Review: Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro Basketball
Not without a reason this basketball has been chosen as the official game ball by many (mostly European) organizations. As of season 2010/2011 in Germany it is the official 1st Division Beko Basketball Bundesliga game ball. The Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro
Basically there are three types of materials which are used for basketballs: rubber, composite leather and real leather. Mostly, rubber balls are being used in the youth leagues and for playing recreational basketball outdoors. Full-grain leather basketballs represent the top-of-the-line products which are used by professionals and are very expensive. The Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro is made out of microfiber composite leather, a synthetic leather type commonly used as it is much more durable and cheaper than a full-grain leather basketball.
During my basketball career as a player and coach I’ve had different basketballs for my practices. Most of the time these were balls from Molten, Nike or Spalding. I have almost never used rubber balls, when I started to play seriously, although rubber balls make sense for beginners as they are inexpensive and are great for playing outdoors. Nonetheless, if you are serious in playing basketball, you can’t think away synthetic leather balls.
The Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro should be used indoor only and this is where you can really benefit from it. When playing the overall grip and feel is great. Properly inflated the ball bounces consistently and accurately. As a rule-of-thumb, if you drop the basketball at shoulder height, it should almost bounce back same height. The weight is optimal and within regulations, and when shooting it has a nice touch when releasing it from your finger tips. The extra deep channels (the part where leather meets the seams) make it easy to grip and position the ball perfectly for a good shot with a great spin. The microfiber repels sweat and stays dry in every situation. This is important when passing or shooting the ball in extreme situations.
In the beginning our new set of Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro Basketballs were a little slippery, when first used in the gym, so if you decide to purchase a set, make sure to plan in enough of time to let the small protective layer of oil wear off from the ball. This will surely not hinder you in working with the basketball effectively, but for some players it might feel unusual. In the transitional period from old to new basketballs, I’ve kept both sets in the gym. After a good month of practice sessions the protective layer is totally gone and the Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro gets its high-quality leather feeling.
What I like:
- Quality: This ball will last forever, when treated right. We’ve been using them for months and they have not been wearing down.
- Durability: Indoor daily usage on competitive levels is no problem.
- Feel: High-Quality materials with a good feel and grip. The deep channel groves offer great handling of the Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro at any situation you’ll face on-court.
- Meets top level specifications & regulations
What can be improved
- Price: It is a little more expensive than your average basketball, but a very good investment on the long run.
I subscribed and would like to enter
I am now following you on twitter and crossing my fingers
I subscribed, sent an email and also following on twitter (peg42)
Thanks.
I’m an email subscriber
The Spalding quality and reputation is very important.
@Diane, @Margaret and Bob … thanks & good luck to you!
@ Jacquelyn, I agree! Spalding has always been known for their great equipment, and not only because of the basketballs. They also have great atheltic wear.
Best wishes,
Eitel
subscriber
I am a subscriber now, thanks!
my nephew would love this…and i’d be a hero
@Sandy & @Linda, thanks for participating!
@df, I can imagine, as I was very excited to have my first basketball!! Gosh, so much time has passed since then. :)
Good luck to you all & have a great mothersday!
Best wishes,
Eitel
Awesome blog and thank you for the giveaway! Would love love love to win this!
=]
I’m all signed up to receive the newsletter and I’m following you on twitter (rollwithtmills). Very nice blog and awesome giveaway!! My fingers are now crossed til May 15th
Hey Bryanna,
thanks, I’m glad you like my blog! Are you in to Basketball, too?
Take care.
Best wishes,
Eitel
Hi Tarek,
thanks for the follow and your kind words!
Good luck to you as well.
Best wishes,
Eitel
I subscribed via email. Great giveaway! My son will be playing High School BB next year, would love for him to have a quality practice ball.
I follow you on Twitter as suebaby05. My fingers are crossed!
Hello Sue,
welcome to my blog & thanks for entering the Giveaway!
This basketball is perfect not only for practices. Once you get a hold of this ball, you won’t need any other. Your son’s going to love it. :)
Good luck to you!!
Best wishes,
Eitel
Following you on twitter:
http://twitter.com/EitelDaniel/status/13696605379
email subscribe of yOURS!!
I follow U on Twitter/ Birdson777
plez put me in this giveaway !!!
my fingers R crossed !!!!!!!!!!!
I subscribed to your email and would love to enter your giveaway.
Hi Birdie & Debbie,
thanks for joining this giveaway.
Good luck to you both :)
Best wishes,
Eitel
Spalding quality is awesome.
Hi Charles,
thanks for your comment.
Yes, I also like the Spalding quality. We have a lot of Basketballs (mostly TF-1000 now) and a large number of jersey from them. Great quality!
Best wishes,
Eitel
I subscribed, idahomom7 is following you on twitter, and I sent you an email. I have 2 basketball boys that would love this ball.
Hi Kathy!
Welcome to my blog & thanks for entering. :)
Don’t forget to cross your fingers aswell!!
All the best,
Eitel
I subscribe in google reader and I follow on twitter, lunaj1456. I’m going to go send an email now so I’m entered.
Hi Anne,
thanks & good luck to you, too!! :)
Best wishes,
Eitel
New Twitter Follower-sharonjo1! Fingers crossed! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net
I subscribed..enter me please!
I subscribed by rss method.
I’m Following you on Twitter id- skyxsky27
I’d like to win this for my boyfriends little brother! He is in love with basketball, and everytime I go over, we play together!
i hope i win
subscriber via google reader
follow on twitter – debijot
sent email
I subscribed by email
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
follow you on twitter
amyhd29
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
I subscribed to your blog and your twitter (my username is luckykarma83) and I emailed you. I have always loved basketball, and its been a while since I have played, but the neighbors have a hoop, just need a ball. Fingers are crossed =)
Thanks for the giveaway:
…subscribed via RSS.
…email sent.
Following you via Twitter: @brianpiero
I follow on twitter
# Subscribe to the Layups.com Newsletter via E-Mail or RSS Feed
# Send u an E-Mail with your participating E-Mail address and let me know, that I’d like to enter the Giveaway
# Follow u on Twitter
Hi,
we have a winner for the Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro Giveaway!!
Congratulations to Courtney! Woohooo!! :)
I hope you’ll have a lot of fun with this basketball.
I’ll be sending over an E-Mail right after posting this comment.
If you didn’t win this great price, be sure to stay tuned, as I will have more basketball-related giveaways every month right here on my blog!
Thanks again for all who participated in this Giveaway!
Best wishes,
Eitel