From left to right clockwise: Spalding TF 1000, Wilson Solution NCAA Gameball, Spalding Leather NBA game ball, Spalding 2006 NBA game ball, Not pictured Wilson Evolution
SPALDING TF 1000:
Everyone has probably played with this ball at one point in their lives and for good reason. One of the best balls ever created. Absorbs moisture quickly, consistent bounce, and perfect amount of cushioning to the ball. Makes handling and shooting the ball a breeze due the wider channels. Unfortunately, Spalding changed their formula and now the TF has a more rubbery feel than leather feel. Still a very good ball with the change but feels a lot cheaper.
SPALDING TF 1000 CLASSIC IS NOT THAT SAME AS THE TF1000. There is not as much cushioning or shape to the panels. There is a reason that Spalding is selling the original TF1000 for 79.99 vs 54.99 for the classic.
WILSON SOLUTIONS NCAA GAMEBALL:
In my opinion this is Wilson’s best ball even though everyone seems to think the Evolution is a better ball for some reason. The solutions ball absorbs moisture even better than the TF 1000 and has a slightly more rubbery feel than the TF but it doesn’t feel like the new TF. Consistent off the dribble and very well made (it appears almost seamless). Hard to find in stores bc most stores only stock the Evolution but for around 41 to 55 dollars you can find them online at Eastbay and Walmart.com. Wide channeled so very easy to control.
SPALDING LEATHER NBA GAME BALL:
I love this ball. I grew up playing with this ball in summer leagues. The older the ball gets, the better it gets. Even when the leather turned black as night and got heavier from years of dirt and sweat it still felt great. I bring this ball all the time to the gym but nobody wants to play with it bc it feels hard as a rock since there is no cushioning to the leather panels and it feels slicker than the new synthetics. The channels are not wide or deep like the balls mentioned above and that makes handling and shooting a little trickier.
NOTE I do want to note that the ball the NBA uses IS NOT the same as this ball even though the market it as the same ball. I have had the chance to see and play with an actual game ball and the leather is granier /rougher and the panels have more cushioning to it. It is not as plush as a tf or evo by any means but at least there is some cushioning.
SPALDING SYNTHETIC NBA GAME BALL circa 2006:
The NBA tried to replace the leather ball with this ball in 2006. Yes this is the $100 game ball. I can see why NBA players hated it so much bc it is the total opposite of the leather ball. Panels are heavily cushioned and the synthetic leather has no slickness to it. It feels a little rough the touch but thats bc it is so dry and absorbent. The ball is odd to play with bc the bounce is not that consistent. It feels like you have to pound the ball on the ground to make it bounce even though you really don’t have to. With the weird grip it doesn’t come of the hand the same as the other balls mentioned above. Definitely not worth the money although everyone wants to play with this ball when I bring it to the gym.
WILSON EVOLUTION:
I do not like this ball bc I feel it is the Most over rated ball I’ve ever played with. It does feel great to the touch and the synthetic has a nice feel to it. Easy to pass and shoot with it due to the wide channels and design of the panels but that’s assuming you didn’t sweat on it. Very inconsistent at absorbing sweat. Sometimes you can sweat on it and its fine and sometimes a tiny droplet just makes the ball slip. I find the ball very inconsistent off the dribble as well. Sometimes it will just “die” as I’m dribbling and it just doesn’t bounce as high as it should.
Conclusion: Of all the balls listed I would buy the original tf1000. It may be a little pricey but it does everything well and is extremely consistent an durable . I’ve had mine for over 7 years and it looks and feels great still. However if your league/school uses the evolution by all means get the evolution bc it is better to practice with the game ball than a better ball since your release will change based on how your fingers release the ball. I have not tried the Under Armour 695 or Nike Elite but hope to in the near future.
schwollo.com 
Hello ,greetings from indonesia,first of all,great review, i can picture how each of the ball you review,out of the four i only have/tried the nba gameball,and its true,even here people do not like a leather ball(i have nba game ball and molten gl7,both leather ball)and nada,no one want to play with them,most of their comment are,the ball feels way too hard to touch,as for me ,one of the best atribute of leather ball is their bounce,or their consistency of shape and feel
I always wonder how the real tf1000 feel,as all of the reviewer from usa talking highly of them,tf1000 of indonesia is molten gg7
Btw is there an article that said nba game ball that used is different than what they sold??i believe in you since you are not the only one who said they were different,i just want to make sure
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Hi there in Indonesia! I have never played with the molten leather ball but now I’m curious . I’ve had a chance to shoot/practice with the real NBA ball a few times and the leather is thicker and more textured so there isn’t that slick feel whereas the retail ball is just flat all the way around. I’d say the leather feels at least twice as thick. The TF 1000 is a popular ball but it does not feel like the leather balls bc there is more cushioning under the panels for easier grip and shooting and the cover itself is tackier. It is an awesome ball though.
