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Best Basketball Reviews 2023

Nothing compares to the thrill and excitement an official basketball match provides, right? Well, you might be happy to find out that you can recreate a portion of that positive feeling by playing with a genuine, top-quality official basketball in your own yard! We have looked through the market and selected five excellent basketballs from some of the best brands out there. Check them out and see which one fits your personality and skill level!
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Size
Color
Material
Game-ready
Design
Our Top Choice
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Wilson is a well-known manufacturer of sports equipments. The Evolution Game Basketball is one of the most durable and sophisticated basketballs out there.
Top brand. Excellent build-quality. Great for both indoors and outdoors. Enhanced grip. Available in several sizes.
Isolated complaints regarding the balance of the ball. Such statements are always subjective.
Size 6 and size 7
Dark orange
Advanced microfiber composite
Yes, arrives inflated
Moisture-wicking laid-in channels
Best Value
Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball
Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball
Spalding is a worldwide renowned manufacturer of sports equipments. The Platinum Street Basketball is more suitable for street play, but it works well indoors too.
Top manufacturer. Best bang for your buck. Enhanced grip. Sturdy construction. Available in 2 sizes.
Some customers found that they had to reflate more often that they should have to.
Size 5, size 6 and size 7
Dark orange
Performance rubber cover
Yes, arrives inflated
Wide channel design for good grip
Molten BGMX Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Molten BGMX Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Molten manufactures a multitude of sport equipment for their worldwide consumer base. The BGM Basketball is well-made, easy to grip and FIBA approved.
Top manufacturer. Made from durable materials. 1 year warranty. Classic design. Available in 2 sizes.
Some customers were unimpressed at how quick their ball deflated and lost air.
Size 5
Orange/Yellow
Synthetic Cover
No, requires inflation
FIBA Approved design
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Under Armour specializes in basketballs and sports items. The 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is excellent for official matches or for training and it comes in 3 different sizes.
Top manufacturer. Sturdy construction and excellent choice of materials. Eye-catching colors. Designed to last.
Isolated complaints about ball balance.
Size 5 and size 7
Dark orange
UA GRIPSKIN Composite
Yes, arrives inflated
Deep Channel Design
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Baden makes a multitude of basketballs and sports balls at reasonable prices. The Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball is ideal for beginners as well as professional players.
Available in several sizes and 5 colors. Sturdy, symmetrical construction and design. Balanced, grippy ball.
A handful of customers felt it didn't perform well and the air pressure didn't give them the bounce back they expected.
Size 5, size 6 and size 7
Sizes 5/6 available in 5 colors
Performance composite cover 
Yes, arrives inflated
Widely-spaced panels

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What is the Best Basketball?

Two of the most important aspects you need to take into account when buying a basketball are its size and its color. Know exactly who you are buying it for and you're on the right track to buying the ideal basketball for your needs. Check out these five excellent models from top brands.
Our Top Choice
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball in size 6 is perfect for training in the sports gym and playing with your friends outdoors. This ball is made from composite materials that give it outstanding durability. However if you want a Wilson basketball in the official size 7, check out the NCAA Replica Game Basketball.

Wilson Evolution Basketball with Superior Grip and Cushioned Core - Available in 2 Sizes


Features
Wilson is one of the most popular and appreciated manufacturer of sports equipments and accessories. For example, you definitely have heard of Wilson soccer balls, volleyballs, baseball gloves and more. This brand also crafts top-quality, competition-ready basketballs which are very well received by the general public

To convince you, here are a couple of features of the Wilson Evolution basketball.
  • This ball is made from microfiber composite leather which is designed to last for years even if you practice every day.
  • It also features a channel construction from pebbled composite which gives it superior grip, even when your hands are sweaty.
  • You can choose from 3 different sizes: intermediate (size 6), youth (size 5) and official (size 7).
  • The basketball arrives ready for practicing, so take it out of the box and call your friends for a thrilling match of basketball!
If you want a different kind of ball, check out the other durable basketballs made by Wilson!
Best Value
Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball
The Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball is specially designed for playing outdoors directly on the streets and it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If you prefer a basketball made with a composite cover then check out the NBA Indoor\/Outdoor Replica Game Ball from Spalding.

