The 23 best ball brands
adidas, Nike and PUMA lead our ranking of 23 ball brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Ball brands, ranked
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1
adidas
Three-stripe match balls, from the Jabulani to the Trionda, used at World Cups and Champions League finals.
Top products: Trionda Pro· Jabulani
Website: adidas.com |Brands like adidas
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nike
Flight-branded football balls sit beside its golf balls, sold in mixed packs for practice.
Top products: Flight Premier League
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 4.8/10
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3
PUMA
Bold-coloured football match and training balls, sold alongside its boots and kits.
Website: us.puma.com |Brands like PUMA
Popularity 3.0/10
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4
Vizari
Affordable training and match footballs, plus goalkeeping gloves and shin guards.
Website: vizari.com |Brands like Vizari
Popularity 1.8/10
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5
Mitre
Hyperseam bonded-seam match balls aim for a smooth, accurate flight.
Website: mitre.com |Brands like Mitre
Popularity 1.8/10
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6
Champion
School and gym equipment maker offering basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls for physical education.
Popularity 1.6/10
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7
Wilson
Basketball maker behind the NBA's official game ball, plus Evolution indoor balls and Staff golf balls.
Top products: Evolution· Staff Model X
Website: wilson.com |Brands like Wilson
Popularity 1.4/10
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8
VOIT
Australian sports label with balls and training gear for team sports.
Website: voit.com |Brands like VOIT
Popularity 1.2/10
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9
DERBYSTAR
Hand-stitched leather footballs and handballs, widely used by professional clubs in Europe.
Website: derbystar.ca |Brands like DERBYSTAR
Popularity 1.1/10
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10
Umbro
English kit maker whose football balls usually sell alongside its team strips.
Website: umbro.co.uk |Brands like Umbro
Popularity 1.0/10
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11
Baden
Composite-leather basketballs and volleyballs for schools and clubs, from a 1979 family firm.
Website: badensports.com |Brands like Baden
Popularity 0.9/10
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12
Franklin Sports
US sports-equipment brand with basketballs, soccer balls and youth gear, often sold to schools.
Website: franklinsports.com |Brands like Franklin Sports
Popularity 0.9/10
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13
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14
Champro
Baseball and softball balls plus catcher's gear, sold mainly to youth leagues and high school programs.
Website: shop.champrosports.com |Brands like Champro
Popularity 0.5/10
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15
Reebok
Reebok was founded in 1958 and was one of the first few brands to include track spikes in running shoes. It may be considered a powerhouse today, but it only really found its footing in the 80s, thanks to the...
Website: reebok.com |Brands like Reebok
Popularity 0.5/10
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16
Spalding
Long-running NBA supplier making basketballs in indoor and outdoor models.
Website: spalding.com |Brands like Spalding
Popularity 0.4/10
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17
Uhlsport
Goalkeeper gloves with latex palms and German-made match footballs, usually sold to amateur and youth clubs.
Website: uhlsport.com |Brands like Uhlsport
Popularity 0.4/10
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18
Rawlings
Full-grain cowhide baseballs with red stitching, used in MLB games and across high school and college leagues.
Top products: Official World Series Baseball
Website: rawlings.com |Brands like Rawlings
Popularity 0.4/10
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19
Lotto
Lotto Sport Italia is an Italian firm founded in 1973 that specializes in sports and leisure shoes. A company with a long history of Made in Italy has always been a source of inspiration for athletes and everyone who values...
Website: lotto.it |Brands like Lotto
Popularity 0.4/10
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20
ERIMA
Teamwear specialist supplying training balls and kit to clubs and schools.
Website: erima.de |Brands like ERIMA
Popularity 0.4/10
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21
Gilbert
Rugby World Cup ball supplier since 1995, with grip-textured match balls.
Website: gilbertrugby.com |Brands like Gilbert
Popularity 0.3/10
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22
MacGregor
MacGregor makes golf clubs, golf bags and baseball gloves under its own name. Its current lineup includes complete sets for new and improving golfers, such as the DCT4000 set with a bag. The company is based in Albany, Georgia, and...
Popularity 0.3/10
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23
Diadora
Diadora has created a world of fashion and comfort on its website. You can find active clothes and footwear categorized into neat little tabs there. People who tend to live an active lifestyle and are always on the move need...
