Here’s a detailed review of the Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football—what people like, what to watch out for, and whether it might be a good pick for you.
What It Is
The Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football is a regulation‑sized football made with a composite cover rather than full natural leather. Key features include:
- “Super Grip” composite material on the cover, meant to improve tackiness & grip especially for recreational or casual game play.
- Comes in several sizes: official (for high school / adult), junior (9‑12 years), etc.
- Butyl rubber bladder for air retention.
- NFL branding / styling (appearance, laces, etc.) to give that “authentic football” look.
Pros — What It Does Well
- Grip & Handling
The composite cover gives good grip right out of the box. Many users say it feels noticeably better than standard rubber or cheap imitation balls, especially for catching, throwing, and even kicking casually. - Value for Money
For the grip, look, and performance it offers, many reviewers think it’s very good value. It gives a lot of the feel of more expensive game balls without as high a price. - Durability in Regular Use
It holds up well under normal recreational use. Users report that after months of playing in backyard, park or pick‑up games, the seams and shape stay intact pretty well. - Good Appearance & Authentic Feel
The NFL logo, regulation size, stitching, and lacing give it a more real/game‑day feel. This can boost pride and enjoyment of play.
Cons / Limitations
- Surface Wear and Scuffing
Because of the composite material, surface scratches and scuffing occur easily, especially when the ball contacts rough surfaces (pavement, concrete, gravel) or rough play. While these do not always affect performance, they do affect appearance and sometimes grip. - Grip Decay Over Time
Some users report that grip tends to lessen over time (especially after heavy use or when hands are sweaty), though many still feel it remains acceptable. Since composite isn’t natural leather, it doesn’t “break in” the same way, but also tends to degrade in tackiness gradually. - Not Game‑Leather Performance
For those used to high‑end leather game balls, there will be trade‑offs: less “feel” in certain conditions, somewhat different flex or responsiveness. If you’re throwing very hard passes, or playing in very wet or muddy conditions, it may not match up to authentic leather or premium balls. - Potential Air Retention / Inflation Issues
While the butyl bladder is good generally, some reviews suggest that after heavy use or rough play, maintaining proper inflation may take some care. If over‑inflated or punctured (e.g. kicking into hard objects), performance decreases.
Who It’s Best For
- Players looking for a reliable ball for backyard / park / recreational games where full real‑leather isn’t necessary.
- Young players (kids / teens) who want something that feels more “true football” than cheap rubber, but won’t cost a fortune.
- People who want a ball that looks good (NFL styling) and has better grip out of the box.
- Use in dry or moderately damp conditions; casual practice or freestyle throwing.
Who Might Want Something Else
- If you play in very wet, muddy conditions frequently, or demand the premium‑feel & response of real leather (e.g. high school / league games), then a higher‑grade leather ball may suit you better.
- If you throw / kick very hard or often, you may find the composite material wears faster in those intensive uses.
- For display or serious collection, people might prefer full leather or limited “game‑official” balls.
Verdict
The Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football is a strong option if you want a durable, good‑handling, attractive, regulation‑sized football without paying “game‑ball” prices. It balances grip, look, and durability nicely for casual/recreational play. It checks most of the boxes for what many people look for in a backyard or pick‑up game football.
If I were to rate it (for someone buying for casual / regular non‑professional use), I’d give it:
- Grip & Handling: 4.5 / 5
- Durability: 4 / 5
- Appearance / Authentic Feel: 4.5 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.5 / 5
- Overall: ~ 4.5 / 5
