For tennis enthusiasts, nothing is better than stepping onto a court, picking up a racket, and hitting a spectacular serve or backhand. No matter how experienced you are or how new you are, tennis offers a wealth of physical and mental benefits. These include improved fitness, enhanced coordination, and sharpened focus.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 tennis ball brands that every player should know about.

Without further ado, let’s check this out!

tennis ball brands

Wilson

As one of the leading international sports equipment manufacturers, Wilson is a renowned American brand founded in Chicago in 1913. The company’s main product categories include basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, rugby, golf, and sports protective gear.

Basketball is one of Wilson’s flagship product lines. Unlike other brands, Wilson basketballs feature several patented technologies, including moisture absorption, wave core design, and bonded pebble grooves, which enhance grip and performance. These innovations have earned endorsements from iconic athletes such as Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose. Furthermore, Wilson basketballs are widely used in major tournaments, including the NCAA Championship, the FIBA 3×3 Basketball World Cup, and the KFC 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

Tennis rackets represent another key product category for Wilson, with prices ranging from approximately $50 to $300 or more. Wilson offers an extensive product line catering to both amateur players and seasoned professionals. As one of the first companies to incorporate metal into racket design, Wilson has established a significant presence in markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. Its commitment to innovation ensures a diverse and continually evolving range of rackets, making it a preferred choice for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Head

Founded in Austria in 1950, HEAD has become a world-renowned sports equipment brand and is often referred to as “the synonym for tennis.”

The company was established by Howard Head, the inventor of metal skis, under the name Head NV. In September 2000, it was listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Vienna Stock Exchange. Over the years, HEAD expanded its product portfolio significantly, starting with Tyrolia ski boards and Mares diving equipment in the 1970s, followed by Penn sports balls and Dacor diving equipment in the 1990s.

Today, the HEAD brand spans a wide range of categories, including fitness, tennis, skiing, swimming, diving, cycling, sports shoes and clothing, yoga, and various sports accessories. HEAD frequently collaborates with professional athletes, particularly during the Winter Olympics and major tennis tournaments, solidifying its presence in the global sports industry.

With a network of over 32,000 merchants in more than 80 countries, HEAD products are sold through sports goods stores and wholesalers. The company remains focused on developing cutting-edge products, targeting the mid-to-high-end market and continuing to innovate across its diverse product lines.

Babolat

Babolat, a renowned French tennis equipment brand, was founded in 1875 and is widely recognized for its unique design style and advanced structural features. The company’s product lines include the VS, Hyperbraid, Twister, and Challenge series, with Pure Drive and Pure Control earning high praise from both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts.

As a pioneer in tennis and badminton, Babolat boasts a legendary history of innovation. The company’s journey began in Lyon, France, where it invented the first tennis string in 1875. Notably, Babolat developed gut strings made from unprocessed beef intestines—a groundbreaking innovation that solidified its reputation as a professional and forward-thinking brand in the world of racket sports.

Over time, Babolat expanded its offerings to include tennis rackets, shoes, sweatbands, and other equipment, all of which have gained widespread popularity among players of all levels.

With more than a century of expertise, Babolat remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in tennis and badminton equipment. By providing comprehensive support, the company helps athletes unlock their full potential on the court.

Prince

Founded in 1970, Prince is a globally recognized brand specializing in the design, manufacture, and sales of tennis rackets. Over time, the company has expanded its offerings to include clothing, shoes, and accessories, cementing its status as a major player in the tennis industry.

Originally focused on producing tennis ball machines, Prince evolved into a leading manufacturer of tennis rackets as the sport grew in popularity. The brand is best known for its revolutionary innovations, including the “OVERSIZE” racket and the “LONG BODY” design, which have transformed the game of tennis.

Prince’s influence extends beyond rackets, as the brand’s clothing, footwear, and accessories contribute to its comprehensive presence in the tennis market.

To gain international recognition, Prince has sponsored legendary players such as Jennifer Capriati, Patrick Rafter, and Martina Navratilova, all of whom have achieved Grand Slam victories while using Prince equipment. These partnerships have not only enhanced the brand’s reputation but also fueled greater public interest in tennis.

