Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs - Official Ball of USA Pickleball, APP Tour + Pickleball US Open - 3 Packs, 12 Packs, 36 Pickleball Buckets, 50, 100 + 400 Bulk Packs of Regulation Pickleballs

Review order:Review summary (quick read)Review update (4-13-2021)Full review (long read)Summary:This review might save you a lot of time researching balls, but here's the summary if you don't want to read the full review... For 4.0+ play consider the Dura Fast 40 when preparing for certain tournaments, but expect only about 2 games per ball, which is quite annoying in my opinion... for 95% of players, definitely go with the Franklin X-40 (except when preparing for a Dura only tournament of course). If you just want the ball to last and last year after year and don't care at all about egging or quality of play consider the much softer and much slower and much bouncier Onix ball. The Onix ball is so soft that I can't recommend it for typical play, but it is actually an excellent choice when introducing new players to the game and it is often the preferred ball in 65+ play if mobility becomes a common issue because extra bounce = extra time to get there, but in my area many older players seem to play the X-40 just fine.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Update: 4-13-2021:Popularity: Almost everyone in my area is playing the Franklin X-40 in every park. I finally saw a Dura in play yesterday, but it's been a long time! Outdoor tournaments in my state are now about 60% X-40 and about 40% Dura (Washington), so even in tournament play the Dura seems to be going out pretty quick.Seasonal durability of X-40: for the first year I don't think my group cracked a single X-40 (despite having a faster paced game), but using that same batch of balls this Spring, they've all been dropping like flies so now my 1 year old batch of X-40's probably isn't much more durable than brand new Dura's (very annoying to deal with those cracks). I just bought new X-40's yesterday and I'll be discarding the few X-40's that are left from last year when the new stock arrives. It will be new X-40's for me once a year from now on assuming quality doesn't slide... fresh manufacturing is apparently very important, so hopefully Franklin will keep their runs moderate, and maybe that's what Dura did wrong.(?)* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Full review:This review will focus largely on the physical & quality comparisons between the Franklin Outdoor X-40 pickleball and the Dura Fast 40 pickleball, but I'll also give a summary of my impressions from the mouth of experts and supplement also by my own amateur impressions and measurements.Dura hole specs: 16 drilled holes @ 0.325" & 24 drilled holes @ .264"Franklin hole specs: 40 drilled holes @ 0.288"Both balls have 40 holes with an average hole size of 0.288", but the Dura ball has a far more randomized hole pattern. I personally didn't notice any difference in spin characteristics or any notable advantage to the randomized hole pattern of the Dura.Franklin weight: 26gDura weight: 25gBoth balls are rotationally molded in one continuous piece so the seam is just as strong as the rest of the ball on either ball... the appearance of a seam is on the outside of the ball only but the visual molding mark is not actually separated in any way in the middle of the ball and the inside of the ball will likewise appear 100% seamless on either ball, so no true seam exists (both balls are true "1-piece" balls). The Dura ball has much smoother molding marks w/ no plastic flashing like the Franklin... this is primarily cosmetic but quality in this regard definitely goes to the Dura.Subjective color preference: in the shade I think the Dura "Neon" color looks better (see pic), but in typical full sun the green tint looks dingy on the Dura ball in my opinion, and I feel the Franklin "Optic Yellow" is a crisper color that's probably a little more visible. These are the only 2 ball colors I have to compare. I would prefer more dye to be used for a green ball so it still looks green in full sun because in my experience with disc golf and ball golf neon green is the most visible color and neon pink is good too... with these 2 options I'd pick the yellow... the green tint on the Dura is so subtle in full sun it ends up looking more like a dingy yellow rather than a green. A more apples to apples comparison would be Dura's yellow option but I'm pretty confident Franklin would win that contest also based on the notably higher translucency in the plastic used by Dura. Color: Franklin wins.Franklin X-40 country of origin: ChinaDura Fast 40 country of origin: Vietnam- - EXPERT INSPIRED IMPRESSIONS - -From what I've gathered, expect much longer play per dollar out of the Franklin and expect very little life out of the Dura. Dura's are supposed to be a little harder/better/faster, but they often only last a few games based on everything I've read and heard. For older players consider the Onix over either of these balls... softer balls bounce higher and hit slower which allows more time to get to the ball for longer rallies... the Onix seems to be the favorite for play in older aged groups.Based on expert advise from the "pickleball kitchen" youtube channel...Best performance award (fastest, hardest): Dura Fast 40Best Value (also w/ great performance): Franklin Outdoor X-40 - - - except high level players should opt for the Dura due to tournament requirements (note: this observation may be outdated... check tournaments in your state to verify what local tournaments are still using the Dura in your area and which tournaments have switched to the X-40)Longest lasting, but soft and bouncy: OnixNote: I have not seen a single outdoor tournament publish the Onix as their ball.My personal recommendation for most players based on a lot of reviews and some research and a close look would be to skip the Dura and go straight to the Franklin X-40 until you're playing tournaments... if/when you advance to the level of playing serious tournament play I don't think it would take long to transition muscle memory and power from the Franklin outdoor ball to the Dura ball and a lot of money and annoyance can be saved w/ the Franklin over the very brittle Dura... Franklin X-40 balls don't last very long either (according to some... possibly old stock), but compared to the Dura it's a notable improvement strongly worth considering even if you're a quality buff like myself.Manufacturing quality: Dura winsMaterial durability: Franklin easily wins and Onix lasts much longer still if you don't mind a notably slower game (more similar to indoor) and more egging.Quality of play: Mixed... many elite players prefer the extra speed of the Dura, but I prefer the consistency of virtually everyone using the same ball and even more notably, I'd rather sacrifice just a little speed to get the higher consistency / predictability / reliability of an uncracked ball and I find it distracting to look for cracks all the time.Value (w/o sacrificing much): FranklinDespite the long read, I'm hoping this helps the reader save some time in selecting a pickleball, especially for players new to the game.

