Molten X-Series Leather Basketball, FIBA Approved - BGLX

UPDATE 10/4/2018: I still have this ball and I still play with it. I don't have photos to show but the ball does have the characteristic "cracks" that other players have mentioned. It is very noticeable on the white strips of the ball. From my perspective it is purely cosmetic as I can't feel the cracks when I run my hand over the ball. I haven't had any issues with the ball holding air or with panels peeling. The ball is slick, but that is probably due to pebbling wearing. The grip does improve the more I play with the ball and if I clean the surface. The ball does seem to absorb moisture and I can feel a weight change when the ball is dry compared to a freshly cleaned ball.I still like this ball but it's starting to look pretty worn and nobody will play with it so it has become my shoot around ball for when I am at the gym by myself. That makes up most of my play so it fits my purposes. Playing with the idea of getting a new ball and may try the BGGx or another brand instead of purchasing another GL7x.ORIGINAL POST: I want to preface this review by saying that I am not a good enough basketball player to justify owning this ball. I never played competitively in high school or college and to be perfectly fair, I'm probably the worst player in my office pick up game. I enjoy playing and I like working on my jump shot, but I suck, so keep that in mind. A few quick comments about the ball. It is leather, and it is slick out of the box. The other ball I have experience with is The Rock, by Anaconda Sports, and the two balls are complete opposites. The Rock is tacky and spongy and soft. The GL7x is firm and slick (initially). Believe it or not, that slick feel was something I actually wanted (initially). The logic being that a slick ball is going to be harder to hold onto, so my ball handling is going to have to improve. Having played with the ball for about a month now, it is breaking in and is definitely less slick than it was when I first received the ball. My ball handling initially ended with me chasing a loose ball across the gym, but things have improved and I have figured out how to handle the ball more securely. I've also found that I like the firm feel of the ball over the spongy feel of The Rock.As kind of a lousy player I do want to address why I spent so much money on a basketball. The leather panels and the 12 panel design were the big motivating factors. Think about an old leather jacket you have hanging in the closet. There is something about a broken-in leather product that makes it uniquely yours. That thought is very appealing to me. The construction of the ball is great and I haven't noticed any problems like peeling panels or faulty valves. So yeah, a nice ball, it's leather, and it motivates me to go to the gym and run around for a while. Almost sounds like a fitness plan. I might be onto something.

I bought this ball two month ago and it still hard and stiff. I used it four time per week at my gym. Majority of the people at the gym hate this ball, they rather play with old ball provided by the gym. I don't mind using it because I get used to play with it. I guess I give it another four months to break it in and let see how it gonna turn out. Right now I give it 3 stars and will update the review after the ball is break in.UPDATE (Sep 26,2017): i gave three stars.After four months of using this ball, it shown sign of crack all over the ball. Please note that this ball is well kept and only used at indoor hardwood floor court. I contacted Molten USA to get a replacement ball and they agreed to send me a new ball. So right now, I’m still waiting for the replacement ball and hopefully the new ball won’t have any issues. I will keep updating the review.UPDATE (Feb 18, 2018) I gave one starI tried so hard to like this ball but after many many months of trying to get use to this ball, it just get worst. Even though the ball is broken in well but it still slippery and doesn’t feel nice to play with.Now I bought a new ball, the Nike Hyperelite and it is much nicer than GL7x and the cost is less. The GL7x is RIP in my basement.

I owned the previous version GL7 and loved it. GL7X materials feels a little better in my opinion. I've played with it for 8 hours in 2 days so it's definitely not broken in. Very slippery with sweat on it. that's just how real leather balls are when it's new. This ball has very precise bounce, feels great when shooting too. Can't wait to fully break in the leather. Seems like it might be better than my official NBA ball (my current favorite ball that nobody likes). Ball came over pumped at 10psi.. I reduced to 7.5psi. give it time to break in and you'll never go back to evos, tf1000 and other composite balls.

This Ball is the replacement for the Molten GL7. The GL7X lasts a very long time and is a significant improvement from the GL7. Actually as far as leather balls this ball last the longest, the ball holds its integrity way longer than the NBA ball as well. This ball is used in the top international competition although not the only ball used its the only ball used on the national level or Olympics.Leather balls feel a lot different than synthetic balls. A new user who is used to spongy balls like Wilson Evo or Solution, might feel it feels like cheap plastic or a outdoor ball. Although leather balls are firmer than the general spongy ball, everything about leather once you get use to it is a good thing. Balls are a lot more consistently great, fly better, and bounce more consistent. I would compare it to a 1 star ping pong ball to a 3 star. If you have only every played with 1 star you would hate 3 star but 3 star you have a lot more control when you get use to it.But don't dribble the ball outside. Leather will tear after actually 1 or 2 dribbles and that would be a $100 bummer.This is my ball of choice to train with because it last the longest of leather balls, is just as good as its rivals, and is just my favorite ball right now but I love the NBA Spalding too.

At 80 dollars. For a premium leather basketball it is very nice and dribbles great. Why pay 135. 00 for a nba leather ball made in China. Cool colors as well. Nice feel and holds air well.

Yes my son loves it, but says it’s a little to slick other than that he loves this ball and is adjusting to it well.