Types of Leather on Spalding Basketballs

Spalding has been making basketballs since 1876 and has been the official basketball supplier of the NBA since 1983--certainly the result of quality products. Determining which of Spalding's basketballs is best suited for the surface on which you will be playing will help maintain the condition of the ball over time.

  1. Full-Grain Leather

    • This is the type of leather that most of Spalding's professional-use basketballs are made of. The covers are constructed of 100 percent genuine leather, making the ball become rather soft over time. Full-grain leather balls are intended to be used indoors; outdoor usage can damage the cover. The dimension of these balls meet NBA standards: a diameter of between 9.3 and 9.5 inches, a circumference of between 29.48 and 30 inches and weighing 1.246 to 1.374 lb. The women's ball's measures 9.07 to 9.23 inches in diameter, 28.5 to 29.01 inches in circumference and weighs between 1.123 and 1.246 pounds. As of 2010, this type of ball cost about $25.

    Synthetic Leather

    • Basketballs made of synthetic or composite leather materials are intended to simulate real leather in their characteristics and durability. The benefit of this type of ball is that its feels soft without having to be "broken in," and it is less expensive. These balls feature added grip due to their "pebble" pattern and backing foam construction. They are the most popular choice among high schools and colleges and, as of 2010, cost between $25 and $40.

    Rubber

    • Spalding basketballs made of rubber are intended to be used outdoors because they are durable enough to handle rough surfaces. Due to their thicker, rubber cover, they have a longer lifespan than other balls. These balls feature a wide-channel design for extra grip and better feel. As of 2010, they cost about $15.