If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best slam ball for Crossfit beginners, then I’d recommend the TRX Training Slam Ball, Easy- Grip Tread & Durable Rubber Shell as the best one.
In searching for the best workout program to fit your needs, you may have, no doubt, heard of CrossFit.
Like most people, you probably feel somewhat intimidated by some of the hard-core exercises you’ve seen people do.
It’s not all about pulling heavy tires, lifting 200lb dumbbells over your head, and slamming them down, however.
You can start out small and gradually ease into a program that delivers the most benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Many of the simplest CrossFit exercises involve the use of a slam ball.
If you’re not sure what exactly a slam ball is, not to worry.
We will discuss how a slam ball is used, how to find the best slam ball for your personal fitness goals and we will review some of the best slam balls out there to help you make an informed decision.
Here are the top slam balls we’ll be reviewing:
- AmazonBasics Medicine Ball
- TRX Training Slam Ball, Easy- Grip Tread & Durable Rubber Shell
- Titan Fitness 10-60 lb Slam Spike Ball Rubber Exercise Weight Crossfit Workout
- j/fit Soft Wall Ball, Medicine Ball, Strength & Conditioning WODs
- j/fit Dead Weight Slam Ball
What Is a Slam Ball?
A slam ball is a weighted, rubber-coated ball that is popular among the Crossfit crowd.
However, it can also be utilized within a variety of workouts to tone up and define your muscles.
Although very similar and often confused with medicine (med) balls, slam balls have a thicker covering.
This means that, unlike med balls, you can use them for high-impact throwing exercises such as slamming them to the floor.
What Are the Advantages of a Slam Ball?
Slam balls can be utilized for basic weight-lifting exercises instead of free weights and for powerful workouts that consist of an escalated aerobic component.
Slam balls are also beneficial for sports training due to the fact that they increase muscle mass, cardiovascular stamina, and hand-eye coordination.
These types of workouts also develop stamina and power in your abdominal, core, and back muscles.
What Should You Consider When Buying Slam Ball?
If you are like most people, you are not going to want to invest in several slam balls of different weights.
Not many people have that kind of money to spend.
Ideally, you’ll want to start off with a fairly light ball, then graduate to a heavier one. The goal is to get as many uses out of your slam ball as possible for different exercises.
A good rule of thumb is – if you are a fit male, a 20-30lb ball will be best for you.
This weight should be sufficient to use in strenuous powerful supersets with barbell exercises. It should also be light enough to be used as a wall ball.
If you are a fit female, you want to opt for a 15-20lb ball for the same reasons noted above.
Furthermore, if you are new to Crossfit or to exercise in general, go even lighter with a 10-20lb ball.
Each time that you master that particular weight, you can then exchange it for a heavier ball.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Slam Ball?
Slam balls can be used in place of free weights or integrated into cardio exercises.
Furthermore, they vary between from 2 lbs to 50 lbs, promoting a variety of muscle strengths and functionalities.
Some ideal movements are the squat throw, or a slam ball slam (in which you raise the ball over your head and slam it to the ground), as well as other throwing or tossing exercises.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Slam Ball?
Many people believe the slam ball slam is mainly a performance-based workout and is best used for conditioning athlete performance, while there are other safer and more targeted exercises to develop the muscles involved.
Also, many people perform slam ball exercises with the wrong technique and frequently jeopardize the health of their lower backs and upper shoulder muscles.
Such injuries normally take place when people use inadequate lifting mechanics and try to power through the slams.
One classic example is when someone uses their back to lift from the ground as opposed to their legs.
However, these workouts are useful activities and can be excellent for toning up the body overall.
Throwing, slamming, and lifting items from the ground to the upward position are typical daily routines.
Precautions When Using a Slam Ball
When exercising with the use of a slam ball, make sure that you observe proper body form at all times so that you do not injure yourself.
It is a good idea to work with a personal trainer in order to educate yourself on how to properly lift and throw the slam ball.
As with any new exercise regimen, always consult your doctor first.
Review of the Top 5 Best Slam Balls
We have combed the internet to give you a review of the top 5 bestselling slam balls so that you can decide which is the best slam ball for your needs.
We will also determine what we believe to be the best slam ball on the market today as well as the reasons why. It is then up to you to get out there and get slamming!
AmazonBasics Medicine Ball
The AmazonBasics Medicine Ball is available in weights from 4 lbs to 20 lbs with sturdy rubber and a texturized surface for a secure grip.
For an affordable price, you get a professional gym quality ball that will see you through countless workout sessions.
Keep in mind that this is technically NOT a slam ball but a medicine ball. Therefore, for some slam ball workouts, there is a possibility of it breaking.
On the whole, it is a durable quality ball and will do the job for those tough core workouts.
Pros:
- These medicine balls bounce easily so you can use them for many slam ball workouts.
- No ‘heavy spots’ with the weight evenly distributed throughout the ball.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons:
- Reports of a strong rubber odor and a slippery residue.
