Football Buyers Guide

NFL & NCAA, Pro Pattern

These footballs have the largest girth (distance around) of any footballs. These footballs are used by professional teams and most college programs.

NCAA & NFHS, Pro Pattern - Small

These footballs are built to the small end of the official standards. These footballs are the same length but with a slightly smaller girth than the NFL/NCAA game footballs to make these footballs easier to grip.

NFHS Collegiate Pattern

These footballs are a little longer and have a slightly smaller girth than the pro pattern footballs. This makes the football easier to grip and pass.

Leather Footballs

Leather footballs are the highest grade footballs and are typically used in game and practice play. Many of the leather footballs are made with a tanning process that makes the ball tacky, so it is easier to grip, particular when wet. Some leather footballs are also made to resist absorbing moisture, so they can be used in all weather conditions. Leather footballs that are not specified as water proof or water resistant should not be used in wet conditions as the ball can absorb water becoming heavier and harder to grip. Leather footballs are only intended for use on grass or turf surfaces.

Composite Footballs

Composite or composite leather footballs are made from synthetic leather. These balls tend to cost less than leather footballs. Composite footballs may be used in game or practice situations and are great recreational use footballs. Composite footballs look and feel like leather, and tend to resist moisture better than leather and often are easier to grip than real leather because the composite material usually has more texture. Some composite leather balls have enhanced the grip of the ball even more by making the cover tacky and/or softer. Composite leather footballs tend to be more durable than leather footballs, however, like leather footballs, these balls are generally intended for use on grass or turf surfaces.

Rubber Footballs

Rubber Footballs typically have durable, easy to grip, waterproof rubber covers with rubber molded laces. The rubber football is excellent for recreational use in all weather conditions and on all surfaces.