Key Take Aways
Size: Pickleball balls are 2.874 inches in diameter (73mm), while Wiffle balls are slightly smaller at 2.625 inches in diameter (67mm).
Weight: Pickleball balls weigh between 0.8-1.0 ounces (26-28 grams), while Wiffle balls are much lighter, weighing only 0.3 ounces (9 grams).
Material: Pickleball balls are made of plastic polymer with a hollow center, while Wiffle balls are made of a perforated, lightweight plastic material.
Bounce: Pickleball balls have a regulated bounce, between 29 and 34 inches when dropped from a height of 78 inches, while Wiffle balls have a much lower bounce and are designed to curve and move unpredictably.
Purpose: Pickleball balls are designed for the sport of pickleball, which is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, while Wiffle balls are designed for a variety of games and drills, including Wiffle ball, a game similar to baseball.
Difference Between Pickleball Balls and Wiffle Ball Balls
Pickleball and Wiffle ball are two popular games that are enjoyed by people of all ages. Although both games are played with balls, there are significant differences between the balls used in each game. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between pickleball balls and wiffle ball balls and what makes each type of ball ideal for its respective game.
Material
One of the most significant differences between pickleball balls and Wiffle ball balls is the material they are made from. Pickleball balls are typically made from a polymer composite material that is designed to withstand the impact of fast-paced play. This material is durable, lightweight, and provides the right amount of bounce for the game.
Wiffle balls, on the other hand, are made from a lightweight plastic material that is designed to move slowly through the air. This makes Wiffle ball balls ideal for indoor play or for use in areas where space is limited. The lightweight plastic material also makes Wiffle ball balls less likely to cause injury if they are hit directly at someone.
Size
Another difference between pickleball balls and Wiffle ball balls is their size. Pickleball balls are much larger than Wiffle ball balls and are typically 2.875 inches in diameter. This larger size makes it easier for players to hit the ball, especially for those who are new to the game.
Wiffle ball balls are much smaller, typically only 2.125 inches in diameter. The smaller size of Wiffle ball balls makes them ideal for use in areas with limited space, as well as for younger players who may have trouble hitting a larger ball. The smaller size also makes Wiffle ball balls ideal for use in batting cages, where players can practice their hitting skills.
Weight
The weight of pickleball balls and wiffle ball balls is another key difference between the two. Pickleball balls are typically lighter than Wiffle ball balls and weigh between 0.8 and 1.0 ounces. This lighter weight makes pickleball balls easier to hit, especially for younger players or those who are new to the game.
Wiffle ball balls, on the other hand, are much heavier, typically weighing between 1.1 and 1.2 ounces. The heavier weight of wiffle ball balls makes them ideal for use in batting cages, where players can practice their hitting skills. The heavier weight also makes wiffle ball balls more challenging to hit, making the game more exciting and competitive.
Design
The design of pickleball balls and Wiffle ball balls is also different. Pickleball balls have a solid, uniform surface that is designed to provide consistent performance. This design makes pickleball balls ideal for use in competitive play, as players can rely on the ball to perform the same way every time.
Wiffle ball balls have a unique design, with holes drilled into the ball to reduce air resistance and slow down the ball’s flight. This design makes Wiffle ball balls ideal for indoor play or for use in areas where space is limited. The unique design also makes Wiffle ball balls ideal for players of all skill levels, as the ball’s flight can be easily adjusted to suit each player’s needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pickleball balls and wiffle ball balls are both great options for players who want to enjoy a fun, competitive game. Although both balls look to be very similar, upon closer inspection they are very different. The differences in material, size, weight, and design make each type of ball built specifically for the sport they are played with and should not be interchanged.
This site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program as a way to earn fees by linking to Amazon. We earn a small commission when a product is purchased on amazon that links from this page.