How Long Do Tennis Balls Last?

When starting out as a new tennis player, it’s only natural that you will need to get some decent gear and equipment. This includes finding the best tennis racket for you and buying decent tennis balls that won’t become useless after hitting them only once or twice. But how will you know how long tennis balls last? Well, that’s a question I will answer for you today.

The lifespan of a tennis ball isn’t the same in each case. First of all, you have to consider different tennis ball brands and prices. However, the most important factors are the type of tennis balls you’re buying based on how they’re made. As you will see in this guide, there are two main types of tennis balls you will consider – pressurized tennis balls and pressureless tennis balls.

Pressurized vs Pressureless Tennis Balls – How Long Do They Last?

three tennis balls with green background

Based on the type of tennis ball you’re getting, you’re looking at a lifespan window between only a few weeks for pressurized balls and up to a few years for pressureless balls. This is only if we’re considering a recreational level of playing and not competitive.

To put it in short, pressurized tennis balls will last between 1 and 4 weeks at a recreational level of playing tennis. On the other hand, pressureless tennis balls can last between 1 and 3 years with the same level of usage.

Having said all that, how do you know which type of tennis ball is best for you? You might say “isn’t it more obvious to get the ones that last a few years?”. Well, it depends, as both types of tennis balls have their advantages and drawbacks.

How Long Do Pressurized Tennis Balls Last?

Pressurized tennis balls are filled with air and are sealed in an air-tight vacuum container that prevents them from wearing out too soon. Their average lifespan in non-competitive tennis is from 1 to 4 weeks. If you’ve ever asked yourself “why are tennis balls sealed in a can?”, it’s so they don’t start wearing down before they are opened.

One more thing we need to clarify is that pressurized balls can also last only a few hours. However, this only applies to competitive tennis matches. There’s no need to worry about this as you won’t need to replace them as often if you play moderately.

How Long Do Pressureless Tennis Balls Last?

Unlike pressurized tennis balls, pressureless ones don’t need to be sealed in vacuum-sealed containers. They aren’t filled with air inside and are completely solid. The core of these tennis balls is made from rubber. In non-competitive tennis, pressureless balls can last anywhere between 1 year and up to 3 years if used moderately.

However, pressureless tennis balls aren’t recommended for competitive and professional tennis. They aren’t as enjoyable to play with and they require more force to hit regardless of the type of tennis shot.

Pressureless tennis balls have a much longer lifespan but aren’t as effective and as comfortable as pressurized ones. That’s why pressureless balls are most commonly used solely for practice and for tennis balls machines.

About The Author

AthletePath Staff

We are a team of enthusiasts and professional athletes thriving to provide you with helpful advice on buying everything you may ever need to become a better athlete.

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