Spalding NBA Replica Game Basketball Review
Imagine!
Having a basketball at your fingertips, the kind used by NBA players. And then imagine you can’t use it because it looks like a potato. I know potato is not a new material but come on!
No one needs to let their sports equipment look like this just to save some bucks.
If you want to be like Steph Curry, Thankfully, the Spalding NBA replica game basketball is here!
This ball is specially designed for professional players but thanks for Spalding, you and I are able to get this in our hands too.
Bet you’re curious to know more about twists, so let’s get right to it.
Specs To Check Out
The Spalding NBA Replica Game Ball is the closest thing to an NBA basketball you can buy. It allows you to practice your shooting skills without having to go up against Lebron James.
Teens may be too short to appreciate this basketball, but they’ll love its unique design.
Material | Leather |
Size-Diameter | Official 7-29.5 inches |
Weight | 454 grams |
Dimensions LxWxH | 10.4 x 7.6 x 10.4 inches |
Suggested Users | Unisex-Adults |
Color | Brown |
Rating | 4.6/5 |
My Personal Experience With Spalding NBA Replica
I have been using the Spalding NBA replica game basketball for about a month now, and I think it is a pretty good ball.
You don’t want a basketball that feels like a rock in your hand, which is why spalding replica basketball offers the soft feel and superb grip you crave.
I’ll admit that, like you, I thought that a replica might have a synthetic cover of lesser quality than most basketballs. But this basketball proved me wrong with its genuine leather—when I dribbled it, I felt like I was actually holding an NBA-regulation ball.
The ball is size 7, which is a little larger than most balls at that size. It feels like an official NBA ball, but not quite as heavy or durable as one.
But don’t sweat it—I got you a wilson ncaa replica, which doesn’t compromise on durability.
This basketball is not as bouncy as balls filled with air, because it contains no rubber bladder. But this doesn’t bother me―my friends and I have played many games where our shots don’t need to go over the backboard..
Overall, this ball with a textured surface provides a good grip for dribbling and shooting—two of the major skills you need for basketball.
Features at Glance
If you want to be like your favorite player, King James, the Spalding NBA Replica Game Basketball is a good pick for you. This ball has all the features you’d expect from an official NBA game ball—it just costs less.
Let’s go for the rollercoaster ride of features!
1. Performance Composite Cover
I was amazed to see how the ball felt like an original, even though it wasn’t, because of the way its soft composite leather felt in my hands.
Trust me, this ball is going to make it easier for you to shoot with. I did all kinds of tricks with this ball: layups, threes and slick passes—and the tacky cover held on tight to my hands.
The leather cover is also ready for action, protecting your basketball from the abuse of aggressive dribbling and shooting.
2. Game Ready
Game on! This basketball comes fully inflated and ready to play. It was a relief for me, because the minute I got it, I started shooting around.
But the disadvantage was that it was losing air slowly and without an air pump, it was a bit difficult. But I found out that you can buy an air pump separately for a reasonable price—one that fits easily into your budget!
If you still got a tighter budget, I got the solution for you, my friend. You can get the AND1 street grip at a cheaper price including the air pump!
3. Play Anywhere
Leave your worries behind and play anywhere with this basketball, whether you’re indoors or out.
This basketball is designed to handle concrete floors as well as hardwood courts. Its pebbled surface will stand up to even the roughest of driveway games.
Since it’s an outdoor ball, it can handle all types of weather conditions—even rain.
How Does an Official Spalding NBA Differ From a Spalding NBA Replica Basketball?
The biggest difference between these two balls is that one is an official NBA product and one isn’t.
The Spalding NBA Original Basketball is the ball you want on your side when the game’s on the line. It’s leather, it’s got bounce, and it’s even got the official NBA logo printed on it.
Designed for indoor use on courts with composite floors, the ball has a weight of 15 ounces and features a microfiber composite leather cover that provides superior grip, even when you’re sweating.
Coming to the Spalding replica, it won’t be as durable as the original, but I have tried the Wilson NCAA Replica, and it has lasted long in terms of durability.
If you’re just looking for something to hang on your wall or play with in your driveway, go with the replica. It costs less than half as much as the original, but it’s not going to hold up if you go all Shaq O’ Neal with it.
Pros and Cons
Even though it’s a replica, it gives the original a run for its money and feels almost as good to play with as the original, but there are some things you should know about it first.
- Designed for indoor-outdoor play
- Budget friendly
- Genuine leather cover
- Superior grip
- Value for money
- Not the official NBA ball
- Deflates quickly
Alternatives To Check Out
If you’re looking for a different kind of game ball, or just want to save some money, here are some alternatives to Spalding NBA replica game balls:
1. Spalding NBA Zi/O
Spalding Zi/O $60 on Amazon
The Spalding NBA Zi/O is a basketball you can use to play pickup games, practice your free throws, or just shoot around.
The ball itself feels very sturdy and well-made. It has a lot of bounce (which is great for shooting).
I like the weight of this ball — it’s heavier than most other options, which makes it more durable when you’re dribbling or passing
2. Wilson EVO NXT
Wilson Evo NXT $150 on Amazon
The Wilson Evo NXT Basketball is made from microfiber composite leather, which makes it very durable. The ball also features a full-grain leather cover that gives it a soft feel when you shoot or dribble with it.
The ball has an excellent bounce that allows you to shoot with confidence even on a windy day.
If you are looking for a basketball that will help you improve your skills, then this product will be an ideal choice.
Final Advice
It’s easy to see why this Spalding NBA replica game basketball is a best seller. It’s great for indoor or outdoor use, and it looks like the real thing.
These new basketballs are also pretty cheap compared to other replicas on the market today — especially considering what you get for your money: excellent quality and grip along with an amazing look!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can you tell the real Spalding basketball?
Spalding basketballs have a number of identifying features. The ball should have the Spalding logo and the words “NBA Official Basketball” at the top, along with the size of the ball (7 for men, 5 for women).
- Does this basketball last long outdoors?
Initially it goes well with a month of playing, but it deflates slowly so you would need an air pump alongside.
- What is a Spalding basketball made out of?
A Spalding basketball is made out of leather. The leather used in the ball is very sturdy and will last longer than most other materials. The leather used in the Spalding basketballs is also very light, which makes it easier to handle when playing.