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Hey thanks for replying
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Hey thanks for replying,would you said that spalding “cheat”on us consumer??for me,when i bought nba gameball,i expect them to feel the same as what the pro use,i like my nba gameball but reading the comment on many site,it certainly dissappoint me as a consumer,since they are not cheap(i got mine on 50% discount thou)
And yes ,you should try molten gg7(or the newer version gg7x)by far the most wanted indoor ball in indonesia,the bounce and the cushioning carcass on them is very soft to touch,btw gl7 althou a leather ball as well,feel much different than nba gameball,first of all ,they feel lighter,and when brand new ,they look very shiny,almost plasticky/fake like,but after break in period,they become much better(no one want to play with them as well,since they are not as soft as gg7)
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I’ll need to check them out one of these days . Wilson evo really dominates the market here in the U.S. Even though i don’t like the ball.
Is Spalding cheating the consumer ? Yes if they say it’s the exact same ball but 99% of people don’t know what the real ball feels like and it requires break in also. Most tour or professional items aren’t what we see in shelves so this is no different really. Marketing is about creating a feeling of using the same things the best players use even if it isn’t.
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Thats a great response bro!!i understand about how pro stuff is usually very different than what they sold,for example nba player exclusive shoes are usually build with an extra cushioning ,or to the extreme lebron shoe,by my discussion with guys at kicksologis at SC,lebron shoe are simply the same shoe,dress to look like what they sold on the market(higher density midsole/zoom air,stronger flywire unit,and different build/material),i just thought that basketball(ball) could be different but i guess thats just me being naive
Btw you got a nice website here,an im certainly will following it ,and ask a basketball related stuff
Cheers
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Yea as consumers we can’t tell unless we get a hold
Of them. Shoes are typically the same as retail from my experience (I have some Of Aaron brooks hyperdunks ) . Thanks for the kind words!
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What’s up brotha. Great in depth review! I do agree that the original TF 1000 was a great ball, but since spalding discontinued those, my pick hands down is the NBA official game ball. Like you experienced, people who get a chance to touch it pass it back to me and gets whatever composite ball has some cushion to it. Since I bought it, I’ve shot and dribbled with nothing else! The NBA ball just helps you develop you shot and handles over time. You also don’t have to worry about getting sweat on it because it just gains more grip when its wet. I agree that the evolution is completely over rated. Out of the box it’s great, but with continued use, it gets really slick. Everyone in the gym swears by it, but in my opinion, they have stone hands. lol. If I was gonna rank my favorites, it would be the NBA leather game ball, Nike Elite Championship Airlock, Wilson Solution, then the Wilson Evolution. The 3 I mentioned before the evolution surpass it in terms of quality, bounce and feel by MILES. Just my opinion.
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Ha I love the leather ball as well but nobody ever wants to use it so it is regulated to shooting around only . I’m
Not a fan on Nike balls only bc I feel like I’m paying for the swoosh not the ball. Thanks for reading !
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If you haven’t gotten a chance to own or try one, I HIGHLY recommend the Baden Perfection Elite. I was stuck between ordering it and The Rock. I finally have gotten numerous opportunities to play with The Rock to make a comparison and while The Rock is a great ball, I am glad I went with the Baden instead. Perfectly round, perfectly inflated from the factory, perfect bounce, perfect weight, perfectly layed channels, perfect panels that don’t peel, perfect feel, and PERFECT PRICE. About $48 brand new with free shipping on Amazon for an indoor game ball. Great deal compared to others. The only thing that I believe could make it any better would be a better moisture-absorbing cover. It does get a little slick when wet, but not as bad as the Wilson Evolution. It is very “grippy” when brand new, but feels great after some of the tack has worn off. I do own an official NBA game ball, but this is by far my favorite non-leather ball that I have used. Just my thoughts!
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Ha i actually have a review coming on the perfection elite and element. Just haven’t finished it! Agree about everything though . Way better than the evo.
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I recommend you get the molten gg7/gg7x and give them a try. I used to live and the states and play scalding and wilson balls for competition. i’ve moved overseas and molten is more preferred since it is FIBA’s choice. I think they have better feel and bounce. more plush compared to what i’ve played with (splading and wilson).
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I’ve heard lots of good stuff about molten. Will try one of these days !
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Hi,
I can’t agree more with your comments on Wilson evo dribble-ability. First off, the evo I just bought is not round, which I value the most. Second due to the cushioning, it bounces randomly every now and then. It’s dribbler nightmare and undeniably, it’s a superb ball for shooter.
