Slam balls are a must-have if you’re planning to incorporate weighed plyometric exercises into your workout routine. These are not to be confused with med ball and wall ball, which have entirely different purposes.
You can find this highly versatile tool in many explosive moves, which help increase muscle strength from your shoulders to legs, giving slam balls the versatility to use for a full-body workout. And the best part is the fact that they don’t take up too much space.
We share a detailed review of our 10 best slam ball favorites, beginning with our Editor’s pick, the TRX Training Slam Ball. We also follow it up with an informative Buyer’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions about the effectiveness of slam balls and the exercises you can do, among others.
Best Slam Ball at a Glance
Coming in multiple weights ranging from 6-30 pounds, the TRX Training Slam Ball is the best overall slam ball that fits any goal and fitness level, featuring a rugged, textured surface for easy gripping. Moreover, it has a thick rubber shell for longevity and reduced bounce.
With its heavyweight and high-density fine sand filling, this is a good slam ball designed for people whose goal is to increase strength without breaking the bank. At an affordable price, you get a high-quality slam ball with a rubberized PVC tread pattern for easy grip and increased friction to perform numerous exercises.
This slam ball is made with durable rubber, high-quality synthetic material, and tight double-stitching. Thanks to its ultra-durable rubber shell, the slam ball absorbs impact and is made for heavy use, lasting for a long time.
TRX Training Slam Ball – Best Overall
What we like
- Dead bounce is suitable for ball slams and other explosive exercises.
- Made with a durable rubber shell and high-density sand for durability and shape retainment.
- Reasonable price, falling under the mid-range point.
What we don’t like
- TRX Slam balls aren’t suitable for those looking for slam balls with more bounce.
The TRX Slam Ball deserves the spot as the best fitness slam ball because of its combination of what most people need for any fitness goal. It’s made of rubberized PVC with a tire-like tread pattern, contributing to its resistance against slipping and wear and tear. You can choose various weights ranging from 6-50 pounds.
The price does not only include the slam ball itself but access to the TRX Training Club app to get started with your fitness goal using the slam ball. Moreover, it comes with a 1-year warranty to get your money’s worth.
For its easy, sturdy grip, solid construction, and mid-range price point, we believe that this is the best slam ball for the majority of users of any fitness level, whether they want to build strength or use it for cardio for exercises like slams, lunges, and the overhead throw.
Power Guidance Slam Ball – Best for Budget
What we like
- Made of solid rubber shell and iron sand for durability and dead bounce.
- It has a well-textured grip to prevent slipping.
- An affordable slam ball with follow-up services in case a replacement is necessary.
What we don’t like
- The maximum weight is 30 pounds, not suitable if you want to go higher than that.
If you’re on a slightly tight budget, the Power Guidance Slam Ball gives you the bang for your buck. It features an ergonomic design with a rubberized PVC tread pattern for slip and wear resistance. Because of that, it’s suitable for Russian twists, push-ups, squat throws, air squats, sit-ups, and the like.
High-density fine sand is underneath its rubber shell to prevent bouncing and rolling during a ball slam or other exercises. The sand-filled Power Guidance slam balls come in multiple weight options and sizes, ranging from 6-to 30 pounds. The 6-15-pound option has a diameter of 9 inches, while the 15-30-pound slam balls have an 11-inch diameter.
Power Guidance also offers follow-up services, replacing slam balls that are damaged, leaking, or deflated. For the weight and quality you receive, you get more than what you pay for, making it suitable if you don’t want to break the bank.
BalanceForm Slam Ball – Best for Durable
What we like
- Multiple weight options to choose from, best for beginners and professionals alike.
- Robust construction to withstand intense workouts.
- Textured design for a more secure grip.
What we don’t like
- Some complaints of the ball being coated in a film of oil or grease, so it is slippery first.
The BalanceForm Slam Ball hails for its strength. Its shell is made of thick and ultra-durable rubber with a rugged texture for a firmer grip. Thanks to its sand-filled material, the shell also allows the slam ball to withstand heavy throws with a near-dead bounce.
It’s built to last for a long time, even during intense workouts involving throwing and explosive movements. Another huge advantage is its weight options. You can get a lighter slam ball starting at 6 pounds or go for the heaviest one weighing 100 pounds if you’re a pro. The diameter can range from 9-to 13 inches, depending on the weight you choose.
Get multiple slam balls, and you won’t have to worry about distinguishing them from each other as they come in unique colors, making it less of a hassle when selecting your weight for the day’s workout.
This robust slam ball is best if you plan on doing intense slam ball movements and require dead or little bounce. BalanceForm also offers other kinds of balls, such as medicine balls and wall balls.
Yes4All Slam Ball – Best for Dead Bounce
What we like
- Good-quality slam ball with a thick and seamless construction.
- Filled with iron sand and designed with a textured PVC shell to prevent bounciness and shape changes.
- It comes in a variety of weights and colors to suit your design preference and fitness levels.
