ChuckIt Ultra Ball Review: The Last Fetch Ball You Will Ever Need?

Quick Verdict: The ChuckIt Ultra Ball is the gold standard for fetch balls. In our 90-day test with 12 dogs, it outlasted standard tennis balls by a factor of 15x or more, maintained its bounce and shape through hundreds of fetch sessions, and proved durable enough to survive between-session chewing from moderate chewers. At $5-$8 per ball, it is one of the best values in the dog toy category. We rate it 4.5 out of 5. For a complementary chew and enrichment toy, pair it with the KONG Classic. You can also see it ranked in our best dog toys for aggressive chewers roundup.

Every dog owner knows the frustration: you buy a tube of tennis balls, your dog destroys the first one in 20 minutes, and by the end of the week you are down to one soggy, de-felted remnant that barely bounces. Tennis balls were never designed for dogs, and it shows.

The ChuckIt Ultra Ball was designed specifically for the punishment that fetch-obsessed dogs dish out. We put it through 90 days of rigorous testing with 12 dogs — from a 12-pound Terrier mix to a 90-pound Labrador Retriever — to see if it truly delivers on its promise of being the last fetch ball your dog will need.

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Product Overview

The ChuckIt Ultra Ball is a two-toned (orange and blue) rubber ball designed specifically for dog fetch. It features a high-bounce natural rubber core with thick rubber walls, resulting in a ball that is significantly more durable than standard tennis balls while maintaining excellent bounce and visibility.

Available in four sizes:

• Small (2 inches): For small dogs under 20 lbs
• Medium (2.5 inches): The standard size, compatible with the ChuckIt Classic Launcher. For medium dogs 20-60 lbs
• Large (3 inches): For large dogs 60-100 lbs. Compatible with the ChuckIt Large Launcher
• X-Large (3.5 inches): For extra-large dogs over 100 lbs

The Ultra Ball is sold individually or in a 2-pack and is compatible with ChuckIt’s line of ball launchers, which extend throw distance for those long-range fetch sessions that high-energy breeds crave.

Design and Build Quality

Construction

The ChuckIt Ultra Ball is constructed from a single piece of thick, natural rubber. Unlike tennis balls, which are hollow with thin walls covered in abrasive felt, the Ultra Ball features:

• Solid rubber core: Provides consistent, high bounce
• Thick rubber walls: Resist puncture, compression, and tooth penetration
• No seams or glue joints: Eliminates the weakest point of most balls
• Smooth rubber surface: No abrasive felt that can wear down tooth enamel

The rubber has a firm but slightly yielding feel. When you squeeze the ball, it compresses slightly and springs back — a quality that makes it both durable and satisfying for dogs to carry and chew between throws.

Visibility

The high-visibility orange and blue color scheme is one of the Ultra Ball’s best design features. The bright orange is easy to spot in grass, dirt, mud, and water. This may sound trivial, but anyone who has spent 15 minutes searching for a dirty tennis ball in tall grass knows how valuable high visibility is during a fetch session.

The two-tone color scheme also helps you spot the ball in mid-air, making it easier to track throws and direct your dog.

Bounce

The Ultra Ball’s bounce is noticeably higher and more energetic than a tennis ball. When thrown against hard surfaces, it rebounds with an unpredictable trajectory that dogs find exciting. The bounce height remains consistent over time — even after 90 days of daily fetch, our test balls bounced at roughly the same height as when they were new.

Buoyancy

The Ultra Ball floats, which makes it suitable for water fetch in pools, lakes, and the ocean. The bright orange color is easy to see on the water surface, and the ball sits high enough that dogs can grab it easily while swimming. This is a significant advantage for water-loving breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

Performance Testing

Testing Methodology

We tested the ChuckIt Ultra Ball with 12 dogs across three categories over 90 days:

• Light fetch players (4 dogs): Dogs that fetch casually and carry the ball gently
• Moderate fetch players (4 dogs): Dogs that fetch enthusiastically and chew the ball between throws
• Intense fetch players/chewers (4 dogs): Dogs that fetch obsessively and aggressively chew the ball

Each dog participated in a minimum of 20-minute fetch sessions daily. We compared the Ultra Ball directly against standard Penn tennis balls for durability, using one of each per dog.

Durability Results

Tennis ball performance:

• Light players: Tennis balls lasted 2-3 weeks before the felt was stripped and the rubber cracked
• Moderate players: Tennis balls lasted 3-7 days
• Intense players: Tennis balls lasted 1-3 sessions (some destroyed within a single 20-minute session)

ChuckIt Ultra Ball performance:

• Light players: After 90 days, the Ultra Balls showed minimal wear. Expected lifespan: 12+ months
• Moderate players: After 90 days, the Ultra Balls showed moderate tooth marks and surface scuffing but remained fully functional. Expected lifespan: 6-9 months
• Intense players: After 90 days, two of four Ultra Balls remained functional. Two showed significant gouging after approximately 60 days of intense post-fetch chewing. Expected lifespan: 2-4 months for aggressive chewers

The key takeaway: The ChuckIt Ultra Ball lasted 10-15x longer than tennis balls across all categories. Even for intense players, the Ultra Ball’s multi-month lifespan dramatically outperforms tennis balls.

