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10 Best Indoor Basketballs reviews

Published In Equipments and Sports & Fitness

The many indoor basketball choices out there can make it hard to pick the right one for you, but in this piece, we review some of the best and provide a shopping guide to help you select the best ball.

Recommendations

 
Basketball on a smooth indoor court

Basketball is played and watched by millions of people across the world. And it is one of those games that you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors. But, whether you are playing in a local team or just for fun at home you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. And nothing is as important as the basketball because without it you cannot play the game.

When playing on the smooth indoor surface, you will need a ball that can handle these conditions while maintaining a good bounce. And although the hardwood surface of the indoor basketball courts makes it possible to use almost any ball type, you still need to pick the best from the various models and brands in the market.

With the right information, you should not have any difficulties picking the best basketball from the many options. And our reviews of 5 of the best indoor balls in the market and shopping guide below will provide the necessary and vital information you need to pick something gat works well for you.

Our Pick

01

Wilson Evolution by Wilson

Our Pick

Pros

  • Micro-pebble touchpoints for a superior grip.
  • The moisture-wicking channels provide enhanced control.
  • This ball has an exceptional feel thanks to the cushioned core.
  • It is game ready straight from the box and will not need any break-in.
  • The material provides the best grip and durability combination.

Cons

  • The panels can start to peel after prolonged and continuous use.
  • Composite is not as durable as genuine leather.
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Wilson never disappoints when it comes to the manufacture of basketball. This Evo Microfiber composite indoor ball provides a perfect combination of grip and durability. It uses thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints to offer the superior grip and some moisture-wicking laid-in channels to enhance the control. 

Also, it has a cushioned core to provide an exceptional feel, and it is game ready straight from the box requiring no break-in.

You will hardly get any other ball that provides better control than this one at the same price.

For more about Wilson Evolution, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Also Great

02

Spalding NBA Excel Basketball by Spalding

Pros

  • Suitable for use both indoor and outdoor.
  • Deep channels provide better dribble control.
  • It will come in the official NBA size and weight.
  • More precise handling thanks to the foam backing.
  • It has a soft feel that every basketball player will love.

Cons

There are some quality control issues with this basketball
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The Spalding Excel is another excellent indoor basketball that will help you enjoy the game. This ball works for both indoor and outdoor courts, and it has some deep channels that provide better dribble control and foam backing for more precise handling. And it comes in the official intermediate NBA size and weight.

One of the best and most affordable indoor basketballs for intermediate players. This is the best NBA Intermediate Basketball.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Spalding NBA Excel Basketball, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

03

Wilson NCAA Tournament Game Basketball by Wilson

Pros

  • It provides an unmatched grip and control.
  • Exceptional feel and some more consistent bounce.
  • You can get it in both official and intermediate sizes.
  • This ball will come with approvals from both NCAA and NFHS.

Cons

A little pricey given that you can get quality basketballs at half its price.
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It is hard to find a perfect basketball, but this one by Wilson is as close to perfection as it can get. The ball provides an exceptional feel and a more consistent bounce than most others thanks to the cushion core technology. And the grip and control are also hard to match as Wilson uses their patented laid-in channels.

Although you will have to pay a few extra dollars for this ball it is worth it as it has a durable construction and it performs well. This is the best Quality Basketball!

For more about Wilson NCAA Tournament Game Basketball, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

04

Spalding Rookie Gear by Spalding

Pros

  • It weighs less than most standard youth balls to make it easy for kids to shoot and rebound.
  • Performance composite leather gives it a soft feel.
  • Also ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons

Imprinted UPC looks ugly on the face of the ball.
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If you are on the market for a high-quality youth basketball this one from Spalding will be an excellent choice. The performance composite ball has a soft feel that will be perfect for you young players. But, the fact that it weighs up to 25% less than standard youth balls is what makes it stand out because makes it easy for them to shoot and rebound.

