This article details a head-to-head comparison between two Penn tennis balls: the Penn Championship and the Pro Penn Marathon. The unexpected shortage of the author's preferred Wilson US Open balls led to a compelling impromptu test, driven by necessity and a touch of curiosity. This real-world comparison avoids the sterility of laboratory testing, instead focusing on practical on-court performance under typical playing conditions. The experiment involved a blind test, allowing for unbiased assessment of the balls' characteristics.The comparison focuses on the balls' performance over time, examining differences in bounce, energy retention, and overall feel during a match. Both the author and his tennis partner, Coach Rob, participated in the blind test, providing multiple perspectives on the subtle nuances between these two seemingly similar options. The results highlight key differences that emerged as the match progressed, ultimately leading to a clear conclusion about which ball offers superior consistency and longevity for serious players.
Pros And Cons
- Great when it's cold, more rubber
- Good balance
- Tons of air, ball shoots off the racket
- Good for shorter rallies (two shots or less)
- Feels similar to other balls, especially in the first 15 minutes of play
- Feels like it dies a bit after 15 minutes, doesn't come back to the receiver as well as Pro Penn Marathon
- Comes towards the receiver more easily
- Feels a little heavier and more solid
- Feels slightly better than the Costco Pro Penn balls
Read more: Top 5 Dunlop Tennis Balls: A Buyer's Guide
The Unexpected Ball Shortage
A recent tennis session took an unexpected turn when a ball shortage forced me to use a can of Penn Championship tennis balls, a brand I usually avoid. I typically prefer the Wilson US Open ball, but availability was low. This unexpected situation presented an opportunity for a comparison.
The Penn Championship balls, often referred to as 'Costco garbage balls' due to their perceived lower quality, were my last resort. This led to an impromptu comparison with the Pro Penn Marathon balls, which my tennis partner, Coach Rob, had on hand.
The Blind Test Begins
To conduct a fair comparison, we decided on a blind test. Coach Rob and I began playing, alternating between the Penn Championship and Pro Penn Marathon balls without revealing which ball was being used. This helped eliminate any bias caused by knowing which brand we were using.
Initially, it was difficult to differentiate between the two balls. The feel and performance seemed very similar during the first 15 minutes of our tennis session. This suggested that both brands offered comparable performance in the initial stages of use.
Observing the Differences
However, after about 15 minutes, subtle differences started to emerge. The Penn Championship balls seemed to lose some of their bounce and energy as compared to the Pro Penn Marathon balls. This resulted in slightly shorter shots.
The Pro Penn Marathon balls maintained a consistent bounce and energy throughout the match, while the Penn balls showed more wear and a slight decrease in their performance, leading to a less consistent feel.
The difference was subtle enough that without prior knowledge it would have been hard to identify the change during the match. The main difference became visible during longer rallies and exchanges of shots.
Final Verdict: Penn Championship vs. Pro Penn Marathon
While both ball types performed adequately during the initial phase, the Pro Penn Marathon balls exhibited better consistency and maintained their bounce and energy. The Penn Championship balls, although usable, noticeably lost their performance over time.
For a player seeking consistently high performance throughout a match, the Pro Penn Marathon balls are the clear winner. While the Penn Championship balls could suffice for casual play, Pro Penn Marathon balls offer a higher level of consistency and longevity.