Are Penn Or Wilson Tennis Balls Better? We Reveal Our Favorite

It is a question that many tennis players ask themselves.  Which is the best tennis ball to play with? 

Wilson and Penn are two heavyweights in the tennis game.  Wilson makes everything from rackets, and clothing through to tennis balls. Penn is a tennis ball specialist who is over 100 years old and claims to be America’s number one-selling tennis ball. In this article, we put them to the test and tell you which one comes out on top for us.

Penn and tennis balls go hand in hand.  This firm has been making balls for over 100 years so knows a thing or two about the business.  Their balls are used on both tours (ATP & WTA) and well known to many players at their clubs.  Penn Tennis Balls has something for everyone, from your competitive pro to the beginner just starting out.

• The Penn Championship is their best-selling tennis ball and features controlled fiber release technology for enhanced durability and playability making it ideal for high-level play on any surface.
• For those looking for more durability without sacrificing feel and playability, the Penn Titanium is the perfect option with its rubber core pressure giving you more bounce and longer wear.
• The Penn Tour is their flagship ball extensively used on the ATP and WTA tours due to its high-performance characteristics and extended durability, as well as better visibility. I use this ball to regularly practice and can highly recommend it. 
• For those needing something more durable for hours of hitting, check out the Pro Marathon which comes in a range of felt types.
• And finally for beginners or recreational players, there’s the Court One, an entry-level ball perfect any surface. Choose from these great options from Penn!

Wilson Tennis Balls

• Wilson is one of the most trusted and established names in the game of tennis, offering a wide selection of products for all skill levels and court surfaces. Below are some of the different balls they produce; 

• For those playing on hard courts, Wilson offers the US Open Extra Duty ball that features extra durable felt that ensures consistent bounce characteristics even after prolonged use

• Clay court players can take advantage of Roland Garros clay court ball with its resilient felt covering that repels moisture and dirt.

• If sustainability is high on your list then Wilson’s Triniti Pro may be the perfect choice as it comes in a recyclable case and delivers incredible bounce in even the worst conditions. 

• And finally, the Tour Premier ball is great for any surface as it provides an incredibly lively performance.

Penn vs Wilson Tennis Balls: So which one is best? 

Both these companies produce high-quality tennis balls so it can be difficult to choose which brand is right for your game. 

Our view is this, the Wilson tennis balls win on better performance and maybe last a little longer.  The Penn balls are good and better for recreational use and for those who are less worried about high-end performance.  I use the Penn balls to practice and open a tube of Wilson Triniti (writing this in the fall) for a club match. 

The good thing about tennis balls is that compared to other gear they are not super expensive, so buy a couple of tubes and see what works for your game.  Ultimately it is down to your own preference and what works for the team at Tennis Pursuits may not work for you. 

What To Look For When Choosing a Tennis Ball? 

Here are some of the key things we look for when choosing tennis balls; 

• Feel and Comfort: Different tennis balls can offer varied feelings of comfort when hit. Some balls may feel heavier, while others might feel lighter. Choose a ball that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
• Durability: The longevity of the tennis ball is another important factor. Some balls wear out quickly, especially when used on hard courts. Look for balls that are reputed for their durability. Nothing worse than balls wearing thin after only one match! 
• Brand Reputation: Some brands are recognized for their quality products. Consider purchasing from these established brands to ensure you’re getting a reliable tennis ball.
• Surface Type: There are tennis balls designed specifically for different surfaces – grass, clay, or hard court. Ensure to choose a ball suitable for the surface you’ll be playing on.
• ITF Approval: If you’re playing in tournaments, you’ll need to check if the ball is approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
• Feel and Comfort: Different tennis balls can offer varied feelings of comfort when hit. Some balls may feel heavier, while others might feel lighter. Choose a ball that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
• Durability: The longevity of the tennis ball is another important factor. Some balls wear out quickly, especially when used on hard courts. Look for balls that are reputed for their durability.
• Brand Reputation: Some brands are recognized for their quality products. Consider purchasing from these established brands to ensure you’re getting a reliable tennis ball.
• Surface Type: There are tennis balls designed specifically for different surfaces – grass, clay, or hard court. Ensure to choose a ball suitable for the surface you’ll be playing on.
• ITF Approval: If you’re playing in tournaments, you’ll need to check if the ball is approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
• Pressurized vs. Pressureless: Pressurized balls are used for professional matches and offer a good bounce but may lose their pressure over time. Pressureless balls may not bounce as high initially, but they maintain their bounce level longer than pressurized balls.
• Price: The cost of tennis balls can vary significantly depending on the brand, type, and quality. On average, a can of three high-quality pressurized tennis balls can range from $2 to $7. Bulk purchases or non-pressurized balls can offer more value for money. However, remember that the price should not compromise the quality of the balls and your overall performance. Always consider your budget and needs when choosing tennis balls.