Can you suggest me a roundest ball? Or the best ball for dribbler.
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The nba leather ball is basically as good as it gets in terms of least cushion and true bounce. The Wilson solution is a ball handlers dream though. Every time I play in leagues with that ball it feels like cheating lol
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Thanks for the reviews. Just curious how many evos you’ve had? I’ve had two (the first one got stolen young) and both of them started out nice but then lost the “tack” and is now super slippery. Almost unplayable. Have you experienced this?
I play with other evos and they play fine and even feel good. But they are usually noticibly older and worn. Mine still looks brand new even though it probably has 100 hours on it.
Will it ever get better?
And I also have a solution and like the feel better, but the problem with that ball is it wears quickly and is a bit heavier than the evo.
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I’ve only owned one evo since everyone else already has one I don’t need another lol.
When did you buy your evo? I noticed a difference at the store with the covers awhile back. Older evos have a softer more broken in feel to it . I think eventually that new feeling goes away because the balls at rec center all feel and look the same after thousands of hours of use
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Actually the solution just gets dark but keeps
its tack. Literally absorbs everything (probably why it feels heavier too)
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Hi really like your reviews on some older sneakers and comparison between older and different products. Have you played in the nike elite ball before? i find it a balance between the evo and the tf. doesn’t feel like a rubber as the evo and feels slightly better than the new tf. but that’s just my personal thoughts
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My teammate has one and it’s a nice ball.
Not overly cushioned like the evo and does feel better than the new TF.
Thanks for reading !
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I’m leaning towards the NCAA indoor ball. But does Spalding still sell/make the original TF1000? If so, do you have a link and which would you prefer out of the two?
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Spalding made a very limited run of the original tf sold them for 80 bucks. The NCAA ball is a great ball very grippy no slip and a ball handlers best friend. I still love the tf and try to find good ones on eBay even if they aren’t new. Usually cost around 45 or so.
The rock is also a favorite of mine and is relatively inexpensive .
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That would have been sweet to get the original. Not sure if I want to buy new though. Which would you choose for quality, durability and longevity between the Rock (never heard of that one) and the NCAA ball?
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Not many have heard of the rock and I only knew about them bc I got a ball from them when my company sponsored a tourney they were involved in . Great ball very similar shape and paneling as the ncaa ball. The NCAA ball lasts forever even when it gets super dark from age oils and dirt. Some ppl don’t like the more rubbery feel of the NCAA ball it’s a shooter and ball handlers dream. If you like the cover of the evolution then you’d like the rock. Very similar although I think it absorbs sweat better than the evo. Hope that helps!
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Both very well made btw
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What are your thoughts on the TF 1000 Legacy compared to the NCAA or Rock?
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The legacy is too soft and spongy but it does do a good job absorbing sweat. I’d take the rock and NCAA ball over it any day though
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Does the NCAA feel heavier than the TF-1000 or The Rock?
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No
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Thank you, good to know. These are the 4 I’ve narrowed down to. I play roughly 1 hour on Mon We’d and sometimes Fri so usually 2-3 hours a week. What order would you put these in from first to last preference for you?
Nike Elite Chamionship (Airlock or no airlock), NCAA indoor ball, Baden Elite and The Rock?
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I’m not the author, but I really don’t like the Nike balls. The solution is good but wears out fast and is a bit big (but I have smallish hands). The elite and rock are very similar. The rock is a tiny bit smaller and has deeper seams, but the elite has a bit better feel and a bit better with moisture.
So, you can’t really go wrong with either. I’d say if you play with picky players go with the elite because they’ll be more likely to use it.
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My thoughts almost exactly lol
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Rock elite ncaa and Nike last. I use the rock a lot now since my tf 1000s are getting worn. Just a nice blend of everything. Baden elite is nice as well pretty much a evolution but better cover and better build. NCAA ball feels like cheating bc it’s so easy to handle. Nike ball feels too hard overall (used my team mates ball).
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If the NCAA ball didn’t make you feel like your were cheating, would you still put it third or first over The Rock? The main two I’ve been going between is the rock and NCAA, but the Adidias Pro has also made it into the mix…
Mind you the indoor court I play on isn’t like a court that is upkept and swept. It’s a church building court so there seems to be dust on it even after sweeping before a game. Not sure if that makes a difference when choosing an indoor ball or not.
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Too easy to shoot and dribble isn’t good when you’re practicing. When we’d get the ncas ball during league games all of us who know would get happy. Dusty floor with a ball is fine everyone has to play with the dusty ball. Never tried the adidas pro so can’t comment . Although I’m not sure how much truth there is to this you might find this article interesting : https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/2017/3/17/16077266/lonzo-ball-ucla-shooting-mechanics-6eeda2ef3e41
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That was a very interesting article, thank you for that. Interesting to see ball comparisons. Never really knew about it.
