The 12 Best Spalding Basketballs for Indoor or Outdoor Use

Do you love playing basketball? Sure you do! Hence, you’ll want to use the best basketball for the job. And one of the most iconic basketball brands all over the world is Spalding! In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best Spalding basketballs on the market. These balls are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and they are made with high-quality materials that will last for years. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you will find here the best Spalding basketball that will help you take your game to the next level!

TLDR – The best Spalding Basketballs

Use caseSuggestionPictureMore Info
Best Spalding Basketball Overall:Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball (Details)TF MODEL M OFFICIAL LEATHER INDOOR GAME BASKETBALL
Best Value for Money Spalding Basketball:Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball (Details)spalding street outdoor basketball
Best Spalding Outdoor Basketball:Spalding Excel TF-500 All Surface Basketball (Details) Spalding TF 500 Indoor Outdoor Basketball
Best Spalding Indoor Basketball:Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball (Details)TF MODEL M OFFICIAL LEATHER INDOOR GAME BASKETBALL
Best Spalding Indoor / Outdoor Basketball:Spalding Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor Basketball (Details)Spalding Zi O Indoor Outdoor Basketball
Best Spalding Basketball for Kids:Spalding Marble Series Multi-Color Outdoor ball (Details) Spalding Marble Series Multi Color Outdoor Basketball

Spalding indoor basketballs

Those are perfect for use in the gym. A Spalding leather basketball provides great grip and control, as well as durability. These balls are designed to last longer, thanks to the reinforced seams. If you love playing indoors, check out the below top picks.

Spalding TF-1000 Platinum ZK Indoor Game Basketball

Spalding TF-1000 Platinum ZK Indoor Game Basketball

It’s used by some of the world’s best high school and college athletes, with deep channels for a more effective release combined with rotation during shots. The balanced bladder gives it a genuine bounce, and the tough composite cover is butter-soft after a few uses. The cover is made from composite leather (ZK microfiber).

Spalding TF-1000 Pros
  • Superior Grip: Deep channel design and symmetrical panels for exact play
  • Ultimate air retention
  • Excellent structural integrity
  • High School Approved: NFHS (National Federation of State High School Association) approved
Spalding TF-1000 Cons
  • Not official size: the ball is of INTERMEDIATE SIZE: Size 6, 28.5”
  • Made for indoor play only

Spalding Tack-Soft TF Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Tack-Soft TF Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

The Spalding Tack Soft basketball’s tack has a smooth, soft feel in your hands. The ball has a tough composite cover that looks right when used for indoor play on hardwood, as well as an outdoor ball on concrete.  It offers a soft tack composite construction that feels like leather having in mind shooters and dribblers. It is an affordable option for indoor basketball.

Spalding Tack-Soft TF Pros
  • this great ball feels professional. You get a good ball at a nice price tag
  • can be ordered at the official size but also smaller
  • can also be used for outdoor play
Spalding Tack-Soft TF Cons
  • if you use it outdoors it might start peeling off fast, lose grip and become slippery
  • if you need a really good indoor ball, there are better options (at a higher cost)

Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball

Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball

This great ball is made for the best indoor players. It has a patented deep channel design and microfiber composite leather cover that gives it a superior grip. The new Spalding TF Model M is made from genuine Horween leather – a material exclusively produced for the hardwood. The grip becomes softer with each use, allowing legends to hoop it bounce, cross, float, and spin in their hands.

Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Pros
  • Superior Grip: The Model M is wrapped in full-grain, high-quality leather that softens with usage and offers more comfortable ball handling
  • Made for Shooters: The Spalding Shooter’s Seam provides superior control and accuracy while allowing for rapid ball recognition
  • Best of class performance: The butyl bladder is rotationally balanced, resulting in excellent air retention. Excellent structural integrity is provided by nylon windings
  • Available in both official and intermediate (6) size
Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Cons
  • Strictly forbidden to use outdoors
  • A bit pricey but you get what you pay for!

Spalding outdoor basketballs

Spalding balls are not only made for indoor courts but there are also durable basketballs that are made for outdoor play. Check the options listed below to discover your best outdoor Spalding basketball!

Spalding TF Gold Series Composite Leather All Surface Basketball
Spalding TF Gold Series Composite Leather All Surface Basketball

Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball

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The “default” Spalding rubber ball 🙂 While it does not claim the best performance awards, it is a decent option for a durable ball that you will not be afraid to damage or loose. Basketball lovers will probably opt for another more quality ball, but cheap outdoor balls have their own audience, like kids or guys that do not want to invest a lot of money to get a high-quality basketball, but just want to enjoy a reliable ball occasionally.

Spalding Street Outdoor Pros
  • Cheap! You get a branded ball at the lowest possible price
  • Consistent bounce: it might not be the best but you will get used to it and it will not surprise you
  • Durable: you will have it for many years if you do not use it often
Spalding Street Outdoor Cons
  • If you can spend a bit more money, there are better options out there

Spalding React TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

Spalding React TF-250 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

This ball is one of the best Spalding basketballs. It is appropriate for both indoor and outdoor courts. It’s made of a durable composite covering which means that it can be used either in the inside or outside court. The butyl bladder ensures that it’s always ready to go. It is important that it doesn’t feel like it’s made of plastic or rubber, like some cheaper balls. While it can be used outside, it feels like an indoor ball.

Spalding React TF-250 Pros
  • Grip: The ball has a solid grip thanks to the surface performance composite cover, which provides total control and ball handling.
  • Made for Shooters: The Spalding Shooter’s Seam is made for quick ball identification, excellent control, and precise aim.
  • Can be used both inside and outside: From the driveway to the gym and everywhere in between
Spalding React TF-250 Cons
  • There are some reports that some items are malfunctional as they do not hold air for long. Check that it is covered by a warranty before buying a basketball

Spalding Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Zi/O is the perfect basketball for either indoor and outdoor use. If you want to play on an outdoor basketball court with your best buddies and you also want to use it in the gym, look no further, as this is one of the best composite leather balls. It makes good enough for both. It is made of composite leather, so it offers this “indoor basketball feel” with a good grip and softness for your hands, while at the same time you are not afraid to use it in the yard.

Spalding Zi/O Pros
  • Great grip on the composite leather
  • Good bounce
  • Good all-rounder basketball and for some the best outdoor basketball
Spalding Zi/O Cons
  • A bit more expensive ball than the plain outdoor options
  • Can get a bit dirty quickly compared to rubber outdoor balls, if it is used in outdoor places with lots of dust
  • Using it often on concrete might affect its lifetime

Spalding Advanced Grip Control basketball

Spalding Advanced Grip Control basketball

This is a rubber ball made of faux leather, designed with grip in mind, as its name suggests. The synthetic material while it is durable, it is also soft and easy to grip, making it a good choice for outdoor use. The ball is affordable and comes in a variety of colors (orange and black).

Spalding Advanced Grip control Pros
  • Advanced grip control with pebbles channels
  • The ‘Spalding’ brand is synonymous with superior ball control
Spalding Advanced Grip control Cons
  • Not the best outdoor ball out there, but certainly a value for money proposition

Spalding NBA NeverFlat Hexagrip basketball

Spalding NBA NeverFlat Hexagrip basketball

The Spalding NBA SGT Neverflat Hexagrip Basketball claims to offer a year’s worth of play for the average person without needing to be reinflated and it delivers on durability and softness, thanks to its hexagonal grip pattern. It’s filled with NitroFlate molecules, which keep it inflated for longer than a regular ball. The valve also has a Neverflat cap that helps to keep air from seeping in and debris from getting inside it. The hexagon pebbling design aids in the development of a solid grip, while the aid of the deep channel is important for a good release and rotation on your shots. For being a rubber ball specifically made to play with outdoors, it is easily one of the softest rubber balls on the market.

Spalding Neverflat Hexagrip Pros
  • Soft Grip Technology cover
  • Neverflat air retention technology that makes it stay inflated for at least 1 year
  • Deep channel design for superior control
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play
Spalding Neverflat Hexagrip Cons
  • It feels a bit “light” to some users
  • The NBA logo is embossed and paint fill makes those areas slippery

Spalding Excel TF-500 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Excel TF-500 Indoor-Outdoor Basketball

With this indoor-outdoor ball, you may work on your jump shot. It has a composite cover with deep channels to help you develop a solid shooting touch. The ball also has a butyl bladder for excellent air retention, so you can keep working on your game. The cover is made to last with excellent durability on the playing surface. This ball also has a great bounce for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can take your game anywhere.

