As a collegiate athlete that has worked several small to world class gyms, I’ve been able to test and use different slam balls for my strength and conditioning programs.
After testing six different slam balls for over a span of a year, I’ve determined that the best slam ball for all types of slam ball workouts is the [amazon link=”B079T234TB“] because of the amount of grip and impact that can be generated when slamming the ball. (I recommend around a 15lb weight for most men and 10 lbs for most women).
The thick grip allows you to focus on the movement of your exercise without the worry of it slipping from your hands. This allows you to work building your muscles and working on functional movements so you become a stronger and healthier person.
These factors made the slam ball more appealing over the other products as one of the issues when you perform hundreds of reps on the ball is the worry of it slipping out of your hands.
The Top Weight Gainer Reviewed
| Product Image | Product's name | Shell | Filling | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [amazon fields="B01LOST6HO" value="thumb"] | Best Durable [amazon fields="B01LOST6HO" value="title" title_length="100"] | Rubber | Sand | [amazon fields="B01LOST6HO" value="button"] |
 | Best Quality Rogue Echo Slam Ball | Rubber | Dust & Sand | View latest price |
| [amazon fields="B019X1FP3S" value="thumb"] | Best Variety of Weight [amazon fields="B019X1FP3S" value="title" title_length="100"] | Rubber | Sand | [amazon fields="B019X1FP3S" value="button"] |
| [amazon fields="B073S678MV" value="thumb"] | Best Grip [amazon fields="B073S678MV" value="title" title_length="100"] | Grooved and Texture PVC | Iron Sand | [amazon fields="B073S678MV" value="button"] |
| [amazon fields="B079T234TB" value="thumb"] | Best All-Around [amazon fields="B079T234TB" value="title" title_length="100"] | Grooved and Texture PVC | Iron Sand | [amazon fields="B079T234TB" value="button"] |
| [amazon fields="B06W5RGR7W" value="thumb"] | Best Budget [amazon fields="B06W5RGR7W" value="title" title_length="100"] | Grooved and Texture PVC | Sand | [amazon fields="B06W5RGR7W" value="button"] |
Find the Best Slam Ball for You
Best Durable
#1- [amazon fields=”B01LOST6HO” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B01LOST6HO” value=”button”]Titan Slam Balls are one of the most durable slam balls on the market. Ranging from 10 lbs to 60 lbs, these medicine balls cover all workout uses for most athletes. Made with a rubber shell that is designed to be tough and grippy, it is a perfect companion for slamming on the ground.
With no bounce and barely any sound, the sand shifts inside the ball, changing the center of gravity of your slam ball, making your body work more. This results in more of your muscles being worked.
Although the diameter of the ball is larger than normal slam balls, it may provide a different feel than your usual medicine slam ball. If you’re looking for a slam ball that doesn’t rip or break after thousands of throws, then we recommend Titan Fitness’s Slam ball.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Grippy Texture makes it a good option when you’re sweating a lot
- Durable and can take a beating
- Sand and air filled
- Dead bounce and no bounce
- Variety of weights for all types of athletes 10 lbs to 60 lbs
Cons
- Larger diameter means a little adjustments are needed when using these slam balls
Best Quality
#2- Rogue Echo Slam Ball
Rogue is one of the largest American distributors and manufacturers of strength and conditioning equipment. From crossfit and military to collegiate and professional sports teams, Rogue has become a household name to all North Americans that want solid and reliable sports equipment.
The Rogue Slam Ball can take a beating from a wall or the ground without breaking open. Made with a Rubber shell mixed with a dust interior, the medicine ball always has a near dead bounce. Perfect for overhead slams as it won’t bounce back and hit your face.
Available in increments of 5 lbs from 10 lbs to 50lbs, you’re able perform your medicine slam ball workouts with the weight that you need. With a 2-year warranty, you never have to worry about how much beating you’re putting on these slam balls as you’re going with a quality brand.
Pros
- Well Balanced Sand & Dust Combination
- Available from 10 lbs to 50 lbs
- Durable Rubberized Ball that can take a beating
- 2 Year Warranty
Cons
- More expensive that the rest of the options
Best Variety of Weight
#3- [amazon fields=”B019X1FP3S” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B019X1FP3S” value=”button”]Rep Fitness is a fitness equipment manufacturer and supplier that provides innovative and high-quality solutions for all your fitness gear needs. This includes the durability and quality of your fitness slam ball.
Their variety comes from 10 lbs to 100 lbs slam ball, providing options for both beginner to professional athletes to use. The black rubber textured shell makes it easy to hold and reduces the chances of the ball tearing, losing grip, or popping during your workout on any surface.
With a sand-filled interior, you’ll be working all your muscles to keep the ball stabilized throughout your exercises. With a one year warranty, you can work out in confidence knowing that you can slam the ball as hard as you can without worrying about any breakages.
If you’re looking for a lot of variety for weights, Rep Fitness Slam Ball is definitely the choice for you.
