Best Wall Balls Review
James
Functional exercise trains the muscles we use for everyday tasks, rather than isolating small muscle groups to do movements or lift heavy weights that most people would never need to do or lift outside the gym. Physical therapists have used functional exercise for years, to ease patients back into activity without risking further injury. It caught on in fitness culture a few years ago and is now quite popular. Functional exercises and equipment include cable machines, bodyweight training, suspension systems, and wall balls (also called slam balls). Wall balls are simple to use--the athlete slams them against a wall or floor and catches them on the return. You can strengthen most of your large muscle groups, and you also get a cardio workout from chasing the ball. Since wall balls come in different weights and sizes, this workout is harder than it sounds.
In a hurry? The test winner after 12 hours of research
Comes in almost any weight
Specifically designed as a wall ball (not a slam ball)
Rubber is extremely durable
Can take a lot of hard throws
The brand is trusted in the Crossfit community
Top Ten Picks
1. Live Infinitely Exercise Ball
Comes in almost any weight
Specifically designed as a wall ball (not a slam ball)
Rubber is extremely durable
Can take a lot of hard throws
The brand is trusted in the Crossfit community
No choice of colors
Live Infinitely is a contender for the equipment supplier to the Crossfit Games, as well as the World’s Strongest Man Competition and the Arnold Classic weightlifting, strongman, and multisport competition. It is hard to think of a better seal of approval than that.
This will hold up to six hundred pounds.
Read moreSo we think you will like our top pick, theLive Infinitely Wall balls. The matte black heavy duty rubber shell can take a lot of throws and bounces without breaking down. Wall balls come in different weights. After the 14 pounders, the weights are in 10-pound increments; after 100, though, you can only purchase a 150-pound version.
Another great thing about the MK-D is the consistent diameter. You can increase the weight as you get stronger, without having to change your technique. And this ball isn’t too bouncy, so you will get a good workout.
2. One Fit Wonder V3
Camo design
Durable PVC outer
Double stitch lacing
Low bounce
Limited choices in weight
The One-Fit Wonder V3 has a cool camo design, but you won’t have any trouble seeing what a dependable tool it can be for your fitness program.
Read moreThe packing in this ball is solid and tight. It will not wobble when thrown or slammed, the way lower end models and brands will. The covering is PVC, more durable than canvas and, according to some, even more, durable than rubber. This is a debate that rages on.
At any rate, the One Fit Wonder will last a long time with minimal care. It has double stitching, meaning it will not spread or come loose and the ball’s filling will always be tight even after years of use. Another stitching feature--weights are indicated by the stitching, with a different pattern for each weight. The ball comes in weights from 6 to 30 pounds, all 14 inches in diameter. The design allows you to grip the ball easily, and it will not over rebound on you so you can have an efficient workout.
Finally, as if to sweeten the pot, the One Fit Wonder V3 comes with a one year warranty.
3. Cap Barbell Medicine Ball
Color Coded
Tacky outer texture
Solid core
Cost-effective
No long term warranty
If you're looking to build a home gym on a budget, the Cap Barbell Medicine Wall Ball may be just for you.
Read moreThese balls come in weight from 2 to 12 pounds, with color coding to distinguish each weight. This makes quick selection easier during a fast workout. They rebound only to waist height, so they can work as either a wall or slam ball. The CAP Barbell features a tacky outer texture, making it easy to grip and to catch. They have a solid core and feel weighty as you hold, throw, and catch them.
The CAP Barbell range of single texture rubber wall balls is very well priced. They are an excellent choice when you’re ready to equip your home gym for CrossFit moves. CAP offers a 30-day warranty on their products.
4. J-Fit Ball
Triple-stitched soft shell
6 pound to 30-pound options
Good level of bounce
Durable
Economical
Only goes up to 30 pounds
With its hip level bounce capacity and eye-catching red and black color scheme, the J-Fit ball is a durable, heavy-duty addition to your workout routine
Read moreThe soft shell is triple stitched, so you know it will hold together in the middle of your most intense workouts. In fact, J-Fit is one of the only manufacturers we found that uses triple stitching. It means that, even if some of the stitching comes loose, the ball will hold together. J-Fit is a small independent company, too, meaning they are laser-focused on the quality and precision of their products.
The 14-inch diameter ball comes in weights from 6 to 30 pounds. This option from the wall balls absorbs impact well and comes at a moderate price point, making it the perfect balance between durability, performance, and affordability.