Spalding Excel TF-500 Pros
  • Composite leather cover for increased durability. The tight weave of its sponge backing provides excellent grip and handling.
  • Butyl bladder for excellent air retention
  • Deep channels for improved shooting touch makes it perfect for ballers specialized in shooting
Spalding Excel TF-500 Cons
  • It is made of a high-quality synthetic material that won’t jam up your knuckles but will not last as long as heavy composite leather basketballs.
  • Slightly light yet still ok weight

Spalding Street Phantom Outdoor Basketball

Spalding Street Phantom Outdoor Basketball

Designed to compete in the street game. Rubber outdoor cover with big grooves for great grip and durability. It features a unique design and coloring so that you can make an impression at the outdoor courts. It comes in 5 different color combinations, which is pretty cool if you want your ball to make a difference.

Spalding Street Phantom Pros
  • High-performance rubber cover with Soft Grip Technology
  • Sponge rubber design
  • Outstanding design for outdoor play
  • Durable and Affordable
Spalding Street Phantom Cons
  • Not the best outdoor option
  • The rubber surface is a pro (durable rubber cover) but also a con. It might give better grip, but gives less feedback and touch compared to quality rubber basketballs

Spalding Marble Series Multi-Color Outdoor ball

Spalding Marble Series Multi-Color Outdoor ball

The Spalding Marble Series Black Multi-Color Basketball is designed for players who want to develop their own lane, freeing themselves from tradition with a distinctive marble pattern. Aside from the tough outdoor covering and printed logos, no two balls in the collection are identical. There are 2 color schemes, black and white but the Spalding color graphics on the ball make each one unique.

Spalding Marble Series Color Infused Basketball
Spalding Marble Series Color Infused Basketball
Spalding Marble Series Multi-Color Pros
  • A unique appearance that makes your ball one of a kind
  • Allover Spalding color-infused graphics
  • Can be used as a decorative ball in your office
  • Holds air in for a long time
Spalding Marble Series Multi-Color Cons
  • The color can fade over time
  • Hard rubber feel is retained even after the break-in period

Spalding Varsity Outdoor ball

Spalding Varsity Outdoor ball

The Spalding Varsity is designed for quick ad hoc games in the driveway, and weekends at the neighborhood court. It has a rubber construction that can withstand games on asphalt. This ball is the official size and weight, as well as having deep channels that make it easy to line up your fingers without thinking about it. In addition, there are various sizes sold ranging from youth to adult.

Spalding Varsity TF150 basketball
Spalding Varsity TF150 basketball
Spalding Varsity Pros
  • Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5″
  • Performance outdoor rubber cover
  • Can make a good gift
  • Affordable with the Spalding brand quality
Spalding Varsity Cons
  • Concrete shaves it off, making it loose its printed designs
  • It’s a very tube-like rubber. If you want something more close to leather balls, look at other Spalding basketballs

Spalding zio vs zio excel

The main difference is that Zi/O Excel is designed with a foam-backing that provides a softer feel. Apart from that the Spalding zio and zio excel are two basketballs that are very similar. They both have a composite leather cover, butyl bladder, and deep channels. The only difference between the two balls is that the excel has Soft Grip Technology while the plain zio does not.

Spalding vs Wilson basketballs

Both Spalding and Wilson are great basketballs makers. It is not a coincidence that those two brands have been interchanging as the NBA official game ball. The best basketballs that exist today are either Spalding or Wilson. So rest assured that whichever brand you pick, you are getting one of the best basketballs. Only make sure to read our reviews beforehand to ensure that you are getting the right basketball for your needs.

Spalding official basketball

The NBA ball is no more made by Spalding since 2021. However, Spalding makes the official basketballs of the most popular overseas competition, which is the Euroleague. That said, you can still purchase official balls made by Spalding prior to 2021, as they are still on sale online until they get out of stock.

