WILSON Evolution Indoor Game Basketballs - Size 5, Size 6 and Size 7

This is a review to address why this basketball gets so many mixed opinions.Quick Review:This INDOOR basketball is a go to when you can purchase the ball at the price point between $50-$75. This is the most common used basketball that is played with at open gyms, school games, leagues, etc... Great ball to play with as it checks all the boxes for things needed in a basketball.In-depth Review:The reason for many MIXED reviews are due to the fact that many balls SLIGHTLY differ in feel. After doing some research, it in fact is TRUE. Evolutions will come differently, depending on the patent stamps that are located on the ball itself. I tested this theory out by purchasing 2 of the SAME RED colored evolutions as well as comparing one I have had for a year. As seen in the picture, the patent stamps are DIFFERNT. Between the 2 NEW red Evolutions, one has a circle stamp and another a vertical stamp. Personally, I have noticed both styles on many Evolutions I've played with. My theory to that is perhaps its the year/season the ball was made in the factory? However, I don't think the stamp format is important in differentiating the balls. In fact, what is important are the THREE letters located within the stamp. In the circle stamp, the three letters are located in the center to the right of the valve. In the vertical stamp, it is the last text at the bottom. For example with the pictures I provided, red ball with circle stamp = NDV, yellow ball with circle stamp = NCS, and red ball with vertical stamp = XCS. I believe this is what is crucial to how an Evolution FEELS. Comparing the picture with the 2 red balls side by side, you can see that the grooves are much DEEPER in one of the balls compared to the other. The ball with XCS tag, was deeper in the grooves and had a slight DIFFERENCE in feel compared to the ball with the NDV tag. I also compared with my older ball (yellow), and that had the same result. For those who don't know (casual hoopers), deeper grooves have affect on handling a ball, the release of a jump shot, and most importantly, the rotation (spin) the ball has when traveling in the air to the rim. I believe this reason SPECIFICALLY is why there are so many mixed reviews with these Evolution basketballs. To add to this, the balls will also age DIFFERENTLY depending on what tag you get.MY CONCLUSION:The 3 letter tag on the Evolution patent stamp will determine which type of ball you truly have. Within these 3 letters, the important one to note is the FIRST letter. The balls with "N" have a nicer finish and are ultimately the more favored type of evolution. These Evo's specifically feel PERFECT out the box with smoother grooves and are ultimately GAME READY. The balls with the "X" have the same grip however, they have a DEEPER groove and feel like it needs to be broken in BEFORE it is GAME READY. When it comes to the basketball aging, the "X" ball softens and balances over time. To add to that, the ball also seems to last LONGER in terms of keeping that "great feel". Compared to the "N" ball, this one seems to have a shorter lifetime when it comes to quality. However, the quality comes PREMIUM out the box.Personally myself, I would favor the "N" ball in a 80/20 ratio. This is because my basketballs usually have a lifetime of 6-months to a year due to the fact I play very often in community leagues, open gyms, and casual shoot arounds. To add to this, I am also more fortunate financially to purchase these balls at such a price point and time frame. For example, I have been buying EVOs for the last 2.5 years since I finished University. In this timeframe, I have bought about 3-5 balls a year. This is also factoring in my balls occasionally getting stolen. Buying at this rate means that you are paying an estimate of $300 on basketballs a year. Concluding that getting the EVO with the "N" tag works in MY current situation.To contrast that situation^^^. I remember when I was in HS playing on the team and also having an EVO to practice with outside of regular team practice. In this situation, I preferred having my ball last LONGER. I could compensate the lack of premium feel out the box because I knew that the ball will stay in GREAT condition LONGER. Also, I was not financially ready back then. This is also preferred by many since not everyone likes to purchase a ball so often.In conclusion, I have found that there ARE apparent differences in Wilson Evolution Basketballs. They are slight differences, but can be noticed to select "hoopers" that may or may not be pleased. However, these balls are all still top quality no matter which version you receive. Both will be used in games, pickup, shootaround. It is a GREAT ball no matter which you get.P.S.I get questions from many of my friends on how I always find the "N" or specific ball desired. When I go to a retail store, the ball will be in a box with the Patent tag hidden and the EVO text shown. I simply just rotate the ball as best I can in order to locate the desired version whether it be "N" or "X". When I buy on Amazon like I did these 2, I simply will buy in bulk like 2-3 and keep the one/s that has my desired tag. I will then follow by either returning the one/s NOT wanted or ask for an exchange from the seller with the ball with my desired tag. Hope this helps you hoopers!#holdthefollowthrough :)

