Spalding Never Flat Basketball Review

Main Features

• Uses a proprietary membrane and NitroFlate technology that keeps air in and prevents leaking
• The Never Flat basketball comes inflated and is guaranteed to stay inflated based on Spalding’s warranty
• Has a cap placed over the air valve that helps to prevent leaking and keep dirt out
• Made of a quality composite leather that is advertised as being “tacky” and “grippy”

Most basketballs have similar characteristics features.  However, there are some basketballs that are truly unique in their design and technology.  One such basketball is the Wilson Wave, which we have reviewed previously here.  Today, we want to have a closer look at another basketball featuring advanced technology, the Spalding Never Flat Basketball.  Our expectation before receiving the Never Flat was that it would perform and feel identical to the Spalding Zi/O Basketball, but this was not the case.

When we received the Never Flat it came already fully inflated in the packaging.  There is a warning that states basically if you attempt to inflate the basketball within a year you will void the warranty.  Assuming the basketball will stay inflated for that year we don’t see this being a significant problem as the basketball was inflated to a useable level.

The Spalding Never Flat has a cover that is more tacky than the comparably slick cover of the Spalding Zi/O, while still having a durable feel.  The bounce of this basketball was also superior to the Spalding Zi/O, but could not compete with one of our highest rated basketballs, the Spalding Replica Game Ball.  Speaking of bounce, you will see from our test in our review video that the Spalding Never Flat basketball has a low pitched, heavy sound when being dribbled compared to other basketballs.  While not our preference, we do not feel like this is a huge issue.  Still, this may bother you and if so you should consider buying a different basketball.

The price of this basketball is on the high side, usually hovering around the $40 price point.  This is significantly more expensive than the Spalding Replica Game Ball and slightly less expensive than the Molten GM7.  Overall, we would say that this is an average to below average basketball in terms of its value.

Pros

• The composite leather cover is durable and has a tacky grip
• This basketball bounces quite consistently and should perform well
• If you are a basketball traditionalist and like traditional channel designs it will suite your preferences
• You can put away your air pumps as they will not be needed often with the Never Flat

Cons

• The Value of this basketball is not great with the high price point
• Makes a noticeable low pitched sound when being dribbled

If you do not like having to inflate your basketball on a semi-regular basis then the Spalding Never Flat Basketball would be a good choice for you.  Personally, having to inflate the basketball is not a big priority for us as we are more concerned about the actual performance of the basketball.  We were pleasantly surprised with how much better this basketball performs compared to the Spalding Zi/O and Spalding All Conference. However, we would recommend anybody looking for a Spalding Basketball to get the Spalding Replica Game Basketball instead as its performance is far superior to any other Spalding ball currently on the market.