Credits: Social Media
Wilson unveils ‘Airless’ basketball that costs $2,500, and it sells out in days
Sports manufacturers are always looking for ways to innovate and push technology forwards and now Wilson, the official ball supplier of the NBA, has unveiled its new Airless basketball.
The product was first revealed as the Airless Prototype in February 2023 and now, Wilson has given sports fans the chance to own the ball for themselves with an official launch, albeit a very limited one.
Wilson unveils Airless basketball
Wilsons Airless Gen1 basketball was officially unveiled earlier this month ahead of its release on Friday, February 16.
Unlike a traditional leather basketball, the Airless Gen1 uses a 3D-printed polymer lattice structure, with hexagonal holes across its surface, in an effort to replicate the bounce, weight, flight and feel of a traditional basketball – all without needing to be inflated.
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is available in three colors (black, white and brown) and comes with a case, display stand, customizable luggage tag and a certificate of authenticity.
This cutting-edge ball isn’t cheap, however, as Wilson has priced it at an eye-watering $2,500 – a figure that is more than 10-times what the company is charging for its official NBA game ball ($199.95).
Despite the price tag, the first limited edition batch of the Wilson Airless Gen1 has completely sold out in just a few days since its launch. In response, the sports manufacturers website does give users the chance to sign up for updates if they missed the initial release of the innovative basketball.
Video shows the ball in action
Technology content creator Marques Brownlee posted a brief video reviewing the Wilson Airless Gen1 on his Instagram account where he has more than 4.7 million followers.
Brownlee discusses various details about the ball, from its trypophobia-inducing (fear of holes) design and its slick texture to its smell – “like a shoe,” apparently.
In the video, Brownlee also tests the bounce of the Airless basketball and finds that it has a very similar performance to a traditional leather ball.
Where the Airless Gen1 differs, however, is in its sound as the ball made next to no noise as it was dropped versus the iconic thud made by the traditional ball.
Social media reacts
Its safe to say that the Wilson Airless basketball has piqued the interest of sports fans, with many commenting on social media to offer their thoughts.
One Instagram user was shocked by the balls price, simply saying: TWO THOSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS?!
While a second asked: How do all the holes affect aerodynamics? Like, if you put a normal amount of spin on it while shooting, does it curve more than youd expect? Im imagining this flying like a giant whiffle ball.
The lack of bouncing sound was a big talking point: The sound of the bounce is awful! It’s like if you wanna play basketball when your parents are asleep.
Basketball without the bouncing sound isn’t fun, said another. The sound is part of the make up.
It’s like driving an electric car, commented this Instagram user.
And finally, this viewer said: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
