Contents
- Best Footballs To Buy Reviews 2019
- 1. Wilson NFL Super Grip Football
- 2. Wilson NFL MVP Football
- 3. Wilson GST NCAA Leather Game Football
- 4. Wilson NCAA Composite Football
- 5. Wilson NFL Pro Replica Football
- 6. Under Armour 395 Football
- 7. Nike Men’s Vapor 24/7 Official (Size 9) Football
- 8. Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Game Football
- 9. Spalding Never Flat Football
- 10. Rawlings NFL Hail Mary Football
- Amazon Best Seller
- What to Look For When Buying a Football
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Football is a revolutionary sport and it has garnered some of the most mainstream attention over the last century. The sport has made legends and it is a great way of entertaining fans, keeping many of them glued to their television sets for hours upon end and bringing in great revenue for some of the broadcasters.
However, the game cannot be complete without the best football ball that is used and players like Tom Brady would have never become legends if it were not for this ball. Starting your career is easy and not much is needed except for the equipment, but having the right ball from the start will be a great way of learning and understanding the game.
Best Footballs To Buy Reviews 2019
With various footballs on the market, they will all range in quality and in price. Some might be really affordable, while the replicas used in the NFL are much more expensive. Whether you are looking for the best footballs for throwing or kicking, you have come to the right place and we have found the top 10 footballs on the market today:
1. Wilson NFL Super Grip Football
The Wilson NFL Super Grip Football is one of the top training footballs to use in the rain on the market today. It is constructed of durable leather and includes a decent cover that will add to the grip. While football is not the official one used in the NFL, the sizing is authentic and it enables you to feel and learn the ball much better.
The multi-layered lining ensures that the football will retain its shape when used often and it a tacky cover is what makes the ball really special compared to some of the others. Wilson is the official provider of football for the NFL and they also provide some of the best training footballs for beginners and professionals alike.
I love using this football in wet weather conditions as well as teaching beginners how to catch the ball in the air. The additional grip is excellent and it does not wear out either. If you need something affordable and consistent for playing the game of football, the Wilson NFL Super Grip Football is the ideal learning and training mechanism.
- Durable leather construction
- Tacky cover for additional grip
- Really affordable to buy
- Multilayered design
- Cannot be used in games
2. Wilson NFL MVP Football
The Wilson NFL MVP Football is much similar to the previous football and it has also been constructed from durable materials. Using this football, I found the flight in the air to be really exciting and it does create some great catching moments that you would like to see on replay. The ball looks impressive with the NFL logo and the official sizing.
PVC tackified materials have been used in the outer cover and when playing in different weather conditions, this is an extremely handy way to ensure that the ball does stick to your hands. Beginners will love the overall design as it ensures the ball does not slip out unannounced and it builds up some more confidence in players.
Personally, I found the ball to be durable and maintain its shape as well. While it is not meant for indoors or being thrown against hardened objects like walls, the cover still does not come off easily. If you cannot yet afford gloves with super grip then this will be a great football to use as a learning curve for your game.
The Wilson football remains really cheap for something that borders close to the real NFL football, but even though it cannot be used in game situations, we would definitely still recommend this football for your training sessions and especially beginners playing the wide receiver role.
- Really affordable
- Great durability
- Tacky outer coating
- Retains its shape
- Only for use in practice
3. Wilson GST NCAA Leather Game Football
Once your training is complete and you have a better understanding of the game, you will be looking for something that is a little better and designed for game situations. The Wilson GST NCAA Leather Game Football is the official football used by college players looking to eventually break out and make it to the NFL.
Made from durable leather, this ball does not give anything when it comes to overall durability and it does hold up quite well in all conditions. The strips have been sewn on by hand the entire football has been approved by the NCAA and NFHS for players looking to play at the college or high school level and for training.
The deep pebbled composite leather cover is what makes all the difference to your normal and cheaper football. This will offer excellent grip and when combined with a great glove, there should be no way that you miss the game-winning touchdown throw. Neoprene is included on the inside and this helps that football retain its shape as well.
