If you play basketball regularly, then you know how frustrating it can be when your ball deflates. A flat ball can ruin a session, so it’s important to have a reliable pump with you to help prevent this from happening.
A basketball with a built-in pump is a great option for those who want to get their ball inflated quickly without lugging around a manual air pump. Luckily, there are several models that are available for you to choose from!
Spalding Infusion
Spalding pumped up basketball sales with its Infusion ball in 2001, which offered a built-in pump to add air without affecting the basketball’s bounce or balance. It was a revolutionary innovation that answered consumer complaints about bouncy balls that lose their air and require frequent reinflation.
When the product debuted, its sales soared, and it was listed among the top 100 innovations of 2001 by Popular Science magazine. It became the number-one selling basketball and accounted for 33.4 percent of Spalding’s overall basketball business.
The company was so convinced of the potential of innovation that it began to invest more heavily in R&D, even in once-staid categories such as basketballs. It also constantly scanned the sporting goods industry for new technologies that could be applied to the company’s products, says UC Berkeley marketing professor Michael Chesbrough.
In a typical year, Spalding spends about 20 percent of its revenue on research and development. This figure is higher than average, and it accounts for most of the company’s total expenditures on R&D.
For the Infusion, Spalding spent more than $1 million to develop the original built-in pump, which resides at the top of the basketball and is accessed by turning a plastic screw-sized top. The pump adds a small amount of air, allowing players to adjust the basketball’s pressure as needed.
During the 20-month product development, Whiteboard, a Boston-based sports product design firm, developed an ideation process for several different pump-ball combinations and evaluated them in a series of tests to determine which one would be the most durable and perform the best on the court. The winning pump design was molded of polyvinyl chloride by Jay Packaging in Warwick, RI.
Reebok Infusion
The Reebok Infusion is a basketball with a built-in pump that can be used to inflate the ball. The pump was designed to help players and referees to add air to the ball without having to go out and purchase a tire pump and needle. This is a great idea for coaches and players who want to have more control over their basketball game, as it allows them to make adjustments to the ball’s pressure level while on the court.
Infusion also features an abrasion-resistant rubber that provides additional grip to keep the ball from slipping. It also has a high-quality rubber sole and a soft rubber outer layer to absorb shock. This makes it a good option for players who like to hit hard shots or are trying to break in a new pair of shoes.
Reebok Infusion is available in men’s and women’s sizes. It comes in a variety of colors and can be found in many retail locations.
This shoe was created for point guards who love to razzle and dazzle on the court. Its low-top design is a great fit for those who want to slash and drive around the basket while still maintaining lateral containment. It also has a padded sock to provide support for the foot and ankle.
The DMX moving air technology is another feature that has helped to make Reebok Infusion one of the top-selling basketball shoes in the world. Unlike Nike, Reebok does not use foam to inflate their shoes, instead utilizing an air system that moves throughout the foot and outsole for better cushioning.
In addition to the DMX technology, the Reebok Infusion has a Flex weave material that helps to improve comfort and stability. It is a popular choice for both men and women.
Champion Sports Economy Electric Inflating Air Pump
The Champion Sports Economy Electric Inflating Air Pump is a great way to save yourself the time and effort of manually inflating your basketball. It has a 1/8 horsepower oil-less compressor, 120 volts of power, and it delivers air at a believable 20 PSI.
It also comes with a nifty looking air flow control and an ad hoc matching cylinder for easy inflation of your favorite game ball. This little gem also has a nifty one button interface that makes for quick and easy operation. The best part is that it will keep you a winner on the court. It isn’t cheap, but it can be yours for a reasonable price tag.
The best way to get a good deal on this gizmo is to ask your local sports retailer about a free in-store demonstration. The company oohs and ahs about the novelty, and you can be sure that you’ll receive a dependable product that will do the job well and stand up to the rigors of your busy game room. Using the right equipment will help you to win your next competition, while avoiding costly mishaps and losing precious time to your opponents.
Torrx Smart Ball Pump
The TorrX Smart Ball Pump is the first pump that can achieve ideal sports ball pressures at the touch of a button. It is designed to make it easy for players, coaches and referees to inflate practice and game balls for soccer, basketball, volleyball or football at their desired pressure level.
The battery-operated pump is portable, lightweight and compact. It inflates up to 30 psi in less than 4 minutes. It also has an automatic pressure alignment feature, so you don’t have to worry about manually adjusting it every time you use it.
Its built-in battery can be recharged in a matter of minutes and is compatible with most chargers. It is also made of durable plastic that will not break down easily. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a durable ball pump that won’t take up too much room in their bag or backpack.
This electric air pump is a fantastic way to inflate a wide variety of deflated balls, including tennis balls, soccer balls and more. It has an accurate pressure gauge and a rechargeable lithium battery that can inflate up to 30 sports balls on a single charge.
The pump is extremely easy to use and can be set up to operate in either auto or manual mode. When it is set to auto mode, the pump will automatically measure the ball pressure when you insert the needle and inflate or deflate it until it reaches its target psi level. The digital LED display shows you what psi level the pump is currently at in PSI or BAR and lets you set the desired psi level.