Spalding TF-1000 ZK Official Size Basketball

I was introduced to the TF-1000 when my daughter first began playing for a competitive AAU team. I have found it not only to be a step above the rest, but the best indoor ball period.

It has an excellent feel and touch for shooting, passing, and dribbling. It retains air and holds its shape very well. And after more than two years of use it still seems new — plenty of life remaining.

All balls are different, but because this one is often used as a competitive game ball at tournaments, it’s important for a player to practice with the same equipment with which they will be competing. As the saying goes, “Practice how you play because you play like you practice.”

Finally, if this ball is ever lost it will be easy to replace for the simple reason that it is such a standard in the women’s game today. Please be aware that this is an indoor ball for use in gyms, not outdoors on asphalt or concrete.

The TF-1000 is an NFHS approved basketball for high schools and often used as a game ball. As such it may be considered a must-have piece of equipment for the competitive player.

(Note: If you shop around on Amazon you may find this ball offered at a lower price from another merchant.)

Play hard, have fun.
Rating: 5 / 5

This ball is in a league of its own – the feel and bounce unrivaled. Everytime we run pickups this is the game ball. Whether mine or someone else’s, a TF-1000 is always chosen. The grip is not too slick, not too tacky but just right. It only gets better as the game moves on. I wanted something as close to the NBA game ball as possible. That meant no deep channels and a true bounce. I hate those cheaper balls with too much cushion that bounce all over the place whenever you put it to the floor with authority. This ball, however, is the definition of control – it performs equally well finessing a low dribble through traffic as it does on a hard one-bounce to the cup for a Lebron-esque tomahawk dunk.

My only gripe is that quality control is hit-or-miss. With mine in particular, the panels were horribly glued. Some of the edges overlap the rubber channel while another is already peeling away from a lack of adhesive after only a month of ownership. And I also find myself inflating it quite often, about once every 1.5 weeks. Spalding requires you to return it to the point of purchase for any warranty claims. My return window already expired with Amazon yet they still offered to take it. Since this would mean I’d be without a ball for who knows how long, I decided against it and super glued it back in place. It’s been holding up fine since.
Rating: 3 / 5

The TF-1000 has a feel to the ball that every player loves.

If brought to a court, it will be the ball chosen to play a game with.

The grip on the ball gets better and easier to play with as it wears and last a really long time.

As i mentioned in the title, I recommend this ball for Middle school to High School. Also adults who play as a hobby. Elementary children are fine with the cheaper indoor balls unless they actually have some talent for the game

Do not buy the TF-1000 ZK “PRO” for $5 more. The ZK PRO has very deep channels that are common with Street Basketballs for outdoor use. The grip on the ZK PRO is also excessive. I bought it and used it to the core and I can say that it was a waste of money. If you like the ZK PRO style, just buy a street ball for $20 less and play with it indoors. you will find it very similar.

Pros:

- excellent grip

- long lasting

- channels are perfect

Cons: (none really but…)

- MUST BE USED INDOORS ONLY!!

if used outdoors, the composite leather will feel like blisters on a basketball that will never heal

Source

I have played on the school team from elementary through college

played with every kind of basketball out there
Rating: 5 / 5