Not all basketballs are created equal. It’s important to choose a nice basketball that suits your needs. Although basketballs tend to look the same, each has unique characteristics that might make your favorite ball different from your friend or teammate’s.
If you play indoor basketball, chances are you’ve heard of the Nike Elite and Wilson Evolution basketballs. They are made by popular, trustworthy brands, and many people love them both for different reasons.
When comparing these two popular basketballs, you can see some important features that may make your decision an easy one. We will be comparing the Nike Elite and Wilson Evolution basketballs based on popularity, cost, and quality.
Are Nike Elite basketballs more popular than Wilson Evolution basketballs?
Nike Elite basketballs have started to increase in popularity over the years, but they have not yet eclipsed the ever-popular Wilson Evolution.
The Nike Elite ball has become very popular, especially for high school teams, because it is a good-quality, comfortable ball that is well-liked. It is a great indoor basketball and it is reportedly very easy to grip and enjoyable to play with.
The Wilson Evolution ball remains a favorite of many high school and college teams and clubs. Most people like it more than the Nike Elite, but the Elite is not far behind. It is the #1 most-sold basketball and it has been popular for a very long time, so it’s a tough one to beat.
Are Nike Elite basketballs more expensive than Wilson Evolution basketballs?
When it comes to the subject of price, Nike Elite and Wilson Evolution basketballs are very similar. As an average-priced basketball, both options can be purchased for around $60-$80.
Both the Elite and the Evolution are available at all major sporting goods retailers or on Amazon. Prices may vary depending on the retailer and local taxes, but both the Elite and Evolution are very competitively priced and will last a long time.
Are Nike Elite basketballs better than Wilson Evolution basketballs?
While it’s difficult to say whether a Nike Elite basketball or a Wilson Evolution basketball is better, many people have strong opinions about one over the other. Both balls are great options for indoor players who are looking for a quality ball that is comfortable, affordable, and long-lasting.
Both the Wilson Evolution and Nike Elite basketballs are very popular, especially with high school-age teams, so you can’t go wrong with either option. It all comes down to what is most important to you in a basketball and which one feels most comfortable for you personally.
If you want to better understand how these two basketballs stack up against each other, the table below breaks down how they measure up in the most important categories.
| Features | Nike Elite | Wilson Evolution |
| Price | X | |
| Durability | X | |
| Material Quality | X | |
| Air Retention | X | |
| Grip / Comfort | X |
As you can see, the Wilson Evolution tends to score a bit better in most categories than the Nike Elite. This is not to say that the Elite is a bad ball, but just simply that the Evolution slightly outperforms its competitor. It also has a very loyal fan base, so there are countless reviews discussing the benefits of the Evolution.
Conclusion: Nike Elite vs. Wilson Evolution
If you’re stuck on trying to decide between buying a Nike Elite basketball and a Wilson Evolution basketball, it’s important to think about what is important to you when it comes to an indoor basketball. Truthfully you may be happy with either one, but it makes sense to consider both before deciding.
Here are some helpful tips to decide which basketball is the right one for you:
Try both – If you are located near a sporting goods store, go try both the Nike Elite and Wilson Evolution basketballs in person. You should be able to practice handling the display model to get a feel for how the ball will be to play with under normal circumstances.
Read reviews – Online reviews are a great way to get unbiased opinions on everything, including basketballs. Check Amazon or the review section of the item on a sporting goods store’s website and see what people are saying. Pay attention to things that matter to you like grip, bounce, material, etc. Hearing firsthand accounts might help you make your decision.
Ask around – Check in with some of your teammates or other friends who you play basketball with to see if they have ever tried either of these basketball options. They might be able to clue you in about details that might make you choose one over the other. They also may be able to let you borrow theirs to take it for a test drive yourself.