Today, Prince maintains a strong presence in professional tennis by sponsoring various tours and tournaments. The company’s product lines include:

  • Triple Threat (Titanium Copper series)
  • Force 3 (Power 3 series)
  • EXO3
  • EXO3 Hybrid
  • O3 Speedport
  • O3
  • Ozone
  • ART
  • Air O
  • TT

Prince continues to innovate and uphold its reputation as a pioneer in the world of tennis equipment.

Yonex

Founded in 1946 in Japan, Yonex is a globally renowned brand celebrated for its badminton rackets, as well as its offerings in tennis and golf equipment, ski boards, and road bike frames.

Yonex has become a household name among badminton enthusiasts, with its feather rackets being some of the most sought-after in the world. To maintain its dominance in the badminton racket market and cater to diverse player needs, Yonex has developed a wide range of innovative models that set the standard for quality and performance. The brand exemplifies Japanese craftsmanship, renowned for its precision and commitment to excellence.

A trusted name in the sports world, Yonex has consistently delivered high-performance and high-quality products for decades. Staying true to the Japanese tradition of meticulous manufacturing, the company focuses heavily on research and development to design advanced equipment for a variety of sports, including badminton, tennis, golf, skiing, and cycling.

Yonex’s dedication to innovation continues to push the boundaries of athletic performance, helping players reach new heights in their game.

Slazenger

Founded in 1881 in the UK, Slazenger dominates tennis, cricket, field hockey, swimming, and golf. Its tennis balls are the official balls of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Slazenger has a history of more than 120 years as a British noble brand.

In addition to golf and tennis, polo, cricket, and field hockey, it has always engaged in sports for the upper class. The British royal family uses Polo exclusively, and golf had a significant impact on Europe during the 1960s and 1970s. In tennis, Slazenger has developed Wimbledon Championships with the Wimbledon Tennis Club since 1902 and has maintained this association for more than a century.

With its high standards and strict requirements, Slazenger has become a brand loved by demanding individuals. Wimbledon Championships currently use Slazenger tennis balls as the official ball among the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Almost all tennis enthusiasts in the country use Slazenger tennis balls.

Dunlop

Dunlop is a British sports equipment brand with a legacy of innovation, excelling in integrating high-tech advancements into its products. Renowned for its expertise, Dunlop has led the way in the tennis, squash, and golf equipment industries. In addition to sports gear, the brand has expanded into self-driving travel products, outdoor clothing, and latex mattresses. Dunlop’s offerings, including tennis and squash racquets, strings, sports clothing, shoes, and golf equipment, are highly popular in major markets like the US, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Notably, its badminton racquets are crafted from cutting-edge materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, boron fiber, and titanium alloys, derived from space shuttle technology.

Dunlop has played a pivotal role in advancing sports equipment, particularly in tennis. Key milestones include:

  • 1917: Introduction of the MAXPLY FORT, a classic wooden tennis racket.
  • 1981: Launch of the MAX 200G, the first racket made using injection-molded frame technology.
  • 1995: Release of the Superlong tennis racket, featuring an extended handle for enhanced performance.

Dunlop was also instrumental in the development of the Widebody frame during the 1980s, inspiring other manufacturers to innovate with extended racket designs.

The brand’s portfolio of racket patents demonstrates its commitment to power, control, and comfort. These include:

  • ISIS (Impact Shock Isolation System): A shock absorption system.
  • ACS (Advanced Control System): Enhancing stability and control.
  • Shot Blok Handle Shock Absorption System: Reducing vibration for comfort.
  • D-HOOP Section Patent and Power Wedge Patent: For increased racket strength and ball control.
  • Three-Dimensional Weaving Technique: Improving muscle structure and durability.

With its heritage of innovation and dedication to quality, Dunlop continues to be a favorite among athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Teloon

Established in 1988, this large production company manufactures tennis and related sports equipment, including clothes, shoes, and brand derivatives, including tennis, badminton, squash, and clothing.

Teloon Group was established in 1988, and its main business is the research and development, design, production, and marketing of tennis equipment.

Teloon Tennis, Teloon Footwear, and Teloon Import and Export are some of the subsidiaries of the group. With Teloon Group Wenzhou Industrial Park and Suzhou Industrial Park, the company covers an area of more than 80,000 square meters. Tennis production equipment and testing equipment are excellent, as well as production processes. Its quality management system and its environmental management system are certified ISO9001 and ISO14001, and it has drafted the national standard for “Tennis.” It adheres to independent innovation and has obtained 47 national patents. The self-developed pound tennis ball has become the officially designated ball for the Chinese national tennis team.

