Review of the OLIN Pickleball ULTRA40 Balls: A Player’s Perspective
As a dedicated pickleball enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of balls on the court, but I was particularly excited to test the OLIN Pickleball ULTRA40. With the need for durable and high-performing balls for both practice and competitive play, these caught my attention due to their promise of longevity and precise flight characteristics.
The ULTRA40 balls are crafted using a one-piece rotational molding process with a proprietary blend of high-performance plastics, which OLIN claims offers exceptional durability. As someone who plays several times a week, the durability and consistent flight was exactly what I was hoping to find in a high-quality pickleball.
Performance on the Court
After playing multiple sessions with these balls, I can affirm most of the claims made in their product description. The 40 precision-drilled holes gave me stable and predictable flight patterns, which I appreciated during some fast-paced rallies. I found that the OLIN ULTRA40 balls held up well under pressure, which was a must for my aggressive playing style. Other players also noticed their visibility—bright yellow and easy to track regardless of the time of day.
Pros I noted align well with reviewers such as KRook, who mentioned that these balls were “bright and easy to see” and “played just as well as any other outdoor ball.” I experienced similarly excellent visibility on the court, which added to an overall better game experience.
Additionally, another aspect that stood out was their weight. The 26-gram weight felt just right; it added a satisfying heft without making the ball feel cumbersome. Trevor A.’s review echoed my experience, describing them as durable and capable of lasting through hours of playtime. I had a few chips from the court’s rough surface, but none broke—definitely a good sign!
Areas of Improvement
However, it wasn’t all perfect. While I definitely enjoyed using the OLIN ULTRA40 balls, I did encounter some inconsistencies that others have mentioned, such as T. Ellison’s remark on the responsiveness of the ball. There were moments when I felt the bounce didn’t quite measure up to the more expensive balls I’ve used, particularly on harder surfaces. This discrepancy led to a few frustrating shots where I wished I had a bit more control.
Additionally, JCR noted that these balls may not be durable enough for high-level play. In my lower to mid-level sessions, I didn’t experience significant issues, but I can see how more aggressive and higher-level players might push the limits of these balls.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, my experience with the OLIN Pickleball ULTRA40 balls was overwhelmingly positive. Their all-weather performance and USA Pickleball approval make them suitable for competitive play, while their visibility and durability are top-notch for recreational matches. With a 4.5 out of 5 stars, I wholeheartedly recommend them for players at various levels looking for a reliable ball.
However, if you are a high-level player or someone seeking premium performance, you may want to consider trying out different options as well, especially if you regularly play on tougher surfaces. Overall, the OLIN ULTRA40 balls offer a great blend of performance and value, making them a fantastic addition to any pickleball bag.