An excellent youth basketballs that does not cost much to buy but will still offer top-notch performance.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Spalding Rookie Gear, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

05

Spalding NBA Replica Game Ball by Spalding

Pros

  • Premium composite cover for a soft feel.
  • Designed for both indoor and outdoor play.
  • It has an excellent grip that provides comfortable dribbling and shooting.
  • This ball comes in official NBA size and weight.

Cons

The outer coating does not look very durable.
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This affordable basketball comes in an official NBA size for both female and male youth players. The ball has a premium composite cover that gives it a soft feel and also provides an excellent grip. And it is also designed for use both indoors and outdoors.

The size and weight make this one of the best youth basketballs, and it is also quite affordable. Best Youth Basketball!

For more about Spalding NBA Replica Game Ball, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Did you know

Best basketballs should come pre-inflated and should never have been deflated again as this could lead to creasing the surface and cause damage to the ball.

What to look for when buying

Finding the right indoor basketball is an essential step in ensuring that you enjoy the game. And with the many models out there you will have plenty of options to pick from but to get the best you should consider the following important things.

Material

One of the first things that you will need to decide when shopping for basketballs is the material type that you prefer to get. And here you will need to pick between genuine leather, composite and rubber. But, real leather is always the best option because the balls last longer and feel much better once you break it in.

Size 

As you shop for an indoor basketball, you will need to consider how it feels on your hand because this determines the efficient if dribbling and shooting. But, the right size for you will depend on your age and gender. The three standard sizes are Size 5-27.5 inches (for boys and girls between 7 and12), Size 6-28.5 inches (12 to 15 boys and women) and the Size 7-29.5 inches (boys that are more than 15 years old and men)

Brand

Like with most other basketball products some companies are famous for making the best indoor and outdoor balls. These labels are what many basketball players prefer, and so you will also be better off going for them. And they include Wilson, Spalding, Nike, Molten and Under Armour.

Price

Price is another important factor that you cannot ignore when shopping for an indoor basketball. Although the quality of materials makes these balls pricier than the ones for use on outdoor courts you can still get something that is within a reasonable budget.

Did you know?

Organized basketball leagues have strict specifications for basketballs regarding weight, circumference, color, material, bounce, and inflation pressure.

NBAThe National Basketball Association (NBA) only allows one ball: the official NBA size 7 game ball manufactured by Spalding. It must be orange, 29 ½ inches in circumference, and weigh 22 ounces. 

WNBA — The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), like the NBA, only allows one official game ball, manufactured by Spalding. It must be a size 6, 28 ½ inches in circumference, and weigh 20 ounces. Orange and white in color.

FIBAThe International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has no one official game ball, but it does have strict specifications regarding what kind of ball may be used. Only size 7 balls are allowed, and they must have the name of the manufacturer and a serial number printed on the surface. It must be made of genuine or synthetic leather, and there is no specific color requirement. The ball must pass a rigorous array of tests, including a fatigue test, heat test, and valve test. The manufacturer must be certified by FIBA, and the FIBA name must be printed on the ball.

NCAAThe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires a size 7 ball that bounces between 49 and 54 inches for men's competition, and a size 6 that bounces between 51 and 56 inches for women's.

Basketball Materials

When it comes to choosing a basketball based on the material is it made from, selection is usually determined by the type of court that games will be played on. The surface ground of outdoor courts are generally rougher compared to indoor courts which are usually less abrasive. Using the wrong type of basketball can make bouncing awkward, and will cause the surface of the ball to wear off faster. Most of the basketballs has a rubber bladder inside and they are wrapped using layers of fiber and covered with one of the following surfaces:

  1. Leather — Professional leagues use basketballs made from genuine leather as these are the softest and most comfortable material. Prolonged use will season the basketball giving it a softer feel. They are also the most expensive basketballs available and should only be used on indoor court surfaces.  

