As an avid pickleball player who loves everything about the sport, I was excited to try out Franklin Sports’ Glow in the Dark Outdoor Pickleballs. Now, why would anyone want to play pickleball after sunset? For me, it was all about extending practice sessions and enjoying the camaraderie with friends during those long summer nights. The promise of glowing pickleballs added a fun twist to the game, making it a novel experience to look forward to.
These balls are advertised as easy to use; all you need to do is charge them under indoor lights or sunlight for about 15 minutes, and you’re good to go! They are also designed to be regulation-sized (26g weight and 74mm diameter), making them suitable for authentic gameplay but primarily aimed at recreational play rather than competitive use. I found the build quality comparable to the official X-40 outdoor pickleballs, which I usually enjoy.
Now to the pros and cons based on my experience and hints from other players:
Pros:
- Fun Factor: The most significant advantage I found was the enjoyment of playing at night. The novelty of glowing balls adds a unique element to the game that brings people together, and it has been a talking point among friends.
- Playability: Despite the glow, these balls perform well on the court. They feel solid and durable, maintaining that familiar Franklin quality that I’ve come to expect.
Cons:
- Glow Duration: Here’s where the feedback from other players rings true. While some players, like Marc Pomerance, raved about the balls "really glowing," others, like Family and Joanne, pointed out that the glow isn’t as bright or long-lasting as expected. I too found that the glow diminished quickly, making it challenging to keep track of the balls in dim lighting.
- Lighting Requirements: Several reviews mentioned needing complete darkness for the balls to be effective. I encountered the same issue; they worked well only once all ambient light was removed. Playing on a lighted court made the glow somewhat ineffective and less impressive than I had hoped.
After a few night games, I noticed that while in absolute darkness, the balls did glow, they required meticulous charging beforehand for optimal visibility. A strategy one player shared involved using a flashlight to re-boost the glow just before play—a helpful tip I ended up trying myself. This made a noticeable difference in visibility and enhanced the fun.
In the end, the Franklin Sports Glow in the Dark Outdoor Pickleballs offer a mix of excitement and fun, perfect for those who enjoy casual, recreational play at night. However, you should be prepared to handle the balls in complete darkness and recharge them frequently. They certainly add a fun twist to your regular game, but don’t expect the same performance as traditional pickleballs in competitive settings.
Overall, I would rate these at around 4 stars. They’ve brought joy to my night games and created some memorable experiences on the court, despite their limitations. So, if you’re looking for something playful and light-hearted that can turn your evening pickleball sessions into a unique gathering with friends, I’d say grab a pack and give them a try! Just remember to charge them well in advance and find a nice dark space for your games.
