Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball Review [2023 Update]
This page was last updated on 20 May 2023.
Your basketballs are getting old, worn out and dirty. Even dribbling them makes you feel like a walking lung infection.
If you want change and picked spalding, you made the right choiceβSpalding is the perfect basketball to solve this problem.
The Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball is the perfect ball for outdoor street-balling. With its waterproof, synthetic leather exterior and inflatable bladder, it’s sure to withstand the rigors of asphalt back-and-forth.
- Material: Composite
- Color: Game Ball
- Age Range: Adult
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Use: Indoor play
- Inflation: 7-8PSI
Spalding NBA Street Phantom Outdoor Basketball Review
Spalding is one of the most popular manufacturers of basketballs and other sporting equipment. They’ve been in the business for nearly 125 years, so it’s safe to say they know their way around a basketball. This review will take a closer look at this popular ball and help you decide if it’s right for your needs.
Key Facts
This thing has everything that you need. Itβs officially licensed by the NBA, it has a wide channel design, and itβs durable enough to withstand even the most intense streetball game. Letβs breakdown its features:
Material | Rubber |
Color | 5 Combination |
Usage | Outdoor play |
Rating | 4.7/5 |
Usage | High grade with soft grip technology |
Sizing
Just as a snowflake’s design is unique, no two basketballs’ designs are alike. A basketball’s size, weight, and circumference help you determine whether it matches your height.
- Size: Official 7
- Weight: 650 Grams
- Diameter: 29.5 inches
- Length x Width x Height: β11.81 x 9.45 x 11.81 inches
Important Features
Here are some of the key features of the Spalding NBA street basketball:
1. Best for Street Basketball Player
If you love playing basketball in the street, then this is the ball for you. The Spalding NBA Street Basketball is made for outdoor use. The ball is designed to withstand rough surfaces and to lessen wear and tear due to abrasive concrete.
2. Wide Channel Design
You can easily control the ball because of its wide channel design. No more fumbling with the ball when you are dribbling on the court or performing some fancy moves to fool your opponent.
3. Durable Rubber Cover
Rubber covers are easier to grip, and the Spalding NBA Street basketball has a rubber cover that’s durable enough to last even through the toughest street games.
4. Suitable For All Players
If you want your kids to grow up playing street basketball, then this is an ideal choice for a first ball. The Spalding NBA Street Basketball can be used by children and adults alike so there are no worries about this investment going to waste when they grow up.
Why Is the 2023 Version of Spalding Street Phantom Better Than the Previous Version?
There are a number of things that make the Spalding NBA Street Basketball 2023 better than the 2022 version.
The Spalding NBA Street Basketball 2023 has a newly designed deep channel design that provides better grip and control. This model also uses an innovative dual-tone color scheme with our signature orange and black that stands out on any court.
The previous version had two different types of foam core for each side of the ball. The new version has only one type of foam core, which makes it much lighter and easier to use. It also helps to keep your ball from rolling away when you’re playing on the street or in a gym.
The new Spalding NBA Street Basketball has a more durable air valveβso you can throw it into a basket and leave it there! The ball also comes with an upgraded rubber cover, so you’ll always look great during game play.
Pros and Cons
The NBA Street Basketball from Spalding is a great choice for outdoor ballers. While there are a few drawbacks to the product, they are far outweighed by the benefits.
- Inexpensive ball
- Durable & Offer better grip
- 5 color combinations
- Too small for an adult male hand
- Rubber grips don’t offer much traction on muddy surfaces
Alternatives To Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball
Spalding’s NBA Street Phantom basketball is one of my top picks because it has similar features and a lower price. However, If the this Basketball isn’t available, I recommend the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball as a great first alternative and Mikasa as second best alternative.
1. Spalding Street Phantom Vs Wilson Evolution
Wilson Evolution $79 – 130 on Amazon
Its Cushion Core Technology uses low-density sponge rubber inside the ball to give it a soft feel and make it easier to shoot. The composite cover is also moisture-wicking, so the ball will maintain its grip even in wet conditions.
2. Spalding Street Phantom Vs Mikasa BX1000
Mikasa BX1000 $17.52 on Amazon
It is another great outdoor basketball with a deep pebble surface and wide channels for better grip and handling. Like the Spalding balls, it is made of rubber which makes it very durable for outdoor use.
Spalding’s NBA Street Phantom basketball is one of my top picks because it has similar features and a lower price. However, If the this Basketball isn’t available, I recommend the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball as a great first alternative and Mikasa as second best alternative.
- Wilson Evolution Basketball: Its Cushion Core Technology uses low-density sponge rubber inside the ball to give it a soft feel and make it easier to shoot. The composite cover is also moisture-wicking, so the ball will maintain its grip even in wet conditions.
- Mikasa BX1000 Premium Rubber Basketball: It is another great outdoor basketball with a deep pebble surface and wide channels for better grip and handling. Like the Spalding balls, it is made of rubber which makes it very durable for outdoor use. And it only costs $17.52.
Additional Resource
For a more in-depth review of your favorite spalding NBA basketball, check this out!
Final Advice
My final verdict is that the Spalding Street Phantom basketball is an amazing purchase for the price. You get a high quality ball and donβt have to spend a fortune to do so. This basketball offers excellent performance and it will improve your game by providing you with better control and responsiveness.
One of the best features of this ball is the fact that it is able to maintain its shape even after taking a lot of punishment. If you are looking for an excellent purchase, then this is it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is better, Wilson basketball or Spalding?
The two main brands of basketballs are Wilson and Spalding, both of which have their own pros and cons to them. Wilson is a more popular brand than Spalding but they tend to be more expensive because they use higher-quality materials in their construction process. Spalding, on the other hand, tends to be cheaper but its quality isn’t as high.
- Is Spalding Street Good?
The Spalding NBA Street Basketball is a great outdoor basketball. It has an excellent feel, great grip, and a fair price.It is made from rubber, which gives the ball a unique feel on an outdoor court. While the ball doesnβt have the same soft feel as other outdoor balls, it performs well in all weather conditions.
- What Spalding ball did the NBA use?
The Spalding basketball (NBA Official Game Ball) has been the official game ball of the National Basketball Association since 1983. It’s made of full grain leather and designed with a deep channel design for better grip.