Customer Reviews

Spalding Rookie Gear Basketball

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the ball in Summer '09 for my 3 year old because I was going to enroll him in the local buddy basketball league for 4-6 year old and I wanted to get a head start on his form. This is the perfect ball for that age group and should really be considered as the standard ball for leagues that service that age group. This ball weighs 25% less than standard youth basketballs which enables the youngest ballplayers to shoot in a manner than more closely resembles the style of shot that the will use later in their careers. If anyone has ever noticed how most young players shoot a basketball they have noticed that the put the ball next to their ear and fling moreso than shoot the basketball and it ends up going off to the side. This ball allows them to keep a more natural shot. In summary, I think that this a great new type basketball for the youth market and feel like you will see more and more leagues adopt it. I give it a 10 out of 10.

Like Wei Lu states in his review, the ball does feel cheap and the print on the ball is not legible, it is also less durable than a regular Spalding All Conference 27.5 inch youth ball. But it is a kids ball, it is inexpensive, and it is light weight. So overall I'll rate closer to 4 stars than 3.

Received the basketball, but it is different from the picture. The rookie Gear sign is not in color, and all the small letters on the basketball is not readable, (like on a normal one in store you can read the letters like indoor/outdoor or how much you should inflate to) The quality feels inferior. But anyway you can play it as a basketball, and it does feel lighter.

Bought this for my 6 year old daughter as she was starting a basketball program at her school.Perfect fit for smaller hands as it is not as big and or heavy as an official ball.My daughter just LOVES the "rainbow" colors of the ball.This is well made and except for this size feels and plays like a REAL basketball.Recommended.

Good ball. Younger girls <12 who are shooting hoops, what better way to get them to play? Our standard balls go missing and suspect the boys in the neighborhood taking them. I doubt this ball will go missing.

We received the brown ball instead of the multicolored ball. But since I talked my kid down off the ledge on that point, he loves this ball.

I was looking for a smaller basketball for my 7 year old son. He really likes this ball. It is nice quality and can be used inside and outside. I highly recommend this ball. Thanks.

When I decided to purchase this basketball I was a little worried that it would be a cheap feeling rubber basketball. I'm glad to say that is not the case. This is a fantastic basketball made of composite leather. I have a 4, 6, and 8 year old and they all love it. It's just the right size for smaller hands and the lighter weight of the 27.5 ball makes it easier for young kids to get their form right without having to worry so much about getting the ball to the basket. I highly recommend this basketball for younger kids.

I love Spalding products. They all have good quality. I bought this basketball for my friend's daughter. She loves it!!!

I wanted a basketball that was as authentic as possible, the perfect siZe (not too small or big) for my 7-yr-old nephew, and of course, at a good price.
If that's what you're looking for (if you are serious about basketball) this one is perfect for you.

It is good, composite leather so it can be used indoors and outdoors. Over time, of course, it will wear down considerably if used outside often (saw a friend of mine's ball)..so I'd recommend trying to only use it in a gym although it is made for outdoor courts as well.

Great ball, great price, perfect size for a young child to use for learning how to dribble and shoot.