Ice Hockey Puck vs. Pickleball
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Official ice hockey pucks are regulated by the National Hockey League (NHL Rule 13) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). A regulation puck is made of vulcanized rubber measuring exactly 3.0 in (7.62 cm) in diameter, 1.0 in (2.54 cm) in thickness, and weighing 5.5–6.0 oz (156–170 g). Game pucks are frozen for several hours prior to gameplay to eliminate surface bounce.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Diameter
|
7.62 cm (3.00 in ±0.03 in) | — |
|
Thickness
|
2.54 cm (1.00 in ±0.03 in) | — |
|
Mass / Weight
|
156.0–170.0 g (5.50–6.00 oz) | — |
|
Material Composition
|
Vulcanized Rubber and Carbon Black Compound Durometer ~90A | — |
|
Edge Pattern
|
Diamond Cross-Hatch Knurling Friction grip for hockey stick blades | — |
|
Pre-Game Temperature Protocol
|
-10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) frozen for minimum 4 hours | — |
|
Junior / Training Puck (Blue)
|
113.4 g (4.0 oz) 3-inch blue rubber for youth players | — |
|
Official Diameter
|
— | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
— | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
— | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
|
Total Hole Count
|
— | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
|
Construction
|
— | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |