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Are you here to get information about the most expensive basketball ball in the world? What qualities make it the most expensive basketball? Which raw material do we use for its manufacturing? You must be curious about the circumference and the weight of the basketball.
How long is its durability period? The NBA sets some standards. Does this high-priced basketball meet all the criteria? How much does it cost? If all these queries are in your mind, then you are in the right place. I will discuss all characteristics of the most expensive basketball ball, the ball’s structure, and the making process.
Contents
What is the Most Expensive Basketball Ball?
As mentioned in the title, Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball is by far the most expensive basketball. Spalding is the largest equipment supplier globally, and the National Basketball Association has selected Spalding ball as NBA Official Game Ball.
History
Spalding was found in 1876 in Chicago. This company manufactured its first basketball in 1894. Furthermore, this company has been supplying balls to the NBA from 1983 to 2019-20 seasons. It is the official ball of the NBA.
During this time period, they changed their raw material. They started making basketballs from synthetic material. But this method failed, and they returned to their old method of making basketball ball from grain leather. Brief History of basketball there you can check out complete history there.
Making of the Spalding NBA official game basketball
These are the steps that are followed while making NBA official basketball
- First of all, they select pieces of leather according to the required size and thickness.
- Then they color the selected pieces.
- Furthermore, they double-dye the pieces.
- In the second last step, they classify, and crop dyed pieces. After a final check, they send samples of leather to China for cutting and sewing.
- In the end, they rebound balls at least 50 times to wake their windings and check their consonant.
Cross-checking
- For cross-checking balls, they inflate balls manually and also by automated gauges and check them
- Secondly’ they drop balls from the height of 6 feet and measure their rebound capability.
- All basketball balls must rebound to 5.2 feet.
Internal Structure of the Most Expensive ball
Balls have three main parts, and we are going to discuss them one by one
1. Ball Cover
As we all know, Spalding Official NBA Game Basketball is an indoor ball, so its cover is made up of soft leather. That’s why they have a high grip.
2. Windings
A layer of threads that are made up of nylon or polyester is used for windings. These windings are present between the outer and inner bladder that provides protection and retain shape.
3. Inner Bladder
Instead of natural rubber, we use synthetic rubber or butyl rubber for making bladder in which we pump air to inflate ball as they retain air more efficiently.
Characteristics of Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball
Raw Material Used For Its Manufacturing
These are made up of Full Grain Horween Leather. When leather is in its original form, it only removes hair, and the associated epidermis is known as full-grain leather. Because grain leather provides high grip and swiftness.
Official Weight, Size, and Circumference
The official size is 7, and circumference of the ball is 29.5 inches, and the weight is 22 oz.
Grip
Secondly, its surface is not smooth. The basketball ball has a rough surface. It makes it possible to hold the ball with your palm. So, they have a high grip. High grip gives more control when you dribble and better touch when you shoot.
Sweat Absorption
These high priced basketball balls can absorb sweat that may appear on the palms of the athlete. The perspiration makes the hand sticky.
Less Dust Affinity
Likewise, these basketball balls absorb less dust. They do absorb dust but quite less than other types of balls. This keeps its surface rough. So, mini dents do not fill with dust, and it does not become frictionless
Rough Surface
Next, costly basketball balls have a bit rough surface; this is the reason for friction between the palms and the basketball ball. Furthermore, those mini dents don’t absorb much dust.
Durability
As we all know, these are made up of leather that is strong stuff. So, these have high strength and durability. These balls can be used for playing for more than 4-5 years if we use it with care.
Cost of the Most Expensive Basketball Ball
According to the Spalding website, the NBA Official Game Ball price is 169.99 Dollars. Everyone can easily buy this ball from the Amazon store.
Conclusion
Sum of all the above discussion is that Spalding produces the most expensive basketball ball. Although its prize is a bit more than other balls, it has extraordinary characteristics like high grip, less absorption of dust, the ability to absorb sweat, and long durability. Their raw material is also full-grain leather. Similarly, the outer cover of leather and polyester or nylon windings and inner bladder of synthetic rubber makes it perfect for selecting it as NBA Official Game Basketball and worthy.
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