Racquetball Colors & Ball Types Explained

Over the years we’ve had many racquetball players ask us, “Why do racquetballs come in different colors?” Contrary to what you might think, racquetballs do not come in different colors for aesthetic preferences but rather to represent performance or use case differences. Different colored racquetballs can have different weights and will indicate how bouncy a ball is or how fast it will bounce off of court surfaces.

This makes choosing the right color or type of racquetball an important decision since it can affect player performance, the speed of the game, and enjoyment on the court. In this article, we will explain what the different colors and types of racquetballs are to help you choose the right ball for your skill level and playing environment!

Before we explain the different racquetball colors and how they perform differently, we should make it clear that not all brand racquetballs are the same. For the most part, racquetballs from trusted brands such as Penn, Ektelon, ProKennex or GearBox, for example, should perform according to the industry standards that we’ll review.

Here’s the overview of racquetball colors and how these types of racquetballs can perform differently:

Blue Racquetballs

Best Use: Indoor, practice, used in amateur tournaments and leagues

Key Features: Durable, slower speed is great for longer rallies, great value

Blue racquetballs are classic to the game, they are the balls most used by beginners, amateur tournaments, and are what you will typically see as available to borrow or rent at racquetball facilities. Blue racquetballs are faster than black racquetballs and are ideal for beginner - intermediate players who are looking to improve their skills. They have a medium bounce and are perfect for practicing shots and developing game strategies. If you are just starting to play racquetball or want to introduce friends to the game, this is a great ball to go with!

Black Racquetballs

Best Use: Indoor, practice, beginner and senior-friendly

Key Features: Durable, slow speed is great for longer rallies

Black racquetballs are the slowest of all the colors, making them great for players who want longer rallies. They are good for beginners who find themselves needing a little more response time to return the ball or for those who want a ball that is easy to control. They are also popular with older or senior players since they help slow the game down. Black racquetballs are also considered one of the most durable ball types available, making them a long-lasting, slow ball.

Purple Racquetballs

Best Use: Indoor, IRT/US Open official Ball

Key Features: Fast, consistent feel, great for power players

Purple racquetballs are considered the fastest available for indoor use and are used in most professional tournaments, including the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). They are generally softer than other colored balls which makes them not as durable as other colors. Although they are used by professional racquetball players, they are also great for players with arm or shoulder issues thanks to them being one of the lightest balls. Don’t be scared to test out purple balls if you’re not a professional, these speed balls are fun but be sure to keep in mind that they’ll wear out or break quicker than most other colored racquetballs.

Green Racquetballs

Best Use: Indoor, tournaments

Key Features: Fast, consistent feel, great for power players, great visibility indoor

Green racquetballs are faster than blue racquetballs but are slower than purple racquetballs. Green racquetballs tend to offer a little more durability than purple racquetballs and are not too much slower when it comes to speed and bounciness, so these are a great option for those looking for a fast ball with more longevity. The extra durability and visibility that these balls offer make them popular with outdoor players. Pickup a green racquetball and expect intense rallies and quick games!

Red Racquetballs

Best Use: Outdoor, outdoor tournaments

Key Features: Extremely fast, durable, consistent, not the best visibility indoors

Red racquetballs are the fastest of all colors but are intended for outdoor use. The red color offers high visibility outdoors and these balls are considered to be one of the most durable available. They can be used indoors as well but it should be noted that they can be difficult to see since red tends to blur more in traditional indoor courts with white walls and red court floor lines. They are designed for professional players and tournaments and have a small diameter, so beginners should use caution if they decide to play with these balls.

Multi-Color Racquetballs

Best Use: Indoor or outdoor, practice

Key Features: Fast, durable, visualizing ball spin

Mutli color racquetballs typically offer the best visibility indoors and outdoors. One of the more unique parts about this type of racquetball is that you can easily see ball spin unlike other single-colored balls. Manufacturers will combine racquetball colors, giving them more durability and usually speed to be used indoors or outdoors. The most common multicolor racquetballs combine blue and red balls but you will also see other variations such as black and orange. Overall, multicolor racquetballs are a good choice for players who may play indoors and outdoors or who want a more balanced ball without sacrificing speed.

This wraps up the standard racquetball colors that you will see from trusted manufacturers. If you search for colors not listed here or are interested in more unique ball designs, keep in mind that their quality and performance will not likely match what has been established with the majority of trusted racquetball brands.

Now that we understand how all of the different color racquetballs perform, you may be wondering, “Which racquetball color is best for me?”.

Choosing the right racquetball color depends on your skill level and playing environment. If you're a beginner or an intermediate player, a standard or slower racquetball (Blue or black) is a good choice. If you're an advanced player looking to improve your game, a fast racquetball (Green, Purple, or Red) is the way to go. If you prefer to play outside, an outdoor racquetball (Red, green, or multicolored) is the best option.

However, when it comes to racquetball color selection, it's mostly a matter of personal preference. As you improve your skills, we encourage you to experiment with different colored racquetballs. Swapping out racquetball colors is a fun way to mix up the game, practice certain techniques, and will help you get a better feel for your playing style and how it is affected by different conditions.

Choosing the right racquetball ball is crucial to your game. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, there's a ball out there that's perfect for you. Remember to consider your skill level, playing environment, and personal preferences when choosing a racquetball ball. By experimenting with different racquetball colors and types, you'll be able to improve your game and have a lot more fun on the court!

Can I use any color or type of racquetball on an outdoor court?

While you can use any color or type of racquetball outdoors, it is not recommended since certain racquetballs will not last long on outdoor surfaces and offer less visibility, which will affect your performance. Outdoor racquetballs are specifically designed for playing on outdoor court surfaces and are made of a more durable rubber than standard racquetballs to help increase ball longevity. They are also made with high visibility colors such as red or are multicolored since playing in the sun or other conditions can make it hard to track the ball in air.

What color racquetball should I use if I'm a beginner?

If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with the standard blue racquetball or an even slower ball such as a black racquetball. These balls are not as fast as professional type racquetballs such as purple or red, making them easier to control. Slower racquetballs will give you more time to return the ball, which will give you more time to practice the techniques of the game.

Are red racquetballs dangerous to use?

Red racquetballs are not necessarily dangerous to use, but they are designed for professional players and tournaments and have a small diameter and high speed. They are not recommended for beginner or intermediate players, as they can be difficult to control and do not offer the best visibility indoors.

How much do racquetballs cost?

Racquetballs are very affordable and typically come in packs of 3, 12, 24, or even 72! Different brands and different quantities can vary widely in pricing, but for a standard 3-pack of balls, you should expect to spend between $4 for standard balls and up to $9 for professional or high-end balls. Like most sporting goods, the more you buy in bulk, typically the more you will save per ball.