n Sports Outdoor Pickleballs - X-40The Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs - X-40 have quickly become my go-to choice for pickleball games. These balls are USA Pickleball (USAPA) approved, ensuring top-notch quality and performance.Durability:These pickleballs are incredibly durable, withstanding intense play and various weather conditions without any noticeable wear. They retain their shape and bounce even after multiple games, making them a reliable option for regular play.Performance:The X-40 balls offer consistent flight and bounce, providing a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. Their 40 precisely drilled holes contribute to a balanced and accurate trajectory, which is crucial for competitive play.Visibility:The bright color of these pickleballs makes them easy to see on the court, even in low-light conditions. This enhances gameplay by reducing the chances of losing sight of the ball during fast-paced rallies.Overall Verdict:Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs - X-40 are a fantastic choice for both casual and competitive players. Their durability, performance, and visibility make them a standout product in the pickleball community. Highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their game.

Most of the folks I play with use Franklin and the fact that they come in different colors is a nice option. I have found them to be a durable ball and a great value.

The Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs - X-40 Pickleball Balls have quickly become my go-to choice for outdoor pickleball games. Here’s why these balls are top-notch:Performance:The X-40 Pickleballs offer exceptional performance on outdoor courts. The flight stability is impressive, with consistent bounce and reliable trajectory. Whether you're playing a casual game or a competitive match, these balls deliver a great playing experience.Durability:These pickleballs are built to last. Made from high-quality polymer, they withstand rough outdoor surfaces and prolonged play without cracking or losing their shape. I’ve played several matches with these balls, and they’ve held up exceptionally well.Visibility:The bright yellow color of the X-40 Pickleballs makes them easy to see in various lighting conditions. This visibility helps during fast-paced games and ensures that the ball is always in sight, which is crucial for maintaining the flow of the game.Bounce and Flight:The bounce of these pickleballs is just right—neither too high nor too low. They maintain a consistent bounce, which is essential for fair play and effective shot-making. The balanced flight characteristics also contribute to a more enjoyable and challenging game.Sound and Feel:The sound of the X-40 Pickleballs is satisfying and familiar, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. The feel of the balls is solid and responsive, providing good feedback on shots and allowing for precise control.Value for Money:These pickleballs offer excellent value for the price. The pack comes with a sufficient quantity of balls, making it a great deal for both casual players and serious enthusiasts. The durability and performance justify the investment.Consistency:One of the standout features of the X-40 Pickleballs is their consistency. Each ball performs uniformly, which is crucial for maintaining fairness in matches and improving your skills over time.Ideal for Outdoor Play:The X-40 Pickleballs are specifically designed for outdoor play, and they excel in that environment. Their construction is optimized for outdoor courts, making them a great choice for backyard games, community courts, and park play.Conclusion:The Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs - X-40 Pickleball Balls are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor pickleball games. With their durability, consistent performance, and bright visibility, they offer everything you need for a great game. Highly recommended for both casual and competitive players!

Great color, so I don't confuse it with the generic color most people have, but it feels heavier then the usual neon green. It says it is the same and is regulated for tournament play, but my family of 4 all agree it feels heavier. But, it does not interfere with our play. To me, it feels more durable.