Basketballs are the most critical piece of equipment for the game of basketball. Your basketball is also one of the essential items in gameplay. Having a lousy ball can make or break how you play the game. One brand that continuously comes to mind when thinking about the sport and the piece of equipment is Spalding. They also happen to be the brand that NBA players use each time they pick up a ball. 

Are you in the market for a new Spaulding ball and are unsure of which one to choose? Are you struggling to pick the perfect ball for your team and need some insight? That’s where we come in. This article will aid you in finally realizing the difference between Spaulding basketballs. 

However, giving you information on the best Spalding basketballs is not all we will do. We will also provide you with tips and tricks for choosing the best basketball for you, whether you are a beginner to the basketball scene or a seasoned vet. We will even go as far as explaining why having a quality basketball is essential. 

To get this information and so much more, all you have to do is keep reading. 

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for the best Spalding basketballs here.

Our Favorites for the Best Spalding Basketballs

Spalding NBA Official Game Ball

One of the most notable balls that Spalding creates is the NBA Official game ball. Not only are they known for being the leading producer of basketballs, but they also produce several other ball types. However, even if you don’t know anything about basketball, seeing this ball on your TV screen is generally your first introduction. 

What Makes it Unique:

• This NBA ball uses top quality leather for its production.  This material is called Horween leather, which gives the ball a heritage look. 
• Spalding gives the people to use not only at competitive levels but on indoor courts as well. 
• The ball is available in regulation size, which is a size 7.  
• This ball will take your game to the next level, and according to purchasers, it makes shooting a dream.  Though many say it can be used outside, it is not recommended as it will scuff the genuine leather. 
• If you are buying this ball as a collectible, it even comes with a cardboard display box. 

Why Choose this Best Spalding Basketball:

• This is one gift that any basketball player would love to add to their collection.
• Many people who have purchased this ball have no regrets, even with it being on the higher end of the price spectrum.  Some also feel that the ball gets better as it's used more often. 
• This ball is ready to go fresh out of the box; no break-in period is needed. 

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Spalding TF-1000 Classic

The Spalding TF-1000 Classic is one Spalding basketball that is loved by all. This is an indoor basketball with immense quality and excellent grip. The Spalding TF-1000 has been duplicated many times by Spalding. This includes options like the TF-1000 Legacy, the TF-1000 Platinum ZK, and even the TF-1000 Tournament ball.

What Makes it Unique:

• This ball has a ZK microfiber cover which provides a soft touch for all players as well as increased grip.  
• Many purchasers found that this ball is extremely durable and still has some of the most profound characteristics of the original TF-1000.
• This ball has an excellent bounce, though, to some, it may sound slightly hard. 
• The ball boasts large channel sizing, which makes gripping the ball easier. 
• The Classic comes in at the official size 7 with a 29.5-inch circumference.
• One other thing which will prove that this ball is quality is that it has the NFHS/NCAA approval. 

Why Choose this Best Spalding Basketball:

• This ball is an excellent gift for any college or high school basketball player in need of a new basketball. 
• Purchasers rave that the ball sticks to your hands during gameplay.  The ZK cover allows the ball to absorb the moisture from your hands so that you don’t lose control.
• The ball has high structural integrity due to its nylon windings.  This also makes it extremely durable.  
• Aside from all of these excellent qualities, did we mention that the ball is affordable?  You don’t need to spend NBA coin to have high quality. 

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Our Runner Ups for the Best Spalding Basketballs

Spalding NBA SGT Neverflat Hexagrip Indoor Outdoor Basketball

This Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is an excellent option when choosing a basketball which is versatile enough to be used indoors and outdoors, several purchasers consider this to be one of the best Spalding basketballs and highly recommend it. 

What Makes it Unique:

• With the purchase of this ball, you won’t need to worry about inflating it anytime soon. This ball comes shipped and ready for gameplay.  Spalding also guarantees that this ball will stay inflated for at least a year. 
• The Hexagrip ball is available in three different colorways.  These include the traditional orange design, black with green accents, as well as a red, white, and blue option.  They also come specially branded with never-flat messaging. 
• This ball comes in size seven or a size six.  It also offers a soft grip cover, which allows for better control through the use of Spalding’s soft-grip technology.

Why Choose this Best Spalding Basketball:

• Aside from the air retention technology which this ball uses, it is incredibly affordable. This is an excellent option for beginner players looking for a great ball. 
• Though when purchasing the colored ball, the colors may fade with time, the performance of this basketball stays the same. Even after a year of play, many purchasers say it bounces just like when they first bought it.

