What are the best squash balls on the market in 2023? In this guide I’m going to break that answer down by asking the question in a few different ways:
- What is the best-selling squash ball right now?
- What are the different types of squash balls on the market?
- What are the different squash ball brands?
- What are the ideal squash balls to use for different players and situations?
After reading this you’ll understand what the different colored squash ball dots mean, and know which balls to buy depending on your squash skill level and a few other factors.
There’s a lot of detail in the article below, but if you only have a few seconds to spare and want to know the #1 ball on the market, here you go:
Best-Selling Squash Ball
The Dunlop Pro Double Yellow Dot is the best-selling squash ball in the world. It’s used by professional players and is the official ball of US Squash and other squash governing bodies. It’s used in tournaments for both adults and juniors, and is the most popular ball for advanced club players.
![Dunlop Pro Double Yellow Dot Squash Ball [Single]](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-double-yellow-dot-squash-ball.jpg)
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Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): squashituk.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | racquetguys.com | squashgear.com
Search:Types of Squash Balls
Here are the main different types of squash balls. I’ll explain below what the colored dots mean.
- Double Yellow Dot
- Single Yellow Dot
- Red Dot
- Blue Dot
- Green Dot
- White Ball
- Doubles Hardball
- Singles Hardball
- Black Dot
- Kids’ Balls
Double Yellow Dot
The double yellow dot is the default option for squash players of a high standard. Double yellow dot balls are 40mm in diameter (the smallest size) and are the slowest ball option.
![Dunlop Pro Double Yellow Dot Squash Ball [Single]](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-double-yellow-dot-squash-ball.jpg)
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Buy (Australia): amazon.com.au
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquetguys.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): squashituk.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com | holabirdsports.com | racquetguys.com | squashgear.com
Search:You heard me right: the best squash players play with the slowest ball, not the fastest.
That’s because good players get the ball very warm when they play, and a warmer ball moves faster. The best squash players hit the ball harder than beginners, have longer rallies, and have less downtime between points. All these factors combined mean the ball heats up more during the course of a game, and stays consistently hot throughout play.
So again, that’s why the best players need the slowest ball. If they were to start with a very lively ball, then as it warmed up further it would start bouncing around uncontrollably, and the game would be less fun.
Let me emphasize this point one more time because it’s important: squash balls warm up as you play.
No matter how good a player you are, you need to warm up the ball for a few minutes before you play. Good players always warm up the ball first. This may be called the warm-up or knock-up depending on what region of the world you live in.
Single Yellow Dot
The single yellow dot is the same diameter as the double yellow dot (40mm) but is just a little bouncier.
![Dunlop Competition Single Yellow Dot](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Dunlop-Competition-Single-Yellow-Dot-1-Ball.jpg)
Image via controlthet.com
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Search:Red Dot
The red dot ball is even bouncier than the single yellow dot. It’s also slightly larger, at 42.5mm.
![Dunlop Progress Ball [1 Ball]](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-progress-ball-one.jpg)
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Search:Blue Dot
That’s right, folks: the blue dot is even bouncier than the red dot. The blue dot is the largest in the typical squash ball lineup, at 45mm.
![Dunlop Intro Ball](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-intro-ball.jpg)
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Search:Green Dot
Okay, remember when I said the double yellow dot was the slowest ball? Actually that’s not true, because the green dot is even slower. If you play squash at high altitude, the ball travels faster than normal due to the “thinner air” or lower air pressure that exists at higher altitudes, so you need an even slower ball.
The solution is a high-altitude ball, and these are marked with a green dot. You might find youself playing with a green dot if you live in Denver, Mexico City, Johannesburg, Ecuador, or any other beautiful elevated location.
![Dunlop Green Dot Squash Ball](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Dunlop-Green-Dot-Squash-Ball.jpg)
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Search:White Ball
The white squash ball is a special case. This is used on glass show courts. It’s 40mm, the same diameter as a standard double yellow dot squash ball.
![dunlop white squash ball amzn](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dunlop-white-squash-ball-amzn.jpg)
Image via amazon.com
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Search:Note that although the white ball has only a single yellow dot, it’s still meant to mimic the double yellow dot in terms of bounciness and playing characteristics. It’s not an exact science, because glass courts tend to be deader than conventional courts, but basically don’t worry that it only has one dot. It’s the only type of white ball that’s available, as far as I know.
