What Are Slam Balls?
Slam balls are weighted, rubber-coated balls that can be used in a range of exercises to define and condition your muscles. They have a thicker surface that makes them an ideal choice for high-impact throwing exercises. Slam balls can fit easily into your gym plan especially if you are into resistance training. You can simply use them as free weights or incorporate them into cardio exercises. Let us now read about how a slam ball can be a game-changer for your core training exercises.
Why Do You Need Slam Balls?
Slam balls promise enormous potential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. There are many good reasons to add this workout tool to your exercise routine. Below is a list of the 11 best slam balls that you can try to kick off your exercise routine.
10 Best Slam Balls For Beginners
1. Best Overall:Yes4All Slam Ball
The Yes4All Slam Ball is a high-density slam ball that boosts your aerobic capacity and enhances coordination between your hands and eyes. It features a resilient softshell that is rotationally molded for durable construction. It is grooved and textured with polyvinyl chloride that allows a firm grip even with sweaty hands. The inner cavity of the ball is filled with sand to maintain the balance and firmness of the ball while preventing it from bouncing or rolling. This ball is specifically designed for CrossFit exercises. Specifications
Material: PVC filled with sand Weight Options: 10 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs,
Pros
Excellent grip Thick, seamless design Available in different shell colors and textures
Cons None
2. Best Non-Bouncy:TRX Slam Ball
The TRX slam ball is filled with sand to maintain its shape, weight, and sturdiness. Its outer shell is made of top-grade rubber that makes it grippy. You can lift it overhead and slam it either on the ground or sideways into the wall to amp up the rotational fire. It does not bounce back and can easily withstand wear and tear. This slam ball is suitable for all sorts of weight exercises. Specifications
Material: Rubber Weight Options: 6 lbs, 8 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs,
Pros
Ultra-durable Ideal for a full-body workout Easy grip
Cons
Not very stable
3. Best All-Purpose:Trademark Innovations Slam Ball
The Trademark Innovations Slam Ball is ideally designed for core development. The outer shell of this ball is made of slip-resistant PVC material, and the inner cavity is filled with sand to absorb the shock from the slam. This is why the ball does not roll away or bounce back. It allows overhead throwing, back-to-back passes, and twisting exercises. Thus, it assists in improving muscle mass, cardiovascular endurance, and hand-eye coordination. It is 9-inches in diameter and easy to hold. Specifications
Material: PVC Weight Options: 15 lbs
Pros
Value for money
Cons
The sand moves inside.
4. Best Grip:Fitness First Slam Ball
The Fitness First Slam Ball is engineered with professional-grade synthetic materials to keep it from bouncing back or rolling away on hard surfaces. This sand-filled ball has a brilliant texture that helps you retain a firm grip even when you are sweating profusely. It is a perfect weighted accessory to enhance cardiovascular strength and can be used in several ways in your everyday workout routine. The sand shifts inside the ball with barely any sound. Its ultra-durable construction makes it a perfect choice for slamming exercises. It does not rip even after thousands of throws. Specifications
Material: Synthetic Weight Options: 6 lbs
Pros
Ergonomic texture for great grip
Cons
The sand inside the ball moves.
5. Best Durable:SPRI Dead Weight Slam Ball
The SPRI Dead Weight Slam Ball has a pliable and easy-to-grip textured surface. It is easy to grip and does not bounce back when slammed. The heavy-duty rubber-like shell adds to its grip and durability. It is perfect for re-bouncer, wall, and floor slams. Its seamless design retains shape and does not break even when you slam the ball on the ground a thousand times. This slam ball comes with a high-quality, downloadable exercise guide. Specifications
Material: Textured rubber-like PVC, sand-filled shell Weight Options: 12 lbs, 15 lbs, and 20 lbs
Pros
Textured surface Ideal for total body workout
Cons None
6. Best For Full-Body Workout:Everlast Flex Slam Ball
The Everlast Flex Slam Ball comes with a flexible rubber casing for shock absorption. The inner cavity of the ball is filled with sand to retain the shape and to maintain proper balance. The ball also has foam cushioning for strike absorption. This product is put through hundreds of slam tests to ensure its performance over time. The molded rubber construction with channels enables excellent grip and makes the ball bounce-resistant. The ball is perfect for boot camps, HIIT workouts, and cross-training. Specifications
Material: Rubber Weight Options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs
Pros
Dissipates impact Ideal for a full-body workout
Cons None
7. Best For Athletes:Titan Fitness Rubber Slam Ball
The Titan Fitness Rubber Slam Ball is mainly designed for athletic training. It increases muscle mass, improves hand-eye coordination, and enhances cardiovascular endurance. It has a textured exterior shell made of rubber that ensures a firm grip and prevents blowouts when slammed to the ground. This is perfect for a range of exercises such as overhead lunges, Russian twists, thrusters, squats, sit-ups, and so on. The diameter of this ball is 11 inches, which is slightly higher than that of normal slam balls. It stands the test of time and doesn’t rip or break even after thousands of throws. Specifications
Material: Rubber Weight Options: 25 lbs
Pros
Ideal for throwing, slamming, and catching Textured surface
Cons
Could be too large for some
8. Best For CrossFit:Ader Fitness Slam Ball
