Nike Elite Competition and True Grip are two different types of basketball launched by Nike back then. They have a steady grip to them, which makes the players comfortable in passing, shooting, and bouncing the ball.
Key Takeaways
- Nike Elite Competition basketballs are designed for professional play and have a composite leather cover, while True Grip basketballs are designed for recreational use and have a rubber cover.
- Nike Elite Competition basketballs have a more consistent bounce and feel, while True Grip basketballs are more durable and suitable for outdoor play.
- Nike Elite Competition basketballs are more expensive than True Grip basketballs.
Nike Elite Competition vs True Grip
Nike Elite Competition basketballs are designed for high-level competition and are used in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other professional leagues. True Grip basketballs are designed for outdoor use and are made with a durable rubber cover that can withstand rough surfaces and harsh weather conditions.
Nike Elite Competition is of the standard size seven made for men’s basketball games. It is the non-airlock edition of the Nike Elite Championship range.
Nike’s true grip is an outdoor basketball that was launched back in 2014. It is specially designed for outdoor use, but obviously, like any other basketball, it can be used indoors as well.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Nike Elite Competition | Nike True Grip |
|---|---|---|
| Made For | It was actually designed for indoor playing. | It was actually designed for outdoor playing. |
| Grip | It does not have a good grip as Nike True Grip. | It has a better grim than that of Nike Elite Competition |
| Cost | It is comparatively costly. | It is less costly than Nike Elite Competition. |
| Review | It has a few complaints from the buyers. | It has no such complaints from the buyers. |
| Quality | It has a better quality. | It is comparatively low in quality. |
What is Nike Elite Competition?
Nike Elite Competition is a basketball that was launched by the Nike brand. Nike Elite competition has a standard-size basketball which is used in men’s basketball tournaments and basketball.
It works great in bouncing, passing, and shooting overall. It is very seen in Nike-sponsored tournaments, and hence it proves that it is one of the best basketballs of Nike.
Overall, it has a great feel to it and bounces quite well in both concrete and hardwood flooring as well. It has the classic orange color that almost every basketball has.
It lasts for several years without easily getting worn out. However, one should remember that it was specially designed as an indoor basketball, so when the ball gets wet by coming in contact with water, it does not feel the best.
What is Nike True Grip?
Nike True Grip is another very popular basketball from Nike. It has been one of the favourite basketballs of many players, according to the research.
The small bulged-out or popped-out plus-like signs in the basketball give it an outstanding grip. Even the company name written on the ball has a good, unlike that of other balls.
It is available in a seven to nine PSI standard size. It has wide and deep channels which help the player in ball handling and overall throughout the game.
The ball is now no longer available in Nike’s official store or website, but on other online websites, it still has good demand.
However, many customers or players using the balls have said that the ball does not give support as soon as it is used. It takes time to switch from any other ball to this particular ball as it has an overall different feel to it.
Main Differences Between Nike Elite Competition and True Grip
- Nike True Grip has better reviews from customers than the Nike Elite Competition.
- Nike Elite Competition does not give a good grip when wet, whereas Nike True Grip works equally well when wet or dirty as well.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0193723501252001
- https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=1616151
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Article seems informative, personally I prefer the old design of the True Grip, it was really something else.
That’s true, the new design might not have the same allure.
I would have preferred to see more on the differences in the feel of the balls, how do they compare in the player’s hand?
It would be interesting to have a more in-depth exploration of the physical experience of using both balls.
I have a preference for True Grip. It makes a difference in my game and gives me better control both indoors and outdoors.
True Grip has better quality and durability overall, I’ve had mine for years and it still looks new.
I totally agree with you, I also find it useful in both situations rather than using two different balls.
The outdoor True Grip is a bit overrated, but Nike Elite Competition is worth the extra cost for a better quality ball.
The True Grip sounds less than true, the poor customer reviews and inability to provide support immediately seem like major drawbacks.
It may be a matter of personal preference, some are clearly satisfied with their purchase.
The Elite is a safer choice in terms of quality and performance
In my opinion, the higher price for the Elite is justified by the professional level of performance, the quality reflects this.
I see your point, the Elite basketball is designed for the highest level of competitive play.
I bought an Elite and it feels like a game changer. Great for indoor games. I don’t see any cons.
Good to know, I might give it a try myself.
I find it surprising that the cheaper Nike True Grip actually has a better grip, it seems counterintuitive.
It’s a great value for the better grip, especially for outdoor games.
It’s interesting how the cheaper model outperforms the more expensive one in a key aspect.