Did you know that Pickleballs by various manufacturers MUST meet specific standards in order to be approved/sanctioned by the USAPA?
Here are some of the requirements for approved pickleballs:**
Size. The ball shall be 2.874 inches (73mm) to 2.972 inches (75.5mm) in diameter. The maximum out-of-round diameter variance shall not be greater than +/-0.020 inch (0.50mm). (revised Nov. 1, 2015)
Weight. The ball shall weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22 and 26.5 grams). (revised Nov. 1, 2015)
Bounce. The ball shall have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) when dropped from a height of 78 inches to the top of the ball onto a granite surface plate that is a minimum of 12” x 12” x 4”. The test is to be performed at an ambient temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F (24 to 27 degrees C). (revised Nov. 1, 2015)
Hardness. The ball shall have a hardness of 40 to 50 on a Durometer D scale at a temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F (24 to 27 degrees C). (revised Nov. 1, 2015)
Design. The ball shall have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes, with spacing of holes and overall design of the ball conforming to straight flight characteristics. The ball must have a manufacturer’s or supplier’s name or logo printed or embossed on it. (revised Nov. 1, 2015)
** International Federation of Pickleball (USAPA) Official Tournament Rulebook, Section 2D Ball Specifications – pp. 5-6
WOW! Aren’t those very specific and precise? Naturally there is a good reason for all of these regulations. The governing bodies want to make the sport as consistent as possible. There has recently been a series of ball approvals and when playing indoors in the Phoenix, AZ area, I notice that many of the players now prefer the Orange, Onix Pure 2 ball because it is easy to see in many of the gymnasiums which have uneven lighting conditions.
I am not sure all of those who purchase the balls have noticed the recommended conditioning on the side of the package. It is my guess that the manufacturer is recommending the procedure so the ball will behave in a manner consistent with the rules and regulations and provide uniform play. Without the conditioning noted above, the ball may bounce too high until it is used for several games, etc.
If you use the new Onix Pure 2 balls, it might be advisable to read the side of the packaging to make sure you are playing under optimal conditions. Here is what it says [Yellow outline supplied by me – not on the package ]:
NOTE: You might want to check with other manufacturers if you use different pickleballs and this is important to you.!
DISCLAIMER: If you are a club player, and this doesn’t make a difference to you, then have fun and play on!
JBRish.com originally published this post
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