According to the manufacturer, the J-Fit is not suited to use as a slam ball. It is only suitable for throwing at walls. When properly used, though, the J-Fit will hold its shape even over long periods of frequent use. J-Fit is known for rigorous testing of their products, making certain they are safe and reliable before shipping out to the public.
5. Rep Fitness 20 Pound Ball
Goes up to forty pounds
Withstands use over time
Good value
Solid interior
Weight numbers stitched into shell, won't fade
Synthetic leather covering does not provide the best grip
Rep Fitness offers one of the least expensive products on our list, but it is still a well-constructed wall ball you can depend on and that will grow with you.
Read moreThe outer covering, made of synthetic leather, is soft and smooth to the touch. Unfortunately, those same qualities can affect your grip so that you do not have the level of control you would see on a ball with a more texturized cover. The solid construction and balanced inside packing mean the Rep Fitness ball will stand up over time. Like some of the other products in this list, the ball is color-coded by weight so you can make quick selections. As a special touch, the weight numbers are stitched instead of stenciled, as other wall balls are.
6. Fitness Solutions Pro Wall Ball
Double stitched seam
Poly-composite outer
Low bounce
Made especially for throwing
Not color coded-all weights are the same color
A strong, compact core design, with double stitching for durability, makes the Fitness Solutions medicine ball a solid choice for any home gym.
Read moreThis medicine ball has a poly-composite outer lining. It is rugged and can be slammed against a wall without ripping or tearing. The low bounce rating makes it ideal for CrossFit exercises. Fitness Solutions offers a range of weights for their wall balls, from 4 to 30 pounds. All weights are 14 inches in diameter. The double stitching is what Fitness Solutions calls “military grade.” The ball has a reinforced core. In addition, the Pro Wall ball comes with a 90-day warranty.
Fitness Solutions offers a variety of wall balls, as well as slam balls for throwing onto the floor. There are models made of solid rubber. What all these products have in common is that they were specifically designed for throwing or slamming. Fitness Solutions seems very committed to supporting this fitness trend and catering to CrossFitters.
7. CFF 14 Inch
2-pound increments
Color Coded
Triple stitching
Generous 3-year warranty
Double Padding
The grip may be difficult until the ball is broken in
The CFF ball, from Christian’s Fitness Factory, offers a soft outer shell, compact inner material, and a choice of weight, up to 20 pounds, in 2-pound increments.
Read moreThe ball’s name comes from its industry-standard diameter, 14 inches. Weight is centered inside the ball’s core, and it features a soft exterior. The soft outer padding reduces injury risk, making this an ideal choice for young CrossFitters or beginners. The weights are color coded.
Stitching is good and sturdy, so the ball’s stuffing will not come out. In case something does happen, CFF offers a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. CFF markets the 14 inches as a soft wall ball. The synthetic shell is double layered for long-lasting use. The nylon stitching is triple stitched. The logo and weight are stitched, not stenciled so that they will not fade over time.
One special thing about CFF is that they make equipment specifically for the CrossFit industry. Their dedication shows in this product. The CFF website is a great place to learn more about the product, and there is also a wealth of information on practically any fitness topic.
8. Troy Barbell VTX
Good grip
One year warranty
Wide range of weights
Strong stitching
Maybe hard to hold at first--not a perfectly round shape
The Troy Barbell company is so sure you will enjoy the VTX synthetic leather wall ball that it guarantees the product, as well as offering a generous one year warranty.
Read moreThe VTX comes in 14 different weights, each a different color but all conforming to the standard 14-inch diameter. The outer covering is synthetic leather, making this a tough wall ball that will hold up under frequent use. This ball has superior grip, so it is unlikely you will drop it even during intense throws and catches. Troy tests and inspects the heavy duty stitching on each ball before it goes out.
The weight of the VTX varies from 4 to to 50 pounds in increments that go up with each weight increase. Not every ball we reviewed goes down to four pounds. That means this would be a good wall ball for beginners who may wish to learn form and technique first, before building strength and taking on a heavier wall ball. This is not the most expensive wall ball we found, but it does get pricey especially as you go up in weight.
