I’ve been using the PRO S1… it doesn’t crack but it does warp during play (then returns to shape after sitting). ALSO… if you read the “crack” warranty, you must submit FOUR balls with cracks to qualify for the warranty claim and give them $6 to process the warranty claim. They are durable and play well before they warp… then when they warp the bounce off the serve is inconsistent - sometimes it pops up, other times it barely bounces.
It's very interesting to see people's different experiences using these balls. Some have had positive and some negative. Def share your experiences with these balls below! I've had a pretty positive experience with the Pro S1 and GB1 but after posting this video many of you have reached out and shared some negative stories. Curious to hear more 🙏
The GB1 is awesome! Two weeks ago playing in central Indiana outdoors, it was 42°. We started with Duras..cracked two within 2 games! Switched to the GB1 and played another couple hours with several 4.0 bangers, still round, great shape and no cracks!
Bought SL1. They surely don't crack. But out of the first 3 balls 1 warped just after 3 games. 1 warped after 5 games, the 3rd is 5 games in no warp yet. Will give the gearbox a try. I play in the scorching Miami heat ☀️
Not sure what to say here but the S1 warped all around in just 2 games for me and started bouncing weird. I will continue to play with it to see if it was just that one specific ball but for me out of all of them the GB1 truly keeps it’s shape in warm weather and plays great. I do love how much spin the S1 gets which is why I will continue to give it a chance.
Def report back! i have heard a few players say its been warping quickly but most of the people i've asked have said its withstood and lasted well. Although everyone's experiences may be different. I personally haven't had issues with it
I brought one with me to hot and humid Vietnam. At one point I thought it warped and was out of round because of the wobble spin. We finished the game, I checked it and it was OK. Maybe it does warp in the heat but it recovers to its original shape quick. @@PickleballWill
@@PickleballWill came back to say that yes they somehow round back up. I haven’t played in two weeks because of an injury but that was my last impression of the S1 Pro
I have been playing with the GB1s since release and absolutely love them. Very durable, bounces true and plays fast like a dura. I can't believe there aren't more people talking about it.
X40 may be king here in Australia too. Mainly because they sponsor the clubs here. But after an hours play….its marshmallow city. Can’t wait for titleist, callaway, spalding, slazenger or any ball manufacturers from other sports to jump on. Cost of manufacture in comparison to a golf ball would have to be substantially cheaper for a pickleball.
Played with them all. GB1 best all around hands down, but it’s nowhere as good durability wise compared to the Selkirk. I would say it puts the dura to shame though; will keep Selkirk for winter and gb1 for summer play
GB1 is no slouch in the cold weather while it’s new, but I did have the ball crack after 9-12 hours of hard use in sub 40 degree weather. For me it is still worth it if you want the best ball for playing
The pckl40 is whats used in alot of the southern united states amateur tourneys. PCKL sponsors the Southern pickleball association so a lot of tourneys are using that ball. Im not a fan of it. It goes out of round quick. Good video as usual man!!
@@user-zq1hh1mr9f same here they are too soft for me and have no pop. I recently discovered the PX40 from PX Sporting and will continue to use it. I would recommend it if you are a non-competitive player but if you like fast paced games then I would recommend it. I think their goal is to outperform the Duras.
I tried the Selkirk a few weeks ago, 85 degree weather. After 2 games I was able to deform it with my hand... Felt greasy, warped quickly, was not impressed. The Gearbox has been great. 1st ball has over 15 games and no issues!
We play(ed)with the Heleus, S1, Dura, GS 40 (Amazon), Vigel (Amazon), Velocity, Core, and Franklin. Rankings when taking everything into account: 1. GS40 - GoSport is the brand. Cheap, play fast, most durable ball we’ve played with. Couldn’t crack a single ball in 50-85 degree weather. Downside, takes many games to break-in. 2. Selkirk S1 - great ball just higher priced than the GS40 3. Heleus (exactly as Will described) and Vigel (another brand on Amazon that is inexpensive, breaks in quickly, plays fast and is decently durable) 4. Velocity (play ok, weird colors) and Dura (as durable as a hard-boiled egg, but fast) 5. Core (sample pack and didn’t like either outdoor balls) 6. Franklin Gonna try the GB1, Oso Fury and if they change to that Vulcan ball next year as well.
