Injection Molded vs Rotational Molded Pickleballs: Pros, Cons and How Cannonballz Are Made

Pickleballs look simple: a plastic ball with holes. How a ball is made affects how it plays, and that is worth knowing before you buy a pack.

Pickleballs are generally made in one of two ways: injection molding or rotational molding (PlasticsToday). Our Cannonballz range uses both, one method for indoor balls and one for outdoor balls.

How Cannonballz are made

What is injection molding?

In injection molding, plastic is melted and forced into a mold under pressure. For a two-piece ball, the two halves are formed and then joined, which leaves a seam where they meet (PlasticsToday).

Pros - Efficient for making large numbers of balls (PlasticsToday). - USA Pickleball's Riley Burgess told PlasticsToday that injection molded balls "usually are more durable and slightly slower, which is better for beginner players."

Cons - The ball has a joined seam, so the wall is not one continuous piece. - Generally slower, which some advanced players may not want.

Cannonballz 26 Hole Indoor pickleballs use two-piece injection molded construction with a 26-hole indoor design.

What is rotational molding?

In rotational molding, plastic is put into a two-part mold that is rotated until the plastic sets, which gives a single-piece ball. Pickleball Science explains that the faint line you may see around a rotation molded ball is a mark from where the mold opens, not a joint between two halves. The holes are drilled afterward (PlasticsToday).

Pros - Single-piece, seamless shell. - Burgess told PlasticsToday that rotational molded balls generally produce "a faster ball, which is preferred by more advanced players."

Cons - A more complex process, and the cost is usually higher (PlasticsToday). - A faster ball can be less forgiving for new players.

Cannonballz 40 Hole Outdoor pickleballs are produced using rotation molding with a single-piece seamless construction and 40 precision holes.

Does the method decide durability?

Not on its own. Sources do not agree on which method lasts longer, and durability also depends on the plastic, the wall, the holes and where you play. Treat the method as one clue, not the whole story, and choose a ball made for your court.

Which should you choose?

• Playing indoors on a gym floor? Choose Cannonballz 26 Hole Indoor balls. Bulk options include the 50-pack and 100-pack.
• Playing outdoors on hard courts? Choose Cannonballz 40 Hole Outdoor balls, also in a 6-pack pouch for your bag or a 300-pack for clubs.
• Play both? Keep a pack of each. Our indoor vs outdoor pickleballs guide explains the differences in more detail.

Pair your balls with a paddle that suits your game. See the Mademoiselle, Monsieur, Movemint I and Movemint II, or read our guide to paddle cores.

Key takeaways

• Pickleballs are generally injection molded or rotational molded.
• Cannonballz Indoor balls are two-piece injection molded. Cannonballz Outdoor balls are single-piece rotation molded.
• Injection molded balls are often described as slightly slower. Rotational molded balls are often described as faster.
• Pick the ball made for your court first.