Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball

My son is playing his second year of basketball this winter. Has a bit of raw talent. So I was on a quest to find the best size 5 ball out there. Since he plays with a Size 5 ball, there aren’t a lot of premium options out there. I think Wilson’s Evolution is the only option for high-end balls in this size. But I wasn’t keen on immediately going for their $100 ball. So I opted to pick up a handful of mid-range balls from different brands. Specifically, the following balls were tested (alphabetic order): - Baden Contender - Kuoyotq Composite - Spalding TF-500 - Wilson Forge Plus All balls were inflated to 8 PSI. And all were checked to ensure they met the acceptable specs for both weight and circumference. If anyone’s curious a Size 5 ball should weigh between 465-495 grams, and be between 685-700mm in circumference (26.96” – 27.56” in freedom units). While there was a variance between the 4 different balls, they all had appropriate specs. After confirming all fell within acceptable tolerances, we spent about a week testing each ball. Evaluating and ranking them in four categories (Bounce, Control, Shooting, and Feel). We used a 10-point rating scale and logged everything in a table to make it easier to review after our testing concluded. For reference, I’m including a picture of that table with our rankings. As well as the exact measured specs for each ball (weight and circumference). Short story, there were some clear winners and losers. However, this could be a bit subjective. As what we placed a priority on might be different from what others prioritize. But to supplement the pictured table, below are some insights into how we came to our ratings for these balls in each category. ***Bounce*** This really was just focused on dribbling. And the Baden and Kuyotq were both clear standouts. Each being very responsive. With the Baden being slightly more consistent and predictable. On the other hand, the Spalding and Wilson both felt kind of “dead”. ***Control*** This category encompasses grip and ease of handling. Which can be very important for younger kids. For instance, as the pace of play picks up, how easy is it to control? How easy is it to manage one-handed? If a quick pass is a little off, is it easy to reign it in? Similar to Bounce, there were some clear winners and losers. The Spalding TF-500 was without a doubt the best in terms of controllability. In fact, it got the only perfect 10 score we gave in all of our testing. It’s just that good. At the other end of the spectrum, we have the Wilson Forge Plus. Which was incredibly lackluster. Of all the balls, the Wilson was the only one that was actually difficult for me to palm. While the Spalding TF-500 was almost like velcro. The Baden was second best in this category. While the Kuyotq was a little more demanding. It wasn’t hard to control. Just not as good as the Baden or Spalding. But if you’re looking for the best grip, the Spalding is in a class of its own. ***Shooting*** For this, we considered both release and rim action. And here is where the Spalding’s outstanding grip actually works against it a bit. While you could get used to it and adjust over time. It just didn’t release as consistently and freely. The Wilson, again, was mediocre. While the Baden and Kuyotq are true “shooter’s balls”. It was super close in trying to pick a winner here. But we gave the Baden the nod. It’s super predictable and consistent with spin. It also reacts nicely off the rim. Where as the Wilson and Spalding could be a little harsh with how they bounced around the rim. The Kuyotq was very close to the Baden, and is a pleasure to shoot. Just a hair less consistent off the fingertips when compared to the Baden. ***Feel*** This category is arguably the most subjective and/or personal preference based. But for young players, feel could matter a lot. The Wilson and Spalding are very firm. With the Spalding being the firmest. Maybe it’s anecdotal, but that firmness can translate to stinging hands on fast passes, fear of jamming a finger, etc. While a ball with some “cushion” or softness may be preferrable for a younger player. Giving them less apprehension about catching that quick pass or snagging a loose ball. This certainly is the case with my kiddo. Who greatly preferred the Kuyotq’s feel over the other balls. Both this and the Baden have this cushiony attribute. Likely because the panels are more pronounced, and the grooves are deeper. Part of me thinks this also is what translates to these balls bouncing better than the Wilson and Spalding. This was another category where it was hard to pick a winner between the Baden and Kuyotq. The latter just has a softness that is notably different than any of the other balls. It’s a unique, but very premium feel that’s kind of hard to describe. Almost like a suede or microfiber. Perhaps a little “chalky” (but not in a bad way). Just know that it’s going to feel different than most other basketballs. Or maybe this is closer to the feel of the super premium balls that I don’t have any experience with? Regardless, if you do have trouble with the different feel, the Baden is an outstanding alternative. It’s far less harsh and stiff than the Wilson or Spalding. ***Summary and Top Pick(s)*** Before even compiling the data, some strong preferences developed. My kiddo ultimately liked the Kuyotq the best. With feel being what vaulted it to the top for him. For me, I liked the Kuyotq as well. But the Baden Contender would be my personal choice. It’s just an incredibly balanced ball. Performing well in all categories. And managing to do so without seeming to sacrifice anything. Comparatively, the Wilson Forge Plus was also fairly balanced. But in an underwhelming way. There was simply nothing that stood out about it. Just a mediocre all around. And it’s the only ball that I honestly wouldn’t recommend to anyone. Then there’s the Spalding TF-500. Unlike the Wilson, it seems to sacrifice some things in favor of others. With grip and control being unrivaled by any of the other balls. This had really captured my attention in the early stages of testing. To where I was almost crowning it king without giving the others a fair shake. But as time went on, the balance and performance of the Kuyotq and Baden in other categories elevated them to the top. Bottom line, the Baden Contender and Kuyotq Composite are outstanding choices. With each being very balanced. If you favor feel, the Kuyotq is the way to go. Just know that initially it may feel a bit different. On the other hand, the Baden would be better for those who like the Kuyotq, but favor a bit more grip/control. These are hands down the two balls I’d recommend, and you can’t really go wrong with either. If you value grip/control above all else, the Spalding isn’t a bad choice. You just have to be willing to sacrifice some performance in the areas of bounce and shooting. You could get use to its deficiencies in this area. Particularly with shooting. But it won’t ever be as natural a release as you get with the Baden or Kuyotq. I will say the most surprising thing is how good the Kuyotq ball was. It’s the least expensive. Has a ridiculous/odd name. And is likely a complete unknown to the majority of those who play the sport. Yet somehow, they really got it right. The only unknown is how well it’ll hold up. But at almost half the price of the others, I’m not sure that long term durability is all that important. Similarly, while the Baden brand is more “mainstream” and established. It’s certainly overshadowed by brands like Wilson, Spalding, etc. I’d actually never come across one of their balls. At least that I can remember. But they seemed to get a lot of praise, and it didn’t disappoint. They really make a great ball. And as my kiddo moves up in sizes, I can’t wait to try out there more premium offerings. Overall, we had a lot of fun doing this testing. It was a great way to get a good bit of practice in, without feeling like a chore. And I really hope that our insights and perspective help other young players and their parents out. ***TLDR*** The Wilson Forge Plus is entirely lackluster; forget about it. The Spalding TF-500 has unrivaled grip and control, but isn’t the best with bounce, shooting release, and feel in the hand. The Kuyotq Composite and Baden Contender are extremely balanced balls. With the former excelling in feel. And the latter shining through (sometimes only slightly) in all other categories. The Baden Contender would be my pick. But your kiddo may prefer the feel of the Kuyotq. Give both a try, and know that either way you’re getting an outstanding ball.

