In the era of innovation, Wilson has taken a bold step into the future of basketball with its all-new airless basketball. Tech sensation Marques Brownlee (holding more than 18.5 million subscribers on YouTube) recently reviewed the prototype, which has sparked a lot of fan reactions on social media.
The prototype, crafted through advanced 3D printing technique, is priced at a whopping $2500 and has fans joking about potential business ventures. Brownlee was captivated by its peculiar slick texture and scent, similar to that of new shoes. Its design, however, might not be a personal favorite for your typical trypophobe.
Brownlee notes in the clip uploaded on X:
It bounces at the same height but with about 90% less sound than a regular NBA ball. It’s crazy!… Anyway this thing is 2500 dollars so dont expect it to be everywhere anytime soon, but it is an interesting idea.
The tech guru then questioned the ball’s practicality on dirty outdoor courts, yet remained impressed by its performance. On the other hand, the silence of its bounce could redefine indoor basketball play, eliminating the constant din of dribbling.
So Wilson made a $2500 AIRLESS basketball from 3D printing techniques. It won’t be replacing a leather ball anytime soon, but honestly a pretty damn cool idea pic.twitter.com/Cj1oHpsl5f
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 19, 2024
Fans were quick to speculate on the impact of the airless ball on professional play, with comments ranging from playful jabs at the league coming for Stephen Curry‘s muscle memory to more serious concerns over its weight and transportability.
Fans thrown off by the extremely overpriced airless basketball prototype
Perched on the edge of a thrilling revolution in sports tech, Wilson’s airless basketball is making waves, and not just for its eye-watering price tag. This isn’t your average basketball; it’s like the ninja of the court: potentially transforming the way the game is played with a little bit of stealth and style.
Compared to a regular Wilson ball used in NBA Games, the Wilson airless basketball is only a bit heavier and quieter (Wilson)Compared to an NBA ball, it’s only slightly heavier (620 grams, NBA’s regular ball is around 590). The silent ball could revolutionize gameplay, leaving defenders guessing, and lost without the sound of the bounce. The 2500$ price tag has fans wondering about business investments in 3D printers, which might not be a bad idea at all. Here are some fans’ reactions on X:
Only about 20 more grams than the normal ball – 620 vs 590
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 19, 2024
We need some NBA players to review it
— Yung G.O.A.T (@FukbeinSocial) February 19, 2024
This is awesome! (Not the price) but the revolutionary step in a new direction for BALLS!
As for the price! It’s could just be $100 https://t.co/NRMwNy3kiY
— Klavier Fledermäuse (@PCBat2001) February 20, 2024
Augmenting this sort of technology to one of the core elements of the sport raises another question: What functionalities could it provide? For example, integrating sensors, cameras, and microphones would get fans a closer look into the game. No more missed goaltending and foul calls because even the ball would be intelligent. A fairer, more entertaining basketball could just be around the corner and Wilson’s airless basketball might just be the beginning.
