The Best Glow In The Dark Basketballs
You don't need much when it comes to basketball. A sturdy hoop and a trusty ball will take you far, whether you're just shooting around by yourself or playing some pick-up. But if you want to add a different feel to the game, we recommend adding a glow-in-the-dark basketball into the mix. They bring flair to the game or make for a fun addition to late-night parties and events. We've rounded up our favorite glow-in-the-dark basketballs to put a new spin on a beloved game.
What to Look For
We take our dribbling seriously, so we wanted to find the best of the best glow-in-the-dark basketballs. To guide our search, we asked three main questions: Does it bounce and handle as well as a regular basketball? Does the glow-in-the-dark feature boost visibility even in the darkest of courts? Is the price fair for the quality? A couple of options really outshone the competition. For example, GlowCity’s option proved that a bit of wiring and LEDs can bring a whole new element to nighttime hooping without detracting from the handling of the ball. And for those who want a pump, we also recommend checking out AND1’s neat little bundle. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
GlowCity LED Basketball
Shoot your shot in the shadows
This battery-powered LED basketball is eye-catching, to say the least. The basketball is impact-activated, so it lights up with a bright red-orange glow when it’s being played. The LEDs are durable as well since they rest in a small hole that’s guarded by a rubbery cap. This kit also comes with replacement batteries and a tool for installation. And even though it’s one of the best in the game, this basketball comes at a shockingly affordable price.
Pros:
- Inflating the ball to your preferred pressure is easy, as it’s basically the same as a regular basketball.
- The brightness is consistent and strong, yet it’s not blinding.
- The little button batteries are amazingly easy to replace using the included tool.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come inflated, and you’ll need to provide your own pump.
AND1 LED Basketball
The complete package
AND1’s basketball is sleek and understated, which adds to its stylish factor. It’s available in two color options, which look fantastic when they’re lit up in the dark. The lights are activated by impact, so they’ll light up when you start playing. The ball itself feels sturdy thanks to the grippy pebbled surface. It also comes with a basic pump so that you’re always prepared for an impromptu game. We love this simple but effective bundle, which is especially useful for pick-up games.
Pros:
- The included basketball pump is compact enough for travel so that you can fine-tune the pressure while on the go.
- It handles like a regular basketball thanks to the reliable bounce and easy-to-grip surface.
Cons:
- Some may prefer a ball with a stronger glow since this one doesn’t illuminate consistently across its surface.
Kwood Personalized LED Basketball
Words of wisdom
The perfect gift can be hard to find, but Kwood knocks it out of the park with this custom basketball. The ball has a meaningful message specifically addressed to a son or grandson, printed on it in gold, which stands out against the black design. The grooves on the ball light up and glow, illuminating the message. The ball performs well and features a high-quality medium tire, wear-resistant leather, and a four-layer structure to help ensure this ball is as long-lasting as it is unique. This is a great gift that’s sure to be cherished on and off the court.
Pros:
- It comes with spare batteries and a pump so that you can set it up right away.
- The included travel bag is waterproof, letting you keep it in top-notch condition during travel.
- This is a thoughtful gift for athletic youngsters that appreciate a little motivational reminder.
Cons:
- The text can wear down over time.
Ropoda Mini Glow-In-The-Dark Basketball Hoops
Good things come in small packages
Who says you can’t have the cool factor of a glow-in-the-dark basketball indoors? Ropoda’s mini basketball hoop features a glowing net, backboard, and glow-in-the-dark basketball. The rim is a bright, neon green that matches the luminous materials on the hoop. The backboard is made of durable shatter-resistant polycarbonate and a thick foam padding on the backboard to protect your door from damage. The durable hoop itself is made of metal, not flimsy plastic. The basketball works well for indoor spaces, so feel free to set it up in a bedroom, dorm, office, or game room.
Pros:
- Because this comes with more than one ball, it’s the perfect indoor activity for multiple kids (and kids at heart).
- The glow-in-the-dark illumination is charged by light, so there’s no need to replace batteries.
- It’s easy to set up the hoop and balls, thanks to the included tools.
Cons:
- The balls are pretty small, so this isn’t the best choice for those that prefer standard-sized basketballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get an LED basketball or a traditional “glow-in-the-dark” one?
That depends on your preference. LED basketballs provide a consistent and often brighter glow. However, you will have to change out the batteries. If you prefer not to be bothered, go for a classic “glow-in-the-dark” that you can leave out in the sun to charge.
What kind of batteries do the LED basketballs use?
They typically use a 1.5V L1154 Alkaline button battery, the same kind that is commonly used for watches. However, this depends on the product’s design, so check the product listing for more info.
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