Best Pickleballs in the UK: Indoor vs Outdoor Balls Explained

Best Pickleballs in the UK: Indoor vs Outdoor Balls Explained

Not All Pickleballs Are Created Equal - An Introduction to the World of Pickleballs

Just like paddles, not all pickleballs are made equal. So let’s take it back to basics as I cover some of the UK’s favourite Pickleballs.

Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs

Pickleballs come in two main types:

  • Indoor Pickleballs - Typically have 26 larger holes, are made from softer plastic, and are lighter. Great for gyms and indoor courts with smooth surfaces.

  • Outdoor Pickleballs - Usually have 40 smaller holes, are heavier, and built to withstand wind, hard surfaces, and rougher conditions.

If you're reading this from the USA or another country lucky enough to play outside for most of the year, you might be wondering what on earth an “indoor pickleball” even is. But here in the UK, the vast majority of players and clubs play indoors. So 26 hole indoor balls are what most of us know and use, while 40 hole outdoor balls are still in existence and widely used particularly if you’re in a tournament or playing on acrylic surfaces like tennis courts.

Wondering which pickleball to use in the UK? It all depends on your surface and skill level, here’s how to choose.


Popular Pickleballs in the UK & Beyond

Let me break down some of the most well known balls and what makes them special:

Franklin X-40

  • Used worldwide, including the US Open, English Open, and Pickleball England Nationals.

  • Known for its reliability, durability, and consistent bounce.

  • Our go to ball for most UK Tournaments including the Pickleball.co.uk Tour events.

  • Once you use an x40 you won’t want to go back

Selkirk Pro S1

  • One of the most durable balls on the market, almost uncrackable, don’t believe me? Check out some of the videos online.

  • Designed for high performance with a perfectly balanced spin with a unique 38 varying sized holes

  • Great for tournament level players due to the speed.

    Pro S1 - The Pickleball Store

JOOLA Heleus

  • One of the most unique pickleballs on the market

  • Built using the Fibonacci Sphere Algorithm, which spaces each hole evenly to improve flight stability.

  • Used in major JOOLA events like the Road to Arburg tournament in Europe.

    Joola Heleus - The Pickleball Store

Indoor Balls in the UK: What You'll Likely See

If you’re just getting started in the UK, here’s a progression of balls you might encounter:

Jugg Ball

  • Often called the "marshmallow" of pickleballs - very soft and forgiving.

  • Great for absolute beginners, but can lead to bad habits and even arm pain due to the extra force needed to hit them hard and close out points.

HEAD 26 (formerly Penn 26)

  • Bright red and seen in nearly every UK indoor club.

  • A step up in firmness from the Jugg, but still beginner-friendly.

  • Pickleball Store recommended for New Players and Beginner Clubs

Gamma Photon Indoor

  • One of the faster indoor balls around, in a fluorescent green colour.

  • Ideal for players who want quicker rallies and more responsive play.

  • Rumoured to be coming soon in red, perfect for players who struggle with visibility in bright lights.

Franklin X-26

  • Popular here in the UK, but note: the seam sticks out a bit, which can affect rally quality.

  • Still, a solid ball for indoor use.

Coming soon: We’ve been testing a Brand new Franklin indoor ball, we'll share more details as soon as we can!

X-26 Indoor Balls - The Pickleball Store

Hybrid Balls - Best of Both Worlds?

If you’re looking for something between indoor and outdoor, here's some options to look at:

  • SLK Hybrid+

  • HEAD 40

  • JOOLA Primo

These I find are softer than traditional outdoor balls, making them suitable for indoor play. They're a bit firmer than Juggs or HEAD 26s, giving you more realistic feedback and a feel closer to tournament conditions. Note: some can be skiddy on polished floors so take care when deciding what option to pick.

 

 

Top Tier Balls for Advanced Players

If you're competing or training seriously, here are some standouts:

  • Selkirk Pro S1 – Fast, hard, long lasting.

  • Vulcan Outdoor Ball – Another PPA favourite, known for its speed and consistency.

  • ProXR Outdoor Ball – Plays similarly to the X-40 with a different hole pattern.

 

Which Ball Is Right for You?

The right pickleball depends on where you're playing, your skill level, and what kind of feel you’re after.

If you're just starting in the UK, we recommend beginning with the HEAD 26 or Jugg ball, then moving up to something like the Gamma Photon as your game develops. For those looking to get tournament-ready, try out the X-40, JOOLA Primo, or even the Selkirk Pro S1.


 

 

Want to Learn More?

We made a video breaking all of this down, especially helpful if you're new to the sport or unsure where to start in the UK. Check it out here.

And as always, if you’re unsure what to choose, drop us a message, we’re always happy to help.

Thanks for reading,

Written by Lloyd of The Pickleball Store for The World Pickleball Magazine


 

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