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How much do spalding basketballs cost

Best Spalding Basketballs List of Indoor, Outdoor, Universal Balls

Whether you are a professional basketball player, a recreational player, or simply a fan of the game, there is a name that will definitely be recognizable to you: Spalding.

I will review best Spalding basketballs for different use conditions and good choices for women game. But at first I want to introduce you to this well known brand in sport industry.

When you supply the best basketball league in the world with balls and backboards, your accolades don’t have to be debated at all. But the thing that makes Spalding one of the greatest sports apparel and equipment manufacturers is the fact that they pay attention to semi-pros and amateurs as well. Many of their products are designed for professional use, but you can buy them at a really affordable price. Even the cheapest models they feature offer performance and quality comparable to the professional basketballs used in arenas across the globe. We have been using and testing their products for years now, and it was about time to create a Spalding basketball specific article.

Spalding uses different materials according to the balls intended use (surface, level of competition, gender, age, etc.). They use genuine leather for most of the premium indoor models. Spalding genuine leather balls are simply the best indoor basketballs on the market, according to most of the sources. The fact that it’s being used in the NBA, top basketball league of the world, just speaks louder than words and screams about best quality. The quality of the material and the craftsmanship of the balls are what separates them from the competition. The same could be said about their composite leather balls. Spalding uses composite materials for the mid-tier models and balls that can be used on multiple surfaces. Coupled with the other patented solutions, most of their composite models are at the top of the best-selling charts all over the world. Lastly, for their outdoors models, Spalding uses rubber and they had much success with it. Spalding rubber basketballs offer great performance and the material used is durable and tough. The area where Spalding excels at, compared to the competition, is the longevity of their rubber ball models.

Now let’s observe top picks in each of the categories we mentioned previously.

Table of Contents

Spaldings for Indoor Use

Spalding Precision

Rating: 4.8/5

Spalding Precision in covered with advanced eco-grip composite material. This ball is the best that Spalding has to offer right now. Many hoopers compare it to Evolution ball and of course as it’s a new model they prefer Precision one, no questions asked. Now let’s observe what is all about. It was great balance of core firmness and cushioning. Break in period is necessary to experience what this ball has to offer. This model is new and as if you have ever been in camps you know how hard is to find your ball in the sea of the same balls, most of the time it’s Evolutions from Wilson. Well, now seriously. Precision is one of the best balls available right now from Spalding.

Quality Eco-grip composite material
Designed for indoor play only
Responsive and cushioned sponge carcass
Butyl bladder to retain air
Comes inflated and game-ready

Get It On Amazon.com

Official NBA Game Ball (till 2021-22 season)

Rating: 3.6/5

The name says it all: Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball. This is one of the best-selling premium indoor basketballs and for a good reason as well. This model features NBA official size and weight, full grain Horween leather cover and it has even been updated to contain the official NBA twitter handle to keep it up to date. Being that this is an official ball used for all 1400+ games during the season, there was no need to perform any testing, but we did it anyway. We would give this ball a maximum rating of 5, but the price tag is our main concern. On the other hand you get top quality and well made ball. All the scores across the testing categories showed that this is definitely one of the best genuine leather basketballs the money can buy. Full review…

NBA Official Size and Weight
Traditional design with symmetrical channels for excellent grip
Horween Leather cover that offers excellent grip and control
Excellent build quality and ball longevity

Get It On Amazon.com

TF-1000 Legacy

Rating: 4.0/5

Spalding TF series features some of the best basketballs in the market. The reasons for this can be found in excellent build quality, top materials being used, and affordable pricing. TF-1000 Legacy in particular is one of their best-selling models in general. It features ZK microfiber composite cover for great grip and feel, symmetrical channel design for improved control and Nylon winding for improved structural integrity. All this means that you get a great ball with excellent performance for a reasonable price.