Pros
- One Year Warranty
- A huge weight range of slam balls
- Sand-filled slam ball adds the additional challenge to you work out
- No bounce so you never have to worry about it hitting your head
- Affordable
Cons
- Hard process and inconvenient to return or replace the product if needed
Best Grip
#4- [amazon fields=”B073S678MV” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B073S678MV” value=”button”]Power Guidance is a fitness, sports, and crossfit equipment provider that is dedicated to providing you the fitness gear to help you reach your goals.
The Power Guidance Slam Ball features a textured and rugged PVC layer that helps you grip and control the ball. Made with a thick, ultra-durable PVC shell, it’s able to survive the toughest workouts you face.
Filled with iron sand in the interior, it prevents the ball from rolling or bouncing when it hits a surface. With a dead bounce, it’s perfect to use for Crossfit ball slam workouts, MMA workouts, strength and conditioning exercises, and other general athletic training.
However, the slam balls are much larger than standard medicine balls on the market while the weight range only goes up to 30lbs. There is a squish when it lands on a surface that makes it difficult to use consistently on various exercises but it’s harder to break and damage.
Power Guidance’s customer service is one of the best in the industry. So any replacements or satisfactions claims, they will take care of it. If you’re looking for a slam ball that doesn’t slip out of your hands when you get sweaty, Power Guidance’s Slam Ball is definitely for you.
Pros
- Thick, Sturdy, and Durable Material
- Tire Tread-like Grip
- No Bounce
- Fantastic Customer Service
Cons
- Squishy upon compact might not suit many athlete’s taste
- Ranges only from 10 lb to 30lb slam ball
Best All-Around
#5- [amazon fields=”B079T234TB” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B079T234TB” value=”button”]Shogun Sports is known as the Mecca of Fitness. Known for providing fitness solutions for Yoga, Pilates, Bodybuilding, Olympic Weightlifting, and Functional Fitness, they have become one of the leaders in every fitness industry.
Designing, testing, manufacturer, and supplying all gear, you know every product that they create are of quality. The Shogun Sports Slam ball is no different. Made with a PVC outer layer with a chevron shaped texture, you’ll never lose grip of the ball no matter how slippery it is.
This also prevents the ball from bouncing or rolling, perfect if you’re doing several reps on your exercises, reducing the energy spent on trying to catch the ball. With weights from 15 lbs, 25 lbs, and 40 lbs available, you’ll be able to find the perfect slam ball for your body needs and goals.
Pros
- Tread pattern that helps you grip regardless of the weather
- Dead bounce and will not roll
- Iron Sand-filled slam ball adds the additional challenge to you work out
Cons
- Only three available slam ball weight options
Best Budget
#6- [amazon fields=”B06W5RGR7W” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B06W5RGR7W” value=”button”]TRX is known for training the body based on the seven basic movements to help people move and build a better body. Pushing, Pulling, Plank, Rotate, Hinge, Lunge, and Squat, and that’s what the TRX Training Slam Ball provides to you.
It is a perfect slam ball for crossfit and a great med ball slam alternative for those looking to purchase a high-quality ball with a well-known brand.
With a strong rubber shell mixed with a tire tread grip, the rugged texture allows you to engage your entire body without worrying about any slipping. The ultra-durable, thick rubber shell absorbs all thousands of impacts and will still stay strong.
With an air pump you can choose how large you want your slam ball to be, perfect for people that have smaller hands.
TRX has a wider range of weight increments of slam balls, from 6 lb, 8lb, 10lbs up to 50 lbs you’ll be able to find the perfect slam ball for your build.
Pros
- Tire Tread pattern that helps you grip regardless of the weather
- Inflated and deflated to change the diameter of the ball
- Well known brand and balanced interior and exterior for longevity
Cons
- Treads may be a bit too thick for softer hands
Slam Ball Buying Guide
What Is A Slam Ball
Slam balls are a rubber-coated weighted ball that can be used with a range of exercises to condition, build, and tone your muscles. Ranging from 2 lbs to 100 lbs, the slam ball has a similar size to a basketball. Used for a variety of exercises such as chest, legs, overhead, and rotational works, they are a great tool to have for your home gym.
They can be used as a replacement for free weights and add more resistance to dynamic exercises. Effective for building muscle mass, fast twitch muscles, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
Research has shown that medicine and slam ball training develops explosive strength for all types of athletes.
If you’re an individual that has plateaued physically or a lift such as the bench press at the gym, adding these slam balls can increase the amount of power your muscles generate, and may help you give you the extra boost to get over it.
What To Look Out For When Your Purchasing a Slam Ball
Finding the proper slam ball for your workout is crucial as it may affect the dynamic of your exercises.
Here’s a few things to look out for:
Diameter
Diameter changes the way you perform the exercises. From the difference of your center of gravity to range of motion resulting in different muscles being used.