Great quality basketball. Good grip right out of the box and holds air well. Feels solid and balanced, whether shooting around or playing pickup. Would definitely buy again.

My great granddaughter is taking basketball lessons and her coach recommended this basketball. It is perfect! It bounces well, the performance is perfect and it was a great price. It arrived on time and my great granddaughter loves playing basketball with it. I highly recommend this basketball. The coach said it was a high school grade and even though my great granddaughter is only 11, it is very easy for her to grip and throw.

Good grip when playing . A little on the heavier side but good ball overall. Very good price . So far no issues with loosing air.. Seems very well made.

Excellent indoor/outdoor basketball. Great feel.

Excellent value. This brand is amazing. I bought these as gifts for my boys. They play with these often. They praise the bounce, durability, playability, and ease of use of these balls. We had to buy a separate pump, but no complaints other than that.

Best basketball. Great grip and feel, delivers deflated so just need to pump it up

Did not come inflated. Horrible to tell people it comes inflated when it comes inflated. Waste of time and money.

Quality ball however it feels like it has a cheap bounce, as the panels aren’t deep/as padded as Badens older counterparts. I love the look and feel however it does seem to get scuffed easily. I wanted to spend a bit more on a predominantly outdoor ball, however this is no better than my Molten GG7X which was £25. I understand this would never be as good as an indoor ball however this ball doesn’t meet my expectations for the price paid. I feel my next ball will be Wilson however I wouldn’t discouraged you from buying this ball.

Baden basketballs are good quality and very underrated. Ball holds up well and keeps from deflating just as well as any Spalding or Wilson I've used.

This ball came recommended by my sons basketball coach but it only lasted about five uses before it looked really trashed. The grip is worn and the colours ran. Very disappointing.