Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Outdoor courtsX-40 Outdoor4.7★, 26,000+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →
Indoor gymsX-26 Indoor4.0★, 1,200+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Franklin pickleballs · 2026
Outdoors: X-40. Indoors: X-26, with a few caveats.
Franklin makes the two most-bought pickleballs on Amazon: the X-40 for outdoor courts (4.7★, 26,000+ ratings) and the X-26 for indoor gyms (4.0★, 1,200+). They are not interchangeable. Here is how they differ, which one you need, and what buyers say about each.
- Outdoor courtsX-40 Outdoor · 4.7★, 26,000+ ratings
- Indoor gymsX-26 Indoor · 4.0★, 1,200+ ratings
X-26 vs X-40 at a glance
| X-40 (outdoor) | X-26 (indoor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | 40 smaller holes | 26 larger holes |
| Feel | Harder, heavier | Softer, lighter (listing: 24 g, 74 mm) |
| Best surface | Concrete, asphalt, outdoor courts | Wood and sport-court gym floors |
| Wind | Holds its line in wind | Floats more; not for windy courts |
| Approval | USA Pickleball approved | USA Pickleball approved |
| Amazon rating | 4.7★ (26,000+) | 4.0★ (1,200+) |
Why indoor and outdoor balls are different
Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes and a harder shell. That helps them fly straight in wind and bounce true on rough concrete. Indoor balls have fewer, larger holes and a softer plastic, which gives more control and a slower pace on smooth gym floors. Use an outdoor ball indoors and it skids and feels fast; use an indoor ball outdoors and it wobbles in the breeze and cracks sooner on concrete.
The Franklin balls in detail
Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs
You need this if: you play on outdoor courts, driveways or park courts.
- Holes40
- UseOutdoor
- ApprovalUSA Pickleball
- Rating4.7★ (26,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The best-selling pickleball on Amazon and the ball used at many outdoor tournaments. Consistent bounce and good wind control.
Keep in mind: Like all hard outdoor balls, it can crack in cold weather. Read our full X-40 review.
Franklin X-26 Indoor Pickleballs
You need this if: you play in a gym or on indoor sport courts.
- Holes26
- Weight / size24 g, 74 mm (per listing)
- ApprovalUSA Pickleball (indoor)
- Rating4.0★ (1,200+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: An approved indoor ball from the brand behind the X-40, with good reports for indoor use.
Keep in mind: Reviews are mixed on quality, durability and bounce consistency. See below.
What buyers say about the X-26
The X-26 has a clear pattern in its Amazon review topics. The only clearly positive topic is indoor use (about 23 mentions). Everything else is mixed: quality (113), durability (76), bounce (58), color (55), value (47), playability (37) and visibility (26). In plain terms, many players are happy, but enough report soft spots, uneven bounce or balls that wear quickly that the rating sits at 4.0★, well below the X-40.
| Topic | What buyers say | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor use | Works well on gym floors | 23 (positive) |
| Quality | Split: good vs. inconsistent | 113 (mixed) |
| Durability | Split: lasts vs. wears quickly | 76 (mixed) |
| Bounce | Split: true vs. uneven | 58 (mixed) |
| Color | Split: like vs. hard to see | 55 (mixed) |
Our take: the X-26 is fine for casual indoor play and is approved for tournaments, but if you play indoors a lot, it is worth trying another indoor ball too.
Which Franklin ball should you buy?
- Outdoor courts, driveways, parks: X-40.
- Gyms and community centers: X-26, or ask what ball your club uses.
- Both: keep a pack of each. Don’t use one ball for both surfaces.
- Cold weather outdoors: X-40, but expect more cracks below about 50°F; warm balls in a pocket between games.
How many pickleballs should you buy?
Casual players can get by with a 3-pack, but balls crack, get lost over fences and go soft, so most regular players buy 12 at a time. Clubs and coaches often buy 100-packs, which bring the price per ball down a lot. Franklin sells both the X-40 and X-26 in 3, 12 and bulk packs.
| Player | Pack to buy |
|---|---|
| Trying the sport | 3-pack |
| Plays weekly | 12-pack |
| Plays most days | 12-pack, replaced monthly |
| Coach, club, school | 100-pack |
How long does a pickleball last?