I love the Wilson Evolution Basketball - best grip and bounce out of all the major brands. I have had this one for about 2 months and unfortunately this morning the valve broke free into the interior of the ball, rendering it unable to hold air. Of course I am past the return window with Amazon so I reached out to Wilson via warranty process on their website. I got a confirmation that they received my claim and that I should hear from them in 5-7 days. I will let that play out and come back and update this review accordingly. I have always felt these balls were the best and I suppose I just got unlucky with this particular unit. If I am able to get resolution from Wilson this rating will go up.UPDATE 1 Same Morning I went to get assistance from Wilson: Wilson got back to me and have accepted my claim. They provide a payment code you can use to order the replacement on the Wilson website. My replacement is being shipped to me for free and should arrive in a few days. I am very pleasantly surprised by the great customer service. Will provide another update when I receive the replacement.UPDATE 2 Received may replacement ball from Wilson via UPS shipping. Total process from contacting Wilson to receiving my warranty replacement ball was 6 days (both replacement ball and shipping charges were covered completely, I paid nothing out pocket for resolution). Changing my review back to 5 stars for the great customer service and being made whole without a bunch of drama.

This basketball is amazing. Great grip and court feel. We use these at my gym exclusively so I wanted to get my own. I went with the red color so mine would be different from everyone elses.

I'm very pleased with the product and how fast it was delivered to my house. Great value for the price.

As a youth basketball coach for my boys' teams, I’ve tried many basketballs over the years, and the Wilson Evolution is hands down the gold standard for indoor play. This ball is the benchmark against which all other indoor basketballs are measured, and for good reason. It is National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approved and is the go-to ball for youth leagues up through high school competition.Performance and FeelThe Wilson Evolution offers an unmatched combination of grip, bounce, and feel. Properly inflated, this ball delivers a consistent bounce that makes it perfect for dribbling, shooting, and overall play. The microfiber composite cover provides excellent grip and control, ensuring players can handle the ball with confidence. Whether it's during practice or game time, this ball feels like the real deal—professional quality at its finest.Durability and UseI use these balls for both practice sessions and home games when we provide the ball, and they’ve proven to be incredibly durable. They hold up well under constant use, maintaining their grip and bounce for seasons of play. One key tip: only use this ball indoors. The composite material is designed for hardwood courts, and outdoor use can wear it down quickly. Invest in a separate, cheaper ball for outdoor practice and play to keep your Wilson Evolution in top condition.Brand Trust and ValueWilson is a trusted, longstanding brand in basketball, and the Evolution lives up to that reputation. While they do offer other models, none match the premium quality of this ball. Over the years, I’ve tried other brands, but they simply don’t measure up in terms of feel and performance. The Evolution may cost a bit more, but it’s worth every penny for the consistency and professional-grade quality it provides.Practical AdviceIf you’re considering purchasing this ball, I strongly recommend personalizing it with a Sharpie. Write your name on it to avoid mix-ups, as these balls are very popular and you’ll likely encounter others in league play. Also, make sure to check the inflation regularly to maintain optimal performance—this ball is perfect when it’s at the right pressure.Final ThoughtsThe Wilson Evolution is an investment in quality and performance. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or player yourself, this ball will elevate the basketball experience. Spend the extra money—it’s worth it. Then, get to work on your shooting, dribbling, and playing hard! This ball is an absolute must-have for anyone serious about indoor basketball.