Are you looking for the best indoor basketball for that little munchkin at home?
Well, no need to search further, we have the perfect guide to the 8 best indoor basketballs to buy in 2020. We know it is important to get a high – quality basket, which lasts your basketball fanatic for years to come.
There is an overwhelming selection of indoor basketballs to nitpick from and any unexperienced person can get confused. Thus, no need to worry, we have all the information here to make your life easier regarding the right bounce.
However, we do understand that there is a specific budget of everyone, so we have listed the balls ranges from the premium to the affordable one.
Moreover, the pros and cons are there in this article for you to weigh which one is suitable for you. The drawbacks are highlighted for you to go through. Look out which basketball can be used where and where not.
Isn’t what you were waiting all this long to here?
So let’s get right into it;
Contents
Best Indoor basketball – Comparison Chart
Here is the comparison chart of top pick Indoor Basketballs available on the market.
Basketballs | Details | |
Spalding NBA Official |
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Wilson Evolution Game Ball |
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Baden Elite |
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Spalding TF – 1000 |
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The Rock Ball |
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Molten X-Series |
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Wilson NCAA Replica |
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Spalding Precision |
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8 Top Indoor Basketball Reviews
Spalding NBA Official Basketball
“Best Genuine Leather Basketball”
- This is made out of original leather
- This will make you feel great
- NBA also uses this basketball
- Professional players are better suited for this basketball than amateurs
If you want a good and productive practice, then get your hands on this one. The size of this model is about 7 and has a circumference of 29.5”, therefore, males who are 15 years or older will find this perfect for themselves.
Since 1983, we have been looking at this official game ball, the Spalding NBA ball. This has a full-grain leather cover which is so soft and comfortable to touch that you will get lost into playing simply. Also, this has produced a high-quality performance needed by everyone. So, if a champion indoor player wants something good, Spalding basketball is the best choice.
Qualities
Adding to the high performance, this basketball has proven to be a durable ball, therefore, as soon as the quarantine ends, you can have fun with your ball outdoors as well! Moreover, the pressure can be maintained in the perfect manner which means that you do not have to pump air into it after every single play.
But be careful if you are an amateur player. It is so because the ball does not have a good grip. By good grip, we mean that the ball does not bounce very smoothly. So, if one has this ball, they might get used to the ball with the passage of time which requires a lot of patience. But, once you know how it works, you will not be able to leave it anymore.
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
- Students of high school or college prefer this
- Durability is high
- This is not so heavy on your pocket
- Can be used for a long period of time
- Some people still find the texture hard
Well, now you will be happy to hear that this Wilson Evolution has 3 size options readily available for you. the first size is 29.5” (really good for males aged 15 or above), the second size is 28.5” (really suits boys between the age of 12 or 14, or even girls age 12 or above). Many people find this basketball soft because of the feel it gives.
The patented technology of Cushion Core Carcass not only makes it soft to play with but also makes your performance smooth. Moreover, the grip around the rim is also really good. We see that Wilson Evolution knows how to keep a balance between grip and smoothness. Adding on to this, we see that the outer layer has a microfiber cover, therefore, durability is guaranteed in all seasons. This makes it clear that this can be used for playing outside as well.
Quality
As of the quality of the ball, we already know it is durable, this costs around 50 dollars and is A LOT more than what its price says. It can be said that the price of this is pretty much reasonable. The leather used to make this basketball is real, so it is a genuine ball for sure.
Many people have addressed that they have been using this for more than a year and it still works perfectly. This is not worn down, popped, and has no apparent sign of deflating as well.
We know that this basketball is always ready to come out of the box. You do not need to go through all the junk in your drawer to find the air pump because this does not like to create any hassle bassle for you. so, tie up your sneakers, take it out, and off you go!
Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball – Genuine
“Best basketball for crazy dribbling”
- The moisture on your hands can easily be absorbed by it
- The bounce is pretty smooth and sharp
- For dribblings, this is the best choice
- In the beginning, this seems very sticky
This basketball has 2 available sizes; one is 29.5”, known as the standard size and best suited for men aged 15 and above, second is 28.5” which is the best for boys between the age of 12 and 14. The second size is so good that even women age 12 or above can also get a hand over it.
Again, like the previous basketball, this also has the Cushion Control Technology and so, a layer is present there for the user to feel good and soft while playing indoors. Moreover, you can see consistency in the bounce of this every time you get to play with it.
Quality
There is a microfiber layer at the top which gives the perfect softness and ease to play around. Adding on to the softness, this cover on the ball can also absorb the moisture on your hands so that you do not lose your grip while sweating.
The Baden Elite indoor basketball also has other advantages such as it does not age too quickly. This is known to last longer you can think of. But, the company has made sure that the softness is not risked. In comparison to other basketballs, this ball is very soft to play with.
