Choosing the right squash ball matters: it changes rally length, shot feel and how quickly you improve. Our recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing on different court temperatures and surfaces, and a review of expert and consumer feedback to identify balls that suit beginners, club players and tournament competitors.
Considerations and How We Tested
What we looked for
- Playability: consistent bounce and feel across rallies and temperature ranges.
- Durability: resistance to cracking and deformation after repeated play.
- Level suitability: dot designation (blue/red/yellow/single/double) to match player ability and court conditions.
- Value: price per ball and available pack sizes for clubs vs casual players.
- Reputation and tech: manufacturer materials and construction (e.g., N-1SR molecular tech used by some brands).
Testing process
- We conducted on-court sessions at typical indoor temperatures and colder conditions to see how each ball behaved in real-world play.
- We ran extended-hit durability checks and compared bounce height, hang time and consistency across multiple balls of the same model.
- We reviewed expert commentary from coaches and tournament players and aggregated consumer reviews to cross-check reliability and common issues.
How these factors influenced rankings
- Real-world usage (how the ball feels during rallies) was weighted most heavily, followed by durability and level suitability. Cost and pack-size influenced the value ranking. Brand-tested technology and official sanctioning (WSF/PSA) elevated balls for premium and competition categories.
Prime Double Yellow
HEAD Prime double yellow dot balls deliver consistent bounce and durability at a very affordable price. They suit advanced players practicing tournament-level skills and hold up well during extended rallies, making them an excellent budget-friendly option.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
HEAD Prime Double Yellow Dot (3-ball tube) is a surprise value: a reputable brand ball that performs reliably without the premium price. In play it offers consistent bounce and a predictable feel, suitable for experienced players wanting a low-cost practice option. Construction is durable rubber, and players reported steady performance across multiple sessions. If you want tournament-level behavior without paying more, this is the most economical way to get there.
Dunlop Sports Pro XX
Officially used in top international competitions, this Dunlop Pro XX tube of three provides exceptional feel, durability and the predictability elite players demand. Its engineered polymer construction gives a refined touch and stable bounce during competitive play.
Why this is the Premium Choice
Dunlop Sports Pro XX (V22) is the ball of choice for many pros and is sanctioned by the world governing bodies. Its performance elastic hydrocarbon polymer construction gives excellent durability and a refined feel during match play. Expect low, controlled bounce and precise shot feedback—ideal for tournament players and serious club competitors. The vacuum-sealed tube preserves freshness, and the three-ball pack is convenient for regular sessions.
Pro XX 12-Pack
A box of 12 Dunlop Pro XX balls is an outstanding choice for clubs and heavy players — you get official, competition-grade balls at a lower per-ball cost, with the same performance and durability as individual pro tubes.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
If you run a club, coach juniors, or simply play a lot, the Dunlop Pro XX box of 12 delivers unbeatable value. These are the same official-grade balls used in international play, so you get consistent feel and long life across a larger quantity. The price-per-ball makes stocking the court easy and reduces the hassle of frequent reorders—ideal for teams, clubs, and committed players.
DUNLOP PRO Tube
Dunlop PRO double yellow dot tube of three uses N-1SR molecular technology for consistent bounce and minimal variance between balls. It’s engineered for advanced players seeking tournament-standard play and superior shot control.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
Dunlop PRO (tube of 3) combines the brand’s N-1SR molecular construction with tournament-grade performance, giving the most consistent feel across rallies. Advanced and competitive club players will appreciate the low, controlled bounce and reliable hang time that supports precise shot-making. We found these balls to be the most consistent across test sessions and recommended by coaches—making them our Editors' pick for most players who want pro-level performance.
Comparison Overview
Quick differences at a glance:
- HEAD Prime Double Yellow (Best Budget Pick) — Best low-cost option for advanced practice; consistent bounce for the price (11.95/tube).
- Dunlop Sports Pro XX (Premium Choice) — Official competition ball with refined feel and durability; ideal for elite players (14.99/tube).
- Dunlop Pro XX 12-Pack (Best Value for Money) — Bulk purchase for clubs and heavy players; same pro performance at a lower per-ball price (49.93/box).
- Dunlop PRO Tube (Editors Choice) — Most consistent across tests thanks to advanced construction; top recommendation for most serious players (15.27/tube).
Best overall: Dunlop PRO Tube — it delivered the most consistent performance across different temperatures and play styles during our testing.
Best alternative for budget-conscious players: HEAD Prime Double Yellow — solid tournament-style play at a lower price.
Best for clubs and coaches: Dunlop 12-Pack — lower per-ball cost and consistent competition-grade behavior.
Final Recommendation
After extensive on-court testing, expert input and consumer feedback, our top pick for most squash players is the Dunlop PRO (tube of 3) for its consistent bounce, construction technology and tournament-grade reliability. If you need to save money, the HEAD Prime is the best budget choice — high performance at a lower price. For clubs, coaches or heavy players, the Dunlop 12-pack is the smartest value buy.
Choosing the right ball depends on your level and environment: beginners or casual players should start with higher-bounce (colored dot) balls for easier rallies; intermediate and advanced players should match dot designation to court temperature (single/double yellow for colder courts). Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing, technical features, and broad user feedback to give you practical, trustworthy guidance for every scenario.