Are you in the market for a new basketball? Outdoor basketball season is coming up, and you don't want to be caught without a ball!
Outdoor basketballs are better than ever these days. In fact, there are so many great options to choose from that it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we put together this guide to the best outdoor basketballs of all time. We want you to make an informed decision and get the perfect ball for your needs!
We’ve included top outdoor basketball picks from some of the biggest brands in the business, as well as detailed buying tips that will help you find the perfect ball for your playing style.
Keep on reading to find the perfect ball designed to give you the perfect bounce and feel, so that your game is never the same again!
How We Choose the Best Outdoor Basketball Game Balls
Choosing the best outdoor basketball game ball can be a difficult decision as there are many types and brands on the market. Here at Retail Buyers' Guide, we take this responsibility very seriously and go to great lengths to ensure we make the best recommendation possible.
To do that, we go through tens of thousands of reviews from the top retail website, Amazon. We look beyond just star ratings and take into account customer comments about feel, performance, grip, and much more.
We look for excellence in every outdoor basketball ball. Our goal is to find the highest-quality products so customers can have a great time playing their favorite sport outdoors!
The Best Outdoor Basketball Game Balls of All Time
Top Advantage: Offers great value
Top Disadvantage: Arrives deflated
What We Love
The Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is dubbed as one of the best outdoor rubber balls available. With an ultra-durable rubber construction, basketball enthusiasts won’t need to worry about cracks and air pressure fluctuations any longer.
The precision-cut grooves in the channels enhance user experience while providing better grip and control. The grip on Spalding basketballs also offers excellent touch and feel during dribbling and shooting. An advanced flex design balances out uneven surfaces, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor use.
For quality craftsmanship and exceptionally durable construction, with a good outdoor bounce, the Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is at the top of our list as one of the best outdoor rubber balls!
What You Should Know
Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball has been a popular choice among youth basketball fans for years. Developed with an eye toward outdoor sensibilities and durability, the unique design of this rubber ball makes it a dependable choice for players of all levels.
From backyard games to intense five-on-five tournaments, Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball provides hours of quality entertainment and can handle whatever punishment is thrown its way. Users have praised its excellent grip, bounce, and control, making it an obvious choice when considering which ball to take out onto the outdoor court.
Whether you are looking for a new ball or need to replace an old one, Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is sure to exceed your expectations!
Top Advantage: Available In 4 different sizes, Solid grip
Top Disadvantage: Branding can wear off after some time
What We Love
The Wilson NBA DRV Series Outdoor Basketballs are a must-have for outdoor basketball players. Utilizing the Tackskin cover, these basketballs provide extreme durability and superior grip in even the most rigorous of games.
The outdoor cover isn't only for outdoor surfaces, but also helps reduce moisture absorption and provides improved ball handling so you can take your game to the next level.
Unlike cheaper rubber balls, Wilson NBA Balls have gone through structural testing by independent laboratories and passed substantiated FIBA standards for optimum playability under all court conditions, proving them a dependable choice when it comes to outdoor balls.
Whether you’re a casual pick-up basketball player or an intense tournament competitor, make sure to add the Wilson NBA DRV Series Outdoor Basketballs to your outdoor playing essentials for a reliable experience any time you step outside.
What You Should Know
If you’re looking to take your outdoor game up a notch, consider the WILSON NBA DRV Series Outdoor Basketballs. Crafted with deep NBA Pro Seams and a performance cover, they offer a solid grip and remarkable ball control that help improve playability and enhance gameplay.
The durable material construction ensures consistent ball bounces even on rough surfaces, so you can be sure that your shots will land exactly where you want them to go.
In addition, the air retention liner ensures their resistance to fluctuations in temperature, allowing them to keep their shape and performance regardless of the environmental conditions. Whether you’re playing a tournament-style game or just shooting hoops for fun, pick up one of these - it won’t let you down.
Top Advantage: Most affordable basketball with pump
Top Disadvantage: Not made to last
What We Love
The Senston Basketball 29.5" Outdoor Indoor Basketball is another top choice for all your outdoor ball needs, especially if you're on a budget! Not only is this ball 100% premium rubber, making it highly durable and able to withstand any sort of surface, but it also has impressive grip capabilities that make it a great choice for any basketball player.
The material construction of this indoor and outdoor basketball ensures a totally even bounce, while its sponge rubber backing ensures that you have total control over the direction and speed of the ball.
Senston's innovative technology and thoughtful design give you the much-needed accuracy and attention to detail when playing outdoors on your favorite court. With Senston Rubber Basketball, you're always sure to bring your A game without breaking the bank!
What You Should Know
Users consistently rave about the Senston Basketball 29.5" Outdoor Indoor Balls. They appreciate that the ball offers superb control and balance characteristics, making it well-suited for both practice and competition scenarios.
As any good outdoor ball does, it offers superior bounce-back which makes dribbling and shooting more effective and enjoyable. Not only does its exterior feature built-in anti-slip technology, but its extra deep design also helps to ensure a better grip, even during inclement weather conditions.
Best of all, the outer skin of the rubber ball has anti-abrasive capabilities, which means it offers a good amount of use (although don't expect it to last!). If you're in search for a cheaper rubber ball, you'll be like the many users that are singing this basketball's praises!
Top Advantage: Final Four craftsmanship, Great bounce
Top Disadvantage: Requires some break-in time
What We Love
If you're a basketball enthusiast looking for a good outdoor basketball to bring your game to the next level, you should consider the WILSON NCAA Outdoor Indoor Basketball. Not only is this ball great for outdoor surfaces, it also plays well indoors.
It is designed with soft, durable composite leather with deep channels so that players get maximum control when dribbling, shooting, and passing. This makes for some extra comfort when playing with friends or competing in tournaments.
With its consistent bounce, solid construction, and attractive branding, the WILSON NCAA Outdoor Indoor Basketball is an excellent choice for aspiring athletes looking to take their game outdoors.
What You Should Know
Wilson NCAA Indoor Outdoor Ball is one of the most popular quality composite leather balls on the market, and for good reason. Owners of this ball report that it sports an excellent grip, which allows for easy handling during gameplay.
The premium carcass construction is also meant to hold air well and allow consistent bounces, giving users nearly professional play capabilities. Reviews tout its ability to retain even pressure and shape whether used indoors or outdoors, with many users praising its longevity and durability in spite of playing on any court.
Wilson clearly knows what it takes to make a reliable product that's ideal for amateurs and professionals alike; the NCAA Indoor/Outdoor Basketball is no exception.
Top Advantage: Superior bounce and air retention
Top Disadvantage: Quality materials translate to a higher price tag
What We Love
The WILSON Evolution Game Basketball is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor basketballs on the market for serious players.
This ball is labeled as an indoor composite leather ball, but it is the ULTIMATE choice for outdoor courts as well! With an ultra-durable, microfiber composite leather cover that gives it an incredible feel, it helps in increasing your chance of sinking shots in all types of weather!
This also provides excellent bounceback, allowing you to set up perfect rebounds after shots. With its advanced moisture-wicking technology, the Wilson Evolution won't get slippery when wet and ensures that you never lose control over the game.
Whether you're shooting at your local court or taking it out to the beach, this basketball gives you a reliable grip and feel so you can make the most of every session.
What You Should Know
The WILSON Evolution Game Basketball just might be the best choice if you are looking to upgrade your outdoor ball! Utilizing revolutionary microfiber composite leather, this basketball delivers the most exceptional performance and feel compared to traditional leather balls.
Aside from the performance cover, the low-density sponge rubber provides both enhanced control and unsurpassed durability in an outdoor environment.
This ball is sure to please thanks to its superior quality construction, making it an ideal choice for all your basketball needs. With all these incredible features, it's no wonder why this is number one on the list of the best outdoor basketballs!
The Best Outdoor Basketball FAQs
Knowing which product is the perfect outdoor basketball can be overwhelming. With so many sizes, levels of durability, and factors to consider, it is difficult to know what will work best for your needs.
That is why we have created a FAQs section. This buyer's guide contains comprehensive and valuable information to help you find the right ball regardless of your situation. Making a choice has never been easier!
Is Rubber Ball Better for Outdoor?
Rubber basketballs are a great choice for outside courts, especially for those just starting out. Their durability and bounciness make them well-suited as a practice ball for honing one's skills.
Plus, rubber basketballs' affordability means that a beginner can invest without breaking the bank - giving them the best of both worlds: a quality product at a reasonable price.
Why is the NBA Switching from Spalding to Wilson?
