pickleball CentralTournaments that use the Vulcan VPro Flight Pickleball Ball
- Carvana PPA Tour: The Vulcan VPro Flight was designed in collaboration with the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). In January 2024, it was announced as the official ball of the PPA Pro Pickleball tour. The Carvana tour was founded in 2019, and plays across the United States and is now global. It visits pickleball playing countries like Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) In 2022, The MLP announced the Franklin X-40 as the “#1 ball on the market” and as the official ball of the worlds #1 pickleball league. This has since changed, with the Vulcan VPro Flight now the official MLP ball. With the MLP and Carvana tour branding on the Vulcan VPro Flight ball packaging.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, the Aussie Pickleball Bros will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions remain our own.
Final Thoughts
Looking at the history of Pickleball Balls, the USAPA was established to provide the best ball possible for pickleball players. A USAPA ball that is durable, consistent in bounce and stable in construction.
It’s great to understand the USAPA approval process. And that countries and tournaments around the world use different balls. But the main thing to remember is they are all certified and USAPA approved.
If you are looking for a USAPA approved ball, there are four options you can try out. It might be worth starting out with the oldest balls on the block, the Franklin balls. And then any player can gradually branch out from there for fun and try the others.
We hope you enjoyed this post on USAPA regulation balls. Drop us a comment and let us know what you think.
Pickle On!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.