Pick up a new tennis ball and an old one side by side. Can you feel the difference? You should — and it's more than just the color.
Bounce Test Drop a new ball from waist height. It should bounce back up to about 55% of the original height. An old, dead ball might only bounce 30% — barely enough to play with.
Feel and Sound New balls feel lively and make a sharp "thwack" when you hit them. Old balls feel heavy and muffled. The difference in spin is noticeable too — fresh balls grip the racket strings better.
How to Tell When Balls Are Dead
- They bounce less than half of a new ball
- The felt is worn thin or fuzzy
- They feel heavier in your hand
- Your shots feel slower and less controlled
Can You Restore Old Balls? Yes! Instead of throwing them away, you can re-pressurize them. A ball pressuriser adds air back inside, restoring bounce and performance. One device can extend the life of hundreds of balls — saving you money and reducing waste.