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Proven Quality: The Best Basketballs

  1. Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball
  2. Molten Indoor/Outdoor FIBA Leather Basketball
  3. Wilson Basketball
  4. Spalding Top-Flite Basketball
  5. Wilson Evolution
  6. Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball
  7. Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
  8. Wilson NCAA Wave Microfiber Composite Basketball
  9. Molten BGR7 FIBA Outdoor Rubber Men's Basketball
  10. Spalding Official Size NBA Street Basketball
  11. Buyer's Guide

What’s the best basketball? That’s a question any serious basketball player has asked at some point in time. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different basketballs on the market. The differences are often subtle, but there are definitely differences! There are indoor basketballs, outdoor basketballs, and ones made for both indoor and outdoor use. There are balls made from leather, composite leather, or rubber. Some balls have a more pebbled feel for better grip while others feel slick at first and take longer to break in. You can buy basketballs endorsed by some of your favorite players or buy one with a fancy design or bright colors. You can find basketballs for under $10 or spend over $75. Though basketballs can be reviewed, rated, and ranked, they are mostly a matter of personal taste or preference. However, to help you find the top basketballs available, for indoor and outdoor use, these lists can be used as a guide. Checkout our top picks for best basketballs in 2022.

Here are the best basketball of 2022

Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball - Top Pick

Officially recognized as the basketball of the NBA, this ball is in a class of its own. Used by the league since 1983, the longevity alone can tell you the kind of quality you're getting with this basketball. Composed of a full-grain leather cover, it is the perfect choice for an indoor basketball scenario because it will last a very long time, even if used frequently.

Along with its sustainability, this ball has impeccable consistency, always giving the player the right amount of control when they need it. The grip of the ball is also top notch, allowing the player to make many different attacking drives towards the basket. With the traditional 8 sectioned panel look, the Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball sets the standard.

Molten Indoor/Outdoor FIBA Leather Basketball - Runner Up

Used as the official ball of FIBA (International Basketball Association), the Molten ball is a highly rated indoor basketball. With its 12-panel design, there's more of an emphasis on the seams of the Molten which gives the player better fingertip control when shooting, passing or dribbling. The Molten also uses Dual Cushion Technology, which pushes a cushioning layer not only under the panels, but on the seams as well; this gives the ball a softer feel but the rebound ability stays the same. This also contributes to the balls high consistency, meaning you can play with it for a long time without worrying about the materials falling apart.

Wilson Basketball - Honorable Mention

The official game ball for both men and women's tournaments, you can't go wrong with the Wilson NCAA Solution Game Ball Basketball. Just seeing the logo on the ball is enough to give you the confidence to do anything, but this ball also sports features separating it from the rest of the pack. With cushion core technology you feel as though the ball bounces true each and every time it hits the floor; the consistency of the ball is simply like no other. Another feature of the Wilson Solution ball is it employs aqua grip laid channels which is an upgrade from traditional rubber. This gives the player a heightened sense of grip sense, allowing them to do more with the ball. Also, the cover of the ball is moisture absorbing so your hands always stay dry when handling the ball.

Spalding Top-Flite Basketball - Consider

Another offering from Spalding, the Top-Flite 1000 basketball offers a smooth,  ZK microfiber composite leather cover so your hands will be in control. The microfiber composite cover is touted for its durability, allowing the player to play the game with this quality ball for years. This basketball also comes with a responsive center core which delivers a true rebound and bounce ability, making it a favorite among players. The grip of the ball is such so your hands will stay dry even as you play, allowing for optimal ball control and precise passing which is every point guards dream.

Wilson Evolution - Best Indoor Basketball

Approved by the NCAA, the Wilson Evolution is a great ball for players at the college level. One of its standout features is the cushion core technology which allows the ball to have a better consistency than others. Using a mixture of butyl and sponge rubber, it will bounce true for any player. The microfiber composite leather cover contributes to the balls grip which gives the player precise control during dribbling or passing. Other features include good durability and good air retention, making this ball a good selection by anyone looking for consistent ball performance.

Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball - Top Pick

Officially recognized as the basketball of the NBA, this ball is in a class of its own. Used by the league since 1983, the longevity alone can tell you the kind of quality you're getting with this basketball. Composed of a full-grain leather cover, it is the perfect choice for an indoor basketball scenario because it will last a very long time, even if used frequently.

Along with its sustainability, this ball has impeccable consistency, always giving the player the right amount of control when they need it. The grip of the ball is also top notch, allowing the player to make many different attacking drives towards the basket. With the traditional 8 sectioned panel look, the Spalding Official NBA Leather Game Basketball sets the standard.

Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball - Best Outdoor Basketball

The UA 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball delivers a full performance package for an outdoor basketball. It utilizes a unique microfiber composite and full ball pebbling to give the ball a better grip, allowing you to do more with the ball in your hands. The UA 495 also has nylon windings which give you consistent bounce as well as providing long-lasting durability. Another feature the UA 495 has is the butyl bladder, which provides ideal air tension so the ball stays nice and tight the entire game. It comes in both the standard male size 7 and standard woman size 6, so anyone can use this ball.

Wilson NCAA Wave Microfiber Composite Basketball - Best Outdoor Basketball

The Wilson NCAA Wave Microfiber Composite Basketball is a truly unique ball because of its design. Using Wave Triple Threat technology, each of the six sections of the basketball are lined with pebbled composite channels, giving you a better grip and more natural feel for the ball when it's in your hands. The cushion core technology is combined with an exclusive microfiber composite leather cover, giving the ball the look and feel of a professional level basketball. Because the ball is NCAA, the size is that of a college basketball which is a bit smaller than an NBA or WNBA sized ball. Available at decent price point, the Wilson NCAA Wave ball won't break your wallet.

Molten BGR7 FIBA Outdoor Rubber Men's Basketball - Best Outdoor Basketball

The Molten BGR7 FIBA Rubber Basketball is the pinnacle of outdoor FIBA basketballs. Sporting the same 12 panel 2 tone look as the official FIBA Olympic ball, you'll get the same tone and feel as you would from the European game. This basketball was created for outdoor use so it has a durable rubber cover which allows players to consistently use the ball without it dipping in performance. Since it’s made of rubber, this ball will also stick to your hand with ease. The balls material also ensures a consistent, reliable bounce.

Spalding Official Size NBA Street Basketball - Best Outdoor Basketball

The Spalding NBA Street Basketball is the park scene's ultimate basketball. Holding the same size as an official NBA basketball, you know what kind of performance you're getting. The durable rubber cover lets you play with the ball for long periods of time without it wearing down or losing grip. There’s also a deep channel design which gives shooters an edge on their release since they’re able to grip the ball better. Lastly, the balls consistency gives it a reliable bounce so that when you're dribbling there’s no worry about your ball going astray.

Buyer's Guide

Things to Consider Before Buying a Basketball

Size

Basketballs come in a wide range of sizes which vary based on your age and experience in the field. There are four most commonly used basketball sizes, each one specific to an age group and gender. Starting from size 4 which is the smallest ball size, circumferencing at 25.5 inches. This ball size is most popular among 5 to 8 years old children when they are learning the basics of ball handling. Size 5 has a circumference of 27.5 inches and is designed to serve smaller hands. The ball standard ball size for women’s championships is 28.5 inches size 6 ball which may also be handled by boys aging 12 years and older. Moving onto the most popular ball size in the game which is the authentic size 7 basketball. The size 7 with a circumference of 29.5 is officially used in all men’s contests including the NBA leagues and is also suitable for boys 15 years old and above.

