Author: Racquet Network Staff

Racquet Network staff are certified experts. Many are also certified coaches. Racquet Network Experts undergo extensive training and product knowledge testing in order to ensure that we have the most knowledgeable staff in the racquet sports industry.
Posted on by

Onix Pure 2 Outdoor Pickleball Balls – WTF?

Product Knock Out

It is apparent from talking to pickleball facility managers across Canada over the last few months that there is a lot of confusion about the new Fuse and the old Pure 2 balls made by Onix ™ Pickleball.

Everybody loves the old Pure 2 because it is durable. Everybody hates the new Fuse ball because it breaks too easily. What, people want to know, is going on with these balls?

Here are some answers …

Two years ago, the meddlesome USA Pickleball Association decided to start messing around with ball standards, just as they have been messing around with paddle standards for the past 20 years.

The end result of this process was the de-sanctioning of the highly popular and extremely durable Pure 2 pickleball ball. In other words, players could still play with it and clubs could still use it, but the Pure 2 could not be used in USAPA sanctioned events.

Of course, this put Onix in the uncomfortable position of having to create a new ball that met the USAPA’s new standards.

The end result of that process was two new balls. The Fuse Indoor ball and the Fuse Outdoor ball. Both launched in 2017 to much fanfare. The Fuse indoor ball was a hit, but the Fuse outdoor ball was a dud. It met the new standards, but it broke too soon and was quickly the least popular ball on the block.

No worries. Onix went back to the drawing board and quickly released a new version of the ball. This time it was called the Fuse G2 (meaning Generation Two) outdoor ball.

There is no question that the Fuse G2 was a better ball than the first Fuse. It broke less often and it still met the USAPA’s standards. So it checked two important boxes. Unfortunately, it was still not good enough for clubs that had come to love the durability of the Pure 2 ball.

So what was Onix to do? The answer was deceptively simple. Keep producing the Pure 2 and keep selling it to players and clubs who don’t care about USAPA standards.

The fact is, most clubs and most recreational pickleball players could care less about the USAPA or its meddling board members. They just want to play with a ball that lasts, and as long as the Pure 2 keeps doing exactly that, Onix will keep making it.

Posted on by

Pickleball Ball Warranties

DURAFAST YELLOW PICKLEBALL BALL

To the best of our knowledge, no manufacturer offers a warranty of any kind on pickleball balls. They will not replace cracked balls or broken balls regardless of how long they were used before they broke.

The same is true for our customers. We do not offer a warranty on pickleball balls. Nor do we offer a warranty on balls for any other sport.

Balls are made of nylon or polymer, not steel. So they can break. Some balls break the first time you use them. Some last for years. On average, a ball will last several weeks under normal usage.

We do not charge more for the balls that last for several years. We do not offer refunds on balls that last for a few minutes.

Posted on by

Choosing Pickleball Balls

JUGS INDOOR PICKLEBALL GREEN

Within drop-in pickleball groups, there are more arguments about balls than anything else in pickleball. Everybody, it seems, wants to play with the ball that gives them the greatest advantage.

Players who like to spin, want to play with Onix balls. Players who don’t want to receive balls with a lot of spin, want to play with Durafast. And players who have trouble seeing the ball, want to play with flourescent green Jugs balls.

Beyond that, we have observed another trend which is players who are accustomed to playing outdoors in the USA show a decided preference to playing with outdoor balls even when playing indoors. On the other side are players who only play indoors and play exclusively in Canada. These players tend to prefer indoor balls.

Here at Racquet Network, we don’t involve ourselves in the inter-player arguments. We carry everything.

However, for program directors who are caught in the middle and just want to come to a fair decision about the best ball for their group, we can offer the following advice.

Best Ball for Outdoor Use

If your group is playing outdoors, the best ball to choose is an outdoor ball. Outdoor pickleball balls have smaller holes and they are a bit heavier. This makes them better for days when there is a breeze, which is pretty much everyday outdoors.

Best Ball for Indoor Use

Indoor balls can’t really be used outside unless you are playing on a windless day. But there is no rule to say that outdoor balls can’t be used indoors. Many programs choose to use outdoor balls indoors.

Indoor balls are a bit lighter and travel a bit slower than outdoor balls. As a result, men and intermediate/advanced ladies tend to prefer to use outdoor balls. This is because a heavier, faster ball leads to a faster game that benefits better players, while a lighter, slower ball is best for beginners.

Best Ball for Beginners

When playing outdoors, the best ball will be an outdoor ball, regardless of the levels of the players. But when playing indoors, an indoor ball is best for beginners because it is lighter and slower than an outdoor ball. So if you have an indoor program and you want it to be beginner-friendly, choose an indoor ball.

