Balles de Pickleball d'intérieur ou d'extérieur : Guide de l'acheteur en gros

Introduction

When sourcing pickleball balls in bulk, understanding the key differences between outdoor et indoor types is critical for making the right purchasing decision. Each type is designed for different play environments, which affects not only the material and performance—but also the expectations of your customers.

Au PKZK, we’re not only a trusted supplier of pickleball balls—we’re also a professional manufacturer of pickleball paddles. Our in-house production and quality control ensure every product meets the performance standards expected by clubs, schools, and retailers around the world.

We supply:

• Injection-Molded Balls – Cost-effective for training and bulk programs
• Rotational-Molded Balls – Durable and consistent for premium applications
• Quiet Balls – Designed for noise-sensitive indoor environments
• Pagaies de pickleball personnalisées – OEM and custom solutions available in various shapes, cores, and surface materials

Whether you serve sports retailers, clubs, schools, or recreational leagues, this guide will help you understand the practical distinctions between outdoor and indoor pickleball balls—so you can confidently select the right products for your market.

Why Manufacturing Method Matters for Wholesale Buyers

When you’re buying pickleball balls in bulk, how the balls are made directly impacts your product quality, customer satisfaction, and repeat orders. There are two main manufacturing methods used for pickleball balls: injection molding et rotational molding. Each method creates a different type of ball—both in how it performs and how long it lasts.

Injection Molding: Budget-Friendly and High Volume

Injection-molded balls are made by pressing molten plastic into a mold to form two halves, which are then fused together. This method is fast and cost-effective—ideal for large orders at lower prices.

• Commonly used for: both indoor (26-hole) and outdoor (40-hole) balls
• Advantages: lower cost, faster production, ideal for training, schools, or casual play
• Things to know: a visible seam runs around the ball; they may wear out or crack faster under heavy use

Rotational Molding: Seamless and Durable

Rotational molding involves slowly rotating a mold filled with plastic resin, allowing it to coat the inside evenly and form a seamless, one-piece ball. This process takes longer but produces more durable and consistent products.

• Commonly used for: premium outdoor or tournament-grade balls
• Advantages: stronger structure, no seam, longer lifespan, more consistent bounce and flight
• Things to know: higher unit cost, better suited for clubs, retailers, and competitive play buyers

Why It Matters for You

If your buyers value durability and performance, rotational molding is the better choice. If they need affordable balls in large quantities, injection molding may be ideal. Many of our wholesale customers choose to stock both types to meet different customer needs and budgets.

Indoor vs Outdoor Balls – What’s the Difference?

Indoor and outdoor pickleball balls may look similar, but they are built differently to match their playing environments. If you’re sourcing pickleball balls in bulk, understanding these differences helps you choose the right products for your customers—whether they’re schools, clubs, or resellers.

1. Hole Count and Hole Size

One of the most noticeable differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls is the number and size of the holes.

• Indoor balls have 26 larger holes. These larger openings make the ball feel lighter and softer during play. It moves slower through the air, making it easier to control—especially in indoor environments where there’s no wind.
• Outdoor balls typically have 40 smaller holes. The smaller size helps the ball cut through outdoor wind and maintain a straighter, more stable flight. This makes them better suited for unpredictable outdoor conditions.

While exact hole diameters may vary slightly between brands, the general rule is:

• Indoor = fewer, larger holes → softer, more controlled feel
• Outdoor = more, smaller holes → faster, more wind-resistant flight

At PKZK, we offer both 26-hole and 40-hole options across multiple manufacturing types, so you can provide your customers with the right solution for their playing environment.

2. Standard Size and Weight

Both indoor and outdoor balls are designed to meet USAPA/IFP standards:

Property	Specification Range
Diameter	2.87 – 2.97 inches (73 – 75 mm)
Poids	0.78 – 0.935 oz (22.1 – 26.5 g)
Bounce Height	30 – 34 inches at 78-inch drop
Hardness	Shore D scale: 40 – 50 preferred

At PKZK, all of our indoor and outdoor balls are precision-engineered to match these specs. Whether made by injection or rotational molding, our balls go through strict quality checks to ensure size, weight, and hole alignment are consistent.

3. Material & Surface Durability

• Indoor balls use slightly softer plastics (such as PP or soft TPE), which provide lower bounce and quieter sound—ideal for wooden or rubber gym floors.
• Outdoor balls are made with harder plastics (like PE or rigid TPE), so they last longer on rough courts and resist cracking in sun or cold.

4. Performance Differences

Fonctionnalité	Indoor Balls (26-Hole)	Outdoor Balls (40-Hole)
Hole Count	26 large holes	40 small holes
Hole Diameter	7–8 mm (larger)	5–6.5 mm (smaller)
Matériau	Softer plastic	Harder plastic
Durabilité	Modéré	Higher – crack resistant
Bounce	Lower bounce, softer feel	Higher bounce, firmer feel
Flight Stability	Less affected by wind (indoors)	Designed to resist wind (outdoors)
Best Use	Gyms, indoor leagues, quiet play	Outdoor clubs, public courts

PKZK Tip:

When selecting pickleball balls for your inventory or distribution channels, consider both the play environment and your customers’ performance expectations:

• For indoor facilities such as gyms, schools, or recreation centers, we recommend 26-hole indoor balls. The larger holes reduce air resistance, offering a slower, more controlled ball flight—ideal for beginners, senior players, or settings where softer bounce and lower noise are important.
• For outdoor courts, including public parks, sports clubs, or tournament venues, choose 40-hole outdoor balls. These are engineered to withstand wind and rough surfaces, providing consistent bounce and durability over extended use.

At PKZK, we offer both 26-hole and 40-hole options across multiple manufacturing types, so you can provide your customers with the right solution for their playing environment.

Conclusion: The Right Pickleball Balls Start with the Right Supplier

As pickleball continues to grow worldwide, wholesale buyers need to offer more than just basic equipment. Understanding the differences between balles de pickleball pour l'intérieur et l'extérieur, their manufacturing methods, and how they perform across various settings is key to stocking the right products—and serving your customers with confidence.

Au PKZK Pickleball, we manufacture and supply a full range of pickleball balls tailored to different environments, player needs, and budget levels:

• Injection-Molded Balls – Ideal for high-volume, cost-effective purchasing
• Rotational-Molded Balls – Premium option for tournaments and competitive play
• Quiet Balls – Perfect for indoor facilities with noise restrictions

We support custom logo printing, flexible MOQs, private-label packaging, and fast global delivery—making it easy to grow your pickleball product line with confidence.

Whether you’re sourcing for a large retailer, sports brand, or new pickleball program, our team is here to help. Contact the PKZK Sales Team Today.