In a game that is changing every single day and leagues are changing every single day, what football is right for you?
You have a lot to think about when choosing the right ball. Is it a ball that you can throw but your teammates can’t catch? Is it a ball that you can catch but your QB can’t throw? Perhaps it’s a slippery ball so that defenses can’t pick it off as easily?
Whatever your preference may be, we will go over all our top choices to therefore lead you on your path to flag football greatness.
INTERNETS FAVORITE:
Ah, the Famous White Ball. Ridiculous Grip paired with sleek lines and a cool colorway. It’s tips are a bit more on the rounder side making it harder to catch at times. This ball is great for indoor and even sometimes outdoor (pending weather). A little bit of water on this baby though and it’s as slippery as a warthog wrapped in banana peels.
PROS:
-Super Grip for those ridiculous Odell like catches
– Tight lines for easy sprialing
– Always easy to find
– Price: If you play flag a few times a week, 40-70 dollars for a ball aint all that bad
CONS:
– Duration. After a few months the supergrip wears off substantially
– Condition contingent. If this ball meets mud or water, it’s done for ’til it’s completely dry and clean
– Gets lost in the lights or the sun
AVERAGE JOE FAVORITE:
Your everyday flag player will probably do some research on this ball and find it’s a good one for the pick up games with his buddies after work. Which it is, there is nothing “wrong” with this ball, it’s a pretty good ball as it does what you want it to.
PROS:
– Price price price. You can purchase this guy at any local sporting good store for 20 bucks or less
– A lot of grip preventing your average QB and WR to not lose the ball while running all unimpeded like
– It says NFL on it. That makes it good automatically I think
CONS:
– Another one made of Composite leather which hurts it outside in poor conditions
– Just about everyone has one so it’ll get mistakenly stolen often
– It’s not built for every day use
OFF THE SHELF FAVORITE:
Let’s face it; you like this ball when you first grab it. It feels nice, not too slippery, not too grippy. Has nice stitching and nice lines. This ball belongs in your bag.
PROS:
-Nike claims that each ball is individually balanced for better spirals
– Treated for indoor and outdoor environments. Good in all weather
– Most collegiate programs use them in games and practices due to their abundance
CONS:
-Tad bit pricey for an amateur off the shelf ball buyer at around $70
– The stitching around the white lines and lacing pops up and becomes unstitched after time causing strings to fly out
– Scratch and scuff very easily
YOUR DAD’S FAVORITE:
This ball is cool…mainly the reason your dad loves it. I mean, it’s called the “Rifle” after all. When you hear that you think of Jay Cutler letting one loose 80 yards downfield into double coverage. Sure the idea is dumb, but if you could do it; you know you would too. That’s what the Rifle does for ya. Gives you that feeling that you can chuck it across Lake Winnipesaukee when in actuality you still cannot. Sorry.
PROS:
– One Word: RIFLE
-Detailed stitching and tactified grip
-Great material for indoor and outdoor handling
CONS:
-Price: Can go from anywhere between$100-130 per ball
-Loses air and will not hold full over the average ball
-Very sharp point causing errant throws and wobbly ducks
BLITZ FAVORITE:
This is it. This is the ball that boss in all circles. The leather is soft and not hard like other leather balls. The stripes are sewn on as opposed to usual sprayed on. The laces are pebbled instead of flat which helps with your grip when throwing. This ball is hands down the go-to of competitive football around the country. Oh yea, it’s also used by over 200 college programs, high schools and Pro Camps around the country.
PROS:
-Soft leather adding more grip than standard leather ball
-Rounded tips for easier catching
-Tight laces that do not pull over time
CONS:
-Everybody has one. Might get lost in the shuffle
-Scuffs up easily
-Can get slippery over time