Harder balls are also better for beginners because harder balls are harder to spin. Softer balls (like Onix) are preferred by intermediate to advanced players because they like to hit with spin. If, therefore, your intention is to choose a beginner friendly ball, your best choice will be a harder, indoor ball, such as Jugs or Durafast.

Best Ball for Intermediate/Advanced Players

There is no question that the majority of intermediate and advanced pickleball players prefer softer, faster balls. This allows them to better use their power and reflexes. It also allows them to use soft placement shots (call dinks) when they are up at the net.

More advanced pickleball players also tend to prefer a ball they can easily spin — something that most beginners loathe. The best ball for spin is a softer ball, such as the Onix Fuse G2. So if you are a program director who wants to build a program that favors more athletic players, choose a soft, outdoor ball even if your group is playing indoors.

In our experience with indoor pickleball groups here in Canada, the green Jugs polyball is the best overall compromise ball for most groups. Because it is liighter and slower, it favors beginners and newer players. Jugs are also softer than Durafast balls but harder than Onix, so it is still possible to spin them, although not as easily.

Posted on by

Reported Issues with Onix Fuse Pickleball Balls

ONIX FUSE G2 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL BALL

We have had several inquiries about Onix pickleball balls in the past few weeks. Rumor has it that Onix balls are breaking after only a few uses. What the rumors are not making clear, however, is WHICH Onix balls are breaking.

In response to those rumors and to general concerns from our customers, we did some investigating. This is what we have learned.

Several years ago Onix released a new called the Onix Pure 2 pickleball ball. The was an indoor version and an outdoor version. Both were available in two colours: orange and yellow. In less than a year, the Pure 2 became the most popular ball in pickleball.

To be clear, there were no problems that we are aware of regarding breakage with the Pure 2 pickleball balls. We sold thousands. We never had a single complaint.

ONIX FUSE G2 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL BALL
ONIX FUSE G2 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL BALL

All good things come to an end, however, and the Pure 2 has now been discontinued. At the time of writing this article, we still have nearly 2000 Pure 2 pickleball balls in stock, but they are not making anymore so these will soon be gone.

In 2018, Onix replaced the Pure 2 with a new ball called the Fuse pickleball ball. Like the previous ball, there was an indoor version and an outdoor version and both were available in orange and yellow.

The Fuse indoor pickleball ball was an immediate hit, says the manufacturer. The Fuse outdoor ball, however, was a disaster. Due to a quality control issue at the factory, the poly was brittle and the balls cracked too easily.

ONIX FUSE G2 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL BALL
ONIX FUSE G2 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL BALL

Shortly thereafter, Onix pulled all remaining stock and released a new outdoor ball with a new — slightly different — name. It was called the Fuse G2. G2, of course, means Generation Two. So, in other words, it was the second version of the Fuse outdoor pickleball ball.

As far as we know, there have been no problems with the Fuse G2 pickleball ball. This is also what the manufacturer is telling us: “To date, there are no know problems with the new Fuse G2 outdoor pickleball balls.”

If you have other information, please share it with us by sending an email to orders@racquetnetwork.com.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Where to Play Pickleball in Calgary

Competitive PickleballIt is important to understand the difference between recreation and competition.

RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL — All drop in pickleball programs in Calgary fall into the recreational category. Recreational pickleball occurs when a large group of players get together for a fixed amount of time. Doubles teams are made up on the fly from the pool of players present. Scores are kept during games but no record is kept once the games end.

COMPETITIVE PICKLEBALL is different. It features both scorekeeping and record keeping. Doubles teams are usually fixed and players stick together for multiple matches. Game scores and match results are recorded and become part of each participant’s history. Past results are then tabulated in order to determine each participant’s ranking compared to other participants.

The primary focus of this community is on creating a competitive structure for pickleball so that it can begin the process of transitioning from a recreation to a recognized sport.

FACILITIES FOR COMPETITIVE PICKLEBALL

In order to play pickleball competitively, players/teams must be able to book courts and play full matches. The facilities below offer players the opportunity to do this.

NAME TYPE ADDRESS REQUIRMENTS PHONE
Woodborough Park Outdoor 36 Woodborough Rd SW Members only 403-238-1611
Foothills Athletic Park Outdoor 2915 24 Ave NW Open to Public 403-268-3800
Oakridge Racquet Club Outdoor 9504 Oakfield Dr SW Members only 403-238-0007
West Hillhurst Health Club Outdoor 1940 6 Ave NW Members only 403-283-0464

Competitive players who want to see pickleball make a successful transition from a recreational activity to an official sport are strongly encouraged to support these facilities by purchasing memberships and engaging in meaningful competitive activities on a regular basis.