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Spalding Precision Indoor Basketball

The Spalding Precision ball is made for indoor courts. This ball is used in a variety of spaces. These include being the official ball of the Spalding Hoophall Classic and the AAU. This is a moderately priced ball with excellent quality. 

What Makes it Unique: 

 

• If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy regularly pumping up your ball, this is a great option. The precision ball offers a specially made bladder for air retention.
• This ball is backed by recycled material and uses an Eco Grip composite cover. It also comes with a responsive sponge carcass.  
• This Spalding Basketball has a deep channel design that makes grip and bounce for the ball ideal.  

Why Choose this Best Spalding Basketball:

• The ball is available in two sizes. This includes size six or size seven.
• If you are an intermediate player looking for a great affordable ball, this an excellent option.  This ball offers superior cushioning and firm handles. 

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Our Value Picks for the Best Spalding Basketballs

Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball

This Spalding NBA Street Basketball is another affordable option if you are looking for a quality basketball that is easy to play with. 

What Makes it Unique:

• The Phantom ball also uses Spalding’s soft-grip technology. Making it extremely easy to play with.  
• The ball boasts deep channels, which make it easier to not only grip but align your hands around. 
• This is a rubber ball made for outdoor use.  The rubber makes it durable while still making it functional. 

Why Choose this Best Spalding Basketball:

• If you are looking for a ball to use as a gift for your street baller friends, this is a perfect option. It is also available in a variety of colors.  This includes neon blue, orange, green, yellow, and silver. All of these colors are mixed with black. 
• If you are looking for a lower-tier basketball, this is the right option.   It is a hardball which generally ranks high among street balls.

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Why You Should Invest in Quality Spalding Basketballs

Having a quality basketball is extremely important when you play. If you are a great player, do you think you could still play well with a deflated ball or a ball that doesn’t have adequate bounce? The answer is simple: no you would not. Several key components go into making sure you are set up to play a great game of basketball. This includes having the right shoes, playing on the right surface, and having the best quality ball. 

If the basketball had no bearing on the game, do you feel the NBA would be using such a high-quality ball? If your basketball is slippery, it affects your game. If your basketball is deflated, it will not bounce properly and will ultimately affect your game. All of these are reasons why you should invest in quality basketball. 

FAQ on Spalding Basketballs

Why Do NBA Use Spalding Basketball?

The Spalding ball has been the official ball of the NBA since 1983. It was selected for the high-quality materials it possesses and the quality of the ball. 

The Spalding NBA official game basketball has been specially designed to feel comfortable in each player’s hands. It is made of full-grain leather for play on hardwood courts and indoor play only. Many basketball players outside of the NBA will vouch for this ball is well worth the money spent on it. Many even say that it doesn’t even require a break-in period.

However, after more than three decades of partnership, the NBA opted not to renew its partnership with Spalding. In 2021, the league announced a transition to a new supplier, Wilson.

Is There Any Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Basketball?

If you are wondering if there is a difference between indoor and outdoor balls, the answer is simple. Yes. There are several differences between balls specialized for indoor play and balls used for playing basketball outdoors. Outdoor balls are designed to be able to handle more rough or rugged terrain. This includes surfaces like blacktops, playgrounds, etc. These surfaces will usually scuff or tear indoor balls and make them feel flat. This, in turn, makes them more challenging to play with. 

Though you can use an outdoor ball to play inside, it is not recommended that you do the same with an indoor ball. Indoor balls are not as flexible as outdoor basketballs. They can even feel cumbersome or bulky when used outdoors. Indoor balls have more pebbles on their surface, making them perform better indoors. Even when sweating, these balls do not lose their grip.

What are the Different Sizes of Spalding Basketball?

Basketballs come in several different sizes. These different sizes correspond to varying levels of difficulty and age. Below you will find a listing of all of the basketball sizes that Spalding offers and the purpose behind each of those sizes. Use this information to not only pick the best basketball for you but the people around you as well. These Spalding basketball models are all listed below.

Size 3 – Size three is the smallest of the basketball sizes, often considered a mini basketball. Balls that come in this size can be viewed as a novelty. Novelty basketballs are meant for any age. They are commonly used to commemorate events, television shows, or experiences. This ball has circumference of 22″ inches. For example, a novelty ball can be an item with the Space Jam or Looney Tunes characters on it. 

Size 5 – A size five basketball is standard for children. This is ideal for ages five to eight years old. The ball comes with a circumference of 27.5″ inches and is open to a variety of genders.

Size 6 Male – A size six basketball is meant for older children with ages spanning nine to twelve years old. This Spalding basketball is ideal for young males. The ball has a circumference of 28.5″ inches.

