Best American Footballs 2021: Top Picks For Training, Matches, And More
There’s a lot to factor in when searching for the best American football, especially considering different positions on the field will utilise the ball in different ways.
If, for example, you’re a quarterback you’ll likely be handling and throwing the ball considerably more than a lineman so will need a ball that is both grippy and lightweight to replicate what you see on TV or in Madden 22.
With that being said, there are a huge number of American footballs on the market so we’ve put together this list based on price, reviews, and unique features that we think make each one stand out from the crowd.
So, if you’re searching for something built for training, like this Wilson NFL MVP Football, or looking for something soft to use indoor, like this Zoombie Foam Football, we’ve got you covered right here.
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Best American Football
Best American Football – Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Football
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Image Credit: Wilson
Brand: Wilson | Material: Leather
If you’re an American football fan, you’re probably very aware of “The Duke” as it is the official game ball of the NFL and therefore should come as no surprise that it tops our list.
Named after the legend Wellington Mar, “The Duke” has been designed to enhance grip thanks to its deep texture which should greatly increase the friction between your hands and the ball, ideal for both throwing and catching.
Moreover, “The Duke” comes with a three-ply VPU bladder, strong double lacing, and is made from highly durable leathe which means it will likely withstand the test of time if cared for correctly.
All in all, if you’re looking for one of the top balls around to emulate what you see on your top TV for sports games, then “The Duke” could be the ball for you.
Best American Football On A Budget – Spalding Advance Pro Football
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Image Credit: Spalding
Brand: Spalding | Material: Composite
Spalding is a sports manufacturer that primarily focuses on basketball equipment, but don’t let that put you off as Spalding has utilised their expertise to create a great budget American football option in the Advance Pro.
Made out of a composite material with a foam backing, this ball should be both soft and easy to hold which is ideal if you’re a quarterback and you’re looking for that long-range pass.
Also, the Spalding Advance Pro is the official NFL size and comes with TRP lacing designed to keep it water-resistant which is perfect for use during outdoor practice.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for something slightly less expensive but doesn’t sacrifice in quality then the Spalding Advance Pro might be your answer.
Best American Football For Grip – Nike Vapor Strike Football
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Image Credit: Nike
Brand: Nike | Material: Leather
Nike is one of the top sports manufacturers in the world, making everything from top running shoes to top gym bags, and this Vapor Strike Football.
This ball should be a favourite if you’re a quarterback due to its proprietary leather outer layer and tacky finish, designed to make it easy to hold and throw.
Moreover, its spiral design has been engineered to give you better height, distance, and accuracy meaning, as long as your wide receiver catches it, your team will likely complete and score more touchdowns than ever.
On the whole, this is a good all-round ball with a tough exterior designed to increase its durability so you shouldn’t have to worry about using this ball every day and wearing it out.
Best American Football For Training – Wilson NFL MVP Football
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Image Credit: Wilson
Brand: Wilson | Material: Composite
If you’re after something that is relatively inexpensive and suitable for all manner of weather conditions, then the Wilson NFL MVP Football might be for you.
Its composite outer layer is designed to be durable and should help the ball hold its shape, even if thrown against harder objects like a wall.
It is also covered in PVC tacky material which will likely ensure the ball sticks to your hand, even in the rain, which is one of the reasons why it is a great option to train with.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your American football journey or a more experienced player looking for a ball on a budget, the Wilson NFL MVP Football offers a great option for training regardless of your ability.
Best American Football For Indoors – Zoombie Foam Football
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Image Credit: Zoombie
Brand: Zoombie | Material: Foam
This may not be a ‘serious’ NFL ball, but if you’re planning on taking your game indoors, you’ll probably want to avoid throwing an official leather ball around.
We featured an indoor soccer ball in our best footballs list but, unlike that item, the Zoombie balls are made fully out of foam so should be safe to throw inside and they come as a pack of 6 making them a great option for parties or more simply to have as spares in case you lose one.
In terms of design, they come with grooves to increase grip and so they can be thrown accurately despite being lightweight due to being made of foam.
All in all, despite not being a regulation ball, the Zoombie Foam Football offers a fun and exciting recreational bit of kit suitable to use indoors, outdoors, and even in swimming pools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Footballs
With so many different American footballs available, you probably have a number of queries about them, but don’t worry because we’re here to clear up a few of the most common questions.
What Should I Look Out For In An American Football?
This depends on what you plan on doing with your American football because, as previously mentioned, you don’t want to be throwing a hard leather ball inside in case it breaks something.
However, if you’re planning on playing outdoors, then you’ll want to look for a ball that is first and foremost grippy as you’ll no doubt be doing a lot of catching and throwing with it.
You’ll also want a ball that’s light so you can throw it long-distance, but also a good shape and heavy enough to ensure it flies true to your throw rather than being affected by the wind.
If you’re looking for something within regulations then you’ll probably want to go for a leather ball as well, but make sure it is the official NFL size.
How Much Should I Spend On An American Football
Again, this depends on what you’ll be using it for and how often you’ll be using it.
A leather ball can come with a premium price tag but will likely be extremely durable as well as grippy which is why they’re used in the official game.
You can also get balls made out of a composite which is typically slightly cheaper but they normally can’t be used in an actual match so would suit training only.
Ultimately, however much you spend will depend on your budget and there are a number of great budget options out there that are perfect for training and playing with.
How Do You Maintain An American Football?
Footballs are designed to be thrown, kicked in a pair of top football cleats, and generally withstand a lot of punishment, but they also need to be cared for in order to maintain them.
As they are typically made from leather, it is important to clean them regularly using water and a brush, but don’t worry if some of the red dye comes off as this is just normal.
It is also important to store your ball in a dry place with plenty of ventilation and away from direct heat as this can cause the outer layer to crack, particularly when it’s wet.
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