The reason the ball is white is that glass courts actually have a colored tint to the walls so that players aren’t overly distracted by the goings-on outside the court. If the courts were totally clear glass, it would be too difficult for the players to focus on the action inside the court.
The purpose of the white ball, then, is to provide a good contrast against the tinted walls of the glass court. This helps the players see the ball, and also makes for a better TV broadcast experience.
![](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/White-Squash-Ball-on-Court-800x400.jpg)
Doubles Hardball
There’s a special form of squash called hardball doubles. This is played two-on-two on a larger court with a much harder ball.
Doubles is an incredibly fun sport and it’s popular in Philadelphia where I live, and in other places, but primarily in North America.
![](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/squash-doubles-juming.jpg)
This is the usual ball for hardball doubles, except if you’re playing in a high-altitude location such as Denver, you should check with your local courts first to see what they use.
![Dunlop Doubles Squash Ball](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-doubles-squash-ball.jpg)
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Search:Singles Hardball
Because America is so special, we invented our own version of squash with a narrower court and a harder ball. We named this sport…squash. Genius! People my age played this form of the game growing up, but in the 1990s America finally adoped the standard international version of the game.
I don’t know that there are too many old-school narrow courts left in the country but if you want to play the classic hardball game, use this ball:
![Dunlop Elite Singles Hardball](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/dunlop-elite-singles-hardball.jpg)
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Search:Black Dot
This is a hardball that’s been specifically designed for play on the standard wide court:
![Dunlop Hardball Black Dot](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Dunlop-Hardball-Black-Dot.png)
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Search:Kids’ Balls
There are a few different types of squash balls designed for children.
Dunlop have the Mini Squash line of balls in three colors. The green ones are 40mm in diameter, the same as a double yellow dot, but they are bouncier, and of course come in a fun color. Dunlop says these are for kids 11 and up.
![Dunlop Mini Squash Balls](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dunlop-Mini-Squash-Balls-Green.jpg)
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Search:The orange Mini Squash Balls are aimed at children 7-10 years old. They are 50mm in diameter.
![Dunlop Mini Squash Balls](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dunlop-Mini-Squash-Balls-Orange.jpg)
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Search:Finally the red Mini Squash balls are 60mm in diameter and meant for ages 5-7.
![Dunlop Mini Squash Balls](https://www.squashsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dunlop-Mini-Squash-Balls-Red.jpg)
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Search:Squash Ball Brands
Several companies make squash balls.
Here in the USA, and in many countries around the world, the #1 brand of squash balls is Dunlop. They are the official ball of US Squash and of the Professional Squash Association.
It kind of makes sense to me that Dunlop are the top dog: squash balls are made from rubber, and Dunlop has been making products from rubber since the 1800s, although they didn’t cement their status as the number one squash ball producer until after World War II. Dunlop remain the premier option in the squash ball market, and at least where I live, most people buy and use Dunlop.
That said, there are many other brands available. The World Squash Federation, the worldwide governing body for squash, recognizes several other brands besides Dunlop, including Eye, Head, Karakal, Opfeel, Tecnifibre, and Victor. There are even a few brands on that list I’ve never heard of, like Huashen, Mr Price, and Taiball.
In some countries, a non-Dunlop brand will be the top choice. For example I’ve heard in Germany, Victor balls are the default option.
Some Squash Source readers have a preference for non-Dunlop balls. From the comments I’ve read, other brands’ balls are sometimes seen as being a little bouncier, having a more consistent bounce from one ball to the next, and being more durable.
Personally, I have a hard time telling the difference between the different squash balls brands, so I usually buy Dunlop by default.
Bottom line, feel free to experiment with different brands. You can’t really go wrong, in my book.
Which Squash Ball Should You Use?
My overall advice in a nutshell is: don’t be afraid to experiment. Squash balls only cost a few dollars.
The important thing is to enjoy squash and get some exercise. If the ball is not bouncing much, the points are going to be over quickly, you won’t have as much fun, and you won’t get that great aerobic exercise that squash is known for. If this is happpening, try a bouncier ball.
That said, here are some recommendations for different players & situations.
Advanced Players
As mentioned above, most advanced players are going to use a double yellow dot. Those players have probably been playing for years and will already know the squash ball options available to them.