Smaller diameter balls are better if you’re looking to do explosive exercises such as overhead medicine ball slams. While larger diameter balls are better for exercises such as med ball cleans or overall functional training.
Texture and Grip
Slam balls have two different grip textures.
Heavy and tire tread texture that provides you the best grip. However, these are hard if you have soft hands or if you’re doing hundreds of reps.
Light to Moderate Texture like a basketball makes it easier on the hands. However, they can be slippery when your palms begin to sweat.
Valve vs No Valve
Some Slam Balls provide you with an in-build valve to adjust the air pressure. This allows you to change the diameter and the firmness of the ball. The downside of having a valve creates a weak point for the slam ball.
Firmness and Bounce
The material and the air inside the slam ball determines how much bounce, shape change, roll firmness you get when you slam it on a surface.
Traditional slam balls have a dead bounce and do not move. However, if you find a firm ball they will have more bounce while a softer slam ball may change shape when you slam it. This makes it more difficult to pick back up.
Slam Ball Vs Medicine Ball
The difference between a slam ball and a medicine ball is the exercises that they are designed for. Slam balls are designed for impact, from throwings into walls and slamming on the ground. This means their shell is made out of a tougher rubber to handle more impact.
Medicine balls are made out of rubber, leather, or plastic and are often softer. They have a little bounce so they rebound to you after you throw it.
What Are Some Slam Ball Exercises and Medicine Ball Slam Workouts
Overhead Medicine Ball Slam
A very popular crossfit exercise where you use your whole body to slam the ball onto the ground. It uses your whole body and works on basic functional movements to move a heavy weight properly.
Medicine Ball Squat Throw To Sprint
This exercise is great in generating explosive strength and creating fast twitch muscles.
Start by standing over the slam ball with your feet shoulder width apart. Squat down to pick up the ball and pull it in front of your chest as you explode upwards.
Upon throwing it up and forward, sprint forward and repeat back the other way. Make sure to squat with hips and knees while keeping your chest as vertical as possible.
Overhead Scoop Throws
Stand with your feet around shoulder width apart and the ball between feet. Begin to squat down like a deadline and pick up the ball underhand. As you begin to come up, throw it as vertically high as you can. The focus is using your hips and posterior chain to propel the ball up. Just make sure you’re not under the ball when it begins to fall.
Other Medicine Ball Slam Workouts
If you’re looking for a complete slam ball medicine ball workout, we recommend checking this video out. It has several exercises that work on your core and hips. As you continue to do these exercises, you might even feel more explosive and energetic in your daily life. Slam Balls are a great and fast way to get healthy without spending big fees on a gym membership.
What Are Some Medicine Ball and Slam Ball Benefits?
Slam Balls are simple to use and train where it can increase your muscle mass and fast twitch muscles quickly. Depending on the exercises you do, a slam ball and medicine ball builds your shoulders, pecs, triceps, core, back, and calf muscles.
These balls can be thrown with high reps incorporating more functional volume into your training. When done repeatedly, the movement challenges your cardiovascular conditioning and endurance throughout every muscle in your body.
The more and more you do these exercises, the more you learn your muscles work together, reducing muscle activating problems, restricted joint mobility, poor posture, and muscle tightness.
FAQs for Slam Ball
What Slam Ball Weight Should I Get?
The weight that you should choose depends on your strength, experience, and fitness goals. If you’re looking to build a specific movement rotational strength, power, or coordination, using a light 5 to 10 lb slam ball is enough.
Our advice is to begin lighter as you can always do more reps to work on your strength and conditioning.
Will Slam Ball Hold Out On Concrete?
Slam balls will hold out on cement and concrete floors. Make sure there are no little rocks that may puncture a hole. Although it won’t happen immediately, but it may reduce the durability of the ball considerably.
Can You Use Medicine Balls Instead for Slamming
You can use a medicine ball for slamming, however, understand that they are more likely to take damage. As medicine balls aren’t designed for large impacts, they are more likely to rip from the heavy force when you slam them onto the ground.
Conclusion
Slam balls are functional and versatile, making it an easy choice to add into your home gym. If you’re an individual that is looking for a quick workout that trains your strength and conditioning and teaches you how to move your body properly to generate explosive power then slam balls are made for you.
Out of all the six slam balls that we tested and researched, we recommend the [amazon link=”B079T234TB”] because of the amount of grip and impact that can be generated when slamming the ball.
The PVC material and the thicker grip gives you the peace of mind that it will never slip out of your hand. Allowing you to focus on performing the movement and generating as much force out of your muscles to slam that ball.
While the next best slam ball on our list was The Rogue Slam Ball. They are a staple and well-known throughout the industry so you know that you will never go wrong when you go with Rogue.
However, the grip isn’t as tough as the Shogun’s, meaning it may slip the more sweater you get. This can be an issue if you are doing hundreds of reps in a CrossFit or conditioning environment. However, it’s durable and dead bounce is second to none in the market.