While it is somewhat more expensive than your training footballs, it is an official game ball and having one will help you get used to what it is like to play with a football under pressure. We would definitely recommend this football for all the features and especially to college and high school players looking for extra training.
- Retains shape really well
- Decent grip
- Reasonably priced
- NCAA Approved
- No real cons
4. Wilson NCAA Composite Football
The Wilson NCAA Composite Football is similar to the previous football and it does certainly ensure that players can enjoy the game and start training for college ball. While it is not used in the official games, it is really affordable and should be ideal for teams looking to buy a couple of footballs for all your training sessions.
The ball is constructed from composite leather and includes deep pebbles that are sure to provide some excellent grip for wide receivers. Training in wet weather conditions is now possible with the quarterback not even needing a glove to handle the ball when it should be slippery. However, it does lack when it comes to muddy weather.
The football is available in all the sizes that you might be looking for and this will definitely be a great addition to your team when you need something to train with. I found it to be excellent for backyard football and teaching your son a little more about the game when you want them to catch the ball. It is ideal for kicking as well.
What I really found impressive about this football is the overall price and it is certainly one of the most affordable footballs that you could find on the market today. It is highly recommended as a training football for players of all ages and the durability is perfect if value is what you are looking for.
- Excellent gripping
- Retains its shape
- Really affordable
- Available in all official sizes
- Not approved for games
5. Wilson NFL Pro Replica Football
The Wilson NFL Pro Replica Football is the official replica of the ball that is used on Sundays when you watch the game. The ball is the perfect shape and the gripping is the exact same that Tom Brady used to propel him into a Hall of Fame career and 5 Superbowl rings to be considered the GOAT of the game at the moment.
The football contains an extremely deep pebbled design and this has been tested to provide 174% more grip than some of the older footballs that were used originally for the game. While it cannot be used for games, it is the ideal ball to have in your home and show off you are a true fan or to play outside with your son in the backyard.
What I found most impressive whilst using this football is the way it retains its shape without giving anything when it comes to durability. The football is only found in the official NFL size and should be great for displaying to your guests as we have already mentioned.
We would highly recommend this football if you have a son or child that loves the game and wants to play outside. Growing up with an official football is the best way to help them be ahead of some of the other children once they start playing in the Peewee leagues. It is also worth noting that it is really cheap compared to some of the others.
- Good durability
- Official NFL replica
- Excellent gripping
- Really cheap
- Cannot be used in games
6. Under Armour 395 Football
The Under Armour 395 Football is one of the top footballs on the market for your younger players and they make great backyard footballs as well. The football is constructed from composite leather and offers excellent durability to the user with great gripping technology to ensure the ball does not slip out of your hands often.
Gripskin technology is patented and used by Under Armour and this makes the football perfect for all weather conditions. It can be used by beginners to ensure the ball does not slip[ out of their hands and it will be perfect for training in wet weather conditions. The inner lining also ensures that the ball does maintain its shape as often as possible.
Foam is added to the design and this does make it a little softer than your original football. It also does deform the shape somewhat and football is not considered to be an official size that is used for competition. However, beginners should find comforting to catch out of the air without having to deal with too much pain.
This is one of the cheapest training footballs that you will find on the market today and it is also perfect for beginners. Under Armour is one of the best sporting brands and they always ensure the best quality and value for your money. We would certainly recommend this football for the quality and the value it provides.
- Decent durability
- Really cheap
- Soft and comfortable
- Added Gripskin technology
- Not suitable for games
7. Nike Men’s Vapor 24/7 Official (Size 9) Football
Nike Men’s Vapor 24/7 Official (Size 9) Football has been approved for use in High School football and it features similar qualities that are found in some of the official footballs on the market today. The football is perfect for throwing and your quarterback should have a great day at the office or on the field with this ball.
What I love about this football is it gives beginners the opportunity to throw a tight spiral in the air. This will lead to much better accuracy and we have seen it in games with the player being able to hit their targets more often than not. The spiral-tech is certainly a great addition that throwers will love when training as well.
In terms of grip, the ball does hold up in all weather conditions. Whether you are playing that final play in the rain looking to win the game with a final touchdown, you no longer need to stay on the ground. It is also ideal for playing in the middle of the day and the grip is even great if you do not have some of the best gloves on the market.