Good Players on a Cold Court
If you play on a cold court and you feel like the game isn’t as fun or as much exercise as you know it could be, give a single yellow dot a try. Regardless of your playing level, it can be difficult to get long points going on a cold court.
Beginner Adult Players
I would say it depends on how much racket-sport experience you have. If you’re a high-level player in some other racket sport, and you’re just picking up squash, you can probabably jump right in with a double yellow dot. If you’re having trouble keeping the ball warm while you work out the mechanics of squash, then worst case you can also buy yourself a single yellow dot to practice with until you get up to speed.
If you’re new to racket sports, I’d recommend starting with a single yellow dot. Once you’ve developed your power and tempo and ability to keep rallys going for multiple shots, then switch to a double yellow dot. On the other hand if the single yellow just isn’t bouncing enough, especially in those early days, try a blue dot.
Beginner Junior Players
I would follow the guidelines from Dunlop’s range of kids’ balls and get the Mini Squash red balls if your child is 5-7, or the orange balls if your child is 7-10. These are good options if your kid would likely get a kick out of the funky colors.
There’s a certain point at which your child won’t want to be seen using “kids balls”, but they may not be good enough to play with the advanced balls yet. In that case I would go with a red dot or blue dot, which at least outwardly look like “grownup” balls. You can gradually move them towards yellow dots as they progress.
Glass Court
If you’re playing on a glass court, you’ll want a white ball.
High Altitude Location
Check at the local courts if you aren’t sure, but most likely, advanced players will use a green dot. If you’re more of a beginner, then use the next-faster ball, which is the double yellow dot.
Hardballs
These are specialty options and you may want to check with your local courts. If you’re playing doubles, it’ll probably be the hardball doubles ball. If you’re playing hardball singles on a narrow court, you probably want the singles hardball. If you’re playing hardball on a (standard) wide court, you probably want the black dot.
More Squash Ball Questions
What is inside a squash ball?
Air! Here’s a good article on how squash balls are made. That article also has a good history of squash balls prior to Dunlop becoming the dominant brand.
When should you replace squash balls?
When you first take a squash ball out of the box, it will have a bit of grit on the outer surface, which will grip the walls, floor, and your squash strings. Basically this helps you put spin on the ball, which is part of what makes squash fun and interesting.
Over time, the grit will wear away, and the ball will appear smooth on the outside. If you keep playing with it, the ball will become almost shiny. Personally I like to use the ball until it’s smooth, but not yet shiny, before replacing it. I’d guess I can usually get four or five matches out of a ball before it’s time to replace it.
Russell Nicholls says
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Unless you are playing on really warm courts or playing at a really good level, ppl should use a bouncer ball! Most players can’t properly get a ball warm enough, and it is not as enjoyable, to say the least. Bouncy ball equals more fun.
Greg says
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The reason why most other balls feel the same, e.g. Victor, Eye, Black Knight etc. is because they are made in the same factory in Taiwan. They are OEM brands and they do not have their own research and development. They basically just buy what is available on the market and stamp a name on it.
Dunlop is having a unique mix of rubber, produced at their factory in the Philippines, so that will feel different to the other squash balls.
Gabriel Viégas says
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Does squash balls have expiration date? In my opinion when I buy some balls from someone who is no longer playing squash for a year, it seems that the balls stick very easily and bounce less than new ones.
Pierre says
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I never heard of an expiration date for squash balls!
hany says
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Dunlop dyd balls take time to warm up during winter. So if its winter and your court token allows you to play for 40 min only in London municipality squash courts for example, then go for dyd Wilson or tecnifibre balls. If court walls are covered with snow from the outside then there’s no way you can warm up the ball by hitting it into this frozen wall if i might say. So put the ball in hot water or bring a small flask full of hot water and dip the ball in for few seconds.
Kiwis and Aussies this might work for you nowadays.
az says
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Imo since aproxx. 1-1,5 years the dunlop yellow double does not bounce as they used to do in earlier years. In addition the durability is very poor currently. 2 hours playing hard and the ball is dead. Way better are Prince, Karakal, Oliver and Victor. And yes, in Germany Victor ist the official ball. It bounces better than Dunlop > more fun, especially at not so warm conditions.
Jan says
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I have recently switched to double yellows from Victor and am happy with the decision.
Beforehands I went through 12 piece boxes of Dunlops and felt they took temperatur badly and became dull quickly.
