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Pressurized balls use internal air pressure to generate bounce and have the lively feel most players expect in a match. They perform best when fresh and gradually lose bounce after opening, typically staying playable for two to four weeks, depending on how often you play. Pressureless balls rely on their rubber core for bounce instead of air pressure, so they don't go flat over time. They feel firmer and slightly deader when new but stay consistent for months, making them the better choice for ball machines and high-volume practice.

Extra duty balls are the standard for hard courts. Their thicker felt holds up against the abrasive surface and maintains consistent bounce longer. Regular duty balls are the right call for clay and grass, where the softer felt suits the surface and allows clay pickup that affects spin and slide. Using extra duty balls on clay can lead to moisture absorption and an inconsistent, heavier feel.

Pressurized balls typically remain at their best for 2 to 4 weeks after opening, depending on play frequency. The drop-off is most noticeable in the first few days. Storing them in a pressurized tube or sealed container can extend that window. Most competitive players open a new can every one to three matches. Pressureless balls don't go flat in the same way and can hold consistent performance for several months.

Each Grand Slam uses a designated official ball that varies by tournament. The US Open uses Wilson, Wimbledon uses Slazenger, the Australian Open uses Dunlop, and Roland Garros uses Babolat. These are all pressurized balls, with felt specs suited to each tournament's court surface. The ball contracts at each event can change, so current designations are worth verifying if you're shopping for a specific match experience.

For recreational play, one to two cans per session is typical. Coaches, clubs, and players using ball machines generally buy by the case, which contains 24 cans and runs 15-25% cheaper per can than buying individually. If you're just trying a new ball type, a single can is a low-commitment way to test before buying in bulk.

The number printed on each ball (usually 1 through 4) is a set identifier, not a quality or spec indicator. It lets players on adjacent courts quickly tell whose ball is whose if one rolls over during a match. All balls in a given can carry the same number, and there's no performance difference between them.