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PICKLEBALL REVIEW: FRANKLIN X-40 VS DURA FAST 40
The Franklin X-40 versus the Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Pickleballs
As a pickleball vending machine operator, it is crucial to have comprehensive knowledge about the various types of pickleballs and be prepared with talking points for each. The pickleball reviews found below indicate that individual preferences for each type of ball can vary greatly.
It will be your responsibility to ensure customer satisfaction at every location. Rest assured that every pickleball court, location, and group will have their own unique preferences for the type of ball they use and the beverages they desire in our innovative PBMH1 model pickleball vending machines.
When venturing into the world of pickleball vending machine operation, lesson #1 is to familiarize yourself with the target demographic at each location. Engage customers by discussing pickleballs while stocking the machines. Boost your expertise by delving into this comprehensive review of the two most widely used pickleballs today.
This pickleball review will primarily explore the physical and quality comparisons of the Franklin Outdoor X-40 pickleball versus the Dura Fast 40 pickleball. Additionally, we will provide a summary of expert opinions, complemented by our own amateur impressions and measurements. Here are the details:
Dura Fast 40 hole specs: 16 drilled holes @ 0.325″ and 24 drilled holes @ .264″
Franklin X-40 hole specs: 40 drilled holes @ 0.288″
Both balls feature 40 holes, each with an average size of 0.288″. However, the Dura ball exhibits a considerably more randomized hole pattern. Personally, we did not discern any disparities in spin characteristics or detect any noteworthy advantages related to the Dura’s randomized hole pattern.
Franklin X-40 weight: 26g
Dura Fast 40 weight: 25g
Both balls undergo rotational molding to create a seamless appearance. The seam, visible on the external surface, doesn’t actually separate the inside of the ball. Therefore, both balls can be considered true “1-piece” balls. However, the Dura ball showcases smoother molding marks without any plastic flashing compared to the Franklin ball. While primarily cosmetic, the Dura ball excels in quality in this aspect.
When it comes to color preferences, we found the “Neon” shade of the Dura ball more appealing in general. However, under direct sunlight, the green tint on the Dura ball tends to appear somewhat dull. In our opinion, the Franklin “Optic Yellow” offers a crisper color that is likely to be more visible.
Neon Green vs Yellow pickleballs?: Personally, we prefer a ball that is greener in color but still retains its vibrancy in full sun. Based on our experience in disc golf and ball golf, neon green has proven to be the most visible color, closely followed by neon pink. Given the two options, we would choose the yellow ball. The green tint on the Dura ball, when exposed to full sun, seems to resemble a subdued yellow rather than a true green.
While it would be more fair to compare Dura’s yellow option, the noticeably higher translucency of the plastic used in construction leads us to remain confident that Franklin would still come out on top. When it comes to color, Franklin emerges as the winner.
Franklin X-40 country of origin: China
Dura Fast 40 country of origin: Vietnam
Based on our research, you can expect a longer playtime per dollar with the Franklin ball, while the Dura ball tends to have a shorter lifespan. Although Dura claims to have superior attributes, it often lasts only a few games, according to numerous sources. For mature players, the Onix ball is worth considering over either of these options. Its softer composition allows for higher bounces and slower hits, giving players more time to reach the ball and facilitating longer rallies. It appears that the Onix is the preferred choice for older age groups.
The following rankings are based on expert advice from the “pickleball kitchen” youtube channel:
Best performance award (fastest, hardest): Dura Fast 40
Best Value (also w/ great performance): Franklin Outdoor X-40
Note: High level players should opt for the Dura due to tournament requirements , check with your local tournament director
Longest lasting, but soft and bouncy: Onix
Note: We have not seen a single outdoor tournament director employ the Onix ball
Based on extensive reviews and thorough research, our top recommendation for most players would be to bypass the Dura ball and directly opt for the Franklin X-40 until you engage in tournament play.
Once you reach a level of serious tournament participation, transitioning muscle memory and power from the Franklin outdoor ball to the Dura ball won’t take long. This transition can save you significant amounts of money and minimize frustration caused by the fragile nature of the Dura.
While it is acknowledged that Franklin X-40 balls also have a relatively short lifespan (as reported by some, potentially due to old stock), the considerable improvement they offer compared to the Dura makes them a worthwhile option to consider. This remains true even if you have a discerning eye for quality, like us.
Manufacturing quality: Dura wins
Material durability: Franklin easily wins and Onix lasts much longer still if you don’t mind a notably slower game (more similar to indoor) and more egging.
Quality of play: Many elite players prefer the extra speed of the Dura, but we prefer the consistency of virtually everyone using the same ball and even more notably, we’d rather sacrifice just a little speed to get the higher consistency, predictability, and reliability of an uncracked ball and we find it distracting to look for cracks all the time.
Best value: Franklin X-40
Summary
When venturing into the world of pickleball vending machines, aspiring owners must prioritize understanding the unique preferences of pickleball players at specific courts where they plan to install their equipment. Each facility tends to favor a particular brand and color of pickleball, a fact that passionate players can attest to. To avoid investing in inventory that won’t sell, comprehensive research is necessary.
We highly recommend conducting a survey over a span of several days or weeks at the facility, where you can gather insights on the customers’ preferred pickleball and beverage choices. This is especially crucial for placement of our innovative PickleVend PBMH1 model pickleball vending machine.