- Use care when slamming on the floor as it can bounce back in your face.
TRX Training Slam Ball
Manufactured by a reputable company, the TRX Training Slam Ball offers a dense, ultra-durable rubber cover that absorbs shock from every core-strengthening dead bounce.
They are available in weights of 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 lbs and covered by a one-year warranty.
It appears that some consumers thought they would be getting something more like a med ball when they ordered this slam ball; hence, some of the disappointing reviews.
This is the true definition of a slam ball and it takes a beating and then takes some more!
Pros:
- Truly built for slam abuse and will withstand anything you give them.
- Also great for shooting practice in basketball or throw-in practices in soccer as it strengthens core muscles.
- It’s termed a dead slam ball for a good reason. Unlike the med ball, don’t expect this ball to give much bounce when you throw or slam it. This is a good thing and will really challenge your fitness level to its max.
Cons:
- There were some reports of sand leakage.
- Some people are not used to the shifting weight or center of gravity inside the ball during throws.
Titan Fitness 10-60 lb Slam Spike Ball
Titan is yet another great company and this is an outstanding quality ball at a very reasonable price.
You have a range from 10 – 60 lbs to choose from and you can be sure that this ball will make you work for it!
For novices and pros alike, the TITAN Fitness 10-60 lb Slam Spike Ball has done the job well. Be prepared for some serious butt kicking!
While the grip may leave much to be desired, especially when your hands are all sweaty, some chalk dust or gloves may help you hold it better.
Everything said and done, this ball can handle it all.
Pros:
- Affordable price and exceptional durability.
- A very popular ball among seasoned slam ball slammers!
- Excellent customer service and quick delivery.
Cons:
- While the outer shell is texturized, it is not sufficient for effective gripping.
j/fit Soft Wall Ball
With a soft cover and triple stitching, the j/fit Soft Wall Ball ranges from 6 – 30 lbs.
Despite the variance in weights, you will find that the diameters are all the same 14 inches. This feature in itself offers its own unique workout benefits.
While the quality and durability of this ball does not measure up as well as its more expensive counterparts, many consumers claim the affordable price more than makes up for this.
Again, keep in mind that this is not a slam ball, so it is not recommended for floor slams.
Although the diameter of the ball is bigger than what many are accustomed to, the large size requires the use of both arms so you don’t try to just hold it with one hand.
As a result, it offers more strength benefits.
Pros:
- The manufacturer puts every single ball through a test to ensure that it is well-balanced in weight. In addition, each ball is weighed individually for accuracy before final stitching.
- As per the manufacturer, the covering has been improved and is more durable than before.
- Exclusive design lets the ball to retain balance and maintain its shape.
- Affordably priced as compared to other med balls.
Cons:
- Ball is larger than what some people are used to.
- Stitching comes unraveled.
j/fit Dead Weight Slam Ball
All slam balls manufactured by this company have been through 10 redesigns over the years to perfect workout accuracy and precision.
The slight texture on the j/fit Dead Weight Slam Ball makes it easy to grip and to catch. It’s also new and improved with a 20% thicker shell.
Keep in mind that the shifting weight of the sand is meant for a more intense, overall body workout, so at first, you may not like the way it feels.
While this slam ball is affordable and the manufacturer does make improvements over the years, it does not have the same quality as more expensive balls.
That being said, it has done wonders for many consumers and their workouts.
Pros:
- Tried and tested by the manufacturer so you know you are getting a product that works the way it should.
- You have the option of 2 different texture or tread types – light texture, or tire-like treads for even better grip.
- Very reasonable price as compared to other slam balls.
- For an additional total muscle workout, this ball is sand-filled for shifting weight.
Cons:
- Although advertised as a slam ball, there have been reports of it breaking once slammed into the floor.
- Some people don’t like the feel of just sand inside the ball and nothing else.
And the Overall Best Slam Ball Is …
We’ve reviewed some great products so it is a hard decision. As far as whether to go with a medicine ball or slam ball, I personally like to blow off stress from the day and nothing does it better than slamming a ball into the ground or against a wall.
Therefore, for me, it’s slam ball all the way.
Therefore, my favorite pick of the best slam ball is the TRX Training Slam Ball, Easy- Grip Tread & Durable Rubber Shell.
For the amazingly affordable price tag, this is an excellent quality ball that packs a big punch and literally begs to take on even more. For my needs, this will more than fit the bill.
Every individual’s fitness needs will vary and you may prefer different exercises that involve different types of balls.
The key is to find a ball light enough to throw, yet heavy enough to give you the challenge and resistance you need.
These will not be easy exercises by any means, so you may not enjoy them as you first start out, especially with the shifting weights.
Simply keep up with workouts as best as you can and don’t give up. Visualize yourself getting stronger every day.
The next thing you know, you will become the slam ball fitness fiend you never know you could be.