Spalding Basketball with Wide Channel Design & NBA Logo - Available in 3 Sizes


Features
Spalding is the first baseball company in the United States and the largest distributor of basketball equipments in the world. This brand currently manufactures hundreds of sports equipments such as baseball gloves, apparel items, softballs, volleyballs and of course, basketballs.

The NBA Street Basketball is specially designed for playing outdoors in the comfort of your own yard or neighborhood. Here are its main characteristics.
  • It is made from durable rubber cover which can last for years after years and requires little to no maintenance.
  • It features the classic NBA basketball colors and you can have it in size 5 (youth size) or size 7 (official size).
  • This ball arrives already inflated, so you can start playing immediately after you have taken it out the box!
  • The wide channel design improves grip, stability, balance and makes this basketball look really eye-catching and attractive.
Spalding makes basketballs in all sizes and colors, so check them all out on Amazon today!
Molten BGMX Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
The Molten BGMX Basketball is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, comes with 1 year warranty and it is made from a synthetic cover. If you prefer a composite leather cover basketball then check out the BGG Composite Basketball from Molten.

Molten Basketball with 2-Tone Design and Synthetic Cover (FIBA Approved)


Features
Molten is a brand that specializes in top-quality sports equipments and accessories, manufacturing a wide variety of sports balls such as volleyballs, soccer balls, basketballs and more. This brand also successfully sells sports bags and inflation devices as well. For our list, we have selected the BGM Basketball because it can be used both indoors/outdoors and offers exceptional value for money.

Here are just a couple of features provided by this basketball.
  • This ball is FIBA approved, giving you a slice of that genuine experience of an official basketball match!
  • It is available in 2 sizes: an official size 7 and a youth size 5. Go for the size 5 basketball if you want to train your kids or you are a beginner.
  • The synthetic cover is thoroughly engineered to resist a lot of wear and tear and for your peace of mind, you also get a 1 year warranty period.
  • The 2 tone design makes this basketball eye-catching, attractive and easily noticeable in the sports gym or outdoors.
Don’t stop here, there are many other attractive Molten basketballs you should see on Amazon today!
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
The Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball comes at a reasonable price at is designed to be used almost everywhere indoors and outdoors. If your budget is slightly smaller then the Under Armour 395 Indoor\/Outdoor Basketball might be more suitable for your needs.

Under Armour 495 Basketball with Gripskin Composite and 80% Nylon Windings – Available in 2 Sizes


Features
Under Armour is another excellent brand that specializes in sports apparel, accessories, equipments and fitness devices. For example, this company manufactures some of the most practical and attractive sports bags, backpacks and travel cases. The experience of the specialists behind this company is broad and comprehensive, that's why they are capable of making high-quality products for everyday use. The 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is designed with upmost attention to details and it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Check out the other interesting features of this sports ball.
  • The experts at Under Armour have developed something called UA GRIPSKIN which enhances the grip, making this ball stick to your hand like never before.
  • The Butyl Bladder will also maximize air retention, allowing you to use your basketball for longer every day.
  • This ball also has full-channel design which is eye-catching and improves maneuverability.
  • You can have this ball in size 5, size 6 (suitable for women) or size 7 (official size).
Check out all the other basketballs made by Under Armour if this one doesn’t impress you!
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
The Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball from Baden is an excellent practicing ball that will help you familiarize yourself with and master the beautiful game of basketball. If your budget is higher and you want a NFHS approved ball then check out the Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball.

Baden Basketball with Composite Cover and Stealth Soft-Valve System - Available in 3 Sizes and 3 Colors


Features
The last one in our list is Baden, a brand that also manufactures a wide variety of sports accessories including basketballs. We like this brand because it crafts beautiful basketballs and it uses high-quality materials in the manufacturing process. Also, Baden products are generally well-accepted by the public, not to mention that they are more affordable in comparison with competitors' products.

