Pickleball is growing fast all over the world, and the gear you choose can change how you play. When it comes to balls, two brands stand out: Selkirk and Franklin. You’ll see their balls in tournaments, local games, and backyard matches. But which one is better for you? Both brands have strong reputations, but their pickleball balls perform differently in real play. Understanding these differences is key if you want to play your best, avoid frustration, and get the most for your money.
This article dives deep into Selkirk vs Franklin pickleball balls, comparing their features, performance, durability, cost, and more. You’ll discover how each brand’s balls work in different environments, which ones are preferred by top players, and what everyday users really think. If you’re ready to make an informed choice, you’ll find everything you need here.
Brand Backgrounds
Before comparing the actual balls, let’s look at the companies behind them. This context helps you understand their priorities, quality standards, and why their products are trusted.
Selkirk
Selkirk is a relatively new name in pickleball, but it has become famous quickly. Founded in Idaho, USA, Selkirk focuses only on pickleball equipment. Their mission is to make premium products for all levels, from beginners to professionals. Selkirk is known for high-quality paddles, but their balls are catching attention for innovative design and consistency.
Franklin
Franklin Sports is a much older company, started in 1946. Franklin makes gear for many sports, but their rise in pickleball is impressive. Today, the Franklin X-40 is the official ball of many top tournaments, including USA Pickleball events. Franklin’s experience in sports manufacturing helps them deliver products that meet the needs of both recreational and competitive players.
Product Overview
Both brands offer indoor and outdoor pickleball balls. Each type is designed for specific conditions, with differences in hardness, bounce, and visibility.
Selkirk Pickleball Balls
Selkirk’s main offerings are the Selkirk Pro S1 for outdoor use and the Selkirk Club for recreational play. The Pro S1 is their flagship model, designed for high-level play. Selkirk balls are made with advanced materials and unique construction, aiming for a true, predictable bounce and long lifespan.
Franklin Pickleball Balls
Franklin’s most famous ball is the X-40 for outdoors, which is widely used in tournaments. For indoor play, they offer the X-26. Franklin balls are known for their roundness, consistent flight, and availability in bright, easy-to-see colors.
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Physical Specifications
To understand performance differences, start with the physical traits. These include size, weight, material, color, and hole pattern.
| Brand & Model | Diameter (inches) | Weight (ounces) | Material | Number of Holes | Color Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Pro S1 | 2.87 | 0.92 | Proprietary Poly Blend | 38 | Yellow, Neon |
| Franklin X-40 | 2.91 | 0.88 | Polyethylene | 40 | Optic Yellow, Pink, Orange |
| Franklin X-26 (Indoor) | 2.87 | 0.78 | Polyethylene | 26 | Yellow, Pink, Orange |
Non-obvious insight: The number and size of holes affect how the ball moves in air, especially outdoors where wind is a factor. Franklin’s X-40, with 40 small holes, is designed for better wind resistance, while Selkirk’s 38-hole pattern focuses on balanced flight.
Performance Comparison
The real test is how each ball feels and performs during play. Let’s break it down into important categories.
Bounce Consistency
Selkirk’s Pro S1 is engineered for a very even bounce. Players notice fewer “dead spots” and less variation from shot to shot. This is valuable for competitive play, where accuracy matters.
Franklin X-40 is also consistent, but some players report slightly more bounce variation, especially as the ball gets older. For most casual and tournament games, the difference is small, but advanced players may prefer Selkirk’s precision.
Flight Path
Selkirk balls tend to fly straight and true, even in light wind. Their unique construction reduces wobble, making it easier to predict where the ball will land.
Franklin’s X-40 is known for stable flight and is less affected by wind than many cheaper balls. However, in very gusty conditions, some users report the X-40 can “drift” more than the Selkirk Pro S1.
Speed And Spin
Both balls allow for fast play. Selkirk’s Pro S1, with its slightly heavier weight and material, is a little harder. This can lead to faster shots and more aggressive play at the net. The Franklin X-40 feels softer, which can make it easier for beginners to control, but less lively for advanced players who like to hit hard.