VOLKL

VOLKL is a renowned German brand specializing in outdoor products and is widely recognized for its innovations in skiing and tennis rackets. Since its establishment in 1880, the company has expanded its offerings to include safety helmets, ice and snow equipment, climbing bags, lawns, flooring, outdoor clothing, and accessories.

VOLKL embodies the German spirit of precision, perfection, and diligent research, consistently leveraging cutting-edge technology and professional expertise to break barriers in the competitive outdoor products industry. This commitment to innovation has earned VOLKL its reputation as an “innovative force” in the sector.

Key Achievements and Innovations:

  • VOLKL began its journey by manufacturing carriages and later evolved into producing high-performance ski boards, tennis rackets, and other outdoor gear.
  • Its P-Series snowboards—from the P9 and P10 to the P60—are celebrated for their advanced technology and exceptional performance, cementing VOLKL’s dominance in the snowboarding world.
  • Over the past five years, VOLKL-sponsored athletes such as Katja Seitzinger, Martina Ertl, Sonja Nef, Alexandra Meissnitzer, and Hilde Gerg have secured numerous championships and medals in World Cup events, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence.

Legacy of Innovation:

VOLKL’s meticulous approach to product development reflects German engineering at its finest. From skiing and tennis to outdoor apparel, the brand integrates modern technologies to continually exceed industry standards. Its dedication to quality and performance has established VOLKL as a trusted name among outdoor enthusiasts and professional athletes worldwide.

KAWASAKI

Founded in 1915, KAWASAKI has been a trailblazer in the sports industry, notably introducing the first carbon fiber tennis rackets. The brand offers a wide range of sports products, including badminton rackets, shuttlecocks, tennis rackets, badminton clothing, accessories, and other sports equipment. In 1973, KAWASAKI revolutionized the badminton world by launching the RULER carbon fiber racket, marking the beginning of the carbon fiber era for the industry.

KAWASAKI operates several sub-brands, including VICLEO, Joint Sports, and KBC. Through strategic planning and market expansion, the KAWASAKI brand now has a robust presence in over 30 countries and regions, with a loyal customer base exceeding 100 million. The company also supports an international badminton club led by legendary coach Li Mao and sponsors players such as Markov (Russia), Jack (South Africa), and Rong Bo (United States), who represent the brand in global competitions.

Since 2017, Kawasaki has expanded into multiple sports, including basketball, football, badminton, running, and swimming. Moreover, they have developed a smart sports ecosystem that includes “smart venue cloud services, smart event systems, smart sports cloud platforms, and smart e-commerce cloud platforms.”

To meet the new requirements and development trends of the Internet, Kawasaki has created a seven-operation system that comprises manufacturing, branding, media, events, customization, platforms, and operations.

FAQs

How to Choose Tennis Balls?

Court Type: Different courts have unique characteristics, and the tennis balls you choose should match the surface. Grass courts require specialized balls, while hard courts are classified as fast, medium, or slow. Selecting the right tennis ball based on the court’s characteristics is crucial for optimal performance.

Altitude: At high altitudes, the ball’s speed and bounce increase due to reduced gravity. Regular tennis balls are not suitable for these conditions. You’ll need to use pressurized or non-pressurized balls specifically designed for high altitudes.

Brand: Opting for products from reputable brands ensures a better playing experience. High-quality manufacturing is also essential for durability and performance.

What are the Types of Tennis Balls?

Based on the court environment and usage, tennis balls can be broadly categorized into the following types:

-Non-pressurized Balls:
Also called zero-pressure balls, they have the same internal air pressure as the external air pressure. Compared to pressurized balls, non-pressurized balls are softer, have a lower bounce, and maintain their performance over time, making them highly durable. However, the hitting feel isn’t as responsive as with pressurized balls. These are typically used for training, amateur matches, or on courts situated above 4,000 feet in altitude.

-Standard Tennis Balls:
These are pressurized balls commonly used in regular professional matches. However, they lose their bounce over time if left unused.

-Pressurized Balls:
These balls have higher internal air pressure than the external air pressure and are suitable for matches played at altitudes above 4,000 feet.

