Are you looking to purchase your first basketball? Are you looking to upgrade your current basketball? Maybe you are just trying to find the best indoor outdoor basketball to replace your current basketball that isn’t working out too well.
Unfortunately, not all of the basketballs available are good options when trying to purchase the best basketball for you. We understand that it is quite essential to make the best decision when it comes on to selecting which basketball to buy.
In today’s piece, we will be going through some of the best available basketballs on the market that can be used in indoor and outdoor play.
If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for the best indoor outdoor basketball here.
Our Favorites for the Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs
We thoroughly reviewed the basketballs available on the market today, and we have compiled a list of the ones that we think are the best. We will analyze all of the best features so that you can get all the information you need before making a purchase.
Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor 29.5
Users say that this is the best ball basketball for your money. They also say it practically lasts forever. The Spalding NBA Zi/O is fully pebbled for a solid grip. This Spaulding boasts a traditional channel design for more control.
What Makes It Unique:
- To improve the way this masterpiece feels in your hands, Spalding went and got it foam backed.
Why Choose the Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor Outdoor Basketball:
- It is the official NBA size 7 with tournament composite cover.
- This great basketball can be used without worry on both hardwood or concrete.
- Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inch
- Zi/O Tournament composite cover
- Foam backed design for excellent feel
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
- Shipped inflated and game ready
Under Armour 595 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
Some users say that this basketball has a super grip and bounce. The grip they are referring to comes from the UA Gripskin used by Under Armour. It was incorporated into the design for the ultimate grip. That could be the reason why the NFHS approves it. The ball is built to retain air with the 100% butyl bladder.
What Makes It Unique:
- Unlike some basketballs that lose their shape in a short period, the 595 is constructed with 100% nylon windings for excellent shape retention
Why Choose the Under Armour 595 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball:
- This basketball is designed with traditional channels.
- The 595 has full ball pebbling.
- UA 595: High-quality cover material & traditional channel design provide enhanced grip for indoor & outdoor play UA GRIPSKIN composite for ultimate grip & feel 100% nylon windings provide excellent shape retention, superior durability & consistent bounce 100% butyl bladder delivers ideal air tension, so the ball stays round & tight, all game Full ball pebbling Available in size 6 (standard women's competition) & size 7 (standard men's competition) NFHS approved
Spalding TF-500 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Customers say this is a great basketball that feels good in your hands and shoots well. They also say that the ball is backed by great customer service from Spaulding. That is because Spaulding made the TF-500 with control in mind.
What Makes it Unique:
- This beautiful basketball is outfitted with premium composite cover.
Why Choose the Spalding TF-500 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball:
- It is the official NBA size 7
- This great basketball can be used without worry both indoor and outdoor.
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
- Premium composite cover
- Shipped inflated and game ready
- Designed for indoor play
Spalding NBA Replica Indoor/Outdoor Game Ball
Spalding made replica with composite leather construction for better feel and durability. Some customers say that it is better than most other balls and feels as close to an indoor leather ball as they have touched. They also comment that it holds air well.
What Makes It Unique:
- The basketball is an NBA replica, so it was designed just like the official NBA balls.
Why Choose The Spalding Indoor/Outdoor Game Ball:
- A basketball pump is included in the package.
- The Spalding Indoor/Outdoor Game Ball was built to perform both indoors and outdoors.
- Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
- Performance composite cover
- Shipped inflated and game ready
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
Moltem Gm7 Indoor/Outdoor Playing Basketball
The Moltem Gm7 Indoor/Outdoor Playing Basketball is the official FIBA match ball. Its users claim that it’s a great ball with exceptional feel. It is also said to be trustworthy by most users.
What Makes it Unique:
- This basketball is the FIBA match ball.
- This masterpiece by Molten is built with a Scuff resistant cover
Why Choose the Moltem Gm7 Indoor/Outdoor Playing Basketball:
- This Moltem Gm7 comes with a deep pebbled surface and is approved by FIBA.
- MOLTEN GM7 INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAYING BASKETBALL MATCH BALL OFFICIAL SIZE 7
- Scuff resistant cover
- FIBA Approved
- Synthetic leather
- Deep pebble surface
Our Runner Ups for the Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs
On this next list, we have some great basketballs that have amazing qualities, but they were not quite there yet to make the top list. If given a chance, these basketballs can produce all you need a basketball too. All of these basketballs are currently available for purchase, and we suggest that you strongly consider them if you do not want to get one of those on the top list.
Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Most customers believe that the Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is a great ball that is worth every penny. Spalding redesigned the valve cap so that it eliminates leaks and keeps out dirt.
What Makes it Unique:
- The Spalding Neverflat new membrane and NitroFlate air technologies virtually eliminate air seepage and eliminates the need for constant pumping.
Why Choose the Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball:
- The Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball has a premium composite leather cover.
- This basketball was built to perform both indoors and outdoors.
- Premium composite cover with new hexagon pattern pebbling
- Wide channel design for instant recognition
- Official NBA size and weight
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
Customized Personalized Spalding All-Conference Indoor Outdoor Basketball
The Customized Personalized Spalding All-Conference Indoor Outdoor Basketball is available in all sizes. Its customizable aspect gives the ball an added flair on any court. Customers are in love with the personalizable gem.