When it comes to spin, both balls take spin well, but the Pro S1’s surface seems to grip the paddle slightly better, helping skilled players add extra spin.
Visibility
A common complaint in pickleball is losing sight of the ball, especially in bright sun or low light. Both brands offer high-visibility colors:
- Selkirk: Bright yellow and neon options stand out well on outdoor courts.
- Franklin: Their “optic yellow” is a standard in tournaments and is easy to track in many conditions. Pink and orange options are also popular for low-light play.
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Durability And Lifespan
How long a ball lasts before cracking or losing its bounce matters for your wallet and your game.
Selkirk Durability
The Pro S1 is marketed as a premium, long-lasting ball. Many players report getting 10–15 hours of play before the first signs of wear, and some use the same ball for weeks. Selkirk’s special material resists cracking, even on rough outdoor courts and in colder weather.
Franklin Durability
The X-40 is known as a solid, reliable ball, but it’s slightly less durable than the Selkirk Pro S1. On average, the X-40 lasts 6–10 hours of outdoor play before cracking or warping. Cold weather can make it more likely to crack, but the lower price makes it easier to replace.
Non-obvious insight: Most balls crack at the seam, but Selkirk’s seam design is reinforced, so it rarely splits in the middle. Franklin balls can develop “eggshell” cracks, but usually still play fine for a while before breaking completely.
Tournament Approval And Official Use
If you want to play in sanctioned tournaments, the type of ball matters.
- Franklin X-40: Official ball for USA Pickleball National Championships and many regional events. Trusted for consistent performance and availability.
- Selkirk Pro S1: Approved for tournament play by USA Pickleball, but not as widely used yet. However, more clubs are adopting it for its high-end qualities.
This means you’ll see Franklin used more at tournaments, but Selkirk is gaining ground as players try new options.
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Price And Value
Let’s compare the cost of each ball and what you get for your money.
| Brand & Model | Average Price (per dozen) | Estimated Play Hours | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Pro S1 | $34.99 | 150 | $0.23 |
| Franklin X-40 | $24.99 | 96 | $0.26 |
Selkirk balls cost more up front, but if they last longer, you may actually pay less over time. Franklin balls are cheaper to replace, which is important for clubs or players on a budget.
Tip: If you play several times a week, buying in bulk (24 or 36-packs) can lower the price per ball for both brands.
Player Experience And Feedback
What do real players say after using these balls? Online reviews and club discussions reveal a lot.
Selkirk Pro S1
Most feedback is positive. Players love the solid feel, consistent bounce, and durability. Advanced players especially notice the predictable flight and slightly faster speed. However, some beginners find the Pro S1 a bit hard, which can make rallies faster and less forgiving.
Franklin X-40
The X-40 gets high marks for being easy to control, lightweight, and affordable. Players say it’s a “safe” choice for all skill levels. The main complaints are about cracking in cold weather and sometimes irregular bounce after a few hours of play.
Still, most club players trust the X-40 and keep extras on hand.
Non-obvious insight: Clubs often choose Franklin X-40 because it’s the “tournament standard,” making it easier to prepare players for official events. Selkirk balls are chosen more by advanced players or coaches who want top performance in practice.
Weather And Surface Performance
Pickleball balls react differently to heat, cold, humidity, and court types.
Hot Weather
Both balls soften a little in high heat. The Franklin X-40 becomes slightly bouncier, while the Selkirk Pro S1 holds its shape better. If you play in a very hot region, Selkirk may last longer before becoming too soft.
Cold Weather
Cold can make balls brittle and more likely to crack. Franklin X-40s often break faster in below-50°F (10°C) weather. Selkirk Pro S1 handles the cold better, with fewer immediate cracks, but all balls will eventually break in freezing conditions.
Surface Type
- Outdoor (concrete, asphalt): Both balls work, but Selkirk’s harder plastic is more resistant to rough surfaces.
- Indoor (wood, gym floor): Franklin X-26 is designed for this, with fewer, larger holes. Selkirk balls are made for outdoor but can be used indoors in a pinch, though they may bounce too high.