  2. Composite/Synthetic — Composite leather is a synthetically produced material that feels like leather. Synthetic basketballs can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Unlike leather, synthetic leather does not need prolonged usage for the material to break in. Such basketballs give better control and grip.

  3. Rubber — Basketballs made from rubber are the most affordable and generally used by beginners.  Such basketballs which are more durable can bounce well and are great for outdoor courts with asphalt surfaces. 

Did you know?

Professional basketball players use genuine leather basketballs but there is one nuance with them, they need to be broken in before you can feel the benefits of such basketball. 

Also they are way more expensive than composite ones. Before professional matches in the world they go through 90-day break in process where they are passed and bounced for hours to reach the condition of best grip and characteristics. 

The leather eventually is broken in and during this period the ball becomes softer and ready for big match. Major brands who manufacture them are Spalding, Molten and Baden

Basketball Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers who offer different types of basketballs with varying blends of materials and design. These are the top 6 manufacturers that have been around for many years

Spalding– Since 1876, Spalding has manufactured sporting goods for baseball, football, and basketball, producing the first official ball for each of these sports. Spalding has been the manufacturer of the official NBA game ball since 1983.

Molten – This Japanese manufacturer that provide official game balls for all FIBA championships, as well as all FIBA Asia events. These balls are marketed under the company's "Elite Competition" line, and are available in leather or composite options. They also provide a variety of balls for camp or recreational use.

Wilson – Wilson's flagship ball, the SOLUTION, is the official ball of the NCAA. Wilson's EVOLUTION ball is touted as the top-selling high school game ball in the United States, and it boasts a composite surface with Wilson's inlaid channels, a feature that replaces traditional rubber channels with an integrated composite material.

Rawlings – Rawlings also has a long history with basketball, having manufactured basketballs since 1902. The company provides the official ball for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Rawlings is known for its 10-panel basketball, marketed as the TEN,, although the company also manufacture traditional eight-panel basketballs. The TEN is the official basketball of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

Baden – known brand for their Cushion Control Technology and for developing the first women sized basketball. Baden is among leaders in every sport they are touching with their goods and are recognized as one of the fastest growing ball manufacturer in the world. Many people who play basketball prefer their balls for quality and excellent performance.

Nike – This brand is very know for sporting goods that they are manufacturing, you should know already. Nike produce its Nike 4005 Official Tournament Balls for the Union of European Leagues of Basketball (ULEB) and the University Athletic Associaton of the Philippines (UAAP). It is also the major supplier for professional competitions and there is a plenty of great choices of balls for professionals and amateurs.

Conclusion

Your choice of indoor basketball determines whether you will enjoy playing or not. But with our guide and reviews above it should be easy to get the best indoor basketball. 

For those that are looking for a high-performing ball that provides excellent grip and control, the Wilson Evolution Indoor Basketball is a perfect choice while the Spalding Rookie Gear Composite Youth Basketball is ideal when you want something affordable.

Buy now on Amazon

01 Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Basketball Wilson Evolution
by Wilson
You will hardly get any other ball that provides better control than this one at the same price. Buy now on Amazon
02 Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball Spalding NBA Excel Basketball
by Spalding
One of the best and most affordable indoor basketballs for intermediate players. This is the best NBA Intermediate Basketball. Buy now on Amazon
03 Wilson NCAA Tournament Game Basketball Wilson NCAA Tournament Game Basketball
by Wilson
Although you will have to pay a few extra dollars for this ball it is worth it as it has a durable construction and it performs well. This is the best Quality Basketball! Buy now on Amazon
04 Spalding Rookie Gear Spalding Rookie Gear
by Spalding
An excellent youth basketballs that does not cost much to buy but will still offer top-notch performance. Buy now on Amazon
05 Spalding NBA Indoor/Outdoor Replica Game Ball Spalding NBA Replica Game Ball
by Spalding
The size and weight make this one of the best youth basketballs, and it is also quite affordable. Best Youth Basketball! Buy now on Amazon
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