While this ball is a little more expensive than some of your training footballs, it is still ideal for you to train with as well. It can be used to help players adjust to the ball before the big game and be ready to make an impact the day of the game on the field. This football is highly recommended for the quality and value.
- NFHS Approved
- Great durability
- Excellent grip
- All-weather football
- A little expensive
8. Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Game Football
Playing the game of football will certainly be something that many players aspire towards and when you have the official football that is used in the NFL, you can feel just how it feels to play the game at the highest level and what quarterbacks feel like when using this football. The ball is designed with the best materials you can find.
With excellent gripping, this ball is perfect for training before your High School and College games. If you consider yourself or your son to be an elite player looking to make it to the big leagues, this will be the ideal football to help them achieve that goal. It is also the football used in the combine before the NFL draft.
The football has been approved in all walks of life and associations. It features the official Commissioner of the NFL, Mr. Roger Goodell’s signature to signal that it has been approved as well. The ball is really durable and should maintain it’s shaped for multiple seasons and it can be used for training and your games.
We would definitely recommend this football and while it might be a little expensive, you will not be much closer to the real deal than with it. We certainly believe that it will be ideal for training and for games and it does go with the saying that you will definitely be playing the way you were training during the week.
- Official game NFL football
- Really durable
- Excellent grip
- Includes Roger Goodell’s signature
- Expensive
9. Spalding Never Flat Football
The Spalding Never Flat Football is the ideal recreational football for players and fans looking to have some fun in the backyard. It is designed with a soft composite cover and this will be comfortable to catch and it will not do damage to your hands when falling from higher distances out of the air onto your chest.
The ball features revolutionary technology that will keep it inflated for a significant amount of time and you are never caught off guard with a deflated football when friends arrive for a local game. The valve has been specially designed to make inflating easy and to eliminate any potential leaks that might occur when playing.
The softer rubber foam backing is ideal for wide receivers to train with and it does make it easier to project where the ball will be. It also allows you to train making spectacular catches that you see on the field from players like Odell Beckham Jr. Unfortunately, it cannot be used in game situations and has not been approved.
The price is really affordable and we would definitely recommend it for the quality and the value that is provided. The best footballs for kicking might not be for your son striving to be the best NFL player, but if you are simply looking to have some fun in the backyard, this is the ideal football to enable you and your friend to play a game.
- Cheap
- Never deflates
- Great for backyard football
- Decent gripping
- Not the best for game situations or training
10. Rawlings NFL Hail Mary Football
Last but certainly not least, we have the Rawlings NFL Hail Mary Football and this football is not designed for playing, but for fans supporting their favorite teams and looking for something that can be placed on display in the home. The football is much smaller than your official balls but still looks great on display.
The football can still be used for recreational players looking to enjoy a game outside with their friends and you can certainly find it in any color with the brands and logos of your favorite teams. It is one of the most affordable designs that we have on the list and should be a great addition to your replica NFL equipment.
- Well design
- Really cheap
- Available with logos of all teams
- Good for recreational players
- Only for recreational use or display
Amazon Best Seller
What to Look For When Buying a Football
When buying a football, you do not simply walk into the shop and select the first one that draws your attention and you should definitely stay away from selecting only the cheap options. In my years of playing the game, I have found a few tips and tricks and seen the important features that you need to look for in your footballs:
NCAA, NFL or NFHS Approved
If the football is being used for game purposes or for training it should be approved by the right association to ensure that you can use it for all your gaming needs. There will be no use for training with a football that cannot be used in the game and you will only be surprised with a ball that you cannot handle efficiently.
Sizing
Depending on your age and your level of play, you will be looking for a football that is the right size. If the ball is too small, you will be left with a misrepresentation of your skills as catching a larger football is a little tougher in game situations. The right size is important and there will be 4 different sizes that you need to choose from.
Grip Technology
Each brand has different designs and they feature different technology that is used to ensure that the grip is optimal. The better the grip, the better it will be to use in all weather conditions, but we have seen mud make a major difference and it is hard to find something suitable for this condition. Deeper pebbles are recommended for beginners and training.
