USAPA Regulation Pickleball Balls

Despite being a relatively new product to the market, the GoSports GS40 may well be the “best bang for your buck” pickleball for competitive recreational play. During Prime Day this year, I found the GS40 multipack being offered for a mere $1/ball. With few reviews to attest to the ball’s quality, you can guess why I was wary: There are way too many poorly manufactured pickleball products being sold at deep discount these days at the expense of quality. However, after confirming that the ball is indeed USAPA approved (PRO-TIP: Always confirm a product’s USAPA approval on the official website), there were two things that convinced me to give this product a try: (1) GoSports’ other products on Amazon are well-reviewed – Take a look at GoSports’ store page, and you’ll see that they are an established Amazon vendor that sells a wide variety of sports gear, ranging from backyard games to competition sports training equipment. What’s more, GoSports’ products come highly rated, many with thousands of reviews averaging above 4.6 stars. This gave me confidence that GoSports is interested in producing quality equipment. (2) GoSports’ promotional video shows people ACTUALLY playing pickleball – Many pickleball products on Amazon feature photoshopped tennis pros and/or videos of people “playing” pickleball in ways that don’t actually look like the sport. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the GS40 promo video featured REAL people playing a REAL game of pickleball with GoSports’ products (ball and paddles). This impressed me and made me confident that GoSports actually understands the sport and the products that go into it. So, how did the GS40 balls perform? I decided to solicit multiple opinions. I organize a recreational pickleball group of young adults, all who play at the sub-3.5 level (novice to intermediate). My group usually plays with the Franklin X-40s (our primary ball), so I enlisted my members to do a head-to-head comparison between the GS40 and the X-40. The test: Have 12 people each play at least 2 games with a brand new X-40 and 2 games with a brand new GS40 (in partly cloudy weather, 85-90 F temperatures, before and just after dusk, at lit courts). The results: 6 of the 12 -- particularly those who play a harder and faster game –- strongly preferred the GS40s. Initial reactions were that the ball felt "more solid" than the X-40s, with a more consistent bounce, better responsiveness off the paddle, and less dissipation of energy after the hit (more pop). Given the greater responsiveness, power had to be more intentionally exerted or withheld to make effective plays. People also noted that the GS40s tended to "sail" less than the X-40s, allowing for faster drops when the ball was hit with topspin (especially when aimed at the back line). Other observations: The ball appeared more vibrant and "shiny" than the X-40s (easier to see), no bubbles in the ball resin (a quality control problem present in other pickleball brands), and no color staining from the balls on darker paddles (another problem found in other brands). Only 2 of the 12 preferred the X-40s (the remaining 4 didn't have a preference), who felt they were easier to control for novice players. However, the more hard-hitting players insisted that the GS40s were easier to control for more advanced, strategic plays (spins, serves, and smashes). In all, the GS40 balls are an incredible value for the price, and I'm happy to have them on hand for recreational play. I'm curious to test their durability over time vs. the X-40s, and to also compare them to a Dura Fast 40 (the most prolific tournament ball), if I get the chance.

The GoSports GS 40 Pickleball Balls are designed for durability and performance, making them a great choice for both recreational and competitive play. Available in packs of 4, 12, or 36, these balls are made with a tough construction that can withstand heavy use on various court surfaces. They offer excellent bounce and flight stability, ensuring a consistent playing experience. Ideal for players of all skill levels, these pickleball balls are perfect for practice sessions or matches, adding to your game’s enjoyment!

I enjoy using these for the price and for their usage in the game. Gives a good pop and paddle feel when you contact the ball. There are many other brands of pickleballs, but so far I have enjoyed using them. Also, no complaints from other players when we play with them outdoors.

I initially purchased a 12pk container of the balls to try them out. They were great, very bright, they play very similar to a Dura, last for a very long time, and cost a fraction of the price. This positive experience inspired me to order a 36pk of the balls. After receiving them and playing a game with a random ball from the ground pack, I experienced/noticed an awkward wobble from the ball. Upon further inspection, I noticed the seam (used to mold the ball together) on this particular ball was very thick and noticeable to the touch (see pictures), causing it to awkwardly perform. I then inspected all 36 of the balls I received for roundness. Of the 36, I would say 70% of them were perfectly round (seem was smooth to the touch, rolled/spun perfectly), 20% were near perfect, and the last 10% had a prominent seam which caused them to behave awkwardly during play. When buying the 36pk, I received a case with three 12pks within it. The irregular balls were found randomly throughout the three 12pks. In the future, I will likely order them one 12pk at a time and inspect them upon delivery. Overall, a great product if you get a good batch. I received multiple compliments on the hardness of the ball, high visibility, and durability. I will cautiously purchase again.

These work perfectly. I use them constantly and have not had any cracks or deformities. after weeks of play they still bounce perfectly. they are very reasonably priced.

So far so good

These are great!! I would say they play quicker then the X40’s and not as quick as Durafast balls. They have great bounce, hold color well and after an entire days playing kept its shape and durability. They feel lighter than X40’s and are on the lower spectrum of the approved size at 9.1” but play great and I would recommend them for anyone looking for a good quick ball.

I bought a 12 pack and they arrived without any markings (GS 40) on the balls. In addition some of the balls bounce in a strange manner because of surface imperfections. These balls were less expensive but you would have thought the manufacturer would exercise a minimum level of quality control.

Good pickle balls

Like

Excelente calidad

Good balls

Muito bom, boa qualidade. Aprovado!