Not all basketballs are created equal, so knowledge about the ball, where it will be used, and by whom can save the buyer money and make the game more positive. Before purchasing a ball or a dozen for team practice, consider whether the ball will be used indoors or outdoors or both, the composition of the ball, the size of the ball, and the price of each ball. There is a suitable basketball for everyone.
The place where the ball is going to be used is very important. Balls for outdoor basketball must be resistant to moisture and have a resistant cover. There are two types of balls that work well outside, but there are many levels of quality to these balls. The hardest balls are the rubber ones, and they are usually the cheapest; but they are invaluable because they can take a beating outdoors and be useful indoors. Rubber balls generally don’t have the gripping ability of composite or synthetic leather because the pebble isn’t as extensive and they can be a bit heavier. Spalding’s TF-150, Champion’s Premier Super Grip, and Mikasa’s BWL 110 are good choices. All three offer size and price options.
To increase the gripping ability of the basketball, especially for advanced players, the choice would be composite synthetic leather. Many of these balls are waterproof and durable enough to be used outside. They are the best options for schools and recreation centers because they play like a real leather ball. There are many levels of synthetic or composite leather basketballs. The difference in cost would be in the quality of the synthetic cover, the bladder wound or casing for air retention, the spread of the pebble, and the depth and width of the channel. The following are very good options. Although they have similar attributes and come in different sizes, there are some differences in the quality of the shells or the interior of the balls, which is why they are listed from lowest to highest price: Spalding TF-250, Rawlings Crossover, Spalding TF -500 and Spalding TF-1000.
Leather basketballs are the best choices for high schools, colleges, universities, and professional teams because they provide great grip, air retention, and can be lighter for size. There are Nike basketballs, NFL basketballs, and leather balls from every basketball manufacturer. A good leather ball has a foam backing in the leather, a deep channel, and plenty of pebbles. To get the best price for a great ball with all the expected components of leather balls, only one that is reasonably priced is mentioned: the Spalding TF-1000 ZK PRO. There are many other good options, but when price per ball is to be considered, this ball is a good choice.
Basketballs must follow the size and experience of the players. There are rubber balls, like the Spalding TF-150, sized specifically for junior players, but all of the balls mentioned in this article come in official women’s/intermediate size and official men’s size. There is little difference in the weight of the two balls, but the women’s ball has a circumference of 28.5″ while the men’s has a circumference of 29.5″. Each one can be a little bigger. Supposedly, this size is related to the supposed difference in the size of the female/intermediate hands and the male hands. Makes sense but may not be relative to Pro players.
When buying basketballs, the buyer must obviously be well informed about the players and the place where they will play. Of course, budgets come into the picture when buying multiple basketballs, but when one buys basketballs from a qualified sports store or quality website, the details of the make-up should be clearly stated. If the answers are not clear, all qualified websites have a contact email and phone number. Get the answers you need to make an informed basketball shopping decision. As for the number of basketballs to buy, there should be one ball for each player, and keep in mind that not all basketballs are created equal. Know the players and be wise when choosing.