Fetch Engagement

Dogs universally preferred the ChuckIt Ultra Ball over tennis balls. The higher bounce, brighter color, and more satisfying mouth-feel resulted in noticeably higher engagement during fetch sessions. Three dogs in our test panel who had begun to lose interest in fetch with tennis balls showed renewed enthusiasm with the Ultra Ball.

The ChuckIt Launcher was used by half our test panel. It extended throw distance by approximately 2-3x compared to hand throws, which was particularly valuable for high-energy breeds like our test Lab and German Shepherd. Tired dogs are well-behaved dogs, and the launcher lets you tire them out faster.

ChuckIt Ultra Ball vs. Tennis Balls: The Full Comparison

The per-ball price of the ChuckIt Ultra Ball is higher, but when you factor in the dramatically longer lifespan, it is significantly cheaper than buying tennis balls repeatedly.

A Note on Tennis Ball Safety

Standard tennis balls pose a specific health concern that many owners are unaware of: the felt covering is abrasive and gradually wears down tooth enamel over time. This is not an issue for occasional play, but for dogs who fetch and carry tennis balls daily, the cumulative enamel wear can become significant. The ChuckIt Ultra Ball’s smooth rubber surface does not have this problem.

Value for Money

At $5-8 per ball (or $8-12 for a 2-pack), the ChuckIt Ultra Ball offers outstanding value when measured against its lifespan.

For a dog that fetches daily with moderate chewing:

• ChuckIt Ultra Ball cost over 12 months: Approximately $10-$16 (1-2 balls per year)
• Tennis ball cost over 12 months: Approximately $50-$150+ (depending on destruction rate)

The ChuckIt Launcher ($8-$15) is also a worthwhile investment if you play fetch regularly. It saves your arm, extends throw distance, and lets you pick up the ball without touching dog drool.

Who Should Buy the ChuckIt Ultra Ball

Great for:

• Any dog that loves fetch (so basically most dogs)
• Dogs that destroy tennis balls quickly
• Water-loving breeds who enjoy fetch in pools, lakes, and the ocean
• High-energy breeds that need long-range fetch to burn energy (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles)
• Owners who hike with their dogs and want a durable trail fetch toy (see our hiking with dogs guide)
• Dogs that need more daily exercise (read our exercise requirements by breed guide)

Consider alternatives if:

• Your dog is an extreme power chewer who will sit and chew the ball rather than fetch — in this case, a dedicated chew toy like the KONG Classic is safer for unsupervised chewing
• You have a very small toy breed — the Small Ultra Ball may still be too large. Look at the ChuckIt Mini line
• Your dog is not interested in fetch (some dogs simply are not)

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your ChuckIt Ultra Ball

1. Pick up the ball after fetch sessions. The Ultra Ball is designed for fetch, not unsupervised solo chewing. Picking it up between sessions dramatically extends its lifespan.
2. Size up if between sizes. A ball that is too small is a choking hazard. Always choose a ball too large for your dog to fit entirely in their mouth.
3. Use the launcher. The ChuckIt Classic Launcher is inexpensive and significantly improves the fetch experience for both you and your dog.
4. Rotate with other toys. Pair the Ultra Ball for outdoor fetch with the KONG Classic for indoor enrichment to cover your dog’s full play and mental stimulation needs.
5. Inspect regularly. Even durable balls eventually wear out. If you notice deep cracks, chunks missing, or the ball becoming small enough to pose a choking hazard, replace it immediately.

Final Verdict

The ChuckIt Ultra Ball does exactly what it promises: it outlasts tennis balls by a massive margin while delivering a superior fetch experience. The combination of durability, high bounce, water buoyancy, high visibility, and launcher compatibility makes it the best fetch ball we have tested.

We dock it from a perfect score because it is not designed for unsupervised chewing, and the most extreme power chewers can eventually destroy it. But for its intended purpose — fetch — it is hard to beat.

If your dog loves fetch, buy a 2-pack of ChuckIt Ultra Balls and a launcher. Your arm (and your wallet) will thank you.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

You Might Also Like

• KONG Classic Review — The best complementary toy for chewing and enrichment
• Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers — See the ChuckIt Ultra Ball ranked among the top durable toys
• Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails — Bring the Ultra Ball on your next trail adventure
• Exercise Requirements by Breed — Match your dog’s exercise needs with the right toys
• Labrador Retriever Breed Guide — A fetch-obsessed breed that pairs perfectly with this ball
• Golden Retriever Breed Guide — Retrievers and fetch balls are a natural match
• Furminator Deshedding Tool Review — Another essential tool for active outdoor dogs

Frequently Asked Questions