Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball
For serious basketball players and those with aspirations of going pro, you need a ball that can handle hours or practice and hardcore play. The perfect pick is the Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball. It’s a top choice in the NBA and WNBA and meets all the standard size specifications so you can practice like the pros during every visit to the gym.
Features
The Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball is designed with a composite leather cover. It is incredibly durable, lasting for many hours of indoor play, plus it’s tough enough to handle pick-up games on outdoor courts too. You’ll love how the Zi/O feels in your hand. It’s easy to grip and slightly tacky giving you better ball handling control.
With foam backing, this basketball has superior grip and fantastic bounce. Even if you are playing a heated game of one-on-one, the ball will never slip out of your hand. It’s a lot of fun to play with just because it is so comfortable and easy to control.
Pros
Players love this ball for several reasons. First, it’s budget friendly compared to a lot of other popular options. Basketballs can run from very inexpensive to very pricy, but this one comes in on the low end and still offers all the great features you want for serious basketball practice.
Buyers also rave about the foam-backed design. You can really feel the difference in how easy it is to grip. From dribbling to passing to shooting, that foam backing is a great benefit to help you better your play. Plus it’s soft and feels lightweight in your hand, making it a perfect choice if you are working on perfecting your three-pointers or jump shots.
The Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel is highly durable. Buyers report that this ball lasts for years even with regular use. To insure it lasts as long as possible, try to limit your use to indoor courts. It will protect the outer surface against regular wear and tear and insure you get maximum game time from your ball.
Another major benefit is the weight and size, which are designed to professional requirements. Since it’s regulation weight, you can easily enjoy this ball in leagues, tournaments, and even for basketball games at schools.
Cons
While the vast majority of feedback on the Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel is positive, there are a few drawbacks. A few people complained that the big label on the surface of the ball interferes with shooting and makes it less comfortable to shoot. Others mentioned that it loses air relatively quickly and has to be pumped up routinely to keep maximum bounce. A few buyers said they had issues pumping air into the ball and the hole wasn’t easy to fit with the valve. But this seems to be a very rare issue and could have been a faulty ball that should have been returned for a replacement.
The Bottom Line
All things considered, the Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball is a smart pick, especially if you want to use a ball designed to pro standards. With excellent grip, perfect bounce, and unparalleled durability, you really can’t go wrong with this basketball.