Common Buyer Mistakes
Many players waste money or hurt their game by choosing the wrong ball. Here’s what to avoid:
- Buying outdoor balls for indoor play: Outdoor balls like the X-40 and Pro S1 bounce too fast and loud on indoor courts. Use indoor models (like X-26) instead.
- Ignoring weather effects: In cold regions, keep extra balls on hand. Even the best balls can crack in freezing temperatures.
- Judging only by price: Cheap balls may save money up front but wear out faster and don’t perform as well.
- Not matching the tournament standard: If you plan to play in events, practice with the official ball used there.
- Forgetting about color: Bright colors make a big difference, especially for older players or those with vision issues.
Which Ball Is Right For You?
Choosing between Selkirk and Franklin depends on your needs:
- Competitive/tournament players: Practice with Franklin X-40 to match tournament play, but consider Selkirk for training if you want top performance.
- Advanced club players: Selkirk Pro S1 offers better durability and more precise play, especially for those who play outdoors often.
- Recreational or beginner players: Franklin X-40 is affordable, easy to control, and widely available. It’s a safe, reliable choice.
- Indoor players: Use Franklin X-26, as neither brand’s outdoor ball works well on gym floors.
- Players in extreme climates: Selkirk is more reliable in both hot and cold weather, but all balls will eventually crack.
Real-world Example: Club Play
A mid-sized club in Florida tested both brands for three months. They used 36 balls of each brand, rotating between Selkirk Pro S1 and Franklin X-40 for daily matches. After three months:
- Selkirk balls lasted longer (average 12 hours vs. 8 hours for Franklin).
- Players rated Selkirk’s bounce and speed slightly higher.
- Beginners preferred Franklin for its softer feel.
- Cost per hour was nearly equal after accounting for durability.
The club now uses Franklin X-40 for tournaments and Selkirk Pro S1 for practice sessions.
Summary Table: Selkirk Vs Franklin Pickleball Balls
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Selkirk Pro S1 | Franklin X-40 |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce Consistency | Very High | High |
| Durability | Excellent | Good |
| Price (per dozen) | Higher | Lower |
| Spin Response | Excellent | Very Good |
| Official Tournament Use | Growing | Standard |
| Weather Resistance | Strong | Moderate |
Where To Buy
Both Selkirk and Franklin pickleball balls are widely available online and in local sports stores. For the best selection and latest models, check the brands’ official websites or trusted retailers. For more on official ball standards, visit the USA Pickleball Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ball Is More Durable: Selkirk Or Franklin?
The Selkirk Pro S1 generally lasts longer than the Franklin X-40, especially on rough outdoor courts and in colder weather. Selkirk uses a tougher plastic blend and reinforced seams, reducing the chance of cracks. However, Franklin balls are still reliable and are easier to replace due to their lower cost.
Are Selkirk Balls Approved For Tournament Play?
Yes, the Selkirk Pro S1 is USA Pickleball approved and can be used in official tournaments. However, the Franklin X-40 is still the most common ball at major events, so it’s smart to practice with Franklin if you plan to compete.
What Is The Main Difference Between The Selkirk Pro S1 And Franklin X-40?
The biggest difference is in bounce consistency and durability. Selkirk offers a more precise, even bounce and lasts longer. Franklin balls feel softer and are a little easier to control for beginners but may develop cracks sooner with heavy use.
Can I Use Outdoor Balls Indoors?
It’s not recommended. Outdoor balls like Selkirk Pro S1 and Franklin X-40 have smaller holes and are harder, making them bounce too fast and loud on indoor surfaces. For gym floors, use indoor balls like the Franklin X-26 for better control and comfort.
Which Ball Is Better For Spin?
Both balls can take spin, but Selkirk Pro S1 has a surface that grips the paddle slightly better, helping skilled players create more spin. For most recreational players, the difference is small, but advanced users may notice greater spin control with Selkirk.
Whether you’re a casual player or training for competition, choosing the right pickleball ball matters more than you might think. Selkirk and Franklin both offer excellent options, but knowing the details lets you pick the ball that matches your style, conditions, and budget.
Try each ball if you can, listen to your local club’s preferences, and enjoy better games with the right gear.