The Best 5 Indoor Basketballs
When it comes to choosing a great basketball, there are an infinite amount of options. Every ball is unique and has different pros and cons.
While picking the top 5 indoor basketballs that we will be reviewing today it’s important to know what an indoor basketball is, and where to use them. Their soft leather and composites help give the player a more pleasant experience, but only last on smooth indoor courts. This means that they should generally be used only on hardwood courts and smooth surfaces.
In this article, we have only picked 5 of many top basketballs and provided reasons why they are the best. We’ll go over key pros and cons that will assist you in choosing the right indoor basketball.
Properties Of A Good Indoor Basketball:
Lots of factors determine why a basketball may be good or not. While determining the top 5 indoor basketballs we need to make sure that all of these balls are following the basic properties of a good basketball.
The ball should have a suitable weight for the level of play, with a weight of around 20 ounces for men’s competition and around 18 ounces for women’s competition. It should be made of a durable material that is suitable for indoor use, such as leather or synthetic leather.
The ball should have a consistent bounce and should not be too bouncy or not bouncy enough while also having a good grip to allow players to handle it effectively, particularly when dribbling or shooting. Will all of these considered, the ball should also be able to withstand the rigors of indoor play and should not easily become damaged or worn out.
We are also going to be providing different priced balls and better valued balls. They will be reasonably priced and provide good value for the money even for the most expensive ball. Some great balls can also be from reputable brands which means they can be cheaper. It can be helpful to choose a basketball from a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality balls.
Cover Materials:
Leather is a traditional material that has been used to cover basketballs for many years. It is a durable and high-quality material that provides good grip and feel, but it can be more expensive than other options.
Synthetic leather is a man-made material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural leather. It is a more affordable option and can be just as durable as leather, but it may not have the same level of grip.
Composite materials are made from a combination of different materials, such as rubber and synthetic leather. They are often used to make basketballs that are more affordable than leather balls but still have good grip and durability.
Rubber basketballs are a less expensive option that is often used for outdoor basketballs. It is a durable and waterproof material, but it can be less grippy and may not have as good of a feel as leather or synthetic leather.
Generally, you want to look for an indoor basketball with real leather, composite leather, or synthetic leather. This is because rubber has a cheap feel, and is generally used for outdoor use. In this top 5 indoor basketballs article we will be looking for balls that are not made of rubber, but can also be more affordable.
Most Authentic: Wilson NBA Authentic Series
4.6
Pros:
– Made from quality materials
– Excellent grip and feel
– Most authentic approvals
– NBA game ball
Cons:
– Not budget friendly, but is well priced
– Heavier than most balls
– Short lifespan due to the ball being used in pro play
This ball is used in NBA games and is 100% authentic. It features technology that no other balls have such as the “Cushion Core Technology” and “Pure Feel Cover”. The Cushion Core makes every bounce feel great and allows harder passing which pros generally do. This ball is more marketed at higher level players who don’t need great performance, but prefer a soft and comfortable feel.
Along with the Cushion Core, this ball has a Pure Feel Cover that provides solid durability and further improves the players experience using the ball. Even with a deeper channel design that improves the spin and control on shots, some also say that the ball feels rough and is harder to shoot. Overall, most NBA players are satisfied with this ball and only some would want to use a new one.
When talking price, this ball is quite cheap and only comes in at $46. Overall, this ball is quite good, and can be trusted by everyone because it is used in Professional play — you can’t go wrong with this ball
Best Budget: AmazonBasics PU Composite
4.4
Pros:
– Affordable price point
– resistant to water and moisture
– Good grip and feel
– Indoor/outdoor bonus
Cons:
– Not very durable
– Inconsistent bounce
– Few approvals in league play and sanctioned tournaments
The AmazonBasics PU Composite Basketball is a good option if you need a new basketball but don’t want to spend a fortune. This affordable ball offers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of other top-of-the-line options and is made of high-quality materials.
The polyurethane (PU) cover of this ball is one of its distinguishing qualities. This substance is a great option for both indoor and outdoor play because of its long lifespan and superb grip. To improve air retention and ensure that the ball maintains its shape and bounce throughout the game, the ball also has a composite leather bladder.
All levels of basketball players have given this ball glowing reviews. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recreational player looking for a dependable ball to use at the park, this ball will not disappoint especially for the low price of $21.
Best Overall: Wilson Evolution Basketball
4.7
Pros:
– High-quality construction
– Excellent grip and feel
– Consistent bounce
– Approved for use in organized league play and sanctioned tournaments
Cons:
– Not budget friendly
– Less resistant to water and moisture
For players of all skill levels, the Wilson Evolution Basketball is the best choice. The Wilson Evolution has something to offer, regardless of whether you’re an experienced player looking for a ball to use on game day or a casual player looking for a high-quality option for pick-up games at the park.
This ball is distinguished by its unique Cushion Core Technology. This unique design creates a ball that is softer and more responsive than conventional rubber balls by combining a low-density sponge rubber center with a high-density rubber outer layer. This makes an incredibly satisfying ball to handle and has superb grip and control on the court.
The microfiber composite cover of your ball is incredibly tough and resistant to scuffing, so it will continue to feel great and look great game after game.
While it is one of the more expensive balls at $80, it is a great choice for the price and is the best overall ball in this 2023 set of top 5 indoor basketballs. If you’re looking for a basketball that performs well and can withstand the demands of intense gameplay the Wilson Evolution would be the first ball to give a try.
Best Value: Spalding TF-250
4.6
Pros:
– Good balance of quality and price
– Solid grip and feel
– Approved for use in organized league play and sanctioned tournaments
Cons:
– Less consistent bounce
– Leather can wear out quickly
A Popular basketball that can be used indoors and outdoors (as a bonus) is the Spalding TF-250. Since it is so good in both ways, this is the only ball we will be rating that is fully suitable for outdoor and indoor use. Its composite leather bladder and tough rubber exterior allow it to keep its form and bounce even after prolonged use.
The adaptability of this ball is one of its best qualities. It is appropriate for players of all skill levels and may be played in a variety of locations, such as outdoor courts, school gyms, and even professional competitions. The TF-250 has a textured surface that gives players a solid grip.
Players of all ability levels can use the Spalding TF-250 basketball because it is of great quality. This ball has the best value because it can be used everywhere, is great all around, and only costs $49. It’s a fantastic option for both indoor and outdoor play thanks to its strength and adaptability.
Best Feel: Baden Elite Indoor
4.7
Pros:
– Excellent grip and feel
– Approved for use in organized league play and sanctioned tournaments
Cons:
– Higher price point than most balls
The Baden Elite is another popular college ball that many people love. It tends to be compared to the Wilson Evolution, but has its pros and cons that can come down to preference.
The Cushion Control Technology-enhanced composite cover of the popular college basketball known as the Baden Elite gives it a lot of grip and tack. It has moisture grip and a recessed stealth soft valve system that provide moisture wicking properties and a real bounce and flight, giving it a comparable feel to the Wilson Evolution.
Even after vigorous play, the ball’s shape and structure are preserved thanks to the nylon-coiled carcass. When playing on indoor courts, where the flooring may be smooth or slick, the grip on this ball is extremely helpful.
It costs about the same as the Wilson Evolution at $75, so which one you prefer may depend on your own preferences. The Wilson Evolution is usually the more popular option, but both balls are great choices.
*Disclaimer: All basketball product links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchases using this link will give me a commission for it.*