Spalding TF – 1000 Classic Indoor Basketball
- The perfect description is “modern classic”
- This ball seems more of a rubber
- This ball requires pumping it often
If your child is about 15 years or older, then you must look at this 4th option on our best indoor basketball list. The Spalding TF -1000 classic indoor basketball is 29.5” in size. It will suit best to your child if they are of this age range.
Quality
Many people in the U.S. consider this is their favorite because it is of high quality. But with the passage of time, the softness of this has been compromised. The new model introduced in the market, is quite rubbery in comparison to the old model. Therefore, the bounce of this has been affected by a great deal. Even though this does not require too much pumping, it still does not get soft with the passage of time.
The durability of the basketball is great. But it has been observed that the original TF -1000 used to worn out quickly and easily. For this particular reason, the cover of this was changed as an improvement, and it turned out to be beneficial.
Design
The design is something people look for when they are buying anything. And all the sports-loving people will have the design of the basketball in focus too. This ball gives a vintage feel but with a modern twist. The phrase “modern classic” can truly be used for this basketball.
So, when a player gets their hands on this, this becomes so sticky. The palm can easily handle it and can play with it anyway one wants to. So if he has to decide between the original TF – 1000 and the newer version, which he got for his son, he would like to play with this one instead. This indoor ball brings joy.
The Rock Basketball
- Highly durable
- Not too slick and soft
- This ball absorbs moisture way too quickly
- Needs a lot of time pumping
Just like the previous basketball we discussed in this list, this is also suited to boys age 15 or above. It is so because the size of the basketball is around 29.5”. However, not many people have heard about this brand unlike the Wilson, Spalding, or Balden balls. Not being a renowned brand does not make this one a lesser one. It still is good enough to play with, indoors. We can say that contrary to what is believed, this basketball has its own good sides as well.
Targeting the first thing about this basketball, we can say that tackiness is simply perfect for this. When we talk about tackiness, we can totally picture dirt and dust. It is so because when a ball is tacky, they stick more to the floor and hands. Therefore, the grip of this is risked greatly.
Quality
When it comes to quality, this knows how to challenge the renowned brands such as Wilson Evolution. The channels of this are way too extensive in comparison to Wilson, therefore, a much better grip. Adding more benefits to this one, this is quite absorbent. You cannot blame your sweaty palms at all for losing a game now.
The Rock basketball has been built with real leather and so far, the best ball found in this price range. So, when you are not in the mood of spending a hundred dollars on a hand-made ball, then you should surely lookout for this cheap option!
Molten X – Series Composite Basketball
- This is an official FIBA ball
- The fingertip control is great
- The rotation is easy to track
- The size is smaller than what is expected
This Molten X – Series has 2 sizes. The first one is known to be the standard size 7, also, perfect for males ages 15 years or more. The second size is 6 and preferable the best size for women of age 12 or older and boys 12 to 14 years old.
If your child is planning to join the college team and wants to practice shooting, then this is a real pick for you. the cover of the ball gives it a realistic grip and bounce. The white stripes on the channels are present for establishing the rotation of the ball while shooting it.
Quality
The players look for the quality of this, every time before playing. The X-shape design of the ball has made its rotation a bit better. The players are more into the reacting and when the direction changes every time. This ball also helps in developing your intuition because this way, the player knows in which direction this will go as compared to a regular one.
Moreover, the composite leather absorbs the moisture from your hands when they are sweating. So, when the surface pebbles, the ball also gives an excellent grip. When you are finding something that does not cost you much and does your work too, then this should be your choice.
Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball
“Best inexpensive quality ball”
- For beginners, its price is affordable
- It is a both, outdoors and indoors, basketball
- The quality of this basketball is high
- Professionals do not find this is suitable for them
This basketball of Wilson Replica comes in 2 sizes. 29.5 inches is the first and ideal size for men age 15 or above. 28.5 inches is the next size which most women of age 12 and above find good for themselves, and for boys ages 12 to 14.
Quality
As for the quality of this basketball, we believe that this is not going to give you a real leather feel. It is so because the cover of composite leather is literally the same in all composite basketballs. However, it still can be compared to other professionally high-quality balls in the market. The patented technology used by Wilson makes the rimming, dribbling, and passing all consistent. The Wilson’s have taken a different approach while making this basketball, thus, making it resilient so that one can play both indoors and outdoors.
This ball has the ability to absorb moisture so you sweating during your game will no longer be a problem. Like other composite balls, this one gets slick with the passage of time too. Therefore, we recommend this one for pickup games, practicing at home, and team games as well.
Spalding Precision Indoor Basketball
- The design is different than other balls
- Grip is really good
- Some time is taken for the break in
- It does not show its full potential
Spalding precision is a professional one and comes in 2 sizes. The size 7 is perfect for men age 15 or above and size 6 is most suited to women age 12 or up and boys 12 to 14. This has been designed in such a way that it suits intermediate level players more. The channels are deep, therefore, the grip is tight.