I guess my practice is my game play since I get together with guys 2-3 times a week an hour at a time to play pick up games. I don’t really have the time to just go and practice/shoot around. That’s why I’m seeing from others experience, like yourself, which one ball you prefer practicing and playing with and find others to enjoy playing with between the NCAA and The Rock. Guess the Rock is cheaper but do they tend to hold up as much as the NCAA or longer?
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I’ve had my rock for two or three years and it’s held up. The NCAA lasts a long time at least based on my local Ymca. Looks like a super old ball but still plays great. Really it will come down to what you like feel wise. The rocks has a cover similar to the evo but I find it absorbs sweat better. The ncaa has a more rubbery hybrid feel. Maybe that’s what Lonzo liked it in college. Most ppl at the gym don’t like the NCAA just based on feel but they also don’t like the nba leather ball. Hope that helps
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It does, thank you. I think I’m leaning towards more of The Rock to try. Reading your review on this ball you said it’s $25 at Anaconda sports? I’m not able to find them. Do you have a link?
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Anaconda got bought out by bsn sports so I’m not sure if those deals on logo overruns are around anymore. Look on eBay and Amazon and for bsn coupon codes
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Great article. I am also a huge fan of the original TF-1000 as that is the ball I recall using in my younger days before Wilson really even had any significant presence. Once broken in it has the perfect amount of firmness and tack that rolls effortlessly off the fingertips when shooting. I feel many of the currently popular balls are way too spongy and sticky. Ironically striving to produce a pre-broken-in feel has gone way past that into a realm that no classic ball could ever break-in to. I think I get what these balls were trying to achieve, but now it’s morphed into a completely unique feel unto itself.
Over the weekend a guy showed up at an open run who I don’t usually see. Waiting for his game he was shooting around with my broken in TF-1000 2015 reissue and I overheard him comment to someone else “is this even a guys ball?” I’m not even really sure what he meant by it because he obviously liked the ball and proceeded to keep shooting with it for the next 20 minutes to the point where I decided I needed to keep an eye on it. It’s funny because he looked like he’s in his 20’s so he probably doesn’t remember a time when the Wilson Evo didn’t dominate the hardwood landscape, and wondered what this crazy Spalding ball was. It’s only the ball which everyone from my generation grew up with.
Any rumors of Spalding ever doing a run of the original ZK composite formula balls again?
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I’m sure Spaulding will do another reissue..I got a reissue in 2015 and it was 80 which is a lot bc I can get a leather ball for a little bit more. I’ve found some on eBay used as well for under $50 and they look pretty good and worked out fine for me. eBay is actually really good with protecting buyers now (to the detriment of honest sellers) so don’t be afraid to buy off there.
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Glad to hear you think there will be another re-issue of the Original TF-1000 ZK Composite balls. With the major gripe being how quickly they wear out you’d think they would want to promote use of them because they’d sell balls more frequently especially with its cult following, but I suppose if Spalding wants to compete in the modern indoor composite ball market they have to change the formula.
I’m curious if you’ve had a chance to play test the newer Nike Hyperelite ball. What you think of the dimples on it? How does it handle with the dimples instead of traditional pebbling? How is the bounce? How does the cover material feel (is it rubbery like the Wilson Solution)? Does it pick up a coat of dust easily? Does it feel light/heavy/just right?
Seems like a decent high school team could switch to a ball like the Hyperelite (assuming there wasn’t a regulated ball for the league) and win more of their home games b/c the other team would be unfamiliar with the ball. It would be the same method as the University of Wisconsin because it sounds like the Badgers have unusual balls.
Fun article: http://dailyorange.com/2016/11/wisconsins-use-sterling-basketballs-reflects-inconsistency-throughout-ncaa/
Thanks for all your insight, loved reading through the comments!
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That is a very interesting article. There was an article about lonzo ball shooting worse with every ball but the Wilson Solution (which I can say is one of the easiest balls to handle and shoot with). I think the ball makes a slight difference so yea you might be right hahah. Never heard of sterling bballs before. Oh never tried the hyper elite didn’t even know they made that ball like that
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Pretty spot on – I have all those basketballs, the previous leather NBA ball that you show is my favorite overall (once broken in) – the new model NBA leather ball is second. Original TF-1000 is the gold standard for basketballs people will actually want to play with. Evolution gets too slick with sweat but everyone loves the soft feel. I would add the Baden Elite, Molten FIBA game ball and an old TF-100 wide channel leather ball. Great the list and breakdown.
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Thanks !
Fiba ball is awesome. Only played with it a few times but felt great.
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