Wilson, the iconic sporting goods company known for its basketballs used in the NBA, has developed a ground breaking new basketball prototype that doesn't require air. Called the Wilson Airless Game Ball, this futuristic basketball uses a unique 3D printed exterior to bounce and perform much like a standard basketball.
Unbox Therapy, a popular YouTube tech reviewer, recently got his hands on one of these exclusive basketballs to test out. Only a limited number were produced, with each ball retailing for a whopping $2,500 due to the intricate 3D printing process required.
Upon unboxing, the first thing noticeable is the unique texture and exterior design. Rather than the standard pebbled rubber, the Wilson Airless Game Ball has a smooth, almost sanded-like feel with a series of small cut-outs lining the surface. This 3D printed texture is necessary to achieve the proper bounce without an interior air bladder.
When bounced, the Wilson Airless Game Ball performs remarkably similar to a standard basketball in terms of bounce, grip, and response. However, the sound it makes has more of an interesting “swoosh” versus the hollow thump of an inflated ball. The ball also feels slightly heavier despite weighing about the same as a regular basketball at 600-620 grams.
So why develop an airless basketball? According to Wilson, this technology removes the need to constantly pump up a basketball to maintain its pressure and bounce. It also makes the basketball much more durable and consistent across different temperatures and conditions since there's no air to expand or contract.
Of course, this first generation prototype isn't without some aesthetic compromises. The 3D printed surface results in some irregular shapes and textures compared to a traditional basketball. And the unique swoosh sound could be distracting for players used to a standard basketball's feedback.
Still, Wilson emphasizes this is only Generation One, implying there are more innovations to come. This initial astronomical $2,500 price tag should come down over time if there's interest and demand for an airless consumer basketball. And some of the technology developed could find its way into more mainstream balls that still utilize air bladders.
It remains to be seen whether an airless basketball will ever fully catch on or become the new standard in the NBA or for casual players. After all, if it ain't broke don't fix it - traditional inflated basketballs have worked remarkably well for over a century of play. And the feel and sound of a leather basketball is nostalgic for many players.
But Wilson should be applauded for pushing the boundaries of basketball technology with this unique concept. Even if airless doesn't replace inflatable as the mainstream, some of the innovations and learnings from this project could lead to new developments in grip, moisture wicking, or temperature regulation for future basketballs.
And for collectors or super fans, the Wilson Airless Game Ball represents an important milestone in sporting goods engineering sure to appreciate in value. Only time will tell if these futuristic basketballs end up in everyday play or basketball museums of the future. But Wilson has certainly made scoring this limited edition ball a slam dunk for those lucky few able to get their hands on one.
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