QualityThe quality and design have not been compromised. This is not like other basketballs. The color is light and so, it stands out. The feel, bounce, grip, and shot, all are so smooth and soft that you will not look anywhere else.
Best Indoor Basketball – Buying Guide
Navigating and picking the good indoor basketball is not an easy task at all. You need to have the right information about basketball to pick up the most suitable one for yourself.
If you are not aware of the required information. Nothing to worry!
We have summarized all the relevant information in this buying guide to help you in making an informed decision.
So let’s get started;
Factors to Consider Before purchasing indoor basketball
While purchasing indoor basketball, there 7 pointers that you should consider to make the right purchase.
Here they are;
Material
You will find the basketballs manufactured with 3 different types of material, including rubber, composite leather, and genuine leather.
When it comes to rubber basketballs, better to consider them only for the outdoor games. Because their durability could make them withstand along with the toughness of the court.
They are cheaper as well. But the uncompetitive texture and lack of grip do not make it a perfect fit for indoor play.
So which one you have to go with?
The composite and genuine leather basketballs are more preferable for indoor games. As they both provide the ideal comfort that the players usually look for. They serve you with the softer touch, let you dribble like crazy while making the shooting more enjoyable than before.
The durability of genuine leather is far better than the composite one. Hence, priced higher. As far as the break-in period is concerned, genuine leather basketballs require more time to break in. whereas, it’s not a case with the composite leather basketballs.
Now the choice is yours, you can choose any one of them as per your budget and based on their aforementioned characteristics.
Air Retention
You can’t find any better ball that does not need to be pumped. It’s a universal law that the ball will lose the air and you will have to pump it again for a pleasant experience.
Therefore, the ball that loses less air is the ideal one. The fluctuation in the air pressure should not be annoying, which makes you pump the ball several times during a game. Even when the temperature drops, good indoor basketball will be able to retain air for a better duration.
Interestingly, while listing up the 8 top indoor basketballs, we have kept that concept in our mind. Hence, all of the listed balls perform well, whenever it comes to air retention. You could choose any one of them, without thinking about it anymore.
Bounce
The bounce could cause a great impact in your game, either in a positive or a negative sense. Your ball’s bounce should not be unreliable, better to have the ball whose bounce can be tracked and predicted. Otherwise, you would lose the ball soon and always fail to showcase your crazy dribbling style.
Again the bounce of every ball recommended here, have a consistent and competitive bounce. You don’t have to worry at all about them. After all, they are the best one of the time.
Grip
Like other factors, Grip can’t be avoided as well. You should be able to grip the ball every single time, even with the sweaty hands. Otherwise, the possession will not be yours anymore.
All of the best indoor basketballs have the feature of absorbing moisture, for serving you with a better grip. Other than moisture-absorbing technology, the channels and grooves width and deepness respectively make the grip better as well.
Size of Basketball
Every sized ball is not for everyone, you need to look out for the specification and have to pick up the one, which makes shooting and griping comfortable for yourselves.
- Size 7 basketball whose circumference is 29.5” is perfect for Men and boys ages more than 15 years.
- Size 6 basketball whose circumference is 28.5″ is perfect for women, and boys ages 12-14.
- Size 5 basketball with the circumference of 27.5″ is the youth ball. Means perfect for kids ages 9-11 years.
FAQ’s
What is the best indoor basketball?
After analyzing the entire market, we have handpicked 8 best indoor basketballs that you should miss considering at all. Though, the top pick is The Spalding NBA Official basketball for the indoor courts.
What is the best indoor outdoor basketball?
From the top 8 indoor basketballs, Wilson NCAA Replica scores the most when it comes to the multi-court basketball. Either it is a concrete court pickup game or an indoor one, this ball performs well in both of the courts.
Which basketball is better Wilson or Spalding?
Being a market leader, both are producing quality yet competitive basketballs. No matter, which brand you go with. You are going to have an unbeatable quality basketball in your hand.
What is the most expensive basketball ball?
When it comes to the expensive basketball, the Spalding NBA Official basketball being genuine leather and high-quality basketball is the most expensive one. Though, it requires some break-in time to start performing exceptionally in the court.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have chosen the basketball for yourselves because we have shared the entire information to help you in picking the best for you. Now the decision is yours!
But if we have picked some of them based on the aforementioned factors, we would go up with them;
- Wilson NCCA Replica, if I would be a beginner
- Wilson Evolution, if I would be a trained player but wants to have an inexpensive basketball
- Official Spalding NBA Game ball, if I desire to enjoy the professional yet higher quality basketball. Obviously, not everyone can afford to experience the quality of this ball.