Check out the features of the Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball.
  • This ball has an absolutely symmetrical design for a perfect balance.
  • The panels are widely-spaced so that you enjoy a consistent feel while playing indoors or outdoors.
  • This basketball is available in up 5 different colors if you go for the size 6 or size 7.
  • The Stealth Soft-Valve System ensures that the valve remains hidden, so that your playing experience is not affected.
Not right for you? Check out how many attractive basketballs Baden makes and pick whichever takes your fancy!

How Do I Choose the Best Basketball?

All doctors say that we should do a minimum of 20-30 minutes of physical exercise every day, and if you are a person who sits at the computer for at least eight hours daily, then you absolutely must engage in a type of sport you like or go out for a jog. Some people go to the gym, but if you think that's a bit too much now, why don’t you put on your basketball shoes, install a basketball hoop system in your backyard and use a basketball pump to inflate your brand new, beautifully designed basketball?

There are so many types of basketballs to choose from these days and many of them are made by professional manufacturers using advanced materials. Some of these sports balls are even used by experienced basketball players in big competitions. Basketball is a wonderful sport that offers numerous benefits. You can practice it alone or with your friends, indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences. All that you have to do is pick the right basketball and use it as often as possible.

That’s why we created this guide, to help you do that without overspending. Basketballs come in various sizes and designs, so it is a good idea to do your homework before buying one. Here we go!
Price
There are several factors that influence the price of a good basketball, such as its size, color, materials used and, of course, how prestigious the manufacturer is. For example, some FIBA-approved basketballs will cost up to $100, while smaller ones suitable for kids can cost as little as $15, so the actual price range you're looking at is between $15 and $90-$100. There are many cheap basketballs too, priced at less than 10 bucks, but these deflate quickly and are not built to the standards provided by reputable manufacturers. Before buying, first of all determine the required size (youth, intermediate, official, etc.) and then decide upon its design and color. Everything else should be easier afterwards.
Features
Basketballs are pretty simple, but it is a good idea to know more about their construction and what to look for when buying one, so keep the following aspects in mind.
  • Materials - Some balls have a synthetic cover, others feature a composite one. There are advantages and disadvantages on each side, but generally these are excellent materials for making the cover of a basketball.
  • Size - Basketballs are designed according to age ranges (basically, hand sizes), so if you have kids, go for a youth-sized ball. Teenagers might use intermediate-sized balls, while adults should get an official-sized ball.
  • Design - Here, we talk about the ball's color and decorative prints. Some of them include the NBA logo, others might feature multiple moisture channels, etc.
It would also be a good idea to choose a basketball that provides excellent grip, thanks to the pebble-like surface most basketballs have. Even if you have a relatively small hand, when you grab the ball, you'll be able to control it easily and perform those jaw-dropping slam-dunks spectators love!
Construction and Design
Every basketball is made of two main components – the bladder and the cover. The bladder itself is the interior chamber that is filled with air and must keep itself inflated for as long as possible. This is usually made of butyl, a special type of material that doesn’t allow air to escape when you use the basketball. Secondly, there is the cover, which can be made of composite, leather, rubber or synthetic materials. The cover itself can have different textures, colors, prints and eye-catching logos.

Some balls also incorporate a special valve system, which basically keeps the basketball inflated for longer periods of time. In any case, it is a good idea to have a basketball pump in the trunk of your car, just in case. Balls should be inflated to an optimal level and most models can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is true that some basketballs are specially designed to be used outdoors on the streets, but as long as you bring friends and desire to play, you can use almost all basketballs on virtually any surface!
Performance and Ease of Use
Basketballs are usually shipped deflated to reduce shipping weight and box size, so don’t get upset if you cannot play with it immediately after you take it out of the box. Use a pump to bring your basketball to life and you're ready to go. We are happy to mention that some balls are also backed by warranty periods (at least one year in most cases), and they are designed to withstand hundreds of hours of play. Wait no more, get your basketball now and start challenging your friends today!

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Get the Best Basketball of 2023!

We hope you found lots of useful information in this article, and if you've decided, get one of the best basketballs out there and start practicing today! This sport is not only very exciting, but at the same time it improves your cardiovascular system and helps you grow taller too!

Our Top Choice
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Best Value
Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball
Spalding NBA Platinum Street Basketball
Molten BGMX Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Molten BGMX Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball

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