Golf vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Conforming golf balls are regulated by the USGA and The R&A under the Rules of Golf Appendix III. A conforming golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.680 in (42.67 mm), a maximum weight of 1.620 oz (45.93 g), spherical symmetry, and an initial velocity not exceeding 250 ft/s (76.2 m/s) at 75 °F under standard test conditions.
Tennis balls are regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) under Rule 3, with standard Type 2 pressurized balls having a diameter of 6.54–6.86 cm (2.57–2.70 in), weight of 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz), and a rebound of 135–147 cm (53–58 in) dropped from 2.54 m. Padel balls are governed by the FIP, sharing identical diameter (6.35–6.77 cm) but operating at lower internal pressure (11 psi / 4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) for a slightly slower rebound of 135–145 cm.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Diameter
|
42.67 mm (1.680 in) minimum size | — |
|
Maximum Mass / Weight
|
45.93 g (1.620 oz) maximum weight | — |
|
Maximum Initial Velocity
|
76.2 m/s (250 ft/s ±2% tolerance at 75 °F) | — |
|
Overall Distance Standard (ODS)
|
317.0 yards (max distance cap on mechanical launcher) | — |
|
Standard Dimple Count
|
300–450 Symmetrical circular dimples (avg. 336–392) | — |
|
Average Dimple Depth
|
0.25 mm (0.010 in) | — |
|
Standard Layer Construction
|
2-Piece, 3-Piece, 4-Piece, or 5-Piece Polybutadiene core with Urethane / Surlyn cover | — |
|
Standard Tennis Ball (Type 2)
|
— | 6.54–6.86 cm (2.575–2.700 in) diameter |
|
Tennis Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Tennis Rebound Height
|
— | 135–147 cm (53–58 in) when dropped from 254 cm onto concrete |
|
Standard Internal Pressure
|
— | 12.0 psi (0.83 bar / ~83 kPa pressurized gas) |
|
Padel Ball Diameter (FIP)
|
— | 6.35–6.77 cm (2.50–2.665 in) |
|
Padel Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Padel Rebound Height
|
— | 135–145 cm when dropped from 254 cm |
|
Padel Internal Pressure
|
— | 10.0–11.0 psi (4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) |
|
Covering Material
|
— | Two-Piece Dumbbell Wool/Nylon Meltons (Optic Yellow Felt) Vulcanized Rubber Core |