9. Reebok Soft Shell
The strong, long lasting outer shell
Designed for balance
Remains stable, even if dropped or if you miss a throw
Resists moisture
Absorbs impact
More expensive than most on the list
Dynamax manufactures the Soft Shell for Reebok. Dynamax gave it an ergonomic design, helping you maintain a neutral spine while giving you more power and stability.
Read moreThe manufacturing process Dynamax uses ensures consistent shape and quality for every Reebok Soft Shell. The wall balls come in different weights, from 4 to 30 pounds. The outer shell is vinyl, not synthetic leather like many of the balls we looked at. The material will resist scuffing, and moisture will not penetrate the shell to cause damage to the inner material.
In addition, the vinyl shell is soft and makes for a superior grip. It isn’t called the Soft Shell for anything. The stitching is excellent, and the manufacturing process leads to a consistent round shape that balances the ball nicely. And the inside is engineered for impact absorption.
The Soft Shell is on the pricey side, but it will be worth it for the serious CrossFitter who needs something strong and able to withstand repeated slamming against a wall. If you are willing to spend a little extra money up front on a CrossFit wall ball, you can have a wall that will give you consistent performance and results throughout its life.
10. Rep V2 Slam Ball
Low bounce
50% thicker rubber outer
3-year warranty
Reinforced fill valve
Inner sand can shift
The solid rubber V2 SlamBall boasts an outer shell 50% thicker than most other rubber balls, and that's only the first thing we found that makes it special.
Read moreHaving sand as an inner material makes the V2 SlamBall a particularly well-balanced piece of equipment. With a 9 inch diameter, it is the only ball we looked at that does not have the standard 14 inches. The rubber shell has a grippy surface, making it easy to catch and to hold onto while carrying. It will bounce up to your waist, like many of the balls on this list.
V2 paid attention to details in the design of this ball. Another feature is the reinforced air valve. Like any rubber balls, the V2 SlamBall needs to be filled periodically. The reinforcement means less air loss over time.
Rep offers a one-year consumer warranty, which is a common industry practice. But the company goes above and beyond in offering a six-month warranty for commercial use. Few other wall balls would offer this. Rep is supremely confident in its V2 SlamBall, and after looking at the specs, we think you can be, too.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Stability
You need a good foundation for your athletic life.
A wall ball or slam ball is an object that you throw, hard, against a wall. You then catch it when it comes back. If the ball is unstable, you may not catch it on the first try. Or it may injure you. Or you may not be able to predict where the ball will go post bounce. In any scenario, the quality of your workout will suffer because of the ball’s instability.
Making sure you get a quality workout, with the best equipment for your budget and goals, is part of our mission. So we rated our ten wall balls in terms of stability. You should know what to expect when you pick up and throw the wall balls. It should be a consistent experience, giving you the same feeling and results each time. The material making up the core is part of this. So is how tightly or loosely packed the material may be. Stitching plays a role as well. Good heavy duty stitching will prevent anything inside the ball from coming out, and will also keep the cover from peeling over time.
The grip is also part of stability. That is because a solid grip will make you more stable. You will be able to catch and hold on to the wall balls. If you are not constantly scrambling for the ball, you will be able to stand up tall and keep that nice neutral spine. This will make you stronger while also helping prevent injury.
Application
Looks great, but how useful is it?
Application here means the real world use of something. How hard is it to use the various wall balls? Do they maintain shape and structure under use? We have tried to make clear how well each of our wall balls might hold up when repeatedly applied as part of your fitness program.
The most aesthetically pleasing wall ball, with an attractive color pattern, shiny surface, and decent bounce range, will not do much good if its core is so poorly constructed that it flops around and loses its shape. A rubber ball with a thick outer shell and the grippy surface will quickly be returned if the air valve leaks too much. Space age coverings and coatings on a medicine ball are worthless is the stitching comes undone after a few weeks. Just like we have to apply ourselves to our workout programs if we want to meet our goals, we have to be able to apply our equipment to our exercises and trust that it will not let us down.
This is why most fitness equipment manufacturers perform testing on their products before they reach the end user. If the wall balls have a weak spot, it is best to identify it and start over in the lab instead of making the customer part of testing. Application matters and consideration of it should be part of any equipment purchase.
Comfort
If it isn't comfortable to use, do you think you will keep using it?