High-quality ZK composite material
Advanced moisture management technology
Symmetrical channel design for improved control
Sturdy rubber bladder of improved air retention
Nylon windings that improve structure integrity

Get It On Amazon.com

TF-1000 Classic

Rating: 4.1/5

TF-1000 classic ball features one of the best value-for-money combinations in the market. This composite material model introduced ZK microfiber material that gives off a great feel and amazing grip. For better release and control, a wide channel design is used and on top of it all, a good moisture control system will make sure that optimal grip is always maintained. The shape and structural integrity are guaranteed by Nylon windings and that extends the ball longevity for a significant amount of time. Spalding TF series basketball has always been a smart buy and this model only confirms the rule. Full review…

Exclusive ZK microfiber composite cover material for a soft touch and dry tack feel
100% nylon windings for maximum structural integrity
Wide channels for improved control and instant recognition
Designed for indoor use only

Get It On Amazon. com

Spaldings for Outdoor Use

Spalding NBA Street

Rating: 4.2/5

Spalding outdoor models are designed with performance and durability in mind. The Spalding NBA Street model is a perfect example of a cheap basketball that performs well on rough outdoor courts and can last for a couple of seasons thanks to the ultra-durable rubber material being used for this ball. Official size and weight coupled with wide channels will offer a great game feel and a unique playing experience, comparable to more expensive models from this segment. If you are looking for an affordable outdoor basketball, this model definitely has to be taken into consideration. Full review…

Ultra-durable, performance rubber cover
Official size and weight
Designed to withstand the rough-and-tumble street game
Wide channel design for excellent grip

Get It On Amazon.com

Spalding Varsity

Rating: 4.3/5

Spalding’s NBA Varsity model features an interesting design and color choices. This outdoors model uses traditional rubber cover that can withstand a lot of punishment from rough surfaces. Symmetrical channel design and an intricate pattern on the rubber surface will make sure you have the control during the release and dribbling, but the interesting color variations will definitely make this ball popular on the courts. Couple all of this with really affordable price and you get a good overall outdoor basketball that will definitely turn some heads on the playground.

Sturdy rubber cover for rough surface courts
Official size and weight
NBA logo stamped on the ball
Interesting color variations and a plethora of choice

Get It On Amazon.com

NBA Street Phantom

Rating: 4.2/5

Spalding NBA Street Phantom is one of those basketballs that will make other players envy you. It features a unique design with true black premium rubber cover. This is a durable ball that also uses Spalding’s patented Soft Grip technology for better grip and control, wide channel design for improved release control, and improved moisture control for wet hands or court surfaces. This official size and weight outdoors model comes in a variety of color choices, and it is one of the most popular outdoor models on the market. Affordable pricing makes this a smart buy. Full review…

Premium Outdoor Cover with Durable Soft Grip Technology
Wide Chanel design provides improved recognition
Official NBA size and weight
Designed for outdoor play
Interesting design that turns heads on the playground

Get It On Amazon.com

Spalding Varsity Rubber Ball

Rating: 3.9/5

Varsity Rubber Outdoor basketball is one of the best-selling models in Spalding’s inventory. The reasons for it can be found in the quality of the material used and the fact that this ball comes in sizes 7 and 6, which makes it an excellent choice for kids to play with. The versatility of the ball, the longevity of it and an affordable price all combine to make this a really smart purchase and definitely a model to consider when buying an outdoor basketball. The kids love it as much as the adults. Full review…

Durable rubber cover
Designed to withstand rough surfaces
Comes in two sizes: 6 and 7
Classic design with wide symmetrical channels
Great for kids and adults alike

Get It On Amazon.com

Spalding NBA Velocity

Rating: 4.1/5

NBA Velocity is a premium composite model that offers great performance on both indoor and outdoor courts and couples it with a unique design. However, most people prefer to use it outdoors because of great durability characteristics Velocity ball has.
The composite material used will make sure this feels less rubbery and more natural while maintaining the longevity that is put to the test playing on rough outdoor courts. Inlay rubber channels offer a great level of control during the release. This official size and weight model is an excellent choice if you are looking for a universal ball at an affordable price, as most Spalding balls usually do.

Premium PU composite cover
Wide, inlay rubber channels for added durability
Official NBA size and weight
Designed for indoor and outdoor play

Get It On Amazon.com

Universal Indoor/Outdoor Spaldings

NBA Replica Game Ball

Rating: 4.3/5

Having a single ball that can be used on both indoor and outdoor courts solves a couple of problems. With that in mind, Spalding designed this NBA Replica model. It emulates the NBA official game ball in design, size and weight, and most importantly, build quality. A Composite material is used for the cover and coupling that with a much lower price tag, you won’t find many differences between this and other premium basketballs. All other design features of this Replica model are comparable to the original including the channel design, added NBA twitter handle and the official logo. An excellent buy might we say.