To enhance your understanding of the different characteristics of specific pickleballs, we invite you to peruse the additional pickleball reviews provided below.
Simply click on the underlined links below to access comprehensive reviews on Amazon.
More Pickleball Reviews
Franklin X-40 Pickleball Reviews
Amazon Customer Review Summary
of Franklin X-40 Pickleballs
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 14,529 global ratings
Reviewed on June 23, 2023
I recently purchased the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs – X-40 Pickleball Balls, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of these balls. As an avid pickleball player, I have tried various brands, but these have become one of my go-to choices for outdoor play.
The set comes with a generous 36-ball bucket, which is incredibly convenient for storage and transportation.
I must mention that although they are designed for outdoor use, they can still crack, especially in colder weather. However, I haven’t faced any major issues with them, and the occasional cracking has been minimal and expected given the temperature conditions and heavy impact from the bangers.
Overall, I highly recommend the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs – X-40 Pickleball Balls to anyone looking for top-notch pickleballs for outdoor play. Their premium quality, durability, and convenient storage make them a great investment for both recreational and competitive players.
Cracked Franklin X-40 Pickleball Reviews
Didn’t Live Up to Expectations
Reviewed on May 19, 2023
I have to be honest, the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs really didn’t hit the mark for me. As an avid pickleball player, I’ve tried several types of balls and was excited to try out these USAPA approved ones, but they fell short of my expectations.
As an avid pickleball player, I’ve tried several types of balls and was excited to try out these USAPA approved ones, but they fell short of my expectations.
The first thing that stood out to me was the thickness. They seemed too thick compared to other pickleballs I’ve used in the past. The feel was a bit off and it affected the overall playability of the game.
My main concern, however, was the bounce. Pickleball requires a certain amount of bounce consistency, and unfortunately, these balls didn’t deliver. The bounce was irregular and unpredictable, which led to an unsatisfactory playing experience.
Despite being marketed as official US Open balls, I found these pickleballs were lacking the quality I’ve come to expect from an official ball. I certainly didn’t feel like I was using a ball fit for professional standards.
In summary, the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs were not my cup of tea. The excessive thickness and inconsistent bounce took away from the enjoyment of the game. If you’re a serious player like me, you might want to consider other options for your pickleball needs.
Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleball Reviews
Amazon Customer Review Sumary
of Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 1,016 global ratings
Reviewed on April 15, 2019
Dura 40 pickleballs are harder and faster than pretty much everything else. We find them to be a little more durable than the Franklin X-40’s but we use both and change back and forth so we are comfortable playing with either ball.
All of the tournaments in our area either use the Dura or the Franklin. We have heard that the white balls dont crack as often due to the omission of dye in the manufacturing process, not sure if that is true or not, Can’t beat the visibility of the neon ball and even if it’s slightly less durable the visibility is worth the trade-off.
Cracked Dura Fast 40 Pickleball Reviews
Reviewed on February 12, 2023
After playing 1 or 2 sets with the Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Neon Pickleballs, they lose their shape. I purchased these balls previously and thought I might have gotten a bad batch but after this second time, I won’t purchase them though again.
Half of the balls cracked after 1 month
Reviewed on January 15, 2023
Half the balls cracked after one month of use… have used cheaper balls and there still going strong after 8 months of use…. for the money I spent …. not a happy customer.
Reviewed on April 11, 2021
I ordered these Dura 40’s (12 pack) because they are the ball that is being used in an upcoming tournament – I received them on April 2, 2021 – so far we’ve only used 4 balls, 4 times (a couple hours of play each time, it’s now April 8, 2021). Two of the 4 balls are warped or out of round – I can’t show that in a picture; I can however provide pics of the other 2 that have cracked! Unless you absolutely need these to practice for an upcoming tournament, I’d go with something else for general play.
Core Pickleball Reviews
Amazon Customer Review Summary
of Core Pickleballs
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 363 global ratings
Consistent bounce, high performance, more durable than other tourney balls
Reviewed on July 26, 2023
I’ve been playing with CORE outdoor balls for a few years and really like that it performs like other tournament-rated balls, but also has more durability than a DURA Fast 40. The bounce is consistent and our rallies are faster than with other balls (i.e. Franklin X-40). This is an excellent price, especially with it’s better durability than other tourney-rated, high performance balls.
So far, I’ve never had one of my balls crack even though there are some very hard hitters in the group. I usually “retire” the rec play balls to the practice squad after the balls looks like they’ve been hit around a lot (i.e. the scuffing on the exterior of the ball and/or the bounce or spin seems a little less than a new ball).
However, I do take good care of my performance balls and equipment. Meaning that I would never leave my paddle, nor balls in a hot, humid or extremely cold place (like the trunk of a car) for an extended period of time. I don’t know if or how much that could affect the balls, but I do know that it would significantly affect my paddle. So therefore, i treat them the same and make sure to store them properly.
Cracked Core Pickleball Reviews
Reviewed on June 29, 2023
Have purchased Core pickleballs a few times in the past to support a small business and based on its claim that balls are high-quality and crack resistant.
I am disappointed that three balls in a row cracked open along the center molding line (shown in the picture) and all cracked in less than 1 hour playing at 60-75F degree temperature.
Reviewed on April 26, 2023
Cracked in half despite being brand new, fresh out of the bag during first 3 points of first game ever played with ball. Must drive out to send one ball back for an exchange, which is ludicrous. Thought that Core was the best, but apparently not.
