Have no knowledge on basketballs at all but want a decent one under $100. Size 7 and used outdoors. Any recommendations?
What I'm looking at right now:
Wilson NBL Official Game Ball $72 + $10 delivery @ COTD (with CATCH ebay code)
Molten GN7X $70 @ Amart
Spalding T-500 $100 @ Amart
Molten BGO Outdoor $50 member price @ Amart
Just like any sport, you can find cheap gear or you can find expensive gear. And what you want to use it for / how much you value different parts of it determines what cost you want to spend on it.
Same with basketball, you can go to rebel and find a $20 ball which you can use, or you can find a $250 competition ball which is much nicer.
I should've mentioned it's a gift. Would prefer a pricier ball at a bargain price.
Do you want one for Outdoor only? Indoor / Outdoor? Or Indoor only? What size?
Indoor ones are likely the most expensive. The standard is the Spalding TF-1000 or the Molten GF or GL series.
TF-1000 can be hand her for quite a reasonable price.
http://www.melbournebasketball.com.au/index.php/shop#!/~/pro…
Does the TF-1000 come in size 7? $80 is a pretty sweet deal but would prefer a larger ball. It'll mainly be for outdoor use.
Of course it comes in Size 7, thats the adult standard ball.
Please do not use the TF-1000 on outdoor concrete or bitumen courts. Spalding and Molten (and many other manufacturers) have a lot of outdoor balls available.
In fact for outdoor only I used to have a $10-$15 spalding, I played everyday and roughly went through one ball per year.
Yeah sweet, it's just that the link you gave me only had size 6. I'd prefer to get an outdoor ball since we'll normally be playing on concrete. It's a gift as well.
I'm collecting the codes from UP&GO to spend at rebel and will have $50 soon. Do you have any recommendations? More than happy to spend over the $50 limit.
http://www.kmart.com.au/product/spalding-nba-grip-control-ba…
have a look at this, it looks like a bit decent
whats with the neg, im just trying to suggest a basketball ball.
http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/Spalding-NBA-Zi-O-Exce…
These are good. Not too expensive, and the grip is great - not the cheap outdoor rubbery feel.
Even though the composite leather balls can technically be "used" outside - please don't, out of respect for us true basketball aficionados, use a GF7X or TF1000 outside.
Hmm that conflicts with tsunamisurfers advice not to use the TF1000 outside. I would still prefer a ball that can be used outside as I doubt it'll be used indoor frequently. Would it be better to get 2 balls; 1 outdoor and 1 indoor? I was thinking the Molten BGO Outdoor for $50 then your one for another $50 which would be within budget.
Nah, I said you shouldn't use a TF1000 outside. I more or less am in the same boat as tsunamisurfer - I use my GF7x indoor and I have cheap Spalding rubber ball that I only use outdoors.
If it's a gift, I'd just buy one - the i/o. The kmart one is ok too - they're fairly durable, just a bit less bouncy then the cheap rubber balls.
Yeah sorry, I misread that. I think the i/o might be the best option. Thanks for the suggestion!
EDIT: Crap it's only a size 6. Back to the drawing board.
I probably wouldnt invest too much in an outdoor ball, the odd $20-$50 is more than good for that…if it were indoor, i'd be doing more research
Yeah thanks mate. That seems to be the general consensus here. Since my mate rarely plays indoors, don't think there's a need an expensive ball which will get ruined on concrete and bitumen.
ye correct….no matter whatever you get, theres always going to be a better one on the market. So if a smartass gives you shit, take it to the court and show him whats good! haha
These are pretty popular at the basketball club …and my son has one
http://sportsmart.com.au/p/molten-gr-rubber-basketball-orang…
Personally, whether you are using indoors or outdoors, I'd go with a nice synthetic leather ball.
It'll look better and feel better, and be a nicer gift.
Sure, it will get a bit scuffed up playing outside - but that's up to the recipient.
I've had one of these for a few years, and love it:
http://www.rebelsport.com.au/Product/Spalding-NBA-Zi-O-Excel…
I can't speak for how well it holds up on an outdoor surface as I use it indoors pretty much all the time (I've got a decent rubber ball for outdoor). The description says it's Indoor only, but the ball itself says Indoor/Outdoor.
The comp I play in uses a nice Molten ball, but can't remember the exact model number (Will check tonight)
For outdoor I prefer the Nike Grip series: http://au.sportsdirect.com/nike-true-grip-basketball-801010
It's not a volleyball but the Wilson one has my vote in case you need a friend when stranded on an island
Don't waste your money on a good $80 Molten/Spalding ball if it's just going to be used for outside. Once worn out a bit they become so slippery it's hard to play with. Some of the Nike outdoor balls for $40ish are pretty decent like the one linked from Mashimus.
Maybe pair it with a new net/chain net if it's for a present
If indoor grab the typicql molten gf7 if you can find it. Standard ball of most regular players at ball courts. Phased out now and they replaced it with some multi court surface crap. One of the acronyms i can't remember but im sure google will have references. Hopedully some old stock of gf7s still out there. Could get them for mid 70s on sale. If not I think rrp is closer to 90
Idk anything about basketballs, but I would've imagined basketballs costs….$10? $15 at most?