When talking about how comfortable something is, in the fitness world, we would usually be talking about clothing, shoes, or perhaps equipment. But if you think about it, pieces of gear like a wall or slam balls can be comfortable (or uncomfortable) to use as well. And let’s face it--if a wall ball or other fitness item isn’t comfortable to hold, and you do not enjoy using it, the truth is you just will not use it, and lose whatever fitness benefits the item could have carried. We want to make sure you never find yourself in this situation.
The grip is one comfort factor we considered. We wanted to know if each ball had a raised surface, non-slippery material, or other features that would help prevent you from losing the ball. Also, we considered whether the ball had a uniform round shape, and how well the ball holds its shape over time. A lumpy or misshapen ball can be erratic and lead to reduced performance, making your workouts less efficient.
Finally, we considered the surface of the ball as part of the comfort factor. We avoided balls if we learned they were slick to the touch, or if they collected dirt easily, were hard to keep clean, or might fall prey to moisture. We looked for wall balls that would inhibit moisture instead, and that was easy to maintain so they did not gather dirt. A dirty wall ball is unappealing, but it can also make your hands dirty and may leave unwanted marks on a wall.
Durability
If it's durable, you will still be using it in five years and it will show only normal wear.
Have you ever replaced the tires on your car, only to have one of them blow out just a few weeks later? It is a frustrating experience, and it probably does not give you a happy view of the shop that sold you the tires. Depending on where you are when the tire goes out, it may even put you in danger. None of us wants this experience, and we want to help you avoid a similar experience with wall balls and other fitness equipment. This is why we make sure that the wall balls we recommend are durable, or strong and long-lasting.
Durability depends mainly on the manufacturing process. Paying less for a cut-rate wall ball is tempting, but the lower price may mean the ball was not held up to high standards when it was made. Some of the elements that add to durability for wall balls include:
Stitching-every single wall balls we examined had a minimum of double stitching. Several of them were rated military grade or heavy duty stitching. Triple stitching was not unusual in our list.
Covering-synthetic leather, rubber, and nylon are all common and acceptable covers. Lower end wall balls may use an inferior synthetic blend. These blends will come apart quickly and will make a wall ball unusable.
Core-what is inside of the wall balls are just as important as what we see on the outside. Uneven or inferior stuffing can render the ball useless in a short amount of time, as it may deteriorate and make the ball unstable.
Value
The best deal is not always the least expensive one.
Value refers to how much you pay for something versus how much use you can get out of it and how effectively it can help you meet your goals.
If something is a good value or has value, that does not mean you paid a bargain basement price for it. Any dollar store is filled with low priced knick knacks that nobody would say were valuable. Conversely, just being expensive or extravagant does not make any item valuable. An inferior product can be an overpriced product at the same time; this happens every day and it is why we provide our reviews. We want to make sure you get the best value for the amount of money you are able to spend.
With that in mind, we were able to analyze and then explain why some wall balls were more expensive than others, and why that was acceptable in light of the performance, durability, and manufacturer’s willingness to stand behind their product. We understand that not every athlete has the same budget, so we also found and reviewed lower cost wall balls that we made sure were as reliable as the more expensive ones. This means that any wall ball on the list will have less value to some people and more value to others. This is fine and is why we always try to provide a mix of options and price points in our reviews.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Stability Application Comfort Durability Value
Humanity wasn’t always acquainted with wall balls. In fact, wall balls came into the world only 13 years ago, and were first mentioned by CrossFit communities. Before that, they were just your old, regular slam balls or medicine balls, until someone figured out how to make exercises with a ball even harder than they initially were. So, CrossFit had 13 years to perfect this motion, and was very successful at doing so! Today, this is one of the most hated, yet the most effective, for of exercise there is.
Other Factors to Consider
Shock Absorption
The weight of a wall ball is important when planning your CrossFit program. Think about your goals and current level of fitness, and be honest about how strong you are and how much weight you can safely handle. The nice thing about many wall balls is that you can purchase new ones in increasing weight as you get stronger. Weights go up to 130 pounds, although a max of 40 pounds is more common. You can keep the balls in weights you have outgrown, letting friends who may be beginners use or borrow them. And if you are having an off day, you can use a lower weight than what you know you are capable of. You will still have an effective workout. Finally, lower weights are ideal for practicing form without causing injury. You may end up training someone yourself as you get more proficient, and you can start your trainees with the low weight wall balls.
Style
When we say style, we don’t actually mean how good your wall ball looks. We’re referring to the three different options exercise wall balls come as, and how to make sure you’ve got the right one for your needs.
