Why Trust Us
The scope of this test was broad, and the research was in-depth. A lot of work went into this guide and ensuring the quality of your game stays at an all-time high. Novice players to former college players were consulted for this guide and assisted in testing to ensure we covered a vast scope of players and skill levels.
How We Tested
Testing tennis balls is straightforward—I played tennis! I took these balls to several local tennis courts with my friends, and we played until we were so tired we couldn’t lift our rackets anymore. Then, I enlisted former college and high school tennis players and novice friends to get various opinions on each ball.
How We Picked
I researched the best tennis ball brands, read plenty of guides and reviews, and focused on the most well-respected tennis ball manufacturers. After the research element was complete, I took some time to consider the variety of spaces in which people play tennis and the folks who would end up using these balls. The result was a collection of products for use on various courts, various players, and a focus on the best manufacturers.
Who Is This For
This guide is for novice to professional tennis players. Most professional tennis players may already have their favorite balls chosen, but for everyone else, there is something in this guide for you. We have products for hard and soft courts, newer players, practice, the environmentally conscious, and more.
Features to Look For in Tennis Balls
Brand - The two most revered tennis ball brands are Wilson and Penn. Our guide features products exclusively from these two brands. Dunlop also produces quality products, but the research is clear: Wilson and Penn stand above the rest. Other brands may have excellent balls for your dog, children, or other uses, but you should only use the best for intermediate to advanced players.
Quality - If you want your tennis balls to last, you’ll need to ensure they meet a certain quality standard. That unbranded bag of rock-hard balls from your local big-box store might be great for your dog, but they’ll be unpleasant for you if you try to play tennis with them. A quality ball fit for your skill level and terrain can make a world of difference in the way you play.
Price - Everyone has a budget, and we know it can be hard to justify expensive tennis balls--especially if you play often and burn through balls fast. Our guide ensured that various price points existed for those who want the best and those who want the best value.
Tiers - There is a wide variety in the quality of tennis balls on the market. We review some of these later in this guide. However, before making your purchase, you should see which category you fall into and select products that best fit your skill level and terrain.
Playing Surface - Some balls are better for specific surfaces. For example, extra-duty tennis balls are great for hard court play, whereas regular-duty balls are best for softer court surfaces.
High Altitude - With the air less dense at higher altitudes, there is less resistance to slow the ball’s speed, and bounce and pressurized balls feel this the most. If you are playing at higher altitudes, you will need quick reaction times to a faster ball. Using a less powerful racquet might make it easier for you to chase down adventurous balls.
Durability - No one wants a ball that falls apart after a day of play. You should select a ball that matches the court surface you are playing on for the best durability and avoid playing in the rain and on wet surfaces, as your balls could mildew if they don’t get a chance to dry out.
Pressurized vs. Pressureless - Pressureless balls are great for ball machines and specific practice drills, but they don’t offer the same speed, spin, and bounce as a pressurized ball. In general, your practice should look like your performance, and you will always play your matches with pressurized balls, so it’s best to use them in your practice. However, we have included some pressureless balls in our guide if you need them for your ball machine or training.
Types of Tennis Balls
Professional - Professional balls have more speed, bounce, and spin than beginner or intermediate balls. The word “pro” on the can will indicate a pro-level ball designed for advanced players and professionals.
Intermediate - Intermediate balls are great for the average or amateur player. They offer more speed than beginner balls but not as much as a professional ball. Higher-level players can also use these balls to work on particular skills.
Beginner - Beginner tennis balls are ideal for new players or children. These balls slow down the play and allow novice players a chance to hone their skills and reaction times.
Ball Classifications
The following ball classifications are in relation to children’s tennis. The color of the ball indicates the skill or age of the player and what size court they are currently playing on.
Stage Three - Stage three tennis balls are red balls for use in minis tennis with small children.
Stage Two - Stage two indicates an orange ball for use on a 3/4s length court.
Stage One -Stage one balls are green balls that most closely resemble regular adult tennis balls but have less bounce and speed than a traditional ball.
Tennis Ball FAQ
Q: What are tennis balls made of?
A: Tennis balls are made out of a rubber core, nylon, and wool felt. Additional materials include adhesives. The in-depth process of the creation of a tennis ball is below.
Q: How are tennis balls made?
A: Good tennis balls start with high quality rubber. Steel rollers thin out and knead the rubber, which gets cut into sections comprising a rough half shell. The sections are heated in a mold to 316 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates a rounded half-shell. The rims of the half-shells then get sanded, and adhesive is applied. Two half-shells are then placed together in a mold that heads to a hydraulic press, and the core is pressurized to 18 psi and goes through a curing process to solidify the adhesive. Next, the core is placed in a drum lined with sandpaper which preps the surface for adhesive and felt. Sheets of wool and nylon felt are cut into sheets and dipped in a yellow vat of adhesive. Now that the felt and ball are coated in adhesive, a special machine applies two pieces of felt to the core, and another flattens any wrinkles or bumps. A final curing process heats the adhesive and connects the two pieces of felt, leaving a ridge, and voila—your cool tennis ball is complete! From here, the balls are fluffed and branded, then scanned and sent off to the store shelves, where they eagerly wait for you.
Q: Why do tennis balls come in cans?
A: Tennis balls come inside cans due to air pressure. Because the air pressure inside the ball is greater than the air around it, the pressure will slowly leak over time. By pressurizing the container, the balls come in the manufacturer can ensure equilibrium while the can is on the shelf, preventing leaking until the can is opened to begin play.
Q: Why do tennis balls have numbers on them?
A: The numbers are to avoid confusion on side-by-side courts. If one court is playing with balls with a two on them and the court to the right has balls with a 4 four on them, then the balls can’t be confused if they end up on the other court.
Q: What are the best tennis ball manufacturers?
A: Penn and Wilson are most commonly regarded as the best tennis ball manufacturers.
Sources:
- Tennis - Britannica
- Tennis Fun Facts - Elite Clubs