Composite material cover for enhanced grip
Official size and weight
Emulates looks and design features of the official NBA game ball
Designed for both indoors and outdoors use
Really affordable considering the build quality

Get It On Amazon. com

Spalding Never Flat

Rating: 3.9/5

Spalding’s Never Flat technology proved its worth many times over and we loved every single basketball that features this solution. This particular model is designed for indoors and outdoors usage and the composite leather cover is durable and grippy at the same time. Symmetrical design with slopped channels provide an excellent release control during the shoot motion and coupling that with the fact that the bounce consistency is guaranteed by the Never Flat technology, this ball will always end up exactly where you intended. Full review…

Never Flat technology makes sure ball holds air over a very long period
Consistent bounce height
Special valve cap that eliminates leaks and prevents dirt build up
High-performance composite material offers optimum grip on all surfaces
Comes in two sizes and can be used for kids and adults alike

Get It On Amazon.com

NBA Zi/O

Rating: 4.

4/5

Spalding NBA Zi/O is one of the most popular indoors/outdoors game balls on the market. Players love it because it offers amazing feel and control, both of which is probably the result of full ball pebbling design. Composite leather cover performs well on hardwood floors, but it’s durable at the same time and able to withstand the wear and tear of rough outdoors courts surfaces. Combining these features with the NBA official size and weight, you get an excellent alternative to buying two balls. This model will prove more than capable to handle all types of surfaces and last for a long time. Full review…

Composite material offers genuine looks and feel
Full body pebbling increases grip and enhances control
Official size and weight
Performs well on hardwood floors and can cope with wear and tear on rough outdoor surfaces
NBA game ball style design

Get It On Amazon.com

TF-500

Rating: 4.1/5

TF-500 is a universal basketball designed for indoor/outdoor use and it comes in sizes 7 and 6. It is covered with composite leather that provides excellent feel and that is probably the reason why this ball is popular amongst kids and adults alike. A wide channel design offers excellent release control and full body pebbling will make sure the ball ends up exactly where you want it every single time. The bounce is consistent and the overall quality is very high, especially taking into account the price of the ball. An excellent buy in our opinion.

Comes in sizes 7 and 6 (women/youth)
High-performance composite leather cover
Full body pebbling for improved grip
Wide channel design for improved release control
Tough and durable to withstand rough courts

Get It On Amazon.com

NBA Tack Soft

Rating: 4.3/5

Modern basketball is centered on handlers and shooters and this is the ball designed for them. Offered in two sizes, 7 and 6, this ball can be used for amateur and professional games. Full bodypebbling and a composite leather cover provide optimal grip and control while slopped channel design helps during the release and rotation control. This model is very popular amongst user because it offers the looks and feel of the hardwood-only models, durability of the outdoors basketballs, and the price tag that makes it affordable.

Composite leather cover with full body pebbling
Designed for indoor and outdoor play
Two sizes: 6,7
Ideal for ball handling and shooting
Can be used in competitions

Get It On Amazon.com

Spaldings for Women

Women’s WNBA Official Game Ball

Rating: 5.0/5

The qualities of the WNBA Official game ball should not come into question, but we decided to take a closer look anyways. This is a size 6 ball and it features a microfiber PU composite cover that is designed for indoor hardwood play. The composite material offers plenty of grip and asymmetrical channel design provides an interesting look while increasing rotation control during the shooting motion. WNBA logo and twitter handle are neatly imprinted. Official balls tend to be a bit expensive comparing to others, but this model is the exception and offers great performance for a really affordable price tag if you take in to consideration about what you get for money. Excellent purchase for those who want a quality ball from the pioneers of ball manufacturing.

Exclusive PU composite leather cover
Official WNBA size and weight
Designed for indoor play
Excellent build quality
Full body pebbling

Get It On Amazon.com

WNBA Official Outdoor Ball

Rating: 4.5/5

Spalding created this model to mimic the looks and performance of the official WNBA game ball. But the difference is that this ball is designed for outdoor use.
Performance rubber cover is durable and the ball holds well against the rough surface of outdoor courts. Full body pebbling and rubber channels provide enough grip and rotation control, even if the ball is dirty (dusty) or wet.
This is an excellent size 6 outdoors game ball and apart from the good looks and performance, an attractive price tag makes this a really smart purchase.