The Ader Fitness Slam Ball features a black textured shell that helps you take grip of and control the ball while working out. It is a soft, sand-filled ball that retains its normal shape even after slamming on the hardest surfaces thousands of times. Since it is available in different weights ranging from 10 to 50 pounds, this slam ball is an ideal choice for all, be it a beginner or a professional. It comes with a dead bounce that makes it perfect for CrossFit, strength training, and other general athletic training exercises. Specifications
Material: Rubber Weight Options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs
Pros
Outstanding grip
Cons None
9. Best Flexible Plastic Exterior:Lifeline Slam Ball
The Lifeline Slam Ball is designed to add resistance to bodyweight workouts while building muscles and improving aerobic capacity. It comes with a flexible plastic exterior shell that withstands high-impact exercises and stays usable for years. It allows fast and dynamic exercises such as slams, passes, swings, and throws. The textured surface of this slam ball allows you to have full control of the ball. It prevents slips and mishaps while working out. Specifications
Material: Plastic Weight Options: 10 lbs, 20 lbs, and 30 lbs
Pros
Easy to grip
Cons
Unpleasant odor
10. Best Sturdy:BalanceFrom Slam Ball
The BalanceFrom Slam Ball features a rugged, textured surface for a secure and sure-handed grip. Exercising with this ball is an excellent way to build strength, power, and stability. The ball comes with a uniform wall thickness that gives superior balance. The durable, heavy-duty rubber construction makes it sturdy enough to handle rigorous throws while its density allows it to withstand heavy workout sessions. It gives almost zero bounce back. Specifications
Material: Rubber Weight Options: 4 lbs, 6 lbs, 8 lbs, 10 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 lbs, 18 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs
Pros
Thick and ultra-durable Textured surface Doesn’t roll away
Cons
Could be too big for some
You now have a fair idea of how slam balls work. But slam balls are often confused with medicine balls. How are the two different?
Slam Balls Vs. Medicine Ball
Design: The most significant difference between slam and medicine balls is their design. Slam balls are generally made of a tough rubber so that they can handle the high-velocity impact against hard surfaces. These balls have a thicker surface than medicine balls. Medicine balls, on the other hand, are made of plastic, leather, and rubber. They also often come with handles.
Application: Slam Balls are usually designed for overhead slams, lateral throws, broad jumps, and chest passes. They chiefly strengthen your core. On the other hand, medicine balls are used for wall tosses, diagonal chops, pushups, and partner drills. They are used for muscle toning.
Other Factors: Medicine balls are quite softer and have a larger diameter than slam balls. They are bouncy in nature and immediately bounce back when slammed to the floor or tossed against the wall, unlike slam balls.
Certain users feel that working out with a slam ball could be easier than purchasing one. That is because one needs to consider several factors before buying a slam ball. Let us understand more.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing The Best Slam Ball?
Slam ball exercises can be really beneficial if you do them right. However, mishandling the ball can lead to injuries as well. Understand the precautions you must take to reduce the risk of any mishaps.
What Are The Precautions That You Should Take While Exercising With A Slam Ball?
Slam balls are heavy. Therefore, you must use them away from children. Make sure that the surface texture of the ball is not too slippery for you. Be careful not to let the ball slip your grip. If your ball is bouncy, maintain the right posture to prevent getting hurt by its bounce-back. Always choose the slam ball that you can handle easily. A heavy ball can strain your lower back and arms while increasing the chances of injury. Talk to your trainer to know the best weight for you.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Aditi Naskar has a diploma in Health & Wellness. Her knowledge and unbiased recommendations help users make the right decision for their fitness goals. This list of slam balls was curated by taking users’ reviews from trusted online platforms. Users will be able to choose from an extensive range of slam balls of different weights and prices to improve muscle tone, strength, and power. Anthony Maritato, a licensed physical therapist, says, “I love slam balls for a power development exercise. As a licensed physical therapist, I believe a slam ball is an important piece of exercise equipment for any individual. Geriatric clients who are trying to avoid falling need to develop power and reaction speed just as much as young athletes seeking to improve performance in sports and a slam ball can achieve both of these outcomes.” However, factors such as weight, surface texture, level of bounce, and material used are key things to be considered while choosing a ball. Balls with good grip, textured surface, and thick design are ideal slam balls. However, you may need to avoid balls that are not stable or have an improper grip. How do I know what size slam ball to get? Know the size of the slam ball you need based on your level of agility and strength. If you are a beginner, start using a 10lb slam ball and slowly increase its range. How do you maintain a slam ball? • Clean the shell of the slam ball with a mixture of alcohol and wintergreen oil. • Rub vaseline on the entire shell. • Use a dry cloth and wipe off the excess product. How heavy is a slam ball? Slam balls are available in various weights. Some are around 5 kg while others are around 15 to 20 kg. Can you use slam balls on concrete? Yes. Slam balls exert less impact on the concrete floor and help you build your core strength. How much air should be in a slam ball? Fully inflate your slam ball or pump them to 3PSI maximum. Can I use a slam ball as a wall ball? No. Slam balls slide down a wall and become challenging to handle. Do not use them as a wall ball. Do slam balls bounce? No. Slam balls have little to no bounce effect. They are designed to be lifted and slammed on the ground.
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