Babolat Padel Ace 3 Ball Tube

A tube is the low-commitment way to find out whether you like the Ace's feel. If you do, the same ball comes as a dozen, which is four tubes' worth, and some stockists sell it in 36 or 72-ball cases for clubs.

Pressurised balls start to fade once the tube is opened, so buy in a size that fits how often you play. Our padel balls page explains how long a tube stays lively, and the pressurizer range can stretch it.

Retailers describe the Ace as the livelier match ball, with a higher bounce and less durability, and the Court tube as the longer-lasting training and recreational one. That is retailer positioning rather than test data, and Babolat itself calls the Ace dynamic and durable, so try both if you play often.

If you only hit with a partner twice a month, the Court is the more economical choice. For league and club matches, check which ball your competition specifies before you buy any.

Anyone stocking up for coaching or practice, where three balls will not go far and a bigger pack suits better. For a floor full of balls, a pick-up tube helps, and for a racket to hit them with see the padel racket range.