Is a premier or Ultra Ball better?

As an avid Pokémon trainer, I get asked a lot: should you use Premier Balls or Ultra Balls? After extensive testing and combat experience across generations of games, my verdict is clear: Ultra Balls provide superior catch rates and effectiveness over the aesthetic-focused Premier Balls.

Catch Rate Modifiers – Ultra Balls Have a Clear Advantage

Ultra Balls simply give you better odds for a successful capture attempt. Based on official Pokémon data, they have a 2x catch rate modifier versus the 1x rate of Poké Balls and Premier Balls. So your likelihood of catching any Pokémon, especially higher level ones goes up substantially with Ultra Balls.

As you can see, Ultra Balls double your base catch rate, giving you a distinct advantage to capture Pokémon of all types.

When Should You Use Premier Balls?

While Premier Balls lag behind in pure performance, they have some niche situational uses:

• Capturing Low Level or Common Pokémon – For early route fodder, their lower modifier isn‘t impactful
• Color Coordinating to Pokémon – Match Premier Ball style to Shiny or costume Pokémon
• Conserving Higher Tier Balls – Use Premier Balls to save Great and Ultra Balls

I typically rely on my stock of Premier Balls until about halfway through the game, when higher level Pokémon necessitate the upgrade to higher catch rate balls.

Certain Scenarios Call for Ultra Balls Every Time

Based on my experiences filling the Pokédex across generations, here is when Ultra Balls are absolutely essential:

• Legendary & Mythical Encounters – Lower catch rates means you need the Ultra boost
• Shiny Hunting – Double the odds for that rare coloration
• Max Raid Battles – Only have one shot, so make it count
• Pokémon Over Lvl. 50 – Bring your A-game ball for heavy hitters

There are no scenarios (even low level capturing) where Premier Balls out perform Ultra Balls. So once unlocked, Ultra Balls should become central to your battle preparations.

Upgrade Balls Strategically on Your Journey

While Ultra Balls are the peak poke ball performance, don‘t waste them on early routes when weaker balls suffice. Follow this hierarchy for ball upgrades:

Early Game: Standard Poké Balls → Premier Balls

Mid Game: Great Balls
End Game: Ultra Balls

Stick to lower tier balls until capture rates tell you it‘s time to upgrade. You‘ll conserve resources for when you really need Ultra Ball performance in the late game.

Ball Selection Cheatsheet

Use this quick reference guide on when to use different ball types as you journey to be a Pokémon Master:

With this knowledge in your arsenal, pick the optimal ball for every combat encounter. But the verdict remains – Ultra Balls reign supreme for catch rate and effectiveness over the style-centric Premier Balls. Game on trainers!