A basketball is a key element in the game of basketball, and if a great game is important to you, it is important to choose the right one. These days, there are many companies that sell basketballs, and everyone's eyes may be drawn to the wide variety of models. But in fact, you don't need to know much about basketball to feel confident when buying it.
Let's take a look at the best balls you can buy today.
TOP-8 basketballs to buy right now
Wilson Reaction PRO (under $50)
Wilson Reaction PRO is a professional basketball. Suitable for playing in the hall and outdoors. The material is high-quality composite leather-based on polyurethane. This ball is characterized by a soft kick and good grip. The size of the ball is 7. There are a total of eight glued panels. The plus side of this model is the original ball, officially approved in England.
Pros:
- Clingy;
- Good bounce;
- Quality material.
Cons:
- May stain leather a bit with black paint.
Spalding TF-250 All Surface (under $20)
The Spalding TF-250 All Surface Basketball has a classic look. It is an excellent option for training and competition at the local level. The ball is declared by the manufacturer as universal: it can be used for indoor and outdoor games. The cover is made of polyurethane, the model is quite durable. The liner is made of butyl. The ball is FIBA certified. The standard size - 7 - is optimal for the game.
Pros:
- Price;
- Quality of workmanship;
- A good option for beginners.
Cons:
- Heavy wear and tear from the asphalt surface.
Molten BG5000 (under $100)
The Molten BG5000 is a size 5 ball specifically made for athletic facility training. According to the manufacturer, the surface of the ball is made on a revolutionary technology that makes it most comfortable to hold in your hand and improves the stability of rotation, which increases the accuracy of throws and passes. The upper layer of the ball made of polyurethane covers the butyl chamber safely. The purpose is universal: you can play in the gym and outdoors.
Pros:
- Quality of workmanship;
- Production material.
Cons:
- High price.
Wilson NCAA MVP Rubber Basketball (under $30)
Wilson NCAA MVP Rubber Basketball - This ball model is designed for basketball training. It has a good grip and an interesting design. The material of the upper layer is synthetic leather, which allows you to use the ball in the hall and on the street. As for the camera: everything is standard here - it is made of butyl. The size category is 5.
Pros:
- Price;
- Brand.
Cons:
- Scrapes off on paved surface.
AND1 Supreme Grip Rubber Basketball (under $30)
AND1 Supreme Grip Rubber Basketball is more suitable for amateur play, both indoors and outdoors. The cover is made of polyurethane, which gives the ball a good margin of safety. Standard butyl chamber without unique techniques. The ball is size 7. Worth noting is pleasing to the eye design and coloring.
Pros:
- Comfort in the game;
- Quality of materials.
Cons:
- Stiffness.
Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball (under $50)
This basketball has the most colorful coloring of the others in our ranking. It is optimal for amateur level - it is fun to play outside with your friends and to stretch your legs in the gym. The rubber upper layer makes the product tough, and the butyl tube gives elasticity and reliability. Nice price is one of the advantages of this ball. The size category is 7.
Pros:
- Price;
- Bright appearance.
Cons:
- Not suitable for professional use.
Wilson NCAA Final Four Edition Basketball (under $20)
Wilson NCAA Final Four Edition Basketball is a budget ball intended to be played in the gym or outdoors, provided there is a special rubberized surface. Playing on asphalt will quickly shorten its lifespan. The material of the upper layer is rubber, with a good indicator of durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The tube of butyl, for added durability, is reinforced by a nylon thread. The ball has good aerodynamic properties. Plus: a pleasant color scheme in the appearance. Not a bad option for the amateur level.
Pros:
- Price;
- Material of manufacture.
Cons:
- Not suitable for playing on asphalt.
Senston Basketball 29.5" (under $30)
Senston Basketball 29.5" is a low-priced basketball. The most budget-friendly option in our ranking. Suitable for amateur games. Not a bad solution for a beginner - it will help you learn the basics of basketball. The size of the ball is 7. The material of the tire and the camera is rubber.
Pros:
- Price.
Cons:
- Slippery.
How to choose a basketball
When choosing a basketball, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Type of ball;
- Size;
- Manufacturing material;
- Quality.
Type of basketball
There is no doubt that the purpose of the ball is a very important factor in its selection. It is customary to divide balls into three classes:
- Outdoor;
- Indoor;
- Universal (Indoor/outdoor).
Balls for the street are characterized by maximum resistance to wear and tear. As a rule, they are made of synthetic materials. They are sharpened for hard surfaces, such as asphalt or rubber coating. The peculiarity of this type is stiffness in tactile contact.
Hall models show a good grip on the parquet. Leather and synthetic materials are used for manufacturing, especially balls with a composite coating are good. But playing on the street with it is a rash decision, as the ball will quickly fall into disrepair.
Universal basketballs are made of rubber. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are rather wear-resistant and are good on parquet flooring in the hall. Often have an additional coating of synthetic or composite material.
Size
The officially approved size of the ball for men's competitions is number 7, which weighs 567-650 grams and its circumference is 749-780 mm. Size 6 is the standard for basketball in women's competitions and has a weight value in the range of 510-567 grams, and its circumference length varies from 724 to 737 mm. A size 5 ball is used for mini-basketball games. It can be defined by its circumference length within 690-710 mm and its weight of 470-500 grams. Usually, such competitions are held for children no older than twelve years. And size 3 is used in the training of basketball players to sharpen the dribbling. The ball of this size category has a weight in the region of 300-330 grams and a circumference length of 560-580 mm.
Material of manufacture
The material used to make the ball is a weighty factor to consider when purchasing. Professional balls are usually made of composite materials. Universal balls should have high durability, so they are made from synthetic raw materials. For the gym, the best solution will be a ball made of genuine leather. If a basketball is labeled "Supreme Leather", it indicates the use of extra leather.
Quality
The easiest method to check the quality of a ball is the bounce. A quality-made and properly inflated ball should bounce about 130 centimeters. But there is another way: raise the ball to the level of your head and let it go. Then it should bounce to waist level. It is also important to inspect the nipple. The longevity of the ball depends on its performance. Another indication of quality is elasticity. After a little play, the ball should not become soft. It is important to remember that you need a special nozzle when pumping, a soccer needle is not the best option. Also, you should not kick or sit on a basketball. Careful use greatly extends the service life and contributes to the adequate "behavior" of the ball during the game.
General recommendations
If you need a basketball for playing outdoors, the best solution is a size 6 outdoor ball. In order to buy really high-quality sports equipment, it is better to buy balls from well-known brands, they are responsible for the reputation for their product. Optimally, if the material is synthetic. In the case of a modest budget, a universal rubber ball is quite good.