FAQs

Which is the best Spalding basketball?

The best Spalding ball is the one that best fits your needs. If you are looking for an indoor ball, then get the Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball. For outdoor use, we recommend the Spalding Zi/O

What size basketball does Spalding make?

Spalding makes basketballs the size of a regulation NBA official game ball, which is 29. However, they also manufacture smaller basketball sizes suitable for young kids or women, such as 5 and 6. The size and weight of the most appropriate ball for your needs vary, so you should consult our basketball sizes guide

How do you choose a Spalding basketball?

The best way to choose a Spalding basketball is by determining your needs first. If you need an indoor ball, get the Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball. For outdoor use, we recommend the Spalding Zi/O. If you are looking for leather balls then you should pick one of the indoor Spalding basketballs but if you are looking for a durable ball to shoot hoops in an outdoor court, then pick on of the rubber balls made by Spalding for rough surfaces. Young kids and women should also pick a Spalding of smaller size.

Is Spalding the Best?

Spalding is one of the best, if not the best basketball brand. They have been making high-quality basketballs for years and their products are used in the most popular competitions around the world. If you need a new basketball, make sure to check out our reviews of the best Spalding basketballs.

Is Spalding or Wilson a better basketball?

That is a difficult question to answer as both brands make great basketballs. However, if you are looking for an official basketball then Wilson is the best brand to go with. Spalding makes good quality non-official balls, which can be used for recreational or professional play, as they have been making Spalding NBA balls for a lot of years.

What are some of the best Spalding basketballs?

Here are some of the best Spalding basketballs:
– Spalding TF Model M Official Leather Indoor Game Basketball
– Spalding Zi/O
– Spalding TF-1000 Platinum ZK Indoor Game Basketball
– Spalding Excel TF-500
– Spalding React TF-250
– Spalding Street

Does the NBA use Spalding basketballs?

No, the NBA does not use Spalding basketballs. The official game ball of the NBA is made by Wilson since 2021. However, prior to that, Spalding was the official basketball maker of the NBA for 37 years. During that time, they supplied the balls used in every single game from 1983 to 2021.

Which is the NBA Spalding basketball?

The NBA Spalding basketball was the official NBA game ball up until 2021. It is one of the basketballs you can get. It is made with high-quality materials and it has a soft touch when dribbling or shooting hoops. The only downside to this ball is its price, as it tends to be more expensive than other basketballs. However, if you are looking for a game ball that offers amazing grip, then the NBA Spalding is the best option.

Why did the NBA switch from Spalding to Wilson?

The NBA switched from Spalding to Wilson because the contract between them expired in 2021 (after 37 years) and Wilson offered a better deal. That said, both brands make great basketballs, so it is up to you which one you want to buy. If you are looking for an official ball then go with Wilson, but if you are looking for a high-quality non -official ball then Spalding is the way to go.

Is the Spalding NBA indoor-outdoor replica game ball good?

The Spalding NBA indoor-outdoor replica game ball is a good quality basketball that can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a great grip and it is made with durable materials. The only downside to this ball is that it does not have the official NBA endorsement anymore (since 2021), which some people might prefer. However, if you are looking for good quality and affordable basketball, then the Spalding NBA indoor-outdoor replica game ball is a great option.

What is a Spalding basketball price?

The price of a Spalding basketball varies depending on the model and type of ball. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $200 for a Spalding basketball. The more expensive balls tend to be of better quality and they are usually used by professional players. If you are just starting out, then you might want to opt for a cheaper ball so you can get used to the game.

Where to buy Spalding basketballs?

Spalding basketballs can be bought from a variety of places, such as sports stores, online retailers, and even some department stores. However, we recommend buying your Spalding basketball from an authorized dealer so you can be sure that you are getting a genuine product. You can also find good deals on Spalding basketballs by shopping around online or in-person at different stores.

Conclusion

Spalding is one of the best brands when it comes to basketballs and they offer a wide range of products for both indoor basketballs and outdoor basketballs. If you are looking for a new basketball, make sure to check out our reviews of the best Spalding basketballs. You can also find good deals on Spalding basketballs by shopping around online or in-person at different stores. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful.

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