What we don’t like
- The heaviest size is 40 pounds and maybe too light for athletes.
The Yes4All Slam Ball has an iron sand-filled core for the almost absolute dead bounce. Its dense construction prevents rolling while maintaining the firmness of the bounce even after repeated high-impact throws and slams. Like other slam balls, the
Yes4All is made of a grooved and textured PVC shell with a rotationally molded softshell for seamless construction and durability. That’s why it’s one of the best slam balls for tough workouts that require non-bounciness, such as CrossFit exercises, wood chops, twists, overhead throws, and the like.
You can choose between different weight options ranging from 10-40 pounds. The diameter ranges from 9.75 to 11.75 inches, providing an average grip with its textured design. Besides the weight options, there are five different colors to choose from for a more energizing workout.
Amazon Basics Arrow Grip Slam Ball – Best for Secure Grip
What we like
- It offers good surface friction for throw and catch exercises.
- Made of double-walled PVC rubber, the slam ball holds its shape excellently.
- Easy-to-clean surface.
What we don’t like
- It only comes in one weight option – 40 pounds.
- A bit on the higher price range.
The Amazon Basics Arrow Grip slam ball weighs 40 pounds, with its outer shell made of thick PVC material and a textured surface for improved grip. It is filled with sand to make the ball denser and heavier, preventing any bouncing or explosions when thrown on the ground.
It’s designed for CrossFit workouts and exercises that involve slamming, catching, and throwing the slam ball. This slam ball is made with a strong PVC exterior with a thick shell absorbing impact and minimizing noise. Moreover, it has a rugged, textured surface with an arrow pattern for easier grip. With its 11-inch diameter, the grip is adequate for most people.
ProSource Fit Slam and Medicine Ball – Best Versatility
What we like
- Comes in two different textures for your grip preference, along with a wide weight range of 5-50 pounds.
- It is made of quality material and filling for dead bounce and durability.
- Versatile and can be used for exercises like the ball slam, squats, presses, and other workouts.
What we don’t like
- The heavier options come at a slightly higher price than other slam balls.
If you’re looking for a versatile slam ball with many options to choose from, then ProSource offers one of the best slam balls suitable for you. You can choose between the classic, smooth texture for a softer feel or the tread pattern for a more secure grip. Even with the smooth and classic grip, it has a subtly-textured exterior design, so you have a proper grip without the risk of slippage.
Moreover, they come in various weights ranging from 10-50 pounds. The slam ball has a diameter ranging from 8-to 12 inches, depending on the weight and texture. ProSource Fit Slam Balls are made of a rubber shell filled with sand, giving it a dead bounce during ball slams and similar exercises.
Rage Fitness Slam Ball – Best for Cross-Training
What we like
- Equipped with an air valve for more customizability of air capacity.
- Made of a heavy-duty and durable rubber shell.
- It has a smooth and textured surface for a good grip, even if wet.
What we don’t like
- It only offers lighter slam balls from 10-30 pounds.
The Rage Fitness Slam Ball is another one of the best slam balls on our list, thanks to its durability meant for cross-training and strength training. It’s made with heavy-duty and ultra-durable rubber and quality construction to prevent any early damage or wear and tear. Moreover, it has an almost no bounce design ideal for most slam ball exercises, being a high-endurance impact-approved product.
It has a smooth surface but still provides an easy grip even when wet. If you’re not a fan of the tire tread-like patterns that most slam balls offer, this weighted ball is a great choice. The Rage Fitness Slam Ball also has an air valve so that you can adjust its air capacity based on your individual needs.
Whether for your home gym or bringing it with you while traveling, this slam ball provides only a little bounce that’s still suitable for exercises like the ball slam.
Day 1 Fitness Slam Ball – Best for Smooth Surface
What we like
- Comes in different colors and weight options for most fitness and strength levels.
- Durable construction without any sand escaping from the slam ball and a thick outer layer that absorbs impact.
- The smooth surface makes it easier to clean.
What we don’t like
- The grip is still a bit slippery for some, especially if you have sweaty hands.
- The ball feels a bit more like plastic than rubber.
For those who want one of the best slam balls with smooth surfaces, we recommend the Day 1 Fitness Weighted Slam Ball. Besides its smooth yet textured design for an okay grip, it also comes in different colors to lighten up your home gym.
It is built with a thick outer shell absorbing multiple impacts, throwing, and slamming without much the bounce. Moreover, you can choose among different weights ranging from 10-50 pounds, with diameters measuring from 10.25 to 12 inches. It’s the right slam ball for those who have larger hands for a more comfortable grip.
Champion Sports Rhino Promax Slam Ball – Best Proper Grip
What we like
- Smooth texture made of vinyl for a strong grip, even with wet hands.
- Has a bounce for catch drills and exercises.
- Softshell construction that still maintains its shape
What we don’t like
- Limited weight options for those who need heavier slam balls.
- Some complaints of durability due to poor stitching
Champion Sports is an ideal slam ball if you prefer having a bit of bounce in your slam ball for specific exercises. It has a smooth texture designed like a sports ball but still has the proper grip thanks to its Rhino Skin tacky vinyl exterior material. That way, it is comfortable on the hands without the risk of being slippery, even when wet or sweaty.
This slam ball offers a bounce, unlike other traditional slam balls. This makes it great for catch drills if you’re training for sports. You can choose between 4-30 pounds, with the diameter measuring about 14 inches on average. It’s great for those who have bigger hands for a proper grip.
Crown Sporting Goods Slam Ball – Best for Beginners
What we like
- Made of sturdy material and can withstand high-impact slams on hard surfaces.
- Has a textured surface for easier grip.
- It has a slight bounce and will change shape, which some users may prefer
What we don’t like
- Limited weight options for seasoned users.
Crown Sporting Goods Slam Ball is made best for beginners as it comes in weights ranging from 11-22 pounds. It has a contorting shape which may be ideal for some people looking for this feature when doing exercises like squats, crunches, and lunges. The ball may also bounce slightly when doing ball slams.
While this isn’t the absolute best slam ball, it deserves the spot as one of the best slam balls for its unique features and price.
Our Final Verdict
With many different slam balls to choose from, it can make searching for the best slam balls difficult.
With all that in mind, our Top Pick, the TRX Training Slam Ball, offers the durability and texture needed with its durable rubber shell and textured surface. Its strong materials don’t only improve the grip, but it absorbs impact well without much bounce. You get the bang for your buck as the slam ball also includes access to the TRX Training Club App and a 1-year warranty, all at a modest price compared to more expensive brands like Titan Fitness Slam Ball and Rogue Echo Slam Balls.
For beginners who are not yet ready to commit to more pricy slam balls, the Power Guidance Slam Ball does the job well while being budget-friendly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Slam Ball
Material and Durability
Of course, you’ll want to invest in a slam ball that can last for as long as possible! That’s why we recommend getting slam balls made with thick PVC material. It’s best to get a double-walled exterior, which holds the slam ball’s shape well, even when thrown in the ground.
Ensure that you get slam balls made of high-quality PVC with high endurance against wear and tear. As the name suggests, double-walled slam balls feature shells with double walls, so they are less likely to explode.
Bounce and Firmness
Slam balls have various firmness levels, ranging from soft and squishy to firm and pliable. It’s recommended to get a slam ball falling in the middle, but it will still boil down to personal preference and its main function in your workout routine.
The firmer a slam ball is, the bouncier it gets. That said, slam balls aren’t designed for their bounciness, and you wouldn’t want it rolling after slamming it! Slam balls should stay in place during your exercise. However, if you have a softer slam ball, it would likely change shape when slammed, so it takes more effort to pick it back up.
It’s best to purchase a firm ball with a sand-filled core, and a shifting core once slammed. It helps keep you in pace as you throw it during slam ball exercises. If you’re more focused on doing ab exercises, go for slam balls with absolutely no bounce. You’ll appreciate just a bit of bounce from your slam ball for those doing catch drills with someone.
Texture
Slam balls have two major grip textures. Some would feature lighter textures similar to basketballs, which are easier to grip. However, you might find the lighter texture slippery if you have sweaty palms. Some slam balls would have a tire tread-like texture, offering a good grip whether you have sweaty hands or not. However, some people may find it rough if they have soft hands. Alternatively, you can opt for slam balls with a smoother surface, which gives it an easier feel on the hands.
Valve
Some slam balls feature build-in valves, allowing users to adjust the ball’s air pressure. It gives you the ability to change the slam ball’s firmness and diameter, though it’s considered a weak point. If you slam the ball repeatedly, landing on the valve point, it wears and tears quicker, losing its air and firmness over time.
Weight and Size
You must consider the slam ball’s weight before you purchase one, as you’ll want a weight that challenges your body without its heaviness causing injury or poor posture. Slam balls come in a huge weight range, from as low as 4 to over 30 pounds. The slam ball’s weight will depend on your size, current fitness level, and goals. We recommend going for a 5-8-pound slam ball and working your way up from there if you’re just beginning.
The weight you choose will also depend on the exercises you plan to do. For exercises like carries and shoulder throws, you’re better off with heavier balls you can still manage. Lower weights are ideal for speed, reaction drills, and rotational exercises like the halo or wall side toss.
Also, consider the size of your hands when considering the size of the slam ball. Those with smaller hands should avoid larger and wider slam balls, just as those with bigger hands will find it challenging to grip smaller slam balls.
Thickness
Most slam balls are made with a rubber coat to ensure they can endure high-impact workouts that involve explosive power or slamming the ball.
Price
On average, a 10-15-pound slam ball will cost about $30 to $40. Heavier slam balls of higher quality will cost over $70. You can still get quality slam balls at affordable prices if you’re on a budget, such as our Top Pick, the TRX Training Slam Ball.