The very first type of exercise ball was the medicine ball. These wall balls are smooth, evenly weighted, and tend to be very bouncy. But they do not fare well when you repeatedly throw them against the wall or on the floor, so you should refrain from doing this. They aren’t really designed for throwing or slamming anyway, since they are made out of materials that are not so durable, like rubber or plastic. They are smooth and not so big, making it harder to grab them when they come crashing down on you. So do not attempt to do wall ball exercises with them - instead, use them like you would use free weights.
Slam balls are extremely durable, built to withstand extreme forces. They are made to be repeatedly slammed to the floor, hence the name. Their outer shell is tough and made out of rubber, and they have virtually no rebound. The most common way to tire yourself is to simply slam the ball t the ground, by performing a squat and then picking up the ball to do it again.
And of course, the reason why we’re all here - the wall ball. Just like the name says, you use this ball by throwing it against a wall. They were simply made to absorb impact, and are usually large with a soft vinyl outer shell. They are simple, weighted spheres that vary in both size and weight.
Bottom Line
A wall ball might be a recent tool for working out, but it does an extremely good job at keeping you fit, hence the popularity. Although exercising with the wall balls is very tough, the results are very satisfying, since the wall balls are a very effective tool. It’s important that you keep on doing exercises with it, no matter how hard it gets! We hope that our guide has helped you understand wall balls better and that you managed to find what you were looking for!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Do wall balls give a good workout?
Yes, because they are a whole body exercise. When you squat to throw the ball, your leg muscles get a good burn along with your back. Then, as you leap up from the squat and throw, you work out the arms, chest, back, and shoulders.
Add to this the fact that throwing is a core exercise and all the cardio benefits from running around, and you will see that throwing the ball is one of the most efficient exercises you can do. Imagine how long you would be at the gym doing squats, two or three kinds of curls, planks, and then running on a treadmill to get the same benefits of a half hour or even twenty minutes of slamming the wall balls and catching. You can also make a game out of wall balls, perhaps keeping score or playing against a partner. That will help you stay interested and motivated.
q: Can I use my wall ball for other things?
Yes! Actually, rubber balls and medicine balls are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment out there. Many people are wondering what do balls to the wall mean and how can they be used, so the truth is that there are a few options. So if you don't feel up to throwing the ball around, or if you just want to change things up, here are just a few exercises you can do with any wall ball.
Sit all the way down, with your rear end and feet on the floor and the ball in both hands, with arms outstretched at about face level. Then stand up to a squatting position, holding the ball close, and finally stand all the way up and extend your arms straight out.
Lunges. Do ordinary lunges, but with the ball in your hands. As you hold the lunge, extend the ball over your head in both hands. For an added challenge, hold the ball and twist to the side during the lunge (the same side as the leg you are lunging with).
Squat, holding the ball, then come up as fast as you comfortably can. At the same time, throw the ball in the air! You will want to move out of the way before the ball comes down, and make sure you never do this move in a crowded gym.
q: How heavy should my wall ball be?
This all depends on your current level of fitness, and on any health conditions you have, like joint disorders or a previous injury. If you are just a beginner, it’s best to start with the lowest weight available, or just take a wall ball that is made for the average joe and work everything out from there. You should be able to do a good amount of reps while maintaining the same throwing height, confidently. If you cannot do this and you lose proper form, go for a wall ball that is not so heavy. It’s better to have a proper, slow start instead of rushing to the finish line!
q: Can wall balls hurt me?
A wall ball can be pretty heavy, and it can cause some damage to wherever it lands if you fail to catch it properly. The damage won’t be anything threatening, but it can still be very uncomfortable and painful. This is why your ball needs to have a grippy surface, even when your hands are sweaty - you don’t want it to slip out of your hands and land straight on your face!
q: Does the material the wall ball is made out of matter?
If you want your wall ball to last long, and if you want to keep your face safe, then the material a wall ball is made out of is vital information. The material will affect the durability, bounciness, shape, weight and how grippy it is. If you choose the wrong kind of material, you risk having a bad session, thus making the whole ordeal ineffective. Yes, the quality wall balls will be pricier, but it’s a worthy investment!
Sources
- , Wall Balls Suck (But Here's Why You Should Do Them Anyway), Website
- , Social Media Bio, Twitter Post
- , Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?, Clinic Website
