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Review: Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro Basketball

7. May 2010

49 comments

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 is a high quality product which has been available throughout the global market for quite some time now and has found a lot of supporters, from recreational players, semi-pro to pros. Some players of mine have been using this ball for years and they still enjoy playing with it and won’t trade it for any other basketball. When doing scrimmages, this is the only ball they’ll accept for playing.

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.


Eitel

Basketball has been my passion for as long as I can remember: playing, coaching, and learning every step of the way. Layups.com is here to inspire and guide players, coaches, and parents with practical tips, fresh ideas, and real-life insights. From drills and motivation to coaching wisdom and player development, this is your space to grow your game and love the sport even more.

49 thoughts on “Review: Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro Basketball”

  6. @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

    Reply

  10. @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

    Reply

  12. 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

    Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

  17. 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

    Reply

  26. 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

    Reply

  27. I subscribed, idahomom7 is following you on twitter, and I sent you an email. I have 2 basketball boys that would love this ball.

    Reply

  35. 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!

    Reply

  40. 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 =)

    Reply

  41. Thanks for the giveaway:

    …subscribed via RSS.

    …email sent.

    Following you via Twitter: @brianpiero

    Reply

  44. # Send u an E-Mail with your participating E-Mail address and let me know, that I’d like to enter the Giveaway

    Reply

  46. 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

    Reply

  49. Actually, Spalding basketball has been chosen as the official game ball because this is made through two categories molded and laminated construction. This ball consists of laminated panels of leather, rubber carcass and nylon. I prefer Spalding basketball for my team. Your blog really gonna help us to choose the best ball. Thank you

    Reply

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