Size 6 Female – This size six-ball is specific to females ages nine and over. This is the official ball of the Women’s National Basketball League.

Size 7 – This is the official size of the NBA ball as well as being the size most suitable for adults and male teenagers over 13 years old. This ball has a circumference of 29.5 inches. 

These are the sizes of all of the basketballs which Spalding offers and actively sells. 

Why Do Spalding Basketballs So Expensive?

Have you ever heard the phrase that good things in life are not free? This applies to basketballs as well. Having a quality basketball will not be cheap. If you are someone who takes the game of basketball seriously, it will be essential to invest in a quality basketball.

Spalding basketballs come with a variety of features that you will not get from any other basketball. This includes things like Spalding’s soft-grip technology.

How to Choose the Best Spalding Basketballs for You

Everybody wants to play like an NBA player; however, doing so may not always be possible. If you have gotten this far in the article and haven’t decided to run out and buy the official NBA game ball, we have the perfect information for you. We understand that Spalding offers an array of basketballs at a variety of prices. These balls include options like the No products found. and or more cost-effective options like the Spalding TF 1000. 

We understand that basketballs do not operate on a one size fits all operation. Your personal preferences play the most prominent part in what you choose. For this reason, we have made the list of qualities below to consider when purchasing your new Spalding basketball. Before making a decision, you should always do your research so that you are entirely sure of what you are looking for. Use the 

What size ball am I looking for?

Much like we have previously explained, Spalding basketballs come in a variety of sizes. If you are an adult, you will likely need an adult-sized basketball. If you are a male, this will most likely be a size seven ball; this is also the size used for the NBA game ball. If you are looking for a Spalding basketball for a female or a child, you may need to size down. For children, it may be helpful to consider the size of the child before buying the ball. If you have an 11-year-old who happens to be the size of an adult, you will probably want to get a ball that is a little bigger and will last longer. 

What material am I looking for the ball to be covered with?

Your ball’s material goes hand in hand with where you plan to use the ball. Each element offers a variety of different pros and cons. These should be explored before making a final decision. There are several different materials often used for basketballs. These materials include genuine leather, composite material, synthetic leather, and rubber. Indoor basketballs are more commonly made of leather, microfiber composite material, or rubber.

If you have an outdoor ball, it will most likely be made up of synthetic leather, rubber, or composite. Rubber basketballs are often a cheaper option used in schools or large play settings. 

Will this ball be used for indoor or outdoor gameplay?

Where you are planning to use your basketball has a massive effect on what type of ball you should likely purchase. This will also help you in narrowing down your search because certain balls may only be suitable for indoors and vice versa. For example, the Spalding Official NBA street basketball and the Spalding NBA official game basketball are very different. One is made for indoor gameplay and therefore made of a different material than the one to be used outdoors. Using them on their respective surfaces will ensure you get optimal performance.

How much am I willing to spend on my Spalding ball?

Affordability is a paramount quality of an excellent basketball. It is also a critical factor in determining if a ball is for you or not. Basketballs can exist at many different price points; these range from double digits into triple digits. High-end basketballs tend to come with high-end price tags.

Spalding offers an extensive range of balls at varying price points. Balls like the NBA Street outdoor ball, the Spalding NBA Phantom, and the Spalding rookie gear basketball are all extremely affordable options for basketballs. If you are looking for a more high-end ball outside of the NBA game ball, these include the WNBA game ball as well as the Spalding basketball TF 1000.

Wrapping Things Up: The Best Spalding Basketballs

Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:

There are several options on this list that can be considered the best Spalding Basketballs. These balls not only range in price point but range in technology and play terrain. Spalding is the leading producer of basketballs for several leagues. These leagues include the NBA, the AAU, and even the national high school league. 

Spalding Precision Indoor Basketball is an excellent basketball for intermediate players. It is not too expensive and is an excellent ball for use right out of the box. It is exceptionally lightweight and has a comfortable grip. This is an excellent ball for a younger player and a perfect gift.

Another great option is the Spalding basketball TF 1000. This is a favorite basketball for many players. It boasts a microfiber composite cover, which allows sweat to be easily wicked away. The ball also includes a deep channel design making it easier to control and play with. You may want to check our comprehensive review of the Spalding TF-1000 here.

If none of these options fit your needs, we have also included a list of options to help you choose the best Spalding basketball for you. As well as providing you these tips we have also given you quality information regarding Spalding basketballs, the difference between indoor and outdoor basketballs and so much more. All of this information should aid you in making a sound and well-informed decision.

We hope this list has served you well, and you find the best Spalding ball for you.

If you found this post helpful, check out our other basketball gear reviews here.

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