Will,the gamma photon, plays really well in the cold. I have played with the Gamma ball below 40 and it hasn’t cracked or played differently. I also love the diadem ball and haven’t had one of them crack yet. I definitely recommend then Gamma photon, the holes are a little bigger so you will hear the ball whistle sometimes but they are very durable.
I've been happy with the Core outdoor ball. Cracked my first one a few weeks ago when playing outside in the mid-30's. I just got the S1 and Heleus and I'm looking forward to putting them through the cold temperatures here in upstate NY.
As far as ball bounce being high (or low), isn't this also just a result of the spin being used? How sure can we be that a "high" bounce is because the ball wasn't performing correctly? I think an occasional high bounce is always going to happen and can't always be attributed to the ball itself but a combination of other factors--spin, speed, angle, etc.
I’m ready for the ADV bag video! I’ve been holding off on getting a new bag. I think with your influence this is going to be an epic bag. I’ve researched their tennis bags and they look incredible.
Thank you for your time and posting. Glad to see ball reviews. I've used the Selkirk ball and I really liked it, great pop, it seems to be a bit thicker, and it didn't break; Southern Oregon.
My ProS1's are on their way, one of these was being used in open play recently and I was a fan. I could tell it was harder and not the mush ball X40 and didn't look like an out of round SpongeBob SquareBall looking Dura! Played very well. Granted this was indoor so time will tell once they get some play outside, but first impressions are good.
I like the diadem best. The Selkirk does warp but some of that can be some spin as it will kick inconsistently. Gonna play more wihh th it and diadem this winter to tell for sure but first couple times Selkirk appeared to warp and then get back into shape which is crazy but interesting as didn’t crack. Diadem is faster.
I've tested quite a few of the newer competitor balls. You should really try these two: Takeya and Core Outdoor balls. Both play more like a Dura and feel harder when new. Both are very durable, resist cracking, and remain round for a long time. I have not tried the Pro S1 ball yet. Besides the Pro S1, these two are the best that I have tested so far. The PCKL ball is a little softer and is also a bit larger in diameter which slows down play a little bit. Those don't crack easiily but do get softer with some use. The Voler and Vega 40 balls appear 100% identical. They play well when brand new (firmer crisper feel), but can go out of round after a few hard games.
I play for long sessions and looking for some balls to buy. Think I'll go with the slk pro s1. I already got one of their medium priced paddles as my first paddle. Might as well get their balls too.
Not great in heat in my experience. Played a tourny in the summer and had to use 2-3 balls per game as they were so badly out of round. Indoors they are pretty decent.
Nice review Will. Can you do a review of the PICKL Elite 40 pickleballs? Its advertised as a ball that does crack & last 2-3 times longer than most pickleballs. Thanks
The Selkirk DID NOT last more than a few games in colder weather. 8 of us cracked 4 Of them in a matter of a few games. Franklins lasted a little longer. The Gearbox made it through and is still in my bag. the OSO, PCKLE and CORE are better in colder weather than the batch of Selkirks we got.
I’m going to say it. The S1 is the Gearbox of pickleballs. And not in a good way. They made a ball that doesn’t break, it just sucks to play with. The ball is hard as a rock and it feels jarring to hit. It’s the same thing with Gearbox paddles(at least the old ones), won’t ever break, jarring and unforgiving to play with. Duras play better than any ball on the market. Yes, they break, pull out another one. It’s the cost of playing with a ball that is actually enjoyable to play with.
