Spalding Zi/O TF Indoor-Outdoor Basketball Review [2022]
Playing basketball without the proper equipment is not fun.
It’s even worse to pay a really high price for the wrong equipment that you don’t even want.
This Spalding Zi/O Tf Basketball is perfect for both outdoor and indoor play and it meets all the qualities of a perfect basketball. With this ball, you’ll be able to play comfortably with your whole team.
I couldn’t be happier with the final product. I have always played basketball with a regular ball but now that I’ve tested this, I’ll never be able to switch back.
The ball is unbelievably light weight, it dribbles like a dream, and it’s soft and gentle on my hands.
Let’s hit the ground running and get to know more about what this ball has to offer!
Product Overview
The Zi/O features a new design that is engineered to provide an optimal grip and better feel in your hands. Now you can get an authentic basketball experience at home or on the go with this new ball.
| Material | Polyester |
| Color | Brown |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-Adult |
| Size and Weight | Size 7, 29.5 inch |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.7 x 9 x 8.7 inches |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
Key Features
Zi/O basketballs are designed to enhance the game and provide a more consistent performance than other balls. This basketball offers top-quality features that make it a favorite purchase among many customers.
1. Premium Composite Cover
The NBA Zi/O composite cover was designed to enhance performance by making the ball lighter and easier to handle. It makes use of an advanced manufacturing process that produces a seamless, durable surface—without stitching it together.
2. Soft Touch
The soft touch feature lets you easily take your best shot, while keeping your fingers intact and reducing bounce after hitting the floor or wall. And then you’re able to shoot the ball with greater accuracy every time you play your games.
I can confirm this if you ask me because I felt how comfortable my fingers were while I was shooting the basketball and it felt like I was touching a cloud because that’s what it really felt like.
3. Foam-Padded Design
The Spalding NBA Zi/O basketball outranks a foam-padded ball when it comes to air retention. Which means its shape will not be altered even if you drop it on hard-surface courts a bunch of times.
Plus, this Spalding basketball has better bounce than NBA zi/o excel and it’s easier to shoot from long range because the ball can bounce higher.
4. Used For Indoor-Outdoor Play
This basketball is made for all kinds of courts, so if you’re looking to play professional leagues anytime and anywhere, this basketball will get the job done! Whether it’s hardwood or concrete floors, the ball will have no problem getting around.
5. Solid Bounce
The manufacturers have designed the basketball in such a way that it gives a tacky but solid bounce specifically to provide you with the best possible grip and feel. This makes the ball ideal for play in any conditions, including wet weather or dusty gyms.
Spalding NBA Zi/O Vs Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel
The Spalding Zi/O Series recently launched Excel basketball, but it’s the Zi/O that houses the coveted Kobe Bryant signature. So what sets Zi/O apart from Excel? For half the price, you’ll get all of the same great features. So does that seal the deal?
The Spalding NBA Zi/O ball has a reputation for being one of the best basketballs on the market.
The Spalding Zi/O is made with a material that delivers the best grip and durability. It also has a channel that helps keep air in, which means it will bounce higher and more consistently than other balls. Simply put, this ball outperforms the rest.
The NBA Excel is made of leather, but it doesn’t offer any channels or other features that would make it bounce higher and more consistently like the Zi/O does.
The Spalding NBA Zi/O basketball uses a revolutionary new technology called Injection Molded Foam (IMF), which helps make gripping the ball easier and makes shooting it much more effortless.
Learn more: Spalding NBA Zi/o Review
Pros And Cons
Though this basketball may leave an impression on you and its brand may promise you high-quality and innovation, it does come with its own set of cons that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Cushioned air bladder
- Easy to grip
- Bounces too high on concrete floors
Alternatives To Spalding NBA Zi/o
The Spalding NBA Zi/O basketball is the official ball of the NBA, and it’s a great choice for serious basketball players. But if you want another ball that’s just as good, then you know what they say, there’s plenty of fish in the sea!
1. Wilson NCAA Basketball
Wilson NCAA $40.99 – $78.99 on Amazon
You can’t go wrong with Wilson; it’s the choice of the pros—from NCAA teams to NBA stars. And for good reason: The Wilson NCAA Official Game Basketball is deep channel-constructed to provide players with a superior grip.
Its soft touch composite cover felt as smooth as butter, coming to the durability I won’t say it’s the best, because after a few months, it started to deflate.
The ball comes in three sizes, making it perfect for any age group. The price may be a bit on the expensive side.
Its soft touch composite cover felt as smooth as butter, coming to the durability I won’t say it’s the best, because after a few months, it started to deflate.
The ball comes in three sizes, making it perfect for any age group. The price may be a bit on the expensive side.
2. Baden Crossover Basketball
Baden Crossover $23.20 – $48.64 on Amazon
Since I haven’t bought this product personally, I can’t recommend it as the best. But from all the reviews I’ve seen, it looks like Baden’s Crossover basketball promises to provide you with a perfectly balanced ball with consistent symmetrical panels and improved grip technology.
It can be played both in the gyms and even in your backyard. And rest assured, it’s a budget friendly basketball so your bank account won’t go empty!
Additional Resource
Check out this video for a more personal review of this spectacular basketball. New Best Outdoor Basketball? | Spalding NBA Zi/O Basketball Review
Final Verdict
The NBA ZI/O Basketball is very much in the same vein as other Spalding basketballs, but it has its own unique features that make it stand out.
The weight of this basketball is good for most players. It’s not too heavy, which makes it easy to dribble and pass with, but it’s also not too light, so you don’t have to worry about losing control when shooting or dunking on your opponent.
Overall, this is a great ball for anyone who wants something that looks professional without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the normal basketball size?
The size of a basketball can vary depending on the application. The official ball used in the NBA and NCAA is 29.5 inches in circumference, with an air pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch (psi). Making it a size 7
- What basketball has the best grip?
The best basketballs have good grips because they’re easy to control and throw accurately. consider a synthetic leather ball like the Wilson Evolution or Spalding NBA Street Basketball. These balls have a tacky finish that helps them hold their grip even when they get wet or covered in dirt and dust from playing outdoors on concrete courts.
- Which basketball is best for beginners?
Spalding Rookie Gear Rebound Air Basketball is an ideal pick for beginners who are just learning how to dribble and shoot. It has a rubber exterior and inflatable bladder, so it’s easy to grip and bounce around. The ball also comes with its own pump so you don’t have to worry about inflating it yourself.
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