The tight specifications for tennis balls ensure that all sanctioned balls perform within a narrow range when brand new. Significant differences begin to emerge mostly as balls age, and some age much faster than others. The following are great choices for players who like to keep a can for longer than a week but aren't willing to accept the marginal performance of pressureless balls.
1) Dunlop Grand Prix Clay Court Tennis Balls
Dunlop Grand Prix Clay Court balls have just the right firmness to make them exceptionally pleasant to hit. The felt holds up surprisingly well on hard courts, and the Hard Court version of the same ball should hold up even better. The bounce lasts longer than any other pressurized balls except the Wilson Double Core and possibly the Gamma Championship.
2) Wilson Double Core Tennis Balls
Double Core balls have an extra inner seal that greatly slows air leakage and extends their playable bounce life. On hard courts, three sets per week for four weeks wears off most of the all-court felt , but the bounce remains quite lively. On clay, or with lighter use per week, these balls should justify their price by giving the longest useful lifetime of any pressurized ball.
3) Gamma Championship Tennis Balls
Gamma Championship balls offer the most bounce durability available at an average price point. On hard courts, the relatively quick wear of their felt limits their useful lifetime, but on clay, or with light use per week, they should easily give longer service than other similarly-priced balls.