High-altitude matches require non-pressurized or pressurized balls because:
For high-altitude matches, non-pressurized or pressurized balls are required. In these areas, the air is thinner, gravity is weaker, and the ball’s elasticity increases, causing it to move faster than at lower altitudes. To balance this, balls with lower elasticity are used to ensure proper play.

What is the Difference Between Training and Match Tennis Balls for Beginners?

Training balls have a different internal air pressure compared to professional match balls. Training balls are designed with lower pressure, which results in less bounce, slower movement, and reduced impact on the racket. For beginners, this is beneficial because it minimizes the risk of hand injuries caused by excessive vibrations. On the other hand, match balls, with standard pressure, demand more strength and skill to play properly.

To develop and improve hitting techniques, beginners should practice with training balls. While used professional match balls can also be used for practice, it’s recommended not to use brand-new match balls right away.

What are the best tennis balls?

Not sure where to start? Discover Amazon’s Best Seller list for Tennis Balls for the most popular options.

1. Franklin Sports Pressureless Tennis Balls
2. Penn Championship Tennis Balls (Regular Duty)
3. Penn Championship Tennis Balls (Extra Duty)
4. WILSON Championship Tennis Balls
5. SHYUJAJIE Tennis Balls (20 Pack)

1. Franklin Sports Pressureless Tennis Balls

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Franklin Sports Pressureless Tennis Balls are official size low-pressure tennis balls designed for training and practice. These balls are made of durable polyester and have reduced bounce, making them ideal for players looking to practice shot making skills. They are suitable for all court types, including hardcourt, clay, and grass, and are available in a pack containing three balls with a storage can

Pros:

  • Excellent durability; can withstand heavy use.
  • Consistent bounce over time.
  • Suitable for all court surfaces.

Cons:

  • May feel different compared to pressurized balls, especially for competitive play.

2. Penn Championship Tennis Balls (Regular Duty)

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The Penn Championship Tennis Balls are known for their durability and consistent feel, made from natural rubber and designed specifically for softer surfaces like clay, grass, and indoor greens. They feature controlled fiber release technology for a consistent nap and are designed to provide a reliable bounce. These balls are official for ITF and USTA tournaments and cater to recreational and competitive players, ensuring good playability on all types of surfaces

Pros:

  • Soft feel ideal for clay courts.
  • Good durability with interlocked wool fiber.
  • Official ball of USTA leagues, ensuring quality.

Cons:

  • Not as effective on hard courts compared to extra-duty versions

3. Penn Championship Tennis Balls (Extra Duty)

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The Penn Championship Tennis Balls (Extra Duty) are constructed from 100% wool for added durability. These balls feature controlled fiber release for a perfectly even nap and use natural rubber to offer a consistent feel and reduced shock impact during play. Originally designed for hard courts, they can also be effectively used on indoor and outdoor clay surfaces. The balls are recognized as America’s #1 selling tennis ball and serve as the official ball for USTA Leagues, making them a well-regarded choice for both casual and competitive play

Pros:

  • Excellent performance on hard courts.
  • Long-lasting due to durable materials.
  • Great bounce and feel during play.

Cons:

  • May wear out faster on softer surfaces like clay.


4. WILSON Championship Tennis Balls

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The Wilson US Open Tennis Balls are made with premium woven felt that offers fast, consistent flight and rebound. These are regular-duty balls designed for high performance on hard courts, but also suitable for clay and indoor surfaces. They are notable for their durability and are the official ball of the US Open

Pros:

  • High-quality performance and durability.
  • Recognized as the official ball of a major tournament.
  • Suitable for various playing conditions.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher price point compared to other brands.


5. SHYUJAJIE Tennis Balls (20 Pack)

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These tennis balls stand out with their vibrant variety, offering 9 different colors. With a standard diameter of 2.58 inches and a bounce height of about 135cm, they are perfect for practice with a coach or using with a ball machine. Crafted from natural rubber and durable felt, these balls provide a consistent feel and reduced shock, making them ideal for all court surfaces. The pack includes 20 tennis balls, conveniently stored in a reusable mesh bag for easy transport and storage. Can also be used as dog toys or for muscle massage.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective option with a large quantity.
  • Good bounce suitable for practice sessions.
  • Versatile use for pets as well as tennis practice.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for competitive play or serious training

Not sure which one to choose? Click here to explore Amazon’s Best Seller list and see the most popular options!

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