Difference Between Authentic & Synthetic Leather on a Football

Traditionally American footballs were made from pigskin leather. Over the years the general design of the ball has remained the same, but different materials have started to be used, such as synthetic leather. For general day-to-day use, it does not matter whether you use a real leather football or a synthetic one, but there are some significant differences.

  1. Price

    • Synthetic balls cost less because they are cheaper to produce and do not require specialists to work the animal hide. Real leather balls can cost around $100, while synthetic versions cost around $20.

    Grip

    • During manufacturing, the leather is treated to increase the grip on the leather without having to mold any grip onto the leather itself. Synthetic balls have pimples molded onto them to achieve this.

    Weather

    • Real leather balls should not be used in the rain because the water soaks into the ball, making it heavier and harder to grip. Synthetic balls are 100 percent waterproof and the rain makes only a slight difference in the grip.

    Laces

    • Leather balls used in the NFL still use real laces to tie the ball. Most synthetic balls have the laces molded onto them. This makes little difference in how the ball reacts, though.

    Durability

    • Synthetic balls tend to last longer. They are far less likely to absorb water than leather, and they are more resistant to rough handling.