What Makes it Unique:
- The seller found in the link above offers a customizable option for your name to be printed on the ball
Why Choose the Customized Personalized Spalding All-Conference Indoor Outdoor Basketball:
- The Customized Personalized Spalding All-Conference Indoor Outdoor Basketball has a premium composite leather cover that stands up well both indoors and outdoors.
- Please select the correct size you need! Three sizes available: Official Men Size 29.5" / Intermediate Size 28.5" / Youth Size 27.5"
- The PERFECT GIFT for any basketball player or fan
- The customized name is permanent, so you can play with the ball all day and the name will last!
- Made with composite leather, so it can be used indoors or outdoors!
- Very Fast - Your ball is customized with your name within 1 - 3 days
Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball - Composite Leather
Customers are viewing the Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball as a welcomed new addition to the market. The Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is one that stands out not only on the blacktop or hardwood, but also feels comfortable and shoots well.
What Makes It Unique:
- These Chance Premium basketballs come in a variety of colors.
Why Choose the Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball:
- The Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is available in multiple sizes.
- The bladder retains air very well.
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
The Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball is like by almost every customer because of the feel. It is built with UA Gripskin that makes it so comfortable. This 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is made with 80% nylon windings for excellent shape retention.
What Makes it Unique:
- This Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball is size 6, which is perfect for women and girls.
Why Choose the Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball:
- The ball has 100% butyl bladder for maximum air retention
- The Under Armour 495 basketball can be used without worry both indoor and outdoor.
- UA GRIPSKIN Composite for Ultimate Grip and Feel
- Traditional Channel Design /Full Ball Pebbling
- 100% Nylon Windings for Excellent Shape Retention
- 100% Butyl Bladder for Maximum Air Retention
- NFHS Approved
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball makes its users very happy because it’s quite soft and comfortable even after prolonged use. This feature is made possible because Wilson built it with a moisture-wicking composite cover. Its users find that the deep channels make for comfortable handling.
What Makes it Unique:
- This beautiful basketball is made with cushion core carcass, making the ball softer to the touch and easier to grip around the rim when grabbing rebounds.
Why Choose the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball:
- The Wilson Game Basketball is NFHS approved for play by the national federation of state high school associations (NFHS)
- When you focus on getting better, and not just on getting results, success takes care of itself. That is why the Wilson Evolution Game Ball is the preferred basketball in high schools across the country.
- THE INDOOR BALL: The Evolution is the indoor game basketball in America, on more courts than any other basketball
- Signature EVO feel: the soft feel that the evolution basketball is famous for is due it’s cushion core carcass, making the ball softer to the touch and easier to grip around the rim
- Grip & durability: the premium evo microfiber composite cover provides grip that players love and durability to last all season and beyond
- Ultimate control: laid in composite channels create a consistent feel and texture over the entire surfACe of the basketball to provide unparalleled control
Our Value Picks for the Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs
Our next list has our value picks for the best indoor outdoor basketballs. Even though you want to equip yourself with the best basketball to improve your game while having fun, it’s not always easy to purchase the best basketballs.
We understand this, and we want to make sure that you make good choices when making your purchases even if they are affordable choices. We went and collected the best basketballs for our value picks. Check them out.
Spalding TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
Customers love that the Spalding TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball feels and performs just as good on the blacktop as it does on the hardwood. Customers are saying that the ball shoots as well as it handles.
What Makes It Unique:
- The TF-250 is the Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5
Why Choose The Spalding TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball:
- This Spalding TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is made from an all-surface composite leather cover
- Intermediate size and weight: size 6, 28.5"
- All-surface composite leather cover
- Butyl rubber bladder for air retention
- Shipped inflated and game-ready
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
Wilson NCAA Jet Pro Basketball
One of the best basketballs in this price range. The Wilson NCAA Jet Pro never seems to lose its shape. I would always recommend it. These are just a few of the great things that users had to say about the Wilson Jet.
What Makes It Unique:
- This basketball is the official basketball of the NCAA Championships and NCAA March Madness.
Why Choose the Wilson NCAA Jet Pro Basketball:
- This beautiful masterpiece comes with pebbled rubber channels increase control when handling.
- SIZES: Color variations available in 29.5" (boys age 12 and up), 28.5" (girls age 9 and up, and boys age 9-11), 27.5" (boys and girls age 8 and under)
- NCAA: Displays the official collegiate affiliation logo
- SEASON-LONG DURABILITY: A premium core construction delivers consistent rebound and a soft feel every game
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR: Built to dominate both basketball environments
- TOTAL COVER PEBBLING: Pebbled composite channels maximize grip points, giving better control on your handles
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
The Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball was made with Baden’s performance cover that has their customers raving about it’s excellent grip and professional feel. Some parents can’t stop talking about the air retention of the ball. This is because this basketball has the recessed stealth soft-valve system from Baden.
What Makes it Unique:
- Baden made this ball with Symmetrical design for perfect balance. It has wide panels that prevent lumps, provides consistent bounces, and improves its longevity.