Ask 20 players all have a different take on any ball. Players fool themselves into thinking a ball bounces “funny” when it’s hit a certain way not because of the ball itself. I’d rather have a ball that cracks after a certain amount of time because so many players will use the same worn out balls thinking they still play well. Every time I’m on a court playing somebody seems to think the ball is playing funny. I’ll stick with the Dura 40 until enough data shows really how these balls play.
That Selkirk ball is so frustrating to play with. The ball will randomly bounce in different directions that are inconsistent with the spin and pace put on the ball. You can even test it by bouncing it on the court surface and it will bounce in a random direction every few bounces. Never using it again! This was with multiple balls not just one.
Duras are garbage, they break, the points end earlier than if they used a different ball. Longer point = better entertainment. Would the PPA just trash the duras already
I’ve been using the PRO S1… it doesn’t crack but it does warp during play (then returns to shape after sitting). ALSO… if you read the “crack” warranty, you must submit FOUR balls with cracks to qualify for the warranty claim and give them $6 to process the warranty claim. They are durable and play well before they warp… then when they warp the bounce off the serve is inconsistent - sometimes it pops up, other times it barely bounces.
It's very interesting to see people's different experiences using these balls. Some have had positive and some negative. Def share your experiences with these balls below! I've had a pretty positive experience with the Pro S1 and GB1 but after posting this video many of you have reached out and shared some negative stories. Curious to hear more 🙏
The GB1 is awesome!
Two weeks ago playing in central Indiana outdoors, it was 42°. We started with Duras..cracked two within 2 games! Switched to the GB1 and played another couple hours with several 4.0 bangers, still round, great shape and no cracks!
Bought SL1. They surely don't crack. But out of the first 3 balls 1 warped just after 3 games. 1 warped after 5 games, the 3rd is 5 games in no warp yet. Will give the gearbox a try. I play in the scorching Miami heat ☀️
Will I love the S1. I played 15 games this weekend and it had me feeling like the Airbender!
Not sure what to say here but the S1 warped all around in just 2 games for me and started bouncing weird. I will continue to play with it to see if it was just that one specific ball but for me out of all of them the GB1 truly keeps it’s shape in warm weather and plays great. I do love how much spin the S1 gets which is why I will continue to give it a chance.
Def report back! i have heard a few players say its been warping quickly but most of the people i've asked have said its withstood and lasted well. Although everyone's experiences may be different. I personally haven't had issues with it
@@PickleballWill definitely will! All I want is for this to be the one true ball 😂
I brought one with me to hot and humid Vietnam. At one point I thought it warped and was out of round because of the wobble spin. We finished the game, I checked it and it was OK. Maybe it does warp in the heat but it recovers to its original shape quick. @@PickleballWill
@@PickleballWill came back to say that yes they somehow round back up. I haven’t played in two weeks because of an injury but that was my last impression of the S1 Pro
I have been playing with the GB1s since release and absolutely love them. Very durable, bounces true and plays fast like a dura. I can't believe there aren't more people talking about it.
I never see dura fasts at any courts I play at. X-40 is the king
That’s because the people you play with suck. X-40s are for casuals.
The x40’s has the best value at this point… the reason people use the duras is because they play in tournaments a lot that use them…
@@quidproquo9000 I use them because they play better. And they are much easier on the arm than Franklins.
X40 may be king here in Australia too. Mainly because they sponsor the clubs here. But after an hours play….its marshmallow city. Can’t wait for titleist, callaway, spalding, slazenger or any ball manufacturers from other sports to jump on. Cost of manufacture in comparison to a golf ball would have to be substantially cheaper for a pickleball.
Played with them all. GB1 best all around hands down, but it’s nowhere as good durability wise compared to the Selkirk. I would say it puts the dura to shame though; will keep Selkirk for winter and gb1 for summer play
GB1 is no slouch in the cold weather while it’s new, but I did have the ball crack after 9-12 hours of hard use in sub 40 degree weather. For me it is still worth it if you want the best ball for playing
The pckl40 is whats used in alot of the southern united states amateur tourneys. PCKL sponsors the Southern pickleball association so a lot of tourneys are using that ball. Im not a fan of it. It goes out of round quick.