Spiral Technology
This feature is mostly applicable to the quarterbacks and the ball should give you a tight spiral in the air. Different features will lead to this, but the overall design of the ball will enable you to see whether the spiral will be great. If you are a quarterback and you need something to throw those tight spirals, you should definitely look at the design and the lining.
Materials
Footballs are made from different material and the most affordable will be composite leather football. These synthetic footballs are ideal for having grip and they won’t break the bank, but they cannot be used for games. If you are on the rise to the professional level, an authentic leather football will be ideal for training and play.
Additionally, having foam on the inside will make the ball much easier to play with recreationally. When tailgating, you will use this football to throw between the cars and this is the perfect way for beginners to ensure that they are comfortable with catching the football before moving up to the higher levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people might know which features are important and this will make it easier to choose the football, but after talking to a couple of beginners, we have seen that people still have a couple of questions regarding football and the features as well as history. Here are a couple of questions that are asked frequently:
Does the football arrive inflated?
Most footballs will arrive deflated and you will need to inflate them yourself. This is still ideal as it enables you to have perfect pressure and ensure that the valve is working perfectly before you play and use it. If you have any problems, football should be replaced. However, we have found a couple of football, especially those with foam will arrive inflated already.
How do you inflate the football?
Inflating your football is easy and this can be done at home if you have the right tools. You will need a pump that can be manual or electric and the right nozzle that fits into the football. If you inflate the football, you should have a pressure gauge to ensure that the pressure is correct, this is especially important if it is used for games to avoid a “deflategate” scandal.
Does the ball come in a package?
Most footballs will arrive deflated and in a package. This is only to protect the football and we have seen a couple of footballs include the right nozzle for your pump as well. The nozzles are really affordable and can be found at most convenient stores. They are reusable and you will only need t buy it once.
Which size should I choose?
With 4 different sizes to choose from, it should not be too hard to find the right one for your needs. The sizes range from Peewee football to the official footballs used for the NFL. Here is a breakdown of the different sizes and which one you should choose for your needs:
Pee-Wee: Pee-Wee footballs will be the smallest sizes and they are generally size 6. They are recommended for players in the age bracket of 6-9 years old.
Junior: Junior players will use the size 7 football and this is a little larger as well. Football is recommended for ages 10-12 years old
Youth: Youth players will use a slightly bigger football and these footballs are generally a size 8. Youth football is recommended for ages 12-14.
Official: Once you are past the age of 14, you will use an official size football and these footballs are a standard size 9.
The mini footballs are only for show and for little children to use. These footballs are ideal for children looking for something to play with at younger ages.
What is composite leather?
The composite leather is not considered to be real leather and it is especially important for players and people looking for something cheap and affordable. The composite leather footballs are a little tackier and we have seen them offer some additional gripping technology that some official balls might not include.
Who invented the first football and which brand is best?
Walter Camp is considered to be the inventor of football and he is considered to be the father of American Football as well. The first official intercollegiate football game was held on 6 November 1869 and this is where the craze has kicked off.
When it comes to selecting the best American football ball brand, the Wilson brand is the very best on the market today and they have a wide reputation for creating excellent footballs. The Wilson brand is also the designer of the official NFL game football and it provides training footballs and game footballs to the NCAA. If you are looking for the best brands of footballs, Wilson will be the number 1 option.
Final Thoughts
The best football is certainly something that you should look for when selecting a football and we believe we have found the top footballs on the market today. We would highly recommend all of these footballs for the quality and the value they offer for all users. Finally, we would like to recommend the Wilson brand as the number one option.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and we would also like to encourage you to share some of your thoughts on the footballs we have selected. Be sure to let us know in the comment section which one of these footballs you would choose and if we might have missed any of your favorite footballs on the market today
Hi You Guys! My name is Henry Moller – CEO Founder NationsFootballClassic. I spent my youth on football. It’s so gorgeous and because of football, I married my wife and have 2 kids now. With that experience, sure that you guys will find some interesting stuff here about football.