Weight

The standard size 7 with a 29.5-inch (75cm) circumference weighs about 1.4 pounds (lbs) or 22 ounces (oz). The continuous bouncing wears down the ball over time and can significantly impact the weight of your basketball in a negative way. Most cheap balls lose their weight relatively early on which is why investing in a high-quality basketball that will keep its weight throughout the years, is so important.

Moisture Grip

Whether it’s in the form of rain or sweat, the ball will eventually encounter water. Therefore, it’s important to get hold of a basketball that has a moisture control system pre-installed to avoid slipping out of your hands mid-game. The micro-fiber cover on the ball keeps the sweat away and maintains grip by keeping the prop dry.

Material

Composite (leather): Synthetic leather or composite balls are the most commonly used among players and are known for their durability and leather-like feel. The synthetic nature of the ball allows you to play both indoors and outdoors without ruining the surface of your ball.

Rubber: Along with being much more affordable, these balls also provide the perfect grip and exterior required to play on rough and uneven surfaces. These are the balls utilized by most beginner players due to their excellent control range and incredibly light nature

Durability

Durability is a factor to consider when ball shopping especially if you plan to play outdoors. The ball is exposed to all sorts of elements like moisture, dirt, and rocks, on an outdoor court which can take a negative toll on your ball over time. For this reason, it’s best to use balls with a rubber or synthetic exterior when playing outside as opposed to real leather as they have a much higher tolerance for rough environments and will last you a considerable amount of time before having to purchase a new one.

When should I replace my basketball?

The lifespan of your ball depends on a number of factors including how well it’s taken care of and how frequently it’s used. A rubber basketball will give you approximately six months of regular usage of around two to three hours every day before it starts to wear out and lose its grip. On the other hand, a synthetic or composite leather ball will provide a much lengthier time period of vigorous usage before it has to be replaced. It really comes down to how well the basketball is maintained and looked after, which maximizes its longevity.

Basketball Price Ranges

Sports equipment can be very pricey especially if you’re looking to compete on international grounds with specific requirements. The price ranges can be divided into three sections based on their purpose and durability levels.

Cost-Effective

Any ball being used as a play-time prop isn’t going to cost that much. Most basketballs being used for recreational purposes generally stand under 15 pounds. These balls may serve your purpose as a pass-time object but they’re not feasible if you’re looking to play at a professional level.

Intermediate

Any game played at a local level will require quality basketballs, however, you also want to keep the costs relatively economical. These economical balls will cost around 20 pounds and provide quality that is up to the par for all your club competitions and school ventures.

Expensive

These balls are the ones you’d buy for a professional basketball match. The heavy price tag of approximately 50 pounds accompanies a premium quality ball with top-notch features that will last you years on end while fulfilling all your athletic demands.

How to Maintain a Basketball?

A handful of practices when applied can drastically optimize your balls’ endurance and grit, therefore, provide a longer time frame before your next shop visit. These include regularly washing the orb with warm water as well as maintaining an ideal amount of air inside the ball to avoid losing a dribble (a ball pump comes in handy). Simultaneously, you’ll also want to make sure to shelter your brown ball from all turbulent weather including rain, hail, snow, and even direct sunlight. On that account, a room temperature setting is the most ideal for ball storage to preserve its quality and form.

Basketball FAQ

Q: How to dry a basketball?
A: it’s crucial to not ever abandon your ball in the water as this may lead make your ball heavy and lead to damage over time. To steer clear of this scenario, use a clean cloth or towel to gently pat the ball dry and leave it in a ventilated, preferably warm area, avoiding direct sunlight.

Q: What does the color of my ball mean?
A: The most commonly used color is a rusty orange shade which is also the hue required by most competitive associations. Although there are other colors like yellow, black, and blue available in the market it’s best to check with your coach before buying.

Q: Why is pebbling important?
A: The minuscule dots covering the exterior of the basketball are called pebbles. These are specifically forged to improve grip by increasing the friction to make sure the ball doesn’t slip out of your hands’ mid-game.

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