While with the Dunlops my mates and I more and more frequently had to sort out balls that had lost all their bounce, the Victors still play decently even when they have been tortured long enough to have lost all paint marking the two little dots.
So while the Victors are slightly more expensive than the Dunlops I feel they offer a better value in the long run.
Iqbal says
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Totally agree with Jan here. I recently bought a few Dunlop double yellow dots and they are dull as a tomato (not sure what the right proverb is 😉 ). Having never tried Victor, Karakal also is a much better option.
Dane says
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Same here, Dunlops feeling very flat and popping often. Have changed to Wilson, there balls seem softer when you hit them and sound better.
I saw a guy at my club who keeps a count of how many games he has played with each ball, I didn’t ask why, interesting..
Eddie says
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Hi Squash fans. According to this article below 90% of squash players should be using single yellow dot balls. I play at a good level in my county leagues and have always played with the double yellow dot.
http://squashmad.com/breaking-news/nick-taylor-choose-right-ball-help-players-learn-enjoy-game/
I have been playing recently with the single yellow dot and my team mates and I all agree that the single yellow dot definitely makes for a much more enjoyable game.
Try for yourself and see.
We are now hoping that our League administrators allow for the single yellow dot ball to be used as the standard ball in competition.
Pierre says
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I have a single dot in my bag and enjoy hitting with it, especially when I am doing reviews and want the ball to stay warm. Never though about using it to practice making the ball sit down.
Paul says
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The Dunlop white ball that is used on the dark glass courts is a single yellow dot ball. Does this mean the pros, when playing on SquashTV are playing with the slightly bouncier ball? If anyone has knowledge of this, I’d love to know.
Nick says
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The single dot white ball is more like the double dot black ball than the single dot black ball.
Check out these Reddit threads for information 🙂
https://www.reddit.com/r/squash/comments/6ji94q/the_white_ball_experiment/
https://www.reddit.com/r/squash/comments/6ftenk/the_truth_about_white_squash_balls/
Paul says
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Thanks, Nick! I’d seen the first thread, but not the second. So, buried deep in the middle, was a response from World Squash stating the white ball (with it’s single yellow dot) is equivalent to the double dot black Dunlop.
BTW, I’m in agreement that most club players would have a better experience using the single yellow dot ball. It’s a tough sell, though.
Andrew says
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Totally agree,we play with single yellow at our club in Victoria,Australia and single white sometimes in winter if court and air is very cool.
Double yellow I have always believed is a pro ball only.
The average club players will not be able to generate enough consistent power to get this ball into its operating range.
It’s just delusional for a club player to think otherwise.
Single yellow is all you need for an amazing game!
Manuel says
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Since July 1st 2014, the official tournament ball in germany and austria is the double yellow ball from victor. ( http://www.victor-international.com/index.php?page=product&id=48 )
Before that, the german association used the dunlop for 20 years. No clue why, but I don’t feel a lot of difference. Maybe the victor is a little bit more bouncy when played soft…
Brent says
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IMO, Head, Wilson, and Prince balls all bounce a bit more than the Dunlops. I feel like Black Knight are closer in play.
Carole Becker says
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I bought three packs of Dunlop double spot and single spot last autumn. Two of the single spots were less bouncy than a double spot normally is so no use at all on cold courts. One of the double spots wouldn’t bounce either. I have played for thirty years so I know what I am talking about. If this rubbish quality continues I think we will all be looking for other makes of ball. Balls bought from Sports Direct, don’t know if thats relevant
Rod Foster says
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i’ve not been happy w/ my dunlop double dots for a while…i keep buying them on amazon prime cause they’re 39.99 for 12 and that’s a steal.
i recently say that Eye is making a ball
i’m keeping my eye on them and will try them when i get them for a reasonable price…i think they’re something like 6 bucks but they’re over seas so the shipping is outrageous…like 26 bucks
here’s a link to the eye site:
http://www.eyerackets.co.uk/categories/balls
i’ve tried wilson squash balls…they’re decent enough
Chanyoung Kim says
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Recently I was notified that new version (so-called 2016-year version) of Dunlop ball was put on the market. (Actually I am not well-informed about the situation in other countries but here in Korea online retailers “claimed” so) Is there any difference between old and version? (I doubt that it is just repackaged and is the same as the old one.)