Outdoor balls like the X-40 often last a few games to a few weeks of regular play before they crack or go out of round, depending on the court, the temperature and how hard you hit. Indoor balls take less punishment from smooth floors but can soften. A simple check: drop the ball from about 78 inches onto a hard floor; a good ball bounces back to roughly 30 to 34 inches. If it bounces much lower or wobbles, retire it to practice.
Pickleballs and the weather
- Cold: hard plastic gets brittle. Keep spare balls in a pocket or bag to stay warm, and expect more cracks below about 50°F.
- Heat: balls get softer and slower. Store them out of a hot car.
- Wind: the X-40’s smaller holes help it fly straighter. Don’t use indoor balls outside on windy days.
- Wet courts: stop play; wet courts are slippery and balls skid.
Colors: yellow vs orange vs white
Franklin sells its balls in several colors. Yellow (often called optic) is the most common and easiest to see against blue and green courts. Orange can be easier on some indoor floors and against bright backgrounds. White is classic but harder to see on light courts. Pick the color that contrasts best with your court; the X-26’s mixed “color” and “visibility” topics show this matters to buyers.
Franklin vs other pickleball brands
Franklin’s X-40 is the best-selling outdoor ball on Amazon by a wide margin. Other popular balls include Onix, Dura and Selkirk, many of which are also used in tournaments. If your local courts or leagues use a specific ball, practice with that one. Otherwise, the X-40 is the safest outdoor choice. Indoors, the field is more open, and many players try a few brands before settling.
Do paddles matter as much as balls?
For beginners, the ball type affects play as much as the paddle. Using the right ball for your surface makes rallies more consistent and fun. Once you have the right ball, a good starter paddle makes the next biggest difference. See our best pickleball paddle sets for beginners and Franklin X-40 review.
Tips to make pickleballs last longer
- Use the right ball for the surface: indoor balls crack fast on concrete.
- Rotate several balls instead of playing one until it breaks.
- Keep balls out of extreme heat and cold.
- Don’t hit balls against brick walls for practice; use a rebounder or a practice wall made for it.
- Retire balls that wobble, crack or bounce low to a practice bucket.
Indoor play: what to check before buying
Indoor facilities often supply or require a specific ball, especially for leagues and open play. Ask the front desk or league organizer before you buy a big pack. If your gym uses the X-26, buying your own makes sense for practice. If it uses another brand, match it so your practice feels like game day.
Our bottom line
For outdoor play, the Franklin X-40 is the easy choice: approved, consistent and the most-reviewed pickleball on Amazon. For indoor play, the X-26 is an approved option that many players like, but its 4.0★ rating and mixed reviews on durability and bounce mean it is worth comparing with other indoor balls. Whatever you buy, match the ball to the surface.
Pickleballs for beginners and kids
Beginners and kids can use the same X-40 or X-26 balls as everyone else; there is no separate “kids” pickleball size. If a beginner struggles with the pace, start with slower rallies at the kitchen line and use a softer indoor ball when possible. Many families start with a 12-pack of X-40s for driveway play, since driveways and park courts are rough on balls and spares disappear fast.
Do you need different balls for doubles and singles?
No. The same X-40 or X-26 ball is used for both singles and doubles. What matters is the surface: outdoor courts need outdoor balls, and indoor gyms need indoor balls. Some leagues specify a brand, so check before tournaments.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
Can you use X-40 pickleballs indoors?
You can, but they skid and play fast on gym floors. An indoor ball like the X-26 gives better control.
Is the Franklin X-26 good?
It is approved and works indoors, but its 4.0★ rating and mixed reviews on durability and bounce mean it is not as reliable as the X-40.
What is the difference between X-26 and X-40?
The X-26 has 26 larger holes and is softer, for indoor play. The X-40 has 40 smaller holes and is harder, for outdoor play.
Are Franklin pickleballs USA Pickleball approved?
Yes, both the X-40 and X-26 are approved.
Why do pickleballs crack?
Hard outdoor plastic gets brittle in the cold. Rotate balls and keep them warm in winter.
How we chose
We used Amazon’s Best Sellers list for pickleball equipment, the product listings and Amazon review topics as of October 2026. We did not test these balls ourselves. For more balls, see our best outdoor pickleballs guide.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
