Golf vs. Pickleball
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Conforming golf balls are regulated by the USGA and The R&A under the Rules of Golf Appendix III. A conforming golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.680 in (42.67 mm), a maximum weight of 1.620 oz (45.93 g), spherical symmetry, and an initial velocity not exceeding 250 ft/s (76.2 m/s) at 75 °F under standard test conditions.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Diameter
|
42.67 mm (1.680 in) minimum size | — |
|
Maximum Mass / Weight
|
45.93 g (1.620 oz) maximum weight | — |
|
Maximum Initial Velocity
|
76.2 m/s (250 ft/s ±2% tolerance at 75 °F) | — |
|
Overall Distance Standard (ODS)
|
317.0 yards (max distance cap on mechanical launcher) | — |
|
Standard Dimple Count
|
300–450 Symmetrical circular dimples (avg. 336–392) | — |
|
Average Dimple Depth
|
0.25 mm (0.010 in) | — |
|
Standard Layer Construction
|
2-Piece, 3-Piece, 4-Piece, or 5-Piece Polybutadiene core with Urethane / Surlyn cover | — |
|
Official Diameter
|
— | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
— | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
— | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
|
Total Hole Count
|
— | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
|
Construction
|
— | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |