Every tennis player uses them, but which balls should I use?
You may find Wilson and Penn tennis balls even at K-mart or local grocery store. But unfortunately, not all brands and "tiers" of tennis balls are created equal: Championship, Tour, and Practice.
As a rule, if a ball goes "flat", you will hear a dull sound when hitting it or no longer bounces like the other balls. That's the sign that it's time to use a new ball. It may hurt your arm and technique if you continue to bat around deflated balls because you will overcompensate your swing and timing.
As a rule, if a ball goes "flat", you will hear a dull sound when hitting it or no longer bounces like the other balls. That's the sign that it's time to use a new ball. It may hurt your arm and technique if you continue to bat around deflated balls because you will overcompensate your swing and timing.
"Championship Series" for Recreational Play
Pros: Great for everyday rally hitting and playing a few sets. Available anywhere!
Cost: ~$1.75-$2.50/can
You can find equally good prices (~$2/can) for these general purpose tennis balls and #1 selling ball in the US at both Amazon and Walmart. Often they offer free shipping when you're shopping other stuff from there anyway.
Penn Championship are also available at many Costco's, in packs of 20 cans (60 balls). These balls will last usually at least 2-3 hours of continuous hitting for most casual players.
If you need fewer than 20 cans at a time, than I would recommend the 12-can mini case from Amazon instead, so you don't have to make a special trip out or get any membership for Costco.
Wilson Championship Tennis Balls
You can find equally good prices (~$2/can) for these general purpose tennis balls and #1 selling ball in the US at both Amazon and Walmart. Often they offer free shipping when you're shopping other stuff from there anyway.
Penn Championship are also available at many Costco's, in packs of 20 cans (60 balls). These balls will last usually at least 2-3 hours of continuous hitting for most casual players.
If you need fewer than 20 cans at a time, than I would recommend the 12-can mini case from Amazon instead, so you don't have to make a special trip out or get any membership for Costco.
Wilson Championship Tennis Balls
 |
| Wilson Championship Tennis Balls (for Hard Courts) |
As an alternative, if you want to get balls that people commented as feeling "softer" than the Penn's at impact, then I would try Wilson.
If only playing about once a week or just learning the game, these are a good choice. With a price around $1.89/can, beginners can spare to hit a few home runs :). These Wilson Championship balls which can be found everywhere like Target or Walmart.
If only playing about once a week or just learning the game, these are a good choice. With a price around $1.89/can, beginners can spare to hit a few home runs :). These Wilson Championship balls which can be found everywhere like Target or Walmart.
The Right Balls for the Right Surface:
Regular Duty Wilson Tennis Balls
(for Indoor or Clay)
Heavy or Extra Duty - used for outdoor / hard court surfaces = (Black Text on Ball)
Regular Duty for indoors and on clay surfaces = (Red Text on Ball)
Here's more money saving tips for tennis balls
Tour Quality Balls with 3+ Hours of Durability
Cost: $3-$4/can
The Wilson "US Open" Heavy Duty work consistently well on most hard courts in North America.
The "ATP" Pro Penn balls are another excellent brand for extended competitive play. They are bright, well-sown and especially durable in the summer heat. It will still hold their bounce well after 3-4 sets of a match, then can be stored as practice balls or for serving later.
Practice Balls: Recommended for the serve hopper, drills and Team Practice
For players who want a hopper of balls for drills and plan to play/practice serves regularly, I would recommend investing in some decent Gamma's Pro Tour Tennis BallsYou can get these Gamma Pro Tour Balls at $69.99 from Sporting Goods stores or even Amazon with free shipping.
These are one of the longest lasting and overall best performing tennis balls out in the market and a bit hard to find for this price if sold individually.
The rest of the field - what to try and avoid
Some knock-off brands at the Dollar Store may look fine, maybe works for playing fetch with Fido in the park...but for regular usage, I would stay away from anything labeled "Penn Practice" or "Coach" as they are usually not pressurized properly or have defects and QA issues.
Once they lose their felt and get "bald" quickly - it results in no spin or just plain sliding right through the court with funny bounces in between. This can hurt your game as well as your arm* so buyer beware.