While the partnership with Spalding was a successful one, the NBA chose to switch basketball manufacturers to Wilson Sporting Goods Company in 2021. The primary reason for this switch is due to the advanced technology and quality of basketballs produced by Wilson and their commitment to innovating and growing the sport.
This promises a better and more consistent game-ball experience for NBA players, which is essentially demanded by both professional athletes as well as fans. With Wilson's reputation of producing the highest quality basketballs along with new features such as moisture-wicking material, it will certainly be exciting to witness how this change enhances the popular game.
What is a Good Size for Outdoor Basketball?
Out of all standard basketball sizes, size 7 reigns supreme for outdoor play. It's the best option for athletes of all ages, from amateurs to pros. Those playing on outdoor courts will find it just right - not too heavy, not too light - and easy to grip as its circumference measures 29.5”.
While younger players may enjoy a smaller ball, size 7 is considered the universal ball size for professional leagues, college teams, and high schools alike. A Size 7 basketball has all the features you need - nothing more, nothing less.
How Much is a Good Outdoor Basketball?
When it comes to finding a great outdoor basketball, you want to ensure that you’re getting quality for your money. The price ranges for an outdoor ball can vary greatly depending on the size, material, and brand that you choose.
Generally, an inexpensive yet durable outdoor ball can range from about $17-$30, depending on the aforementioned factors. Buying a more expensive one with high-grade materials typically means a longer lifespan and better performance, although this isn’t necessary if you’re only using the basketball for recreational purposes.
However, if you plan on playing in tournaments or joining a pick-up game at your local court, spending a bit more and investing in a higher quality ball can definitely go a long way!
How Do You Pick a Good Basketball?
If you plan on playing on an outdoor court, you will need a ball that can withstand the harsher elements. Here are tips for choosing the best outdoor ball:
1. Consider your budget
An important factor to consider when choosing an outdoor basketball is your budget. There are a lot of different price points for basketballs, so it's crucial to find one that fits within your budget. If you're looking for a high-end ball, you can expect to pay more than if you're looking for a basic ball.
2. Choose the right size
One of the most important factors in choosing an outdoor ball is right size. Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that's appropriate for your height and weight. If you're too small for a certain size ball, it will be difficult to control and may cause injuries. Conversely, if you're too large for a ball, it will be uncomfortable to play with and won't perform as well as it should. The official NBA ball size is 7 while women and younger athletes find size 6 more suitable.
3. Pick a material that will withstand the elements
When you're choosing an outdoor basketball, it's important to pick one that's made from durable materials. The last thing you want is for your ball to fall apart after only a few uses because it wasn't meant to withstand the elements. Look for balls that are made from composite leather materials or rubber, as these will typically last longer.
4. Find a ball that has good grip
Another important factor to consider when choosing an outdoor basketball is grip. You want a ball that will be easy to control, even when playing on slippery surfaces like concrete or asphalt. A good way to test grip is to take the ball outside and see how well it performs on various surfaces. If it slips and slides all over the place, then it's probably not going to be very fun or easy to play with.
5. Make sure the ball is inflated properly
One final tip for choosing an outdoor basketball is to make sure that it's properly inflated before you use it. A lot of people make the mistake of using an underinflated ball, which can make shooting and dribbling difficult. Conversely, an overinflated ball can be uncomfortable to play with and may even burst if you play with it too much. So before you start using your new outdoor basketball, double-check that it has the proper amount of air in it!
Bonus Tip: Make sure the ball has adequate bounce!
Bounce is important because it affects how well the ball handles and how easy it is to control. A ball with too much bounce will be difficult to control, while a ball with too little bounce will not be as responsive. You should test out different balls to see which one has the perfect amount of bounce for you.
The Best Outdoor Basketball For YOU
You don’t want just any old basketball. You want the best outdoor basketball there is. After assimilating the information of tens of thousands of user ratings and reviews, we've found the WILSON Evolution Game Basketball to be the best outdoor basketball on the market.
This basketball is highly rated and has a solid, reliable construction that will last for years to come. It is made from high-quality synthetic materials, which are designed to stand up well to the elements. The ball also has a great grip, so it will not slip or slide no matter what surface you're playing on.
And with the perfect amount of bounce, this is the ideal ball for anyone looking to improve their game and take it to the next level.
Purchase your very own outdoor basketball today!