High-performance, durable rubber cover
Designed for outdoor play
Official WNBA size(6) and weight
Designed to last longer while providing a good grip

Get It On Amazon. com

Origins of Spalding in Basketball World

Albert Goodwill Spalding started his professional baseball career in 1871 as Boston Red Stockings. He was one of the best players at that time. In 1876 he retired from baseball and went straight to business. Interesting fact is that he used his own ball in games even before he started business, he made it by himself. Same year A.G. Spalding & Brothers opens first store in Chicago. Later on company starts manufacturing all goods for baseball.

Now let’s talk about how it all started to connect with basketball game.

James Naismith invented the game in 1891, players at first had to use soccer ball to play. So Naismith asks A.G. Spalding to develop a special ball for this game, and he listens and manufactures it. Later on even in official rules of the game you can find a line that balls made by Spalding shall be used in official games. Now you know how it all began and rest is history.

Interesting Spalding NBA Ball Facts

A day before NBA games referee brings 3 balls to the captains of each teams that will play next day. They must agree on which one ball to use in the game.
Leather used to make NBA game balls are produced by Horween, material the company uses is from Canada.
3 to 4 square feet of leather is used to make one ball.
Basketball signature dots are created by a 1000 tone press with German embossing plates.
Inflated bladder is formed by using 3200 yards of Japanese nylon
Inner sphere is covered by rubber from Malaysia and Vietnam and 8 leather panels are glued by a professional worker and by hand
In 2006 NBA tried to change balls from genuine leather to microfiber composite made ones, but it only lasted for two months as world’s players started to complain a lot and NBA had to roll back to using leather basketballs.

Conclusion

Spalding is one of the biggest names in the basketball world. Their good reputation is well-deserved and according to us as well as the user reviews we found on each of these models, Spalding balls are quite often the best choice in the respective segment. Whether you are looking a genuine leather ball, composite material or a rubber covered model, the probability is that Spalding has the best model on the market. Competitive pricing certainly helps, but based on the quality and design features alone, Spalding is the way to go.

6 Best Spalding Basketballs You Can Buy in 2022

Basketball |

August 17, 2022

Some people appreciate the brand because they see it in official games, including NBA games. Some others do it because of the high-quality standards. Spalding is a leading name when it comes to basketballs, and there are lots of options to choose from.

If you love basketball like me, chances are you want to enhance your skills and develop new techniques with a supportive ball. We have all been there – start with a cheap no-name ball, only to realize its limitations. After a while, you upgrade again and again until you get to the iconic brand.

This article will help you determine the best Spalding basketball based on your needs. There are lots of choices out there, which is a great thing. But at the same time, it can also be confusing.

For instance, some balls are suitable for indoor games, while others are great outdoors.

Whether you are a new or an experienced player, this guide is what you need to know to up your game!

Image (click on it to zoom)	Product	Best for		Check The Price
	Spalding TF-1000 Legacy	Best Overall	(4. 9 / 5)
	Spalding Excel TF-500	Best for Outdoor	(4.6 / 5)
	Spalding Tack-Soft TF	Best for Indoor	(4. 5 / 5)
	Spalding Zi/O TF	Best for Indoor Outdoor	(4.5 / 5)
	Spalding NBA SGT NeverFlat Hexagrip	Best for Heavy Uses	(4. 7 / 5)
	Spalding Street	Best Value for Money	(4.4 / 5)

Table of Contents

SCORE: (4.9 / 5)

Weighing a pound and getting as close as possible to the ball you see in the NBA, this is probably the ball that will give you a unique first-class experience in terms of basketball. It is suitable for indoor uses, yet it can be just as effective for outdoors.

The grip is what makes this ball my favorite Spalding model. If you are a shooter, you will love how it sticks to your hands, and let it go when needed – excellent accuracy and good control. The grip is enhanced by the deep channel design.

Moving on, the ZK microfiber PU composite cover is exclusive to Spalding and adds to the durability of this ball – hence its common uses outdoors too. It has top-notch moisture management technology too, so it is less likely to slip out of your hands.

The ball comes with a butyl rubber bladder for air retention – talking about air, the recommended inflation is 8 PSI. You can adjust it based on your needs, but I find 8 PSI to be more than enough for a great experience.

Finally, the ball has nylon windings, so its overall structural integrity is less likely to disappoint. Based on the weight and size – 6, 28.5”, I would place this ball in the intermediate category. It is so good overall that it has become the official high school ball in a few states.

