Wilson Airless Basketball Is Just Like Real Basketball

Behold the brand-new Wilson Airless Basketball which is just like the real traditional basketball. This is actually a 3D printed basketball.

The basketballs that we know have been the same in terms of shape and build for many, many years. This might change thanks to the prototype Wilson Airless Basketball which is just like the real basketball that we are using right now. Although some traditional basketballs will use leather and others will use various sorts of synthetic composites, the general build, look, feel, and behaviour of the basketball has, for the most part, remained the same. This new Wilson Airless Basketball is an attempt to rectify the situation.

Wilson Airless Basketball Is Just Like Real Basketball

As the name suggests, this form of basketball is not pressurized with air in the same way that normal basketballs are, which are used in games all around the world. Because it is actually perforated with very small holes that allow air to just move through unobstructed, there is in point of fact not even a single molecule of air trapped inside the ball at all. Despite this, it is capable of precisely replicating the weight, size, and even the bounce of a standard basketball, giving it an excellent starting point for what could be the basketball of the future.

It's a 3D Printed Basketball

The Wilson Airless Basketball is a 3D-printed ball that is manufactured from a proprietary bespoke elastomeric material that is in the form of powdered resin. The ball is designed to eliminate the need for air inflation. This approach entailed extruding that powdered resin, which is then solidified by a laser, which allowed them to manufacture incredibly thin layers with precise detail. Traditional 3D printing involves layering melted plastic, but this process involved extruding that powdered resin instead. The manufacturer claims that the elastomeric material was essential to the creation of the product because everything else that they tried before it either eventually broke or failed to bounce properly. However, this one is capable of bouncing in the manner that one would anticipate a basketball to do.

A Basketball Without Air

They combined that material with a lattice structure that was comprised of hexagon-shaped holes that complimented it, which resulted in the creation of an object that, depending on how it is handled, is capable of both absorbing and returning energy. After that, the created ball is dyed in any colour they desire; however, the company decided to debut the ball to the general public for the first time during the activities that took place during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend. The ball was an all-black version of the original.

Tested in NBA Dunk Contest!

The Wilson Airless Basketball was not utilized in the All-Star Game; nevertheless, it was featured prominently in the Dunk Contest. KJ Martin specifically used the prototype ball for his second dunk, during which his father banked the ball against the board and KJ Martin caught it in mid-air before slamming it with two hands through the rim of the hoop. According to Martin, the overall feel of the ball is noticeably different from the feel of the leather basketballs that are used by the NBA, despite the fact that it grips, dribbles, and shoots in a very similar manner. Interestingly, even though it is airless, the grips of the ball and the way you dribble as well as shoot it appears to be the same as any usual basketball. As such, the prototype shows a lot of promise, even though we seriously doubt that we'll be able to buy it in stores anytime in the near future.

Watch the Wilson Airless Basketball Creation

According to Wilson, they still aim to do a lot of work on the ball, which probably bodes well for its future incarnations because it demonstrates their commitment to improving the product. Having said that, we wouldn't be surprised to see this design replace the traditional basketballs we use today, as it does offer very distinct advantages, the most notable of which is the elimination of the need to inflate the ball. Perhaps one day, this airless basketball will be the new standard, replacing the ones that will deflate right now? When they have this notion down pat, it won't be long until they apply it to balls used in other sports as well. Once they have this mastered, it won't be long at all. For more information, head over to Wilson's official website.