What is the difference between padel balls and tennis balls?

For fans of racket sports like tennis and padel, choosing the right balls is crucial. Although padel and tennis balls may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences that can affect the playing experience. In this blog, we will look at the key distinguishing features of both types of balls.

Size

One of the most obvious differences is size. Tennis balls have a diameter of between 6.35 cm and 6.67 cm, while padel balls have a slightly wider diameter of 6.35 cm to 6.77 cm. This may not seem like much, but it can have an effect on how the balls behave during play.

Weight

Padel balls tend to be slightly lighter than tennis balls, which is mainly due to their size. A tennis ball weighs an average of 59.4 grams, while a padel ball weighs an average of 56 grams. This weight can be noticeable in the way the balls are hit and how they respond to impact.

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Another important difference is the internal pressure. Padel balls have a lower pressure than tennis balls, which results in a slightly slower game. The pressure of a padel ball is usually around 1.75 atm, while tennis balls have a higher pressure of around 1.81 atm. This difference in pressure affects the speed and feel of the balls during play.

bounce

The bounce height is also an important aspect. Tennis balls should have a bounce between 135 and 147 cm when dropped from 2.54 meters on a hard surface. For padel balls, this bounce is slightly lower, between 135 and 145 cm. This variation can influence the dynamics of the game and change the playing experience.

Types of Padel Balls

There are different types of padel balls available. Most are filled with gas or nitrogen, but there are also balls without pressure, made of thicker rubber. These pressureless balls are often more durable, but offer less bounce, which can lead to a slower game. They can also deform with intensive use.

Due to the differences in size, weight, pressure and bounce, padel and tennis balls are not only visually distinguishable, but also influence the playing experience in different ways. Choosing the right ball is therefore essential, depending on your personal preference and playing style.