Why Choose the Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball:
- This ball is perfect for hooping in the gym perfect for hooping in the gym or on the blacktop. It has the toughness you expect out of a streetball with the soft touch of an indoor ball.
- CONTENDER - Whether you’re hooping in the gym or on the blacktop this indoor/outdoor basketball has the toughness you expect out of a street ball with the soft touch of an indoor gamer
- DESIGN - This ball comes with Baden’s Performance Composite Cover providing excellent grip, consistency, and longevity
- PERFECTION - Symmetrical design for a perfectly balanced ball while its wide panel configuration eliminates lumps which prevent inconsistent bounces and turnovers
- ADVANTAGE - The Contender comes with our Recessed Stealth Soft-Valve System which provides the best air retention in the game and comes fully inflated. Spend less time maintaining your ball and more time putting up shots
- AVAILABLE - Intermediate (28.5 in) and Official (29.5 in) sizes
Why You Should Invest in an Indoor Outdoor Basketball
So, why is it good to invest in a basketball that can be used both outdoor and indoor?
I’ll tell you why you. Indoor basketballs are incredibly comfortable when dribbling and shooting as their covers or usually soft and well-cushioned. This makes them ideal for use on wooden floors but not so much for the asphalt or concrete outside. Because these balls are so delicately built, they are not suitable for outdoor use as the surfaces outdoor will easily damage the ball.
Surely you do not want to damage your beautiful investment shortly after it is purchased. So to use a basketball outdoor, you need one that has a cover that is durable enough for outdoor play.
Outdoor basketballs are normally made of more robust materials that aren’t as pleasant to feel as indoor basketballs. Some basketballs that are made for the blacktop are also made from rubber materials. Outdoor basketballs, if used inside, will not give you the ideal bounce required for you to play properly.
Whit these deficiencies in both indoor and outdoor basketballs, it is a smart investment to make a purchase of a combo ball or indoor-outdoor basketball. These types of basketballs are generally made from composite leather, which is ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. It mimics the look and feel of NBA balls but, at the same time, provides a durable cover that protects the ball from early damage.
FAQ on the Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs
What is the Difference Between Outdoor and Indoor Basketballs?
The main difference between indoor and outdoor basketballs lies in the materials that they are made from. Naturally, outdoor basketballs would be made from materials that are harder and more durable to withstand the wear and tear of being used on outdoor surfaces. Outdoor courts are mostly made from asphalt, hard plastic, and concrete.
Basketballs that are ideally made for use on outdoor surfaces are typically made from rubber or composite leather. Rubber basketballs are the strongest in surface durability, but they tend to get deformed faster than other balls if they are not treated with extreme care. Rubber basketballs do not have the grip-ability of other basketballs, and they become challenging to use if they get wet.
Because of these drawbacks, rubber basketballs are not generally used in any game situations. Composite leather basketballs are often purchased for outdoor use because if they are hardier than leather basketballs. They do tend to get scratched, I know. But they still hold up longer than a letter basketballs.
If you purchase a composite leather ball you can use it on an outdoor surface for a very long time. An indoor basketball is generally made from real leather. These basketballs are incredibly comfortable, very soft, but not as durable as outdoor balls. Yes, indoor basketballs will last a very long time if used under ideal conditions, but that’s about it.
Another difference between indoor and outdoor basketballs is the price. Indoor basketballs are generally made for more expensive materials, so their prices tend to be higher than outdoor basketballs.
What Happens If You Use an Indoor Basketball Outside?
If an indoor basketball is used on an outdoor court, it will get damaged very quickly. You do have outdoor courts that are quite smooth but still not as smooth as a wooden surface. The genuine leather that makes the indoor basketball will not hold against the outdoor court’s roughness.
What Basketball Brands are Better for Indoor/Outdoor?
Spalding basketballs are generally the best brand for basketballs for both indoor and outdoor use. Even though Spaulding leads to market in both categories, in our opinion, Wilson basketballs come in a close second for indoor use.
How to Choose the Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs for You
Well, to make this decision, first off, analyze the playing surface that you will be using the ball on. Some indoor outdoor basketballs have different air retention capacity, so it is good to find one that best suits your maintenance habits. Each company designs and builds its balls with varying sizes of channels and depths. Pay attention to this and choose the one that best suits your playing style. You should then think of the price point that you are willing to pay and make sure that you select the basketball size correctly. Follow these three steps, and you can’t go wrong.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best Indoor Outdoor Basketballs
Here’s a helpful table to consolidate every indoor out basketball we looked at today:
There are many different types and sizes of basketball available on the market today. If you are a player that goes to a lot of locations to play basketball frequently, you would have been exposed to a large number of basketballs that are different in one way or another.
If you are now thinking about investing in your own basketball or another basketball to go with the ones you already have, it is good to invest in one that is both indoor and outdoor suitable.
The best indoor basketballs are made from composite leather, are built with a balanced spacing between the grooves, are fully pebbled and retain air effectively. Review our list thoroughly before you decide on your purchase.
Until next time ballers, choose the right ball, so you are not bawling in the end.
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