How often do you replace tennis balls?

[TimeToPlaySets]

I recently used 1 day old balls with a new hitting partner. I figure they were used for 30 mins. of rallying and 2 sets. 2 hours total. The new partner felt they were dead. Do balls die THIS fast?

He says he basically uses new balls for every match. He will use yesterday's balls to warm up with, then open a new can for playing the sets. HE then repeats this upgrade cycle daily.

What do you do?

 

[mikeler]

If you use new balls every match, you can notice a difference.

 

[Vlad_C]

He says he basically uses new balls for every match. He will use yesterday's balls to warm up with, then open a new can for playing the sets. HE then repeats this upgrade cycle daily.

What do you do?

Same here.
Although I do not play matches daily, so I don't have to open a new can everyday. But when I play a match, yes, I use new balls.

 

[GlenK]

New balls every day I play, sometimes new ones on same day.

 

[Alchemy-Z]

Ball Machine gets pressureless balls and I pretty much hit the fuzz off of them before replacing.

as for regular balls depends on the match.
(if it's a fun social hit like mixed doubles with friends) = used balls

(if it's me just hitting a few serves by myself) = used balls

(if it's me and my regular hitting partner playing singles) we rotate who brings the new can each week

 

[ricki]

IDK, I only feel when they become super fuzzy and are so slow, I dont care if they bounce 50 cm or 52 cm because of smaller pressure inside

 

[West Coast Ace]

I figure they were used for 30 mins. of rallying and 2 sets. 2 hours total.

I with your opponent. Assuming you're not playing 3.0 pat-pat tennis they probably don't have much left in them. I wouldn't be very happy to start a match with them.

I do find it weird that he warms up with used balls then starts hitting brand new ones to start the match. I'd definitely choose to return serve against him!

 

[LeeD]

Longest lasting balls, not Wilson or Penns, might last 2 sets of doubles, including warmups. After that, even with weak hitting 3.5's, or maybe weak 4.0 level doubles, the ball loses it's fuzz and bounce, around the same time.
Hitting with super hard hitters, the fuzz can stay, but the bounce goes.
Hitting with weak flat hitters, the fuzz get's compacted, the bounce can stay for a little longer.
Hardly any ball can last nearly as long as DunlopHDHardCourtChamps.

 

[neverstopplaying]

Anyone keep balls longer when playing on clay?

On clay, we used a pressure container and use them 2-3 sessions. On hard courts, the felt wears off after one session.

 

[pepka]

I rather play with balls that are 5-6 hrs old, than with ones opened right before the match ;-)