Good video as usual man!!
The PCKL40 is a decent ball but I found they warp quickly even in lower temps (50's and 60's).
Same! I also think they feel “light” off the paddle, even tho I know they weigh the same.
@@user-zq1hh1mr9f same here they are too soft for me and have no pop. I recently discovered the PX40 from PX Sporting and will continue to use it. I would recommend it if you are a non-competitive player but if you like fast paced games then I would recommend it. I think their goal is to outperform the Duras.
I tried the Selkirk a few weeks ago, 85 degree weather. After 2 games I was able to deform it with my hand... Felt greasy, warped quickly, was not impressed. The Gearbox has been great. 1st ball has over 15 games and no issues!
We play(ed)with the Heleus, S1, Dura, GS 40 (Amazon), Vigel (Amazon), Velocity, Core, and Franklin.
Rankings when taking everything into account:
1. GS40 - GoSport is the brand. Cheap, play fast, most durable ball we’ve played with. Couldn’t crack a single ball in 50-85 degree weather. Downside, takes many games to break-in.
2. Selkirk S1 - great ball just higher priced than the GS40
3. Heleus (exactly as Will described) and Vigel (another brand on Amazon that is inexpensive, breaks in quickly, plays fast and is decently durable)
4. Velocity (play ok, weird colors) and Dura (as durable as a hard-boiled egg, but fast)
5. Core (sample pack and didn’t like either outdoor balls)
6. Franklin
Gonna try the GB1, Oso Fury and if they change to that Vulcan ball next year as well.
I like the ProS1. I played it the other night. It was 41 degrees outside and not a crack noted in 8-9 games. Def will be adding these to my bag
Will,the gamma photon, plays really well in the cold. I have played with the Gamma ball below 40 and it hasn’t cracked or played differently. I also love the diadem ball and haven’t had one of them crack yet. I definitely recommend then Gamma photon, the holes are a little bigger so you will hear the ball whistle sometimes but they are very durable.
I've been happy with the Core outdoor ball. Cracked my first one a few weeks ago when playing outside in the mid-30's. I just got the S1 and Heleus and I'm looking forward to putting them through the cold temperatures here in upstate NY.
The Core ball plays like a Durafast …
Bought a dozen S1s. First one lasted five points before it became misshaped. Will try it again tonight. Not overly optimistic.
As far as ball bounce being high (or low), isn't this also just a result of the spin being used? How sure can we be that a "high" bounce is because the ball wasn't performing correctly? I think an occasional high bounce is always going to happen and can't always be attributed to the ball itself but a combination of other factors--spin, speed, angle, etc.
I’m ready for the ADV bag video! I’ve been holding off on getting a new bag. I think with your influence this is going to be an epic bag. I’ve researched their tennis bags and they look incredible.
Thank you for your time and posting. Glad to see ball reviews. I've used the Selkirk ball and I really liked it, great pop, it seems to be a bit thicker, and it didn't break; Southern Oregon.
My ProS1's are on their way, one of these was being used in open play recently and I was a fan. I could tell it was harder and not the mush ball X40 and didn't look like an out of round SpongeBob SquareBall looking Dura! Played very well. Granted this was indoor so time will tell once they get some play outside, but first impressions are good.
I like the diadem best. The Selkirk does warp but some of that can be some spin as it will kick inconsistently. Gonna play more wihh th it and diadem this winter to tell for sure but first couple times Selkirk appeared to warp and then get back into shape which is crazy but interesting as didn’t crack. Diadem is faster.
Duras don't last 5-7 games. They don't even last 5-7 minutes before they get warped and start bouncing unpredictably.