Website: diadora.com |Brands like Diadora
Popularity 0.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas | adidas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Nike | nike.com | – | – | – | – |
| PUMA | us.puma.com | /PUMA | puma | @PUMA | featured |
| Vizari | vizari.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mitre | mitre.com | /mitre | mitresports | @mitresports | MitreSports |
| Wilson | wilson.com | /WilsonBaseball | wilsonballglove | @wilsonballglove | wilsonballgloves |
| VOIT | voit.com | /VoitUSA | voitusa | – | – |
| DERBYSTAR | derbystar.ca | – | – | – | – |
| Umbro | umbro.co.uk | /umbro | umbro | @umbroUk | umbro |
Ball Buying Guide
Whether you are a professional athlete or just a casual player, choosing the right sports ball is essential for success in any game. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This ball buying guide is designed to help you navigate the various types of balls and make an informed decision on which one to buy.
1. Determine your needs
The first step is to determine what sport or activity you will be using the ball for. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, tennis, or any other sport, different balls are designed to suit different needs. Consider the following factors:
- The size of the ball
- The weight of the ball
- The material the ball is made from
- The level of play (recreational, amateur or professional)
All these factors play a role in selecting the right ball for your sport. For example, a basketball made for kids will not suit the needs of a professional basketball player. Similarly, a soccer ball made for outdoor play may not be suitable for indoor play. Take the time to research the different types of balls available and choose the one that best suits your needs.
2. Consider the size of the ball
The size of the ball is an important factor to consider when choosing a ball for your sports activity. Different sports have different size requirements, and it’s essential to select the right size ball to ensure maximum performance and safety. Here are some examples:
- Basketball: standard size is 29.5 inches in circumference for men and 28.5 inches for women
- Soccer: size 5 is the standard size for adults, size 4 is for youth players
- Volleyball: the standard size is 65-67 cm in circumference
- Tennis: the standard size is 2.7 – 3.58 inches in diameter
If you are buying a ball for a child, make sure to choose a ball that is age-appropriate. A ball that is too big or too small will hinder their performance and may cause injury.
3. Choose the right weight
Another important factor to consider when choosing a ball is the weight. Depending on the sport, the weight of the ball can vary significantly. For example, a football weighs significantly more than a tennis ball. The weight of the ball can affect how well you can control it, as well as how far you can throw, kick, or hit it.
If you are buying a ball for a child, make sure it is not too heavy. A heavy ball can cause injury, especially if the child is not used to it. For adults, a heavy ball can be an advantage in sports like soccer and basketball, where strength is an important factor. However, it can also be a disadvantage in sports like tennis, where agility and finesse are more critical.
4. Select the right material
The material the ball is made from is another important factor to consider. Balls can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, plastic, and synthetic fibers. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs.
Leather balls, for example, are long-lasting, durable and have excellent grip. Leather basketballs, footballs, and volleyball are popular amongst professional players. However, they are expensive, and their performance can suffer in wet conditions.
Rubber balls are affordable and durable, making them ideal for recreational play. They are also resistant to water, which makes them a popular choice for outdoor activities. However, they can be heavy, which can affect performance in some sports.
Synthetic balls, made from materials such as polyurethane and PVC, are lightweight, durable and affordable. They are popular amongst beginners and recreational players. However, they may have a different feel compared to leather balls.
5. Consider the level of play
The level of play is an essential factor to consider when choosing a ball. Depending on the level of play, the ball’s design and cost can vary significantly. For a casual player, a standard- quality ball is sufficient. However, if you are a professional or a serious player, investing in a more expensive and high-quality ball can improve your performance significantly. Here are some examples:
- Basketball: for recreational play, a standard rubber ball is enough. For serious players, investing in a high-quality leather ball can make all the difference.
- Soccer: for recreational play, a standard-quality ball is enough. For serious players, a high-quality ball with superior durability and performance features is necessary.
- Volleyball: for recreational play, a standard rubber ball is enough. For serious players, a leather ball with superior grip and control may be necessary.
- Tennis: for recreational play, a standard synthetic ball is okay. For serious players, a pressured ball with excellent bounce and control may be necessary.
6. Check the Brand
Finally, it’s essential to choose a reputable brand when purchasing a ball. Choosing a well- known and established brand ensures that you are getting a ball that has been tested and meets the necessary standards for your sport. Not only are branded balls of a higher quality, but they also come with better warranties, ensuring that you get the most value for your money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right ball for your sport is essential. Taking the time to research the various types of balls available and considering the factors mentioned above can help you choose a ball that maximizes your performance and enjoyment. Don’t forget to consider the size, weight, material, level of play, and brand when making your purchase.