DROP-IN COMPETITIVE PICKLEBALL

Programs for Competitive Pickleball

Cedarbrae Community Centre – Phone number: 403-251-2101

This facility features a strong competitive pickleball program led by the coaches of the Calgary Pickelball Academy.

DROP-IN RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL

We are now starting a list of places with drop-in pickleball in Calgary. If you are aware of a drop-in program that should be added to the list below, please let us know and we will add it.

Southland Leisure Centre

Southland Leisure Centre is currently offering an all-levels-welcome pickleball program on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:00-11:00am. Racquet Network staff are attending this program on a regular basis. This is a no-strings-attached-program. Players do not have to join Track It Hub to play here. Admission is paid at the door. Up to eight courts are available, although four are set up on most days. The level on most days ranges from 1.0 to 3.5 with the majority of players being women.

Please do not call the store asking about these programs. We do not have information about rates or times. Please call these facilities directly.

Bowness Community Centre – Phone number: 403-288-8300

Pickleball court bookings are currently available by waitlist only using a form on their website. Immediate play opportunities at the Bowness Community Association are available through the third party organizations Calgary Pickleball and Pickleball Connect. Visit mybowness.com for more information.

Briar Hill/Hounsfield Heights Community Centre – Phone number: 403-282-6634

The Briar Hill/Hounsfeild Heights Community Centre offers weekly drop-ins open to all players. The centre has three hardwood courts. Drop-in typically attracts around 15 people. A Drop-in fee is required but discounts are available for seniors. Contact the community centre for dates/times. 403-282-6634.

Cedarbrae Community Centre – Phone number: 403-251-2101

The Cedarbrae Community Centre offers daily drop-ins for a variety of levels during the indoor season (September until May, depending on weather). A variety of drop-ins are available, including beginner drop-in, men’s and ladies only drop-in, and open drop-in. A drop-in fee is required, but discounts are available for monthly passes and Cedarbrae community members. Three indoor courts. Visit mycedarbrae.ca for more information.

Cranston Community Center – Phone number: 403-781-6614

The Cranston Community Centre offers weekly drop-in pickleball open to all. A drop-in fee is required. Anyone is welcome. Three courts. Multipurpose floors. Beginner to intermediate level. The pickleball program is run by the community centre staff. Workshops and clinics for beginners are also offered periodically. Contact the community centre staff for more info and for dates/times. 403-781-6614.

Haysboro Community Centre – Phone number: 403-253-1563

The Haysboro community centre has two outdoor hard court tennis courts with lines for pickleball. There are no drop-in times and players will have to arrange their own partners. The courts are reserved for Haysboro community members, but anyone can buy a Haysboro membership. Contact the community centre for more info. 403-253-1563.

Lake Mackenzie Community Centre – Phone number: 403-257-1823

The Lake Mackenzie Community Centre offers weekly drop-ins during the indoor season (approx. Sept-May) open to all. The community centre has 3 hardwood courts and one court is reserved during drop-ins for beginners. Loaner paddles and balls are provided for beginners but non-marking court shoes are required. A drop-in fee is required. Indoor drop-in is open to all. Lake Mackenzie also has 6 outdoor pickleball courts for use in the summer, but the outdoor courts are only available for lake members and guests. Contact the community centre for more info. 403-257-1823.

Mid-Sun Community Centre – Phone number: 403-254-8058

The Mid-Sun Community Centre offers drop-in pickleball on a weekly basis during the indoor season (September-June). The community centre has six courts. The baselines in the gym have very little separation from the walls, so it is a common practice at Mid-Sun for people to serve from inside the baseline. A drop-in fee is required. Clinics are also periodically offered for a fee. Both Lake Sundance and Lake Midnapore have outdoor pickleball courts, but the outdoor courts are for lake members and guests only.

Oakridge Community Centre – Phone number: 403-238-0007

The Oakridge Commuity Centre offers weekly drop-in pickleball during the outdoor season (May-September). The club has 14 hard court pickleball courts. A drop in fee is required, but discounts are available for Oakridge community members. The drop in players are mostly beginner to intermediate level, but there are a small number of competitive players. The Oakridge Community Centre also hosts the largest pickleball tournament of the year in Calgary, the Alberta Open, annually in mid-June. contact the community centre for dates/times. 403-238-0007.

West Hillhurst Health Club – Phone number: 403-283-0464

The West Hillhurst community centre offers a wide variety of pickleball drop-ins on a daily basis for players of all different levels. There are many drop-ins for beginners and intermediates throughout the week and at least one time slot reserved weekly for competitive players. The club also offers clinics and lessons periodically. The community centre has indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. A drop-in fee is required to use their courts, but monthly and yearly memberships are available for community association members at discounted rates. The weekly schedule is posted on the community association’s website: http://www.westhillhurst.com/pickleball. Contact the community centre for more info. 403-283-0464