I've tested quite a few of the newer competitor balls. You should really try these two: Takeya and Core Outdoor balls. Both play more like a Dura and feel harder when new. Both are very durable, resist cracking, and remain round for a long time. I have not tried the Pro S1 ball yet. Besides the Pro S1, these two are the best that I have tested so far. The PCKL ball is a little softer and is also a bit larger in diameter which slows down play a little bit. Those don't crack easiily but do get softer with some use. The Voler and Vega 40 balls appear 100% identical. They play well when brand new (firmer crisper feel), but can go out of round after a few hard games.
The Core plays better than the S1, but it’s softer than the Dura. The Core ball is closer to the SLk.
Played with the Selkirk ball this week, it got oblong after about 10 min, but didn’t crack
I play for long sessions and looking for some balls to buy. Think I'll go with the slk pro s1. I already got one of their medium priced paddles as my first paddle. Might as well get their balls too.
Have you tried the Crown Pickleball?
Any thoughts on the PCKL Elite 40?
I had the same question…. I love the PCKL elite 40. I bought 100
Not great in heat in my experience. Played a tourny in the summer and had to use 2-3 balls per game as they were so badly out of round. Indoors they are pretty decent.
Nice review Will. Can you do a review of the PICKL Elite 40 pickleballs? Its advertised as a ball that does crack & last 2-3 times longer than most pickleballs. Thanks
Hi Will. I forget to ask, will you do a review of the new six zero Ruby paddle? Thanks
Do outdooor balls have to have 40 holes? Maybe smaller holes would help with some of these ball issues.?? I ply the OSO Fury.
The Selkirk DID NOT last more than a few games in colder weather. 8 of us cracked 4 Of them in a matter of a few games. Franklins lasted a little longer. The Gearbox made it through and is still in my bag. the OSO, PCKLE and CORE are better in colder weather than the batch of Selkirks we got.
Curious to know if there is a counterfit market for PickleBalls. Are you always getting what you paid for?
I found the pros1 was on sale (not during cyber Monday) 18 dollars for a 12 pack, do you know why it was like that?
I’m going to say it. The S1 is the Gearbox of pickleballs. And not in a good way. They made a ball that doesn’t break, it just sucks to play with. The ball is hard as a rock and it feels jarring to hit. It’s the same thing with Gearbox paddles(at least the old ones), won’t ever break, jarring and unforgiving to play with. Duras play better than any ball on the market. Yes, they break, pull out another one. It’s the cost of playing with a ball that is actually enjoyable to play with.
Has anyone hit the Vulcan ball?
Ask 20 players all have a different take on any ball. Players fool themselves into thinking a ball bounces “funny” when it’s hit a certain way not because of the ball itself. I’d rather have a ball that cracks after a certain amount of time because so many players will use the same worn out balls thinking they still play well. Every time I’m on a court playing somebody seems to think the ball is playing funny. I’ll stick with the Dura 40 until enough data shows really how these balls play.
Will, you said you’re in Chicago on PBStudio…are you playing anywhere? Lookin to play?
I was but left already. Next time I’m in town I’ll let ppl know and also when it’s warmer haha
@@PickleballWillin the suburbs, but we have a good indoor club….next time.
What about PCKL Elite 40
Are better in colder weather
Have you heard about plans to make balls recyclable?
I think Revolin is working on some things with a recyclable ball but don’t expect anything to market soon
If one buys 100 pro s1 balls the prices is 2.50 per ball.
what happened to your eye
GB1..... Horrible! Cracks very easy in 55 degree weather😅. This is after used first time
That Selkirk ball is so frustrating to play with. The ball will randomly bounce in different directions that are inconsistent with the spin and pace put on the ball. You can even test it by bouncing it on the court surface and it will bounce in a random direction every few bounces. Never using it again! This was with multiple balls not just one.
It warps too much... having a ball be out of round from the box is not good either.
I played with the gb1 and it cracked in 3 games in around 45 degree weather 🥲
Duras are garbage, they break, the points end earlier than if they used a different ball. Longer point = better entertainment. Would the PPA just trash the duras already