Pros

Excellent touch – not slippery, not sticky
Can be used outdoors too, yet it is made for indoor uses
Works well with moisture and sweaty hands
Great value for money
Good air retention

Cons

More suitable for women and men with smaller hands
Not as good and solid as the original TF-1000

SCORE: (4.6 / 5)

This ball comes in two sizes – official, 7, 29.5”, as well as youth, 27.5”. Unless you buy it for your kid who is just starting to enjoy basketball, I recommend the official size. It will provide a more official feeling, helping you get used to a more standard size.

Now, the ball is made for both indoor and outdoor uses, so it is somewhere in the middle. However, I find it excellent for outdoor uses because of the bounce if you keep it at the right pressure – not more, not less than 8 PSI. Sometimes, the ball may not ship inflated, so you will need a pump too.

The ball is suitable for experienced players, but newbies will gain plenty from it. It will help you up the game with its sponge backing, not to mention the tacky feel when it bounces. Handling is flawless, and the grip will not let you down.

The touch adds to your shooting game too. You can control the ball without really looking at it. It sticks to the hand as you jump before shooting, but it slips smoothly in an accurate movement once you release it. Indeed, the shooting experience will be the same both indoors and outdoors.

With all these, I still believe Spalding should have advertised this ball for outdoor uses only because it simply stands out in the crowd. The indoor feature is basically Spalding’s way to tell you that you can use it in a gym too, without having to worry about its feel or control.

On another note, I believe you should stick to clear surfaces when outdoors. The ball tends to become quite slippery when dusty – keep your hands moisturized or simply use a different surface. Bottom line, each surface has both pros and cons – find the right conditions, and you should be alright.

Pros

Suitable for both indoors and outdoor uses
Holds air regardless of the surface
Comes in two different sizes
Great weight for its size
Good durability

Cons

Can get dusty and slippery when used outdoors due to channels not being very deep
When sent inflated, you may have to leave some air out before using it

SCORE: (4.5 / 5)

It is hard to believe you can make a basketball that works wonders both indoors and outdoors, yet most brands try it, and Spalding makes no exception either. This ball may have been designed for indoor and outdoor uses, but I find it the best Spalding basketball for indoors.

The soft touch given by the faux leather makes it stand out in a gym. It does come with a premium composite cover, so it is just as good for outdoor uses. However, make sure you pick a clean court or dust can make it a bit slippery.

Other than that, the ball comes in official size and weight – 7, 29.5″. If you are used to standard balls, you will find no issues adapting to it. It is usually shipped inflated – if you have to inflate it yourself, make sure you do not exceed 8 PSI.

To be perfectly honest, for indoor play, I find it easier to control if you drop the air pressure just under 8 PSI, but this is probably a matter of personal choice. All in all, back to the soft touch, it is given by an adhesive grip that lets the ball go just when you shoot.

The smoothness is quite dry, so I recommend using this ball indoors only. Sure, you can still get used to it outdoors, but I believe there are better options out there because the channels are not extremely deep. Other than that, control is less likely to disappoint, and I find accuracy quite impressive.

Pros

Good accuracy and excellent control indoors
Durable faux material
Good bounce
Air retention is excellent
Suitable both indoors and outdoors

Cons

There are better balls if you are into outdoor games only
Slightly soft, as the composite cover may feel a bit hard indoors
Not always inflated when shipped, so you may need a pump

SCORE: (4. 5 / 5)

This is probably the best Spalding basketball if you want to balance between indoor and outdoor uses. It has the optimal construction, the right materials, and channels at the right depth to ensure you will have a good grip, whether inside or outside.

The ball is available in the official size – 7, 29.5”. It is based on faux leather – quite durable – and features a Zi/O tournament composite cover. It may feel a bit hard at first, but you will get used to it. It definitely feels different from other indoor/outdoor balls, but this is what it takes to work on all surfaces.

The foam-backed design adds to the feel. Personally, I feel like the ball sticks to the hand if there is no dust on it. It feels like every touch can control it – even with the tips of my fingers. When you let go, it grabs the power you put into it and flies.

Now, everyone is worried about the feeling outdoors. Channels are a bit deeper when compared to other balls, so even if it gets dusty, you still have a good grip. I recommend cleaning it regularly if you play on dusty surfaces – other than that, you should be alright.

Normally, this ball is shipped inflated, but you should have a pump just in case you are not too lucky. The optimal pressure is 8 PSI, whether it loses air over time or comes deflated. Again, I recommend going just under 8 PSI if you use it indoors.

Pros

Good experience both indoors and outdoors
Great channel depth to prevent it from becoming slippery
Good value for money
Superior grip in all conditions
Durable materials

Cons

The grip was better in the 2016 release
Can still get dusty and slightly slippery, yet it will maintain most of the grip

SCORE: (4.7 / 5)

Whether it comes to training kids or just playing ball with friends, a heavy-duty basketball is a priority for me. Any of the above-mentioned options will last for ages, but you want something that will retain its integrity in the long run.

This is exactly what makes the NBA SGT NeverFlat Hexagrip the best Spalding basketball for heavy-duty uses. It comes in the official NBA weight and size – 7, 29.5”. Basically, there should be no issues getting used to it.

The soft grip technology cover ensures channels are deep enough to prevent dust from making it slippery. It feels like it can stick to your hand and gives you full control, even with the tips of your fingers. I still recommend giving it a rinse after playing in bad weather or on a dusty court.

Now, what makes this ball stand out is the NeverFlat air retention technology. It sounds hard to believe, but it is guaranteed to keep the ball inflated for at least a year, and the interesting part is these claims are actually real – heavy-duty uses both indoors and outdoors, and the pressure stayed at almost 8 PSI.

Other than that, the ball is based on composite rubber. It is durable and will not disappoint with its technologies. It is not the most expensive unit you can find out there, but it has a solid design that will face all kinds of challenges.

Pros

Stays inflated for ages
Good grip, both indoors and outdoors
Wears out very slowly
Great value for money
Standard size

Cons

Bounce may feel a bit irregular after too many uses
It may not be sent inflated, so you would have to inflate it yourself

SCORE: (4.4 / 5)

If price is an issue and you do not feel like spending too much on a Spalding basketball, this outdoor unit will likely impress you with its value for money. It is available in a classic size 7 – 29.5″, so it is suitable for both men and women.

What I truly like about this ball is the deep channel design – quite common for Spalding balls, but you would not expect it in an inexpensive model. Control is flawless – it bounces the right way, sticks when needed, and slips when you shoot.

The ball is designed for outdoor play, so it has a performance rubber cover. You can also try it indoors, but it feels a bit weird. It feels louder, and the bounce is not ideal – I recommend a ball for outdoor uses if you are going to spend most of your time on an outdoor court.

Just like for many of its balls, Spalding recommends 8 PSI for pressure. The ball is usually shipped deflated, so you will have to inflate it yourself – a matter of minutes only. Exceed the pressure, and the bounce will make it difficult to control the ball.

Finally, it makes no difference what surface you play on, as long as you do it outdoors. You can play on concrete, asphalt, or other similar surfaces. The ball will hold on incredibly well. Keep in mind it weighs just over 1.5 pounds.

Pros

Excellent value for money
Great durability in outdoor conditions
Superior grip when compared to other outdoor basketballs
Air retention is great
It will retain its integrity even when used in bad weather conditions

Cons

Pebbles on the ball may feel a bit rough on the hands if you are new
Does not come with a pump, so make sure you have one

Choosing The Best Spalding Basketball – Our Buying Guide

Choosing the best Spalding basketball can be a bit difficult. If this is the first time you are playing basketball, slight issues can be easily overlooked until you get used to the sport. But then, it pays off starting with a quality ball in the right size to ensure a good start.

Selecting the right ball will give you the opportunity to play your best. You can purchase a cheap no-name ball for kids, but the quality will make you a seasoned player. Becoming familiar with the technical elements of the sport will definitely allow you to perform at the highest level.

Basketball sizes

The size is one of the first considerations in the process. You need to ensure the size will match your playing level. For instance, choosing a ball that is too small or too large will negatively affect your playing technique.

On the same note, if you want to join different leagues, there will be requirements regarding the color, material, and size. Therefore, it is important to go for official standards – this way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

Size 7 is standard for professionals – 29.5” and 22 ounces in weight. Most professional associations for men rely on this size, which is just as common in high school and college leagues. If you plan to get there, go for this size.

Size 6 is smaller – 20 ounces and 28.5” in circumference. Such balls are suitable for those with small hands, but they are also official for women’s associations. The size is also suitable for youth leagues – usually those aged 12 and up.

Size 5 is recommended for kids aged 8 to 11 – they measure around 27.5” in circumference. The size is the most popular one in youth leagues. Other small sizes include 4 – 25.5” – for kids under 8, as well as size 3 – 22”, for the youngest players out there.

Indoor or outdoor basketballs

It is extremely important to consider the environment when choosing a basketball. Player styles keep evolving, and techniques change, so designs are more diversified than ever. Some balls are designed for indoor uses, while others are more suitable outdoors.

The difference consists of more factors – internal structure, channel depth, or cover construction, just to name a few. If you play outdoors, you need a more rugged design because the surface is more abrasive. Plus, dust will get into the channels, making balls more slippery – so you need more depth.

Indoor courts tend to be more forgiving.

Basketball materials

I believe once you get to a certain material, you will find it difficult to switch, yet you need to be flexible. You will usually find composite leather and rubber. Composite basketballs are sometimes known as synthetic. They provide the same experience as rubber balls, but they can take more wear and tear.

For this reason, the best Spalding basketball for indoor or indoor/outdoor games should be based on composite. Rubber basketballs are more suitable for outdoors – they are often referred to as street balls. Their cover is more durable and solid to withstand all sorts of surfaces.

Rubber basketballs provide an excellent grip, even if you play on rainy weather or a dusty court. They provide a good grip, and they cost less than composite balls. They come in all sorts of colors, and they are suitable for street basketball, as well as casual play – little to no maintenance required.

Composite basketballs are appropriate for mixed surfaces and indoor uses. They are more durable than the leather alternative and based on my personal experience, they represent the most popular choices on the market.

Best Spalding Basketball – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still unsure which Spalding basketball to choose? Let me clear out a few other aspects.

What size basketball does Spalding make?

Spalding makes basketballs in more sizes. The most common one? The NBA official size – 7, which is 29”. However, Spalding also makes smaller sizes, suitable for women or kids. Sizes can go down to 5 and 6. The weight and size will obviously depend on your needs, skills, and goals.

Which is the best Spalding basketball?

There is no such thing as the best Spalding basketball for everyone, as what works for some players will not work for everyone else. If the ball fits your needs, you are alright to use it. There are different balls for different environments too – for instance, indoors or outdoors.

Does the NBA use Spalding basketballs?

The NBA does not use Spalding basketballs anymore. The official ball for the league is now made by Wilson. The swap was made in 2021. Prior to this change, Spalding was the official basketball supplier for the NBA – from 1983. During these 37 years, every basketball in the NBA was made by Spalding.

Wrapping up…

Deciding on the best Spalding basketball can be a bit tricky because you need to understand your needs first. You can try out different balls, go to courts, borrow balls and see what feels good, but it also pays off listening to professional recommendations.

The above-mentioned balls are among the top-rated ones – based on other reviews but also based on my personal experience with each of them. Over the past few decades, I have tried everything, but these models aim to stand out in the crowd.

KP top 10 rating

Basketball originated in Massachusetts as an attempt to make physical education classes more fun and varied. Then this sport began to gain popularity in educational institutions in the United States. At the beginning of the 20th century, basketball was formed into a professional sport with the formation of club teams. Gradually, this game is gaining worldwide popularity and stands out as an independent sport in other countries. Basketball's evolution culminates in its inclusion in the 1919 Summer Olympics.36 and around it grows a whole industry.

Modern basketball is divided into amateur and professional. The main attribute of the game is the ball. What does he represent? The ball must be in the form of a sphere of a certain shade of orange with a classic pattern and black seams. Standard has eight inserts. In competitions, it is customary to use balls of the 7th size, the mass of which ranges from 567-650 grams, and the circumference ranges from 749 to 780 mm. But in other cases, balls of other sizes are used. Also, basketballs are universal (can be used indoors and outdoors), only for the street and only for playing indoors. Today there are many brands that produce balls. They differ in quality and price. Our top 10 best basketballs of 2022 will help you navigate this variety. And our expert Artem Samsonov will give some recommendations on choosing a ball that suits your goals.

Top 10 rating according to KP

1. Wilson Reaction PRO

Wilson Reaction PRO. Photo: market.yandex.ru

Wilson Reaction PRO is a professional basketball. Suitable for indoor and outdoor play. Production material - high quality composite leather based on polyurethane. This ball is characterized by a soft hit and good grip. The camera is made of butyl, a fairly high-quality material. The size of the ball is 7. There are eight glued